# Microbot Push "Make Dumb Devices Smart" **URL:** \ **Category:** Apps\ **Created:** [January 19, 2019, 1:32pm UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/microbot-push-make-dumb-devices-smart/7385 "2019-01-19T13:32:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Jan\_Peeters](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/jan_peeters/32/86660_2.png) [@Jan\_Peeters](https://community.homey.app/u/Jan_Peeters)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2019, 1:32pm UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/microbot-push-make-dumb-devices-smart/7385/1 "2019-01-19T13:32:44Z")
Would this be a device that eventualle could be integrated into Homey? [https://microbot.is/push/](https://microbot.is/push/) ![f5c31a710f417ba46052f5e907f29368](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/uploads/athom/original/2X/2/2588ba0e1a64f4aebe228860677764723b090e4f.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Jorden](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/jorden/32/8856_2.png) [@Jorden](https://community.homey.app/u/Jorden)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2019, 3:36pm UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/microbot-push-make-dumb-devices-smart/7385/2 "2019-01-19T15:36:17Z")
I have a few of them lying around. Got one I use. They use Bluetooth. I could send one or two of them to Athom if they want to create an app. ---
**Author:** ![robertklep](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/robertklep/32/160628_2.png) [@robertklep](https://community.homey.app/u/robertklep)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2019, 3:53pm UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/microbot-push-make-dumb-devices-smart/7385/3 "2019-01-19T15:53:28Z")
Or perhaps a community developer? BLE is a bit tricky, Homey is limited in that respect ☹ FWIW, someone tried to reverse-engineer the BLE protocol: [https://github.com/VRGhost/PyPush/blob/master/docs/microbot\_ble\_api.md](https://github.com/VRGhost/PyPush/blob/master/docs/microbot_ble_api.md) Looks like it should be possible to implement it using Homey. ---
**Author:** ![xAPPO](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/xappo/32/13726_2.png) [@xAPPO](https://community.homey.app/u/xAPPO)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2019, 4:04pm UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/microbot-push-make-dumb-devices-smart/7385/4 "2019-01-19T16:04:15Z")
There’s a similar product too, called SwitchBot with easier integration through an open API, > **[SwitchBot | A simple switch to a smart home | Alexa | Google Assistant](https://www.switch-bot.com/)** > > SwitchBot mechanically controls a rocker switch or button. Control with an app, Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT or more. ---
**Author:** ![Jan\_Peeters](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/jan_peeters/32/86660_2.png) [@Jan\_Peeters](https://community.homey.app/u/Jan_Peeters)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2019, 4:28pm UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/microbot-push-make-dumb-devices-smart/7385/5 "2019-01-19T16:28:41Z")
> [@xAPPO](#): > > There’s a similar product too, called SwitchBot with easier integration through an open API, … build quality seems only so-so ---
**Author:** ![Jan\_Peeters](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/jan_peeters/32/86660_2.png) [@Jan\_Peeters](https://community.homey.app/u/Jan_Peeters)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2019, 4:47pm UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/microbot-push-make-dumb-devices-smart/7385/6 "2019-01-19T16:47:13Z")
> [@Jorden](#): > > They use Bluetooth. They are Bluetooth, which is a downside, but they do have a possibility (at least gen.2) to turn a(n) (old) smartphone into a bluetooth hub. Which is kind of cool… > **[\[New Update\] MicroBot Cloud — Phase 1](https://medium.com/naran/new-update-microbot-cloud-phase-1-2b7b6cb1f8ce)** > > The long awaited update to MicroBot Cloud is finally released. This big update will not be implemented in one go but progressively, in… > **[Revive your smartphone: turn it into a smart hub!](https://medium.com/naran/revive-your-smartphone-turn-it-into-a-smart-hub-138fec922f30)** > > Hi everyone! ---
**Author:** ![xAPPO](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/xappo/32/13726_2.png) [@xAPPO](https://community.homey.app/u/xAPPO)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2019, 5:55pm UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/microbot-push-make-dumb-devices-smart/7385/7 "2019-01-19T17:55:30Z")
> [@Jan\_Peeters](#): > > … build quality seems only so-so Hi Gert - do you have a SwitchBot already? - interested in your comment basis. ---
**Author:** ![Jan\_Peeters](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/jan_peeters/32/86660_2.png) [@Jan\_Peeters](https://community.homey.app/u/Jan_Peeters)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2019, 12:08pm UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/microbot-push-make-dumb-devices-smart/7385/8 "2019-01-20T12:08:21Z")
> [@xAPPO](#): > > interested in your comment basis. I do not have a Micobot yet, so my assessment is based upon whatever is available no the internet. Bacause of the saying with thousand words and pictures, here we go. Guess which one I would prefer: ![52ca418daf51c6a8a19bb8c0011d1a12852a6545](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/uploads/athom/original/2X/d/dc09c70559262a6cfa8b62af60f3c0086444fd6c.jpeg) ![switchbot-1](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/uploads/athom/original/2X/b/b9ee2252b8cd065beddc3a4dcb5136238ffacfce.jpeg) ![switchbot-2](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/uploads/athom/original/2X/6/65283889b9a6d38c0e8ceaaee16b74d0a8dc39a1.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![xAPPO](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/xappo/32/13726_2.png) [@xAPPO](https://community.homey.app/u/xAPPO)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2019, 3:27pm UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/microbot-push-make-dumb-devices-smart/7385/9 "2019-01-20T15:27:43Z")
