Please don’t let my long post scare you off… I tend to be analytical (and verbose) when posting here, LOL
Using Alexa to sound an alarm (in 2020)
ihube
#7
I’m the same… I was just hoping for the minimal of interactions, the more I do the more I have to remember… (That’s an issue…)
WCmore
#8
For what it’s worth, once it is setup (using my detailed instructions), you will only have to remember one single character for all future uses. Adding that character to the beginning of any notification, will turn that notification into a verbal alert.
No Hardly any memory required, LOL
Pro Tip:
If you put that one command into your webCoRE clipboard, then there will be nothing to remember for future programming.
ihube
#9
That’s why I generally try to leave notes back in threads where I’ve figured things out… Paying it forward so to speak! For this exercise I’m trying to use an echo speaker in a barn, if somebody opens the door or triggers a motion sensor late at night then I want to make some noise… It’s a smart barn so to speak!
Pantheon
#12
With all due respect to my friend @WCmore, I use Echo Speaks all of the time. It is quite easy to set up. Once the ES app installs all of the Echo devices that you want, you add them to the webcore app within SmartThings and BOOM! You can use them in webcore with LOTS of commands. Yes, you have an extra step that is going through the cloud, and sometimes internet latency can interfere. But most of the time, it works very well.
EDIT : Now that I think about it, you have to control you phone through Tasker, so maybe not an extra internet step…
WCmore
#13
No hard feelings… Different strokes, for different folks… 
Tasker is acting like a Device Handler, of sorts… Once webCoRE sends the notification, everything else happens locally (with only a single trigger), so the response times are very quick.
(IE: before my door is fully opened, I hear my greeting)
Here are a few other benefits to my method:
- It literally cannot break. (unless you log out of SmartThings or bring out the sledgehammer) On the other hand, EchoSpeaks requires three competitive companies to play nice with each other, or stuff stops working.
- It can play any sound effect or ringtone from your phone
- You can choose male or female voice
- You can choose alternative languages/dialects (eng, aus, gbr and many others)
- You can change pitch & speed of the voice
- It can send obscure commands to any Alexa Skills (this is a HUGE deal to future-proof it, (instantly) with no extra coding required)
- It can run an app directly on that Android (with extra parameters, if desired)
… and a few cosmetic options:
- You can add popup displays during the event
- It can make your Android vibrate, if you like
- It can change the LED color (if your phone allows it)
- It can change the Android’s wallpaper at the time of the message
- and so many more…
The choice is totally yours, but to me, there is no comparison between the two…
WCmore
#15
Guilty, as charged, LOL
In all honesty though, those are two things that are important (yet hard to find) in tech support…
(Perhaps even more so for pioneering tech)
I wish that *I* had someone (like me) to consult in moments of confusion, LOL
WCmore
#17
Thanks Ike… That means a lot to me.
You definitely threw some challenging curve balls at me, but I loved every minute of it!!
(There’s still 2 in progress, but I believe we are “batting 1000” with all completed pistons)
ihube
#19
I should start more posts with dumb questions :-). In my opinion this community (including WCmore++) has been incredibly helpful. What sucks from my perspective is asking for advice and then politely ignoring the advice. I never want to come across as being rude or unappreciative; I just don’t want to leave a device in the barn! I do like having my mind exposed to new ideas.
Soo… A big thank you to all of you.
ihube
#20
Any comments Pantheon on installing Echo Speaks? I found this. Is this a good way to proceed?
Thanks.
WCmore
#22
I am such a dummy sometimes… LOL
… but it makes total sense now…
- Leave an Echo in the barn, or
- Leave an Echo and an Android device in the barn
For some reason, I was not connecting the dots with the Android possibly being exposed to the elements.
Knowing that, I’d probably make the same choice as you.
(For best results, save my method for a speaker centrally located, or near your favorite chair)
Pantheon
#23
We have a fantastic community of people here. ALL of us try very hard to help each other. And as you have already noted, @WCmore is the shining star of the bunch. Along with the minions, his knowledge/advice/expertise is boundless.
