Alexa, turn on the outside lights...
Ok Google, please turn on the outside lights...

Is Anyone Listening?

If you're using Universal Powerline Bus (UPB) devices, you've struggled til now to get the major voice assistants — Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant — to control your home. There has been no simple, easy to install, reliable method of connecting these voice assistants to your UPB devices.

Until now...

VoiceUPB Bridge connects your voice assistant and UPB devices.

The VoiceUPB Bridge is a solution for voice control of UPB devices in your home. It uses several commercially available off-the-shelf hardware items interconnected with custom software to get the job done.

Install a few hardware components, configure with an easy to use application, and then control your UPB devices through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. UPB switches and modules manufactured by Powerline Control Systems (PCS), Simply Automated (SAI), Web Mountain, and HAI-Leviton are all supported.

Installation and configuration of this system requires just a bit of work, and we have documented it step-by-step.

welcome-image

A new direction

Not built here? Fine with us!

Several years ago, we released a product to allow control of UPB devices and scenes using Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This product, composed of hardware, software, and the cloud, was installed in many different installations and performed quite well.

There were a few problems with that solution: Cost, reliability, and the cloud maintenance required. Over the last few years it was no longer possible to obtain the hardware at the price point needed, plus the cloud maintenance costs became too large to continue to offer this product for sale.

The new solution uses off-the-shelf hardware components and the cloud facilities of an existing well-designed, well-developed, and well-maintained automation system: Hubitat. That one change alone - not to support our own cloud solution - makes it possible to offer a new more reliable and lower cost solution for UPB installations.

Because we opted for using hardware products not developed in-house, this solution is not a “open the box, connect, and go” type of solution. It takes some step-by-step work to install. But once that install is completed, all our in-house and beta testing shows it to be a very capable, reliable, and cost-effective solution.

We supply only the software bits needed to make this all work. We don't sell the hardware you will need. As many of you are commercial installers of automation gear, it is likely that you can purchase the necessary hardware at prices below retail so you wouldn't welcome any mark-up we would add. We’re sure you have you favorite retailers and they probably have the gear needed as no items are obscure or difficult to find. The documentation has links to retail sites we use, but where you purchase is up to you.

Still have questions about this new direction? We have a brief FAQ that hopefully answers your most common questions.

Are you using a previous version of the Voice UPB Bridge? Here is an important announcement for you.

  • Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant

    The VoiceUPB Bridge speaks both Amazonese and Googlian. If you ever decide to switch to a different voice assistant, just add the VoiceUPB Bridge and your entire home will come right along with you.

  • Thorough Documentation

    We've gone to lengths to be thorough in the documentation. We've included tips and suggestions along with everything you should need to know to get the most out of your Voice UPB Bridge.

  • Device and Scene Support

    Command individual devices, or assign voice controls to your existing scenes and control multiple devices at the same time. Our simple-to-use app lets you map your voice to your home however you'd like. The option of controlling using a scene keeps keypad indicators up to date.

  • Hardware component #1: Hubitat

    The automation hardware product called Hubitat provides the necessary Cloud support, Amazon Alexa Skill, and Google Assistant Action. By using Hubitat we are making use of their cloud system that they maintain and improve at the scale needed. We provide the needed software bits to make it talk UPB.

  • Voice Command Configuration

    Start with your UPB file - create one with the UPB configuration program if you don't have it - then choose names for the devices and scenes to control.

  • Hardware component #2: PIM-R

    The Power line interface module (PIM-R) sends messages to your UPB devices. It is used 24/7 by the Voice Bridge so if you have one used for programming your UPB devices, it is necessary to get another dedicated to this use.

  • Getting Help

    If you can't find an answer in the documentation (and you did check the docs first, right?), reach out. Our support desk is ready to help via email and, unlike others, we won't make you wait a week for an answer.

  • Hardware component #3: iTach Flex – IP Version

    Connects the PIM-R to your in-house network so the Hubitat can send control messages over the network to the PIM and then onto the power line to be received by your UPB devices.

You Ready?

For a few hundred dollars command your house with your voice!

See purchase page for details.

  • I was up and controlling my lights with my voice in less than 30 minutes. I’ve been waiting for this solution for a long time and I’m pleased with what I’ve seen.

    Randy R

    Beta Tester
  • Setup was straightforward, and the instructions were clear and well-written. The hardest part was coming up with unique names for all my scenes and devices!

    Andrew H

    Beta Tester
  • Finally, simple voice control for UPB devices! Installation is simple and straightforward with network discovery or by loading a .upb file. Can’t wait to let my clients know about VoiceUPB Bridge!

    Alan P

    Installer

Built in the Pacific Northwest!

 

Got a question? Not sure if this is right for your application? Shoot us a message and ask. Looking for product support? That's here.

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