Smart Home Expansion Items
My New Kentucky Smart Home is a grant funded by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation and administered through the KATS Network, Kentucky's Tech Act agency. The program is designed to make loans of smart home equipment to Kentuckians with paralyzing conditions to allow them to evaluate the usefulness of the devices and their ability to use them before they commit to a purchase. The only required items for clients are a home WiFi connection and a smartphone, tablet, or other smart device that is capable of accessing the internet. Each client will receive a starter kit with some basic items. They can also expand their smart home by requesting any of the following items:
- Amazon Echo Dot or Google Nest Mini Smart Speaker - The smart speaker acts as the control center and the voice interface for the smart home system. Each of the other items can be controlled using these devices. They can also be used for listening to music, finding information on the web, and making phone calls or sending messages to loved ones. While one is included in the starter kit, clients can request additional devices to make sure they can cover their entire home.
- TailWind iQ3 Garage Door Opener - The TailWind iQ3 is an add-on module that connects to your existing garage door and gives it the ability to be controlled over WiFi. The TailWind iQ3 includes a small module that is attached to your garage door opener with double-sided tape as well as a door sensor that sticks to your garage door. Once set up, you can open and close the garage door from anywhere in the world. Thanks to the door sensor, you can quickly ask whether you left the garage door open or even schedule a time for it to close. Can be integrated with Alexa/Google Assistant for voice control. **Before you request this item, please visit the Tailwind Garage Door Opener Compatibility Checker to make sure the device will work with your setup.**
- The ZESTYI WiFi Smart IR Remote and the Broadlink RM mini 3 Universal Remote - These devices broadcast infrared signals and work much like a universal remote control. They are app-controlled by your phone using their associated apps. Each has thousands of devices ready to go and can also be programmed with a learning feature for devices it can't find. The IR Remotes can not only control your television or media devices, but also other IR-controlled equipment like fans, heaters, and air conditioners.
- Kitchen appliances - These were chosen to provide some autonomy for things that might be difficult for some users thanks to the smart plugs. The Presto 22" Electric Griddle has a round knob that you use to adjust the temperature. By connecting it to a smart plug, you can set the temperature once and then use an app or voice command to switch the griddle on and off. Essentially, you are unplugging the griddle when you turn off the plug and plugging it back in when you toggle it on. We also have a Proctor-Silex 10 Cup Coffee Maker available. For an appliance like a coffee maker to integrate with a smart plug, it needs a switch that can be left on at all times (no touch screens, buttons, or options). The user or caretaker can add the water and coffee the night before and then the user can activate the pot using an app or voice command.
- Temperature control - One of the most common requests we saw was people wanting more control over the temperature in their environment. As such, we have purchased a variety of fans. The Lasko 20" Box Fan has 3 speeds. In order to incorporate the box fan into your smart home, you would have to set the speed and plug the fan into a smart plug. You could then use an app or voice command to toggle the fan on or off. We also have Lasko 16" Oscillating Stand Fans that have 3 speeds and are operated the same way. We also have a Lasko 36" Tower Fan which can be controlled using one of the infrared remotes above. Unlike the other fans, you can use the IR remote to adjust settings like temperature, fan speed, oscillation, or the timer.
- Additional TP-Link Kasa Smart Plugs and Sengled LED WiFi Bulbs are also available.
Please note that there are many options out there for all of these products. Including a brand in the kit doesn't mean that it is in any way better than another brand. These recommendations should not be considered to be an endorsement of any particular product. We chose the products on this list based on their ease of setup and compatibility with different types of smart speakers.