I do agree the Microbot looks more solid - a bit larger too (?). The SwitchBot pictures you posted are showing the optional loop wire attachment which is a kinda kludge. It is used when you also need to ‘pull’ a switch for on/off control, rather than buying two units. For just push this isn’t needed. The Microbot only offers ‘push’ I think so not really a comparison. I have a SwitchBot that toggles my original thermostat button on/off and it’s worked well for over a year now - bar one issue with remaining sticky and attached to the surface. I might try a Microbot too in another application that I have. ---
**Author:** ![Jan\_Peeters](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/jan_peeters/32/86660_2.png) [@Jan\_Peeters](https://community.homey.app/u/Jan_Peeters)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2019, 3:30pm UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/microbot-push-make-dumb-devices-smart/7385/10 "2019-01-20T15:30:14Z")
Microbot push&pull, using Velcro: ![1_WQA2aCh5gcPTqof4nMcL-A](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/uploads/athom/original/2X/b/b5e407c8010f0deaeee65203f4b434c7f92a4388.png) ---
**Author:** ![xAPPO](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/xappo/32/13726_2.png) [@xAPPO](https://community.homey.app/u/xAPPO)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2019, 3:33pm UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/microbot-push-make-dumb-devices-smart/7385/11 "2019-01-20T15:33:02Z")
Ahh I see - that’s quite neat… with a good Velcro that holds. Think I’ll try one out. ---
**Author:** ![Jorden](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/jorden/32/8856_2.png) [@Jorden](https://community.homey.app/u/Jorden)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2019, 9:20am UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/microbot-push-make-dumb-devices-smart/7385/12 "2019-01-21T09:20:46Z")
The Microbot actually works quite well. High quality, never failed on me. Long battery life and you can easily charge it with MicroUSB. I have a hub that they provided, the Prota: [https://prota.info/prota/](https://prota.info/prota/) Had quite some troubles with the hub until I found out that the power supply that I used wasn’t powerful enough. They supplied one that didn’t fit the Dutch electrical sockets. Ordered a new one and no problems anymore. I managed to get it setup and connected to IFTTT, then attached to my own webhook and a virtual button in Homey. I am now able to open the front door of my appartments main building by pressing the intercom when I am in front, then pressing the button in Homey. ---
**Author:** ![robertklep](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/robertklep/32/160628_2.png) [@robertklep](https://community.homey.app/u/robertklep)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2019, 9:24am UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/microbot-push-make-dumb-devices-smart/7385/13 "2019-01-21T09:24:30Z")
> [@Jorden](#): > > I am now able to open the front door of my appartments main building by pressing the intercom when I am in front, then pressing the button in Homey. Nice one 🙂 Is the blue circle on top of the device also a button? If you’re willing to loan me a device, I’d be happy to take a look at implementing support for it through BLE. ---
**Author:** ![Jorden](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/jorden/32/8856_2.png) [@Jorden](https://community.homey.app/u/Jorden)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2019, 9:42am UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/microbot-push-make-dumb-devices-smart/7385/14 "2019-01-21T09:42:53Z")
Yeah it is also a button that you can press. You can connect it to the app on a mobile phone, or to the Prota box, but not both I think. In the app you can change settings, like how long it will keep the button “pressed” and how far it should press it. At least, that’s what I remember (don’t have the app installed anymore). If you send me your address on jorden@chamid.nl, I will send a Microbot your way. If you manage to create a Homey app for it, feel free to keep the Microbot as a thanks 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![xAPPO](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/xappo/32/13726_2.png) [@xAPPO](https://community.homey.app/u/xAPPO)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2019, 12:25pm UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/microbot-push-make-dumb-devices-smart/7385/15 "2019-01-21T12:25:01Z")
My MicroBot arrived today - it does look to be much better quality physically than the SwitchBot although it’s quite a bit bulkier, and noisier - but much faster too. ---
**Author:** ![Jan\_Peeters](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/jan_peeters/32/86660_2.png) [@Jan\_Peeters](https://community.homey.app/u/Jan_Peeters)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2019, 8:27pm UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/microbot-push-make-dumb-devices-smart/7385/16 "2019-01-21T20:27:53Z")
> [@Jorden](#): > > implementing support for it through BLE. Hi, Wouldn’t it make more sense to implent the hub? Avoiding