I'm blown away by with this four gang extension lead "Multiplug".
Initially I thought I had bought the wrong version, as the packaging and instructions made absolutely no mention of SMART control of any kind other than the little plastic "remote control handset" with buttons that comes with it. I had bought this Multiplug in the hope that it could be integrated into my Amazon Alexa Smart Home System and had already bought the little MiHome Hub to go with it. I'm pleased to report that it works beautifully !!!
In order to get it to speak to Alexa, there are a number of simple steps that need to be completed...
1. Set up and register a MiHome HUB (doesn't do anything SMART without it)
2. Open the MiHome app and ADD A DEVICE ( I was completely "thrown" at this stage because I couldn't see a Multiplug option, but it is hidden under the ADAPTER heading) Once you see and select it, you just follow the setup instructions.
3. This is the important stage - Each SOCKET within the Multiplug needs to be NAMED individually e.g. Jack's Bedside light, Gill's Bedside Light, Jack's Electric Blanket, Gill's Electric Blanket - Or whatever meets your particular needs
4. Once the Multiplug is working correctly with the hand control AND it is working from the MiHome app ( pushing virtual buttons for each named socket you are then ready to link it to ALEXA
5.Open your Alexa APP, go to SKILLS and find the MiHome SKILL which you need to ENABLE
6. Once enabled, all that is left is to say to Alexa " FInd my devices"
7. Hey.presto, Each named socket will appear as a SMART HOME DEVICE and it can then be treated as any other device, It can be activated by speech, it can be GROUPED, put into ROUTINES etc etc
Finally, the blurb says that many MiHome devices do not report their status i.e. you don't know if they are ON or OFF at any given time, but Alexa seems to know and correctly reports Status, as it does with most other devices.
In a word MAGIC !!!
| Manufacturer | Energenie |
|---|---|
| Part Number | ENER010 |
| Product Dimensions | 46.74 x 11.43 x 6.1 cm; 249.48 g |
| Batteries | 1 CR2 batteries required. |
| Item model number | ENER010 |
| Size | Variety pack |
| Finish | Polished |
| Material | Metal |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Number of Pieces | 4 |
| Included Components | Extension lead, Remote control |
| Batteries included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Battery Cell Type | Alkaline |
| Item Weight | 249 g |
