I'm currently using the sound detection capability of my alexas to manipulate a virtual indigo device.
My case use:
Alexa Routine:
When Baby Crying Detected
Turn on BCD
- IMG_4158.PNG (156.39 KiB) Viewed 941 times
On the Indigo Side:
Virtual Device 1: BCD (Baby Crying Detector) with actions, use variable for status
Action 1: BCD On -> Set Variable BabyCryingDetector to on
Action 2: BCD Off -> Set Variable BabyCryingDetector to off
Action 3: BCD Toggle -> Toggle Variable BabyCryingDetector.
Variable: BabyCryingDetector
Add that to alexa as a switch and then have the routine turn it on... mostly done. This is the optional part of mine...
Virtual Device 2: Baby Crying Detector - Notification (with actions, use variable for status)
Action 1: BCD-Notify on -> Set Variable BCD_Notifications to on
Action 2: BCD-Notify off -> Set Variable BCD_Notifications to off
Action 3: BCD-Notify Toggle -> Toggle Variable BCD_Notifications
Variable: BCD_Notifications
Trigger: Baby Crying Detector - Notifications
"BCD" ofOffState becomes on
Condition: if "Baby Crying Detector - Notifications" onOffState is true
Actions: turn off "BCD", disable trigger "Baby Crying Detector - Notifications", auto-enable after 15 minutes. Add more cool automations stuff here... send a pushover message, etc.
Trigger: Baby Crying Detector - No Notifications
"BCD" ofOffState becomes on
Condition: if "Baby Crying Detector - Notifications" onOffState is false
Actions: turn off "BCD", disable trigger "Baby Crying Detector - Notifications", auto-enable after 15 minutes.
With this method, the BCD device is basically in the background. It will turn on and off with the input from the alexa routine.
If you want notifications, just turn on the 2nd device "Baby Crying Detector - Notifications". It's the 2nd device that I would use on a control page.
Auto-enable can be adjusted to taste. I know my baby can set off multiple alexa devices with some of her tantrums.
Note: Even though alexas are supposed to tell what device the sound is closest too, I've had my living room echo pick up crying before the echo flex in the nursery, so all my routines, regardless of which alexa device hears something, turn on the same BCD virtual device in indigo.
Note: Currently they have 6 sounds you can trigger a routine on: Snoring, Baby Crying, Water Sounds, Dog Barking, Beeping Appliance, and Cough.
So maybe someone can automate a treat dispenser with the dog barking thing,
