The South Korean company Samsung, founded back in 1938, has in the last decade achieved incredible heights in the development of innovative technologies and the production of electronic chips of varying complexity, video and audio equipment, as well as a huge range of functional household appliances. It is quite natural that such a major player in this market has not remained aloof from developments in the field of creating modern automation systems for home processes and the Internet of Things. Such initiatives were launched back in 2012. It was then that Samsung acquired a company developing a smart home system. Then a completely new ecosystem for intelligent automation in everyday life appeared - Samsung SmartThings.
SmartThings system. General information
The SmartThings system is a large-scale automated complex that consists of a central Hub, as well as a range of cameras and sensors. All these devices and gadgets within a single system are controlled using a special mobile application of the same name, which is downloaded directly to the mobile device.
Samsung has made a revolutionary breakthrough by creating an open ecosystem of “smart things”, which brings together all possible devices equipped with intelligence. SmartThings is compatible with a huge number of third-party devices and applications. It is noteworthy that in the modern smart equipment market, equipment capable of working in this architecture receives a special marking - “I work with SmartThings.”
The pool of gadgets that work with this system includes motion sensors, home alarms, lighting and heating systems, home theaters, refrigerators, water supply systems and much more.
Samsung developers also worried about the appearance of their gadgets. It is worth recognizing that almost all products released under the brand name of this South Korean giant look as aesthetically pleasing and ergonomic as possible. Devices from SmartThings are no exception; for example, a set of sensors and a main hub will look great in any interior.
What will you automate?
We hope you have a broad overview of the SmartThings system, as well as some ideas for common automation problems. I have to admit, I'm really impressed with the flexibility of SmartThings. I expected to find a very closed, locked system - like Apple HomeKit. But really, you can dig as deep as you like. With an open API, developer panel, custom device drivers and more, it offers something for all levels.
Now it's up to you: what do you think about the SmartThings ecosystem? Have you found some great automation tools in the SmartApp Store? Let us know how you use your system!
SmartThings Features
Developers from Samsung, as always, thought through everything to the smallest detail. In order to provide the SmartThings system with everything necessary as much as possible, the company has established its own production of motion sensors, closing and opening doors or windows, devices for regulating the operation of electrical appliances in the house, leakage sensors and many other useful devices for the “smart home”. Thus, you don’t have to select the right sensor or device that will be compatible with this platform. For the convenience of the user, these points have already been carefully thought out by engineers.
All devices integrated into the system can operate according to a certain predetermined algorithm. SmartThings allows you to build a task list for each connected device to support a specific scenario. For example, maintaining a comfortable atmosphere in the evening is achieved by turning on the climate control system, favorite music and reducing the glow level of smart lamps. SmartThings performs all these manipulations independently.
Each connected smart device is controlled by a system that analyzes the operation of each operating position. The system constantly monitors the operation of household equipment, checking for inconsistencies and shortcomings that can lead to breakdown of the device itself, as well as cause serious violations of the programmed mode.
There are a huge number of variations of scenarios supported by the SmartThings system. The more devices that support a given smart home configuration, the more different algorithms you can set.
Iron
The connection diagram will be simple:
And a schematic diagram wouldn't hurt either:
If you look at the source (located at: st-device-sdk-c-ref/apps/esp8266/st_lamp), then the connection there is as follows:
#define GPIO_OUTPUT_NOTIFICATION_LED 2 #define GPIO_INPUT_BUTTON 5 #define GPIO_OUTPUT_COLORLED_R 16 #define GPIO_OUTPUT_COLORLED_G 14 #define GPIO_OUTPUT_COLORLED_B 12 #define GPIO_OUTPUT_COLORLED_0 13
You can reassign the pins according to which board model you have. Please note that there is one notation system on the board (D1, D2...), and another in the code, but this is easy to figure out just by looking at the documentation for your board.
Native devices for SmartThings
The products developed by Samsung for use as a smart home system are truly interesting and amaze with their versatility. Among the most interesting gadgets and devices, we note the SmartThings motion sensor. This device can be successfully used to control lighting, play music and at the same time measure the room temperature. By installing such a sensor at the entrance to your home, you can protect your home from burglary and unwanted intrusion. So, after opening the door, the system will definitely notify the owner using a notification about any unusual situation on the user’s phone.
Note also the surveillance camera, which, having connected to the SmartThings system, transmits a video signal via the Internet in real time. The device also has the ability to record the event that caused the alarm notification to be sent.
One of the most interesting new products is a “smart” refrigerator with an internal photography function (Samsung Family Hub). Such a household refrigerator is capable of independently recognizing the expiration dates of products, monitoring the availability of certain products, and then independently ordering food at home, paying for the purchase using a bank credit card.
Plug for connecting two Samsung Wifi Smart Plug devices to a socket
This compact device has a rectangular design and is equipped with a socket. It is worth noting that when used, this device, thanks to its thoughtful, compact design, does not block adjacent sockets. Therefore, this plug can be fully used in both the upper and lower parts of a double socket.
This model provides both remote and manual control. On the left side of the device there is a power button, pressing which the green LED lights up, indicating that the device is activated. The plug for connecting to the socket of Samsung Wifi Smart Plug devices allows the user, thanks to the use of Wi-Fi technology, to exercise remote control over devices connected through it to the mains.
Features of SmartThings
The entire operation of SmartThings is built around the main controller - the hub. It is the Hub that supports the wireless network, which is required to connect and work with all smart home devices. The Hub acts as a kind of router (a standard router with Wi-fi is not suitable for such purposes). However, both of these devices are required for the system to fully operate. The Hub and Wi-Fi router are connected to each other using an Ethernet cable.
Hub is equipped with a powerful processor that allows you to support video surveillance mode. When disconnected from the electrical network, its battery provides up to ten hours of continuous operation of the “pipe”. This is enough to maintain the smart home system without failures even in the event of a power outage in the house or apartment. In this case, the connection with all devices and the controller will not be lost and the system will operate as usual. For such cases, the Hub uses a Zigbee or Z-wave interface, and is also capable of supporting a local IP connection.
Due to the widespread use of Zigbee and Z-wave protocols in the smart things market, Samsung has equipped the SmartThings Hub with receivers for both versions. Therefore, problems with connecting external devices are excluded. If any device does not support these protocols, the Wi-Fi standard or IFTTT web services will come to the rescue.
A few words about the security of the SmartThings system. In a sense, third-party devices connected to this network, purely hypothetically, could be a weak link if the system is hacked by an attacker. However, SmartThings developers assure that licensed devices bearing the “Working with SmartThings” label undergo high-quality testing and meet all modern security requirements. Therefore, with proper organization and connection of certified smart devices to the “smart system”, security problems are completely eliminated.
Hub
The device itself is a small plastic box with a power cable and an ethernet connector, which can be placed almost anywhere - the main thing is that the ethernet cable can be reached. The best place is somewhere in the center of the house, but based on the test results, it becomes clear that Samsung sensors can be connected without problems from anywhere in the house and even from the far end of the garden.
The box also has emergency battery power - very useful during a power outage, such as when you need to make sure electronic locks are working properly.
Third-party devices and applications for the SmartThings system
Currently, there are about 40 different companies developing smart devices that support Samsung's smart things system. And this is neither more nor less - more than 100 units of “smart” products, including a variety of sensors, detectors, functional panels, CCTV cameras, thermostats, smart speakers and much more.
Products compatible with this system are now offered to consumers by such well-known brands as Philips Hue, Amazon Echo, Bose, WeMo, Yale and some others. If you don't see on the packaging that your device is compatible with SmartThings, you can always check that fact using the Marketplace app. There you can find a comprehensive list of all compatible third-party devices. It often happens that the user does not even realize how much equipment in his home is capable of working in this original ecosystem.
