While looking up someone on QRZ.Com the other day, I ran across a post by Pete, M0PSX, of Essex Ham, with this video:
Of course, this is a project that I’ll probably never get around to, but it’s fun to think about. For those of you who may have more time or motivation than I have to pursue this, Amazon provides a set of tools that lets you build your own “skills” with Python. Amazon says that you can “build a voice experience in 5 minutes or less.”
Do you have an Alexa device? If so, what do you use it for? And, how would you use one in the shack, if you could?
Finally, how do I get an Alexa device with an English accent? It’s so much cooler than the bland American accent of the U.S. devices.
Hi Dan:
I have 3 Dots in the house. We use them to control lights, play music and answer questions. On the Ham Radio side, I use them to control the light intensity in the shack using Philips dimmable LED lights. I use TP-Link Smart Plugs to control outlets. The big one is “Alex, turn off the chicken coop”. That shuts off the electric fence around the chicken coop. Otherwise, “buzzzz click, buzzzz click….” across all bands. I am sure much more can be done with the tool kit but I would rather spend that time in the shack. 73 JohnnyF WJ0NF
I wouldn’t. Having an always on microphone in your home that is connected to the Internet is a seriously stupid idea.
I agree completely. i was reading all the comments to see if I was the only one that felt this way. I turn off my cell, remove battery and use a hard-line phone when i am home. they already monitor everything else, why let them listen to my everyday conversations?
WhiteHH and Coopdog …. Why are you paranoid? Are you doing illegal things that we should know about? Hmmmm?
It’s not paranoia if they’re out to get you :)
Hi Dan, my guess is its because you have a US Amazon account? How about
“Alexa, link me to reflector 001C or CQ-UK” :-)
73 de G6DLJ
Yes, I’m sure that’s it, but they should offer that option here in the U.S.
I got a Dot a year ago for my XYL for Christmas, but we’ve actually never onboxed it and plugged it in. I listen to podcasts in my truck while commuting 2+ hours a day, so I don’t need to stream anything for me at home, least of all music through such a tiny speaker. Finally, both the XYL and I are squeamish about leaving a Dot turned on in the house with all the issues that have been noted with microphones “accidentally” left on, etc.
Having a cellphone that responds to “OK, Google” when woken up is bad enough. On the subject of cellphones, the Supreme Court is supposed to hear arguments starting today was to why law enforcement agencies should not be able to just diddle in cellphone companys’ recorded location data of their customers (via cell tower triangulation, or other similar methods), especially without a warrant, which would at least require them to specify exactly what they are looking for, and where.
Wow.. we’ve got 4 Alexa enable devices dotted around the house so I just tried out some of those radio related commands Pete demo’d in the video, hadn’t realised there as so much integration already. I wonder who will be first to design an Alexa powered log-book? Seriously thinking about getting an Echo for the shack now, thanks for he heads-up Dan!
I have my dot on ham radio, literally. Get on the Queen Anne Repeater here in Seattle at 444.700/103.5 either via RF, Echolink or IRLP here: 111001 WW7SEA-R
ON – In Conference IRLP 9198
IRLP: 7378
and ask Alexa a question beginning of course with “Alexa………………”?
She listens to the audio and when asked a question she’ll answer and her voice is VOX’d into my radio. See videos below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_I6cfYMuBLE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZ3jYa7LSQQ&t=5s
I like it!
wow.. this is 5 years later.. i thought i was the first :) i have it on my gmrs repeater for voice ID & alarms from blink motion cameras :) WB9YBI/4 Tampa