Smart Home Posts

Are you just starting to get into home automation, and you’re looking for some guidance on how to get started with your smart home? Or, maybe you’re a home automation pro looking for some cool tricks or some inspiration for your next project.

Either way, you’ve come to the right place.

Hi, I’m Nathan Kinkead. Here at KinkeadTech.com, I’ve documented much of my own journey for the automated home so that I can hopefully help others out there who are trying to do the same thing.

I’ved used the Vera Z-Wave home automation system used to be the best bang for your buck in my opinion.  Since then, I’ve switched to Samsung SmartThings and am having a lot of fun with that.

I am also a big fan of Kodi (formerly XBMC), I’m a hardcore Android user, and I’m an Xbox One gamer. Be sure to check out several of my home automation posts where I have built integration between all of these things to tie them all together!  Z-Wave + Kodi + Android + Xbox One = Awesome.

If you have any question or would like some help with your particular situation, be sure to leave a comment or hit up the community forum. Thanks!

“Ok Google, Turn Off All Down-Stairs Lights”

This guide will show you how to talk to your phone using Google Now on Android to control Z-Wave scenes in your Vera home automation system. Ok Google...Continue reading “Ok Google, Turn Off All Down-Stairs Lights”

How to Control XBMC from Tasker

Control XBMC from Tasker
How to control XBMC from Tasker. If Tasker can make your XBMC media center play/pause, that opens up a whole world of possibilities.Continue reading How to Control XBMC from Tasker

Kodi & Z-Wave Integration Guide [Video Demo]

In this guide, I'll show you an XBMC Z-Wave integration where Vera scenes (like changing the colors of my LED lights) are controlled by XBMC states.Continue reading Kodi & Z-Wave Integration Guide [Video Demo]

Z-Wave Home Automation with Vera

A Vera product is the "controller" a.k.a the "brain" of your Z-Wave home automation network. The Vera listens to and controls all of its devices.Continue reading Z-Wave Home Automation with Vera

How my Xbox One Turns my Lights On and Off

I wanted to control more than just my entertainment center electronics with my Xbox One. Those Xbox voice commands are so convenient, I wanted them to also turn my lights on and off.Continue reading How my Xbox One Turns my Lights On and Off

How to Control IR Devices with Z-Wave

An in-depth guide on how to make your Z-Wave home automation system control IR devices / AV devices such as colored LED light strips.Continue reading How to Control IR Devices with Z-Wave

Home Automation Using Tasker and Z-Wave

Learn how I built my home automation system using Tasker and Z-Wave.Continue reading Home Automation Using Tasker and Z-Wave