Connection methods
You can connect devices to the platform in the following ways:
- Hub-connected - via a hub, relevant for devices that do not have their own Internet connection, but are connected through traditional wireless networks like ZigBee for such systems.
- Directly-connected - via the Internet directly to the cloud. SmartThings recently released a video camera, light bulb and smart plug, and they work without a hub - via WiFi. This is exactly the option we will implement in this guide.
- Cloud-connected - through a third-party cloud for those devices that already have their own cloud ecosystem. This is more complicated, so we will not consider this option.
SmartThings app
The application of the same name for the SmartThings smart system is absolutely free. Actually, with the help of this service, all devices are monitored and managed. To operate this software, versions are currently available for both the Android and iOS platforms, as well as for Windows Phone. By the way, the Android version is rightfully considered one of the most understandable.
To start working in the application, you just need to add all the “smart” devices that SmartThings supports. In the settings you will find the “things” icon, after clicking which it automatically searches for available gadgets. After scanning is completed, you can select those items that you want to connect as part of your smart home system. This whole procedure takes no more than 5 minutes.
After installation, the system may request your location. Many people ignore this point, although GPS can become an indispensable assistant and personal guide to a smart home. In addition, this is an excellent opportunity to track your location relative to your home in order to prepare a comfortable air temperature in advance, turn on the lighting or, conversely, turn off all appliances as soon as you leave the house.
In the application you can find a whole sea of tips for managing your smart home. For example, with its help you can learn how to connect the entire arsenal of equipment, how to create the necessary algorithms and scripts, and configure parameters. All this information can be found in the SmartThings software itself.
Software
What is needed to build the example:
- Ubuntu Linux version no lower than 18.04 (you can build the example for both Windows and MacOS, but we chose Linux for certainty)
- A phone with Android version no lower than 1.7.39, or iOS version no lower than 1.6.41-343. Install the SmartThings application from the Play Market, and you also need to register a free Samsung Account. To do this, you don’t need to have a Samsung phone; you simply link it to your email.
- ESP8266 SDK. How to install is written in the repository, but in general, everything is very simple: git clone https://github.com/espressif/ESP8266_RTOS_SDK.git And set the path to this SDK in the IDF_PATH variable: nano ~/.bashrc export IDF_PATH=»~ /git/ESP8266_RTOS_SDK:$IDF_PATH"
- You will also need to install the libraries: sudo apt-get install gcc git wget make libncurses-dev flex bison gperf python python-pip python-setuptools python-serial python-cryptography python-future python-pyparsing python-pyelftools And development tools (compiler): sudo mkdir /opt/Espressif sudo chown username /opt/Espressif/ cd /opt/Espressif wget https://dl.espressif.com/dl/xtensa-lx106-elf-linux64-1.22.0-100-ge567ec7-5.2.0 .tar.gz tar -xzf ./xtensa-lx106-elf-linux64-1.22.0-100-ge567ec7-5.2.0.tar.gz cd xtensa-lx106-elf nano ~/.bashrc export PATH=»/opt/ Espressif/xtensa-lx106-elf/bin:$PATH" UPD: do not try to install a newer compiler, as practice shows, its newer versions are not compatible with the SDK, and you will receive an error when building the project. So please use the link provided here. This is definitely a working version. At least that's the case as of 2021.
- Smart Things Device SDK C is a library in C. It has its own repository on github, but for training purposes we will not download the library itself, but reference materials for it, which will contain ready-made application examples. git clone https://github.com/SmartThingsCommunity/st-device-sdk-c-ref.git cd st-device-sdk-c-ref ./setup.sh esp8266
Commands for the SmartThings system
It is possible to control all devices separately, but the vector of the SmartThings system is initially aimed at unifying everything and everyone within the framework of a “smart home”. To do this, certain devices must be distributed into groups that will work together at your command.
