homebridge-device-alive v1.0.5

homebridge-device-alive

homebridge-device-alive is a plugin for homebridge which allows you to check if a device is online in your network. It support both IP addresses and Mac addresses. It uses a Homebridge Occupancy Sensor accessory to indicate if a device is available on the local network.

Installation

If you are new to homebridge, please first read the homebridge documentation. If you are running on a Raspberry, you will find a tutorial in the homebridge wiki.

Install homebridge:

sudo npm install -g homebridge

Install homebridge-device-alive:

sudo npm install -g homebridge-device-alive

Configuration

Add the DeviceAlive platform in config.json in your home directory inside .homebridge.

Example configuration:

{
  "platforms": [
    {
        "platform": "DeviceAlive",
        "checkInterval": 5000,
        "devices": [
            {
                "name": "Soundbar",
                "mac": "ff:ff:ff:ff:ff:ff"
            },
            {
                "name": "Phone",
                "ip": "192.168.172.10"
            }
        ],
    }
  ]
}

Every device stated in the config will be automatically added as an accessory to HomeKit.

Platform Configuration fields

Device Configuration fields

Either mac or IP address is required.

Backstory

This plugin is actually developed for use in Apple Shortcuts. I had a problem where I wanted to use a IR blaster to turn on and off some devices, but only had 1 signal for both statuses. I could not check if the device was already turned off when I ran a shortcut, thus the device would turn on again. This plugin can make sure no signal is sent if the device is already turned off.