Remote plug for Zwift/turbo

[numtumfutunch]

First world problem which is making me go round Google in ever decreasing circles although many here will have nailed it I’m sure.

I would like to be able to remotely start my turbo fan after a few minutes of exercise when I’m warmed up. The set up is in the cellar and is initially freezing.

Not having any home automation I bought a smart plug that works with all the commercial offerings but crucially with Apple TV without extra apps, hubs or gizmos.

Which would be great as I run Zwift from Apple TV however when I tell Siri to start it Zwift unfortunately hangs for several seconds which in group rides and races results in me being spat out of the bunch. And obvs I don’t have an iPhone, our household is Android.

I’m sure I need a hub to get the plug to work with Alexa or Google assistant and I want to pay as litttle as possible prob via eBay. It would also help if I wanted a decent speaker too like the Nest one but I don’t.

So, question time. Can I just use an Echo Dot to control the plug without needing an Alexa base station, and is there any benefit to the Google or Alexa eco systems if I decide to branch out in future? I can use voice control with Google Assistant which is a plus

Cheers

[okgo]

Christ. Sledgehammer to crack a walnut or what.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/DEWENWILS-Switch-Control-...

And be done with it. Tech for tech sake just makes everything a faff.

[numtumfutunch]

Good work, I had no idea those even existed

Unfortunately I already have the plug

[okgo]

numtumfutunch said:

Good work, I had no idea those even existed

Unfortunately I already have the plug

They're good, I used to turn the coffee machine on to heat up from bed.

Sell the plug.

[SoliD]

IIF you've got one of the swivel fans, just get a long stick and poke the fan pointing up at the start and move it down once you need it!

[bigdom]

numtumfutunch said:

First world problem which is making me go round Google in ever decreasing circles although many here will have nailed it I’m sure.

our household is Android.

I can use voice control with Google Assistant which is a plus

Open Android phone, download Google Home, go into setup, find plug, add, voice control, job done - the smart plug should have come with it's own app.

We also have smart speakers, and other smart products, can all be controlled without a hub, although Phillips Hue hub adds a lot of additional features.

Edited by bigdom on Saturday 6th February 00:27

[Fletch79]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sonoff-Socket-Switch-Wire...

I use this - Connect to ewelink app and add a switch to the homescreen of your phone or connect to google assistant like i have and all i say is Hey Google, switch on the XX Room fan

[defblade]

okgo said:

Christ. Sledgehammer to crack a walnut or what.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/DEWENWILS-Switch-Control-...

And be done with it. Tech for tech sake just makes everything a faff.

Still quite hammer-y.
I got out an extra extension lead... which has switches. It's sat on the table next to the bike, with the fan plugged in. I have to stretch a tiny bit to reach the switch.

[Gruffy]

I use this wifi plug for £9 from Amazon. Works with Alexa - no hub required. In your Alexa app if you name it "The Fans" you get to say "Alexa, will you start the fans please!" and pretend you're in the Crystal Maze.

[lufbramatt]

Got fed up with replacing the remote batteries on those IR plugs. Now keep a 6ft garden cane propped up next to the trainer to poke the fan socket switch on

[numtumfutunch]

Sorted

I sent it back and bought a £9 TP Link plug instead. It needs an app installed on phone but then works under voice control

And I get tech for techs sake, for fine tuning ventilation I have an umbrella to adjust the door

Cheers