With proper arrangement of gadgets and correctly set parameters in the application, the system will easily take over all subsequent work. You don’t even have to remember the need for adjustments and additional settings; the SmartThings system will independently monitor all events and actions performed.
The developers left standard modes for maximum user convenience, so almost any homeowner can handle the settings, regardless of their experience with high-tech gadgets and devices. In particular, here you can find modes such as “Returning home”, “Good morning”, “Good night”, which can be replaced with any other configurations if desired. To activate them, the user just needs to add the required trigger hours for a specific event. This is achieved by simply clicking on the gear icon next to each option.
Without exception, all settings can be set to suit yourself, taking into account your own daily routine. However, you should not overload the system with a large number of specified parameters, as this may create conflict situations between devices. For example, when creating a mode for climate control, you should not turn on the heating, air conditioning and air purifier at the same time. It is best to turn on each of these devices in turn.
Within each command, you can configure multiple scenarios. This is especially convenient if you need to create complex variations of the operation of the smart home system using a number of devices operating simultaneously in different parts of your home. True, to solve such problems you may have to tinker a little, but believe me, it’s worth it.
In the special Marketplace application, you can download ready-made and absolutely free algorithms and scripts for automating home processes. Each device offers a wide range of functions and capabilities. In short, the developers tried to make using the SmartThings system as accessible and understandable as possible.
Basic functions of Smart Things
What specific capabilities are hidden in the depths of a smart application?
Smart Things can manage all connected devices simultaneously, in accordance with the temporary settings specified by the user:
- use a timer to control lighting inside and outside the house;
- track the operating time of household appliances, turn them on/off according to a schedule, and, to the extent possible, manage them;
- configure the functioning of the household water supply system, heat water;
- check the condition of windows and entrance doors, inform the homeowner about emergency situations;
- monitor sensor readings and the functional state of working household appliances;
- implement measures to create a comfortable home atmosphere, possibly using pre-designed scenarios (waking up in the morning, heating water for washing after work, going to bed).
The application user has the right to manage the program settings at his own discretion, while the program's capabilities are limited by the availability of compatible devices and their functionality.
In conclusion
Samsung, with its original vision of the “smart things” system, has already managed to win the trust of a huge army of consumers and manufacturers of modern smart equipment. Of course, this is far from the only solution for ensuring reliable, uninterrupted operation of smart home systems. So, in this segment SmartThings seriously competes with such giants that produce systems and components for “smart homes” as Apple Home kit, Amazon Echo, Google Home kit.
However, openness and friendliness, as well as high reliability in operation, make this ecosystem the most popular among all alternative applications and individual components of smart systems.
RICE. 10
Samsung SmartThings
The last word
SmartThings used to be aimed at true techies, and while it's still the top choice for hardcore home geeks, user-friendly updates to the app since Samsung took over the product have definitely made it a more viable mainstream option. However, it still isn't for everyone. The relative openness of its platform compared to most competitors does pose some challenges, especially when it comes to pairing devices, but if you stick to certified SmartThings-compatible gadgets, your journey will be smoother. Even if you've already invested in a smart home ecosystem like HomeKit, Alexa, or Google, SmartThings can be a great addition and an easy way to supercharge your smart home.
Recording source: https://www.smarthome.com
Software part
In terms of software, we will change several steps:
- When adding Capabilities, you need to specify the following: Switch, Switch Level, Color Control, Health Check. The device type will be Light.
- We take the firmware example from the same folder with examples, it’s called st_lamp
.
The interface in the application will look like this:
What it looks like in action - once again a gif:
So, you have a ready-made working example. You see that most of the code has already been done for you - everything related to connection, authentication, and device interface. The SmartThings example is valuable because it is not tied to any hardware device, and you can look and evaluate what platform functionality is needed in 2k20 if you are developing a Smart Home.
Tatyana Volkova - Author of the training program for the Internet of Things IT track at the Samsung Academy, specialist in corporate social responsibility programs at the Samsung Research Center
