HI all, I finally got around to creating a binding to link OH2 to my Amazon echos. I just got this working like 10 mins ago, so to say it’s rough is an understatement!
This Binding emulates a Hue Bridge, allowing the echo to directly control it. This has two big benefits over using a alexa hosted app. One is that it is super fast, control is done over the local network and not from the cloud. Two is that there is no wake word, you just say “Turn lights ON” or “Set Thermostat to 70”.
This should also allow other Hue compatible devices (like the Logitech Harmony) to see openhab, I plan to make those work as well, but one step at a time.
Your can find the jar at:
https://github.com/digitaldan/openhab2-addons/releases/download/HueEmulator-1/org.openhab.binding.hueemulator-2.0.0-SNAPSHOT.jar
and the source code at:
https://github.com/digitaldan/openhab2-addons/tree/HueEmulator/addons/binding/org.openhab.binding.hueemulator
To use the binding drop the jar in your addons folder. Items are exposed to the echo using tags, the format is “he:Voice Name” so for example
Switch TestSwitch [ "he:Kicthen Lights" ] Number TestNumber [ "he:Thermostat" ]
After adding tags, say “Alexa search for connected devices” and see what happens.
Right now this supports ON/OFF and Decimal/Percent commands. Couple known issues, first is that sometimes I have to search more than once to find devices. Also I have no idea what happens if you are using the Hue binding (your feedback is appreciated), I would imagine I need to filter local requests or something. Also there is no security here, I plan to add a include button/channel to mimic how the actual Hue bridge does this. Finally, I need to clean up the code, but I wanted to get feedback asap, so I’m exposing the dirty laundry so to speak.
