Anyone still using emulated_hue even if it's broke?

Configuration
1

I’m on Hassio 0.100.1 and I only used it to turn on/off devices, such as the TV or AC via broadlink. But now with the errors popping up on amazons end where did everyone move to?

My problems:

  • Alexa saying device is malfunctioning when telling Alexa to turn on TV
  • Turning on the aircon triggers the switch on then immediately switches back off.

I did a little work around but not sure if it’s too much just to turn on or off a device but this is what I have anyways.

My solution:

configuration.yaml:

emulated_hue:
  listen_port: 80
  expose_by_default: false
  entities:
    input_boolean.alexa_trigger_air_con:
      name: "Alexa Trigger Air-con"
      hidden: false
    input_boolean.alexa_trigger_tv:
      name: "Alexa Trigger TV"
      hidden: false
...

input_boolean:
  alexa_trigger_tv:
    name: Alexa Trigger TV
    initial: off
  alexa_trigger_air_con:
    name: Alexa Trigger Air Con
    initial: off

in automations.yaml

# Alexa, Turn on the Air Con
- id: alexa_turn_on_the_air_con
  alias: Alexa, Turn on the Air Con
  trigger:
  - platform: state
    entity_id: input_boolean.alexa_trigger_air_con
  condition:
  - condition: state
    entity_id: switch.aircon
    state: 'off'
  action:
  - data:
      entity_id: switch.aircon
    service: switch.turn_on


# Alexa, Turn off the Air Con
- id: alexa_turn_off_the_air_con
  alias: Alexa, Turn off the Air Con
  trigger:
  - platform: state
    entity_id: input_boolean.alexa_trigger_air_con
  condition:
  - condition: state
    entity_id: switch.aircon
    state: 'on'
  action:
  - data:
      entity_id: switch.aircon
    service: switch.turn_off

Restart Home Assistant, then log into https://alexa.amazon.com, go to smart home > devices > discover

Once the input_booleans are found go to the app, create a routine with alexa says. I just chose:

  • Alexa, turn on the air con
  • Alexa, turn off the air con

In each of these routines, for the action select the input_booleans that was discovered earlier: smart home > Alexa Trigger Air Con

The automation config will do the rest based on current state of the switch.aircon

This works for me whether its overkill or not lol I’m just hoping it gets fixed soon

2

That’s a time consuming workaround if you have 50-60 items using Emulated Hue.

I ditched Emulated Hue after using it for some 2 years due to the current issues, and created a custom Alexa app using Haaska. It took less than an hour, and works perfectly.

I recommend you do the same and avoid workarounds.

3

Thanks for the reply, yes that would take forever lol luckily I only use it for two devices.
I’ve heard about Haaska but my config messes up when attempting to use the duckdns ssl plugin :confused:
Something to do with my router / ISP so for now I’m only on the local http hassio unfortunately

4

You don’t need to use Duck DNS, you can just generate a self signed certificate that will work with Haaska.

5

Nice, I know what I’ll be doing now
Thanks for the info!