Smarthome Consulting

Home, sweet Smarthome.

As a nerd, my home is, of course, smart. My apartments in Zurich and Bangkok are connected, and I control everything seamlessly with Apple HomeKit. After all, you don't want a separate app for every gadget.

The journey wasn't entirely painless, I admit. Especially integrating the various gadgets via Raspberry Homebridge is not always easy. Unfortunately, many things are also not available in Switzerland. For example, there is still no affordable HomeKit-compatible smart plug.

I'm happy to share my experience. If you're not a nerd but want your home to be smart and have questions, email me at reto.frei@zuri.net.

My Home

APPLE Homekit

APPLE Homekit

Apple HomeKit to control everything. It gets better with every release, but unfortunately, some automations are still missing.

APPLE HomePod

APPLE HomePod

The Apple HomePod is no substitute for a decent hi-fi system, but it is practical for the office. Sounds surprisingly good.

APPLE Homepod Mini

APPLE Homepod Mini

The little one is nowhere near as good as the big one, but well, you just try it out. It's now in the bedroom. Also handy as a Siri listener.

APPLE TV

APPLE TV

Apple TV or an iPad can be used as a bridge for Homekit. A bridge is required to ensure access from outside.

Meross Smart Plug

Ideal for controlling devices such as a fan or coffee machine. WiFi enabled means it doesn't need a bridge. You can integrate it directly into Homekit. The plug already has Matter, the future smarthome standard.

Meross Smart Wi-Fi Single Pole Switch

Wall switch for the existing lighting. WiFi Enabled means that no bridge is required to integrate it into Homekit.

Meross HomeKit DIY Smart Switch

Meross HomeKit DIY Smart Switch

Practical for integrating non-smart home-capable devices into HomeKit (without a socket). Simply install in the existing cable, done. Does not need a bridge.

Philips Hue Motion Sensor

Philips Hue Motion Sensor

Motion detector for the light in the bathroom. Very practical and inexpensive. The battery lasts approx. 2 years.

Philips Hue Dimmer Switch

Philips Hue Dimmer Switch

The switches are inexpensive and can also be configured in HomeKit, making them suitable for all kinds of applications.

Philips Hue Bridge

Philips Hue Bridge

You need a Hue Bridge for the Philips Hue world. This controls everything from Philips. The bridge can be integrated into HomeKit.

Philips Hue Lights

Philips Hue Lights

Now available in all colors, sizes and designs.

Philips Hue Lightstrip

Philips Hue Lightstrip

I have several of these. They are ideal for background lighting, for example behind the TV or behind the bed.

Ikea Trådfri Gateway

Ikea Trådfri Gateway

Unfortunately, you need it to be able to control the Ikea stuff in Homekit.

Ikea Kadrilj Rollo

Ikea Kadrilj Rollo

I have the blinds in Bangkok because the sun beats down on my workplace in the morning. They are also controlled in Homekit.

Ikea Trådfri Shortcut Buttons

Ikea Trådfri Shortcut Buttons

The Ikea Shortcut Buttons are extremely practical. You can assign various functions to them via Homekit. I have a few of them scattered around the apartment.

Ikea Trådfri Driver

Ikea Trådfri Driver

The driver is needed for various Ikea lights, for example the Ikea kitchen lights.

Qingping Air Monitor Lite

The air in Bangkok is not the best. So of course you want to know where you stand. You can do this with the Qingping Air Monitor Lite. PM2.5, PM10, CO2, temperature and humidity. Can be integrated into Apple Smarthome.

Eve Door & Window Sensor

Eve Door & Window Sensor

Bedroom door closed in the evening - air conditioning on, otherwise it's too hot in Bangkok.

Smart Remote Control Switch

Smart Remote Control Switch

As there are no usable HomeKit plugs for the Swiss standard, you have to build your own. You can order the components from AliExpress. In this case a DoHome Smart Relay Switch, which is HomeKit capable and a 5V power supply. Material costs 6 CHF.

Broadlink RM Mini 3

Broadlink RM Mini 3

The infrared controller can be used to control all devices that have an (infrared) remote control, for example the stereo system or the air conditioning system.

FRITZ!Box 5490 Router

FRITZ!Box 5490 Router

I use it for the Init7 fiber optic connection in Zurich. Combined with an AVM FRITZ! repeater to extend the wifi range.

AVM FRITZ!Repeater 1200 WLAN

AVM FRITZ!Repeater 1200 WLAN

Because my Wifi router is in the living room and is too weak for the whole apartment, I installed a repeater.

Logitech Circle 2

Logitech Circle 2

I use the Logitech Circle 2 for surveillance in Bangkok. The camera has a motion detector and you are informed if something moves. The recordings are saved.

LaMetric Time

LaMetric Time

Just for fun, has nothing to do with HomeKit.

Raspberry PI3

Raspberry PI3

Homebridge runs on the Raspberry. This allows non HomeKit-capable devices to be integrated. It's practical because you don't want an app for every gadget.

TP-Link Archer AX23 AX1800 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6

TP-Link Archer AX23 AX1800 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6

The (cheap) WiFi router provides my apartment in Bangkok with fast WiFi. The provider's router (True) is garbage.

Level+ Smart Lock

Best smart lock so far. I installed it in my door in Bangkok. Hold the phone or watch to the door, open.

Get in Touch

Asking questions is free.

I'm happy to answer your questions. You can reach me most easily via email at reto.frei@zuri.net.