On Amzn, there are nicely framed, wall-mounted control panels for proprietary home automation systems. What are people using for HA? I’m leaning toward trying to wall mount tablets, but I’d need 3, and cost starts to factor in. Mounts are a problem; I want it to look as built in as possible, but most mounts aren’t picture-frame style. The ones that I’ve found that are, are designed for specific tablets, and not the low end cheap ones. I don’t have a 3D printer, so I’m limited to mounts I can buy.

I like some projects here I’ve seen using eInk - that’s the ideal solution! Is there a source for pre-fab Android eInk wall mounted control panels, or are what I’ve seen bespoke projects?

I’m not opposed to gross wiring, and am not afraid of cutting holes in dry-wall… it’s really the mounting that I’m stuck at. Android 7-10" tablets sufficient to run the UI would probably work, and I can probably even figure out wiring the charger, if I could just get some nice picture-frame style mounts.

What are your solutions that you think is pretty neat? Or products that I may have missed?

  • 𝕽𝖚𝖆𝖎𝖉𝖍𝖗𝖎𝖌𝖍OPEnglish
    2·
    1 year ago

    Believe me, I’ve thought about redneck-engineering something myself. I may get there; I’m just checking for more clever, more attractive, turnkey solutions.

    I’m certainly not the only HA user who’s approached this! I do seem to be the only one without a 3D printer, tho.

    • CmdrShepard@lemmy.oneEnglish
      2·
      1 year ago

      I think the Fire tablet will be your cheapest option. I’ve started hacking together a Pi with a touchscreen and that’s well over $100 in components thus far. I bought a refurbished 7" Fire for $30 a couple weeks ago and had it setup within minutes.

      As for mounts, you can find them pre-made on places like Etsy. A one.time cost to have someone 3D print something for you might not be too bad especially if you can find a model to give them.

    • scv@discuss.onlineEnglish
      2·
      1 year ago

      This is not redneck engineering, it’s how evening is attached to walls in the US as far as I can see. An ugly hole in drywall, and cover the rough edges with trim. I’m not sure what else you are looking for.

      Something outside the wall could use minimal wood working and nails or command strips.