Question 1

How do I set up haaska with my Home Assistant?

Accepted Answer

Follow the README's setup guide: configure config.json with your Home Assistant URL and password, build the package with make, create an AWS Lambda function, set up Login with Amazon OAuth, and link the skill in Alexa. Disable emulated_hue in Home Assistant to avoid conflicts.

Question 2

haaska vs emulated_hue: which is better for Alexa integration?

Accepted Answer

haaska offers more device types and advanced commands like dimming and locking, but requires complex setup. emulated_hue is simpler and works for basic light control, but is limited and may not support all Alexa devices. Choose haaska for full-featured control.

Question 3

Can haaska control smart locks with Alexa voice commands?

Accepted Answer

Yes, haaska supports lock entities for locking and unlocking via Alexa commands, as shown in the entity table. Ensure the lock is exposed in Home Assistant and use phrases like 'Alexa, lock the front door'.

Question 4

How to hide devices from Alexa in haaska?

Accepted Answer

In Home Assistant's configuration.yaml, add a customize block with haaska_hidden: true for the entity, e.g., customize: switch.a_switch: haaska_hidden: true. This prevents the device from being discovered by Alexa.

Question 5

What happens if Amazon changes the Alexa Smart Home API?

Accepted Answer

haaska might break or require updates, as it directly implements the API. The project is community-maintained, so check the GitHub repo for patches or forks if compatibility issues arise with new Alexa features.

Question 6

Does haaska work with all Home Assistant entity types?

Accepted Answer

It supports a predefined list including lights, switches, locks, and climate, but some types have limitations—e.g., covers don't support dimming. Check the README's table for full details on supported entities and their capabilities.

haaska

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