Linux lab: Mozilla's WebThings Gateway

Protocols

The protocol function in the Settings menu lets you obtain useful information such as the energy consumption data.

The Logs item opens a new view. Select one of the devices integrated into the system for the protocol function by clicking the plus button. In this dialog, you can also decide how long WebThings should store the logs. You can also create a floor plan of your home using the Floorplan dialog in the Settings menu. Enter the locations of all end devices in the floor plan. If you have a large number of integrated devices, the floor plan will definitely help you maintain an overview.

Defining Rules

Using the entry Rules in the Settings menu, you can define rules for controlling terminal devices. Define rules by dragging and dropping components from the device list. For instance, you can switch a terminal device on or off at a predefined time with just a few mouse clicks. To create new rules, press the plus button bottom right in the window.

Catastrophic

In our hands-on session, Mozilla's WebThings gave us a catastrophic first impression. Although the user interface is intuitive, and logically structured, there are only a few modules – often for devices that are no longer manufactured. Some of the devices do not even exist in Europe.

In our lab, we were unable to control even one of the half dozen end devices by manufacturers Aurora Lighting, Enlite, Müller-Licht, Philips, and OSRAM with WebThings. Mozilla's compatibility list does at least support Philips lamps and OSRAM socket adapters [11].

Hue lighting by Philips will only harmonize with WebThings if you reset the lamps to the factory settings. But to do this, you need a Philips control unit. Many popular vendors on today's home automation market are simply missing from the WebThings compatibility list.

Buy this article as PDF

Express-Checkout as PDF
Price $2.95
(incl. VAT)

Buy Linux Magazine

SINGLE ISSUES
 
SUBSCRIPTIONS
 
TABLET & SMARTPHONE APPS
Get it on Google Play

US / Canada

Get it on Google Play

UK / Australia

Related content

  • Smart Home with Zigbee

    The RaspBee II module turns your Raspberry Pi into a smart control center for Zigbee devices.

  • Z-Wave

    Z-Wave connects components in the smart home and ensures that remote commands from the control station take effect on real household appliances. We look at how it works, its range, the security of the protocol, and some basics that every Z-Waver should know.

  • ioBroker + Rasp Pi

    Control devices from different manufacturers of home automation devices from a single interface by combining free software and a Raspberry Pi.

  • FHEM

    If you want to equip your home with smart technology, you will need to deal with a variety of providers and what are often incompatible standards. FHEM is a free integration platform that houses the building blocks under one roof and offers visually appealing interfaces.

  • Programming Snapshot – Power Outages

    A power failure can cause the IQ of a smart home to plummet suddenly. An emergency power supply and a script on the SmartThings platform can prevent a total outage and inform the owner. The polyglot Perlmeister embarks on a foray into the territory of the Groovy scripting language in this issue.

comments powered by Disqus
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters

Support Our Work

Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

Learn More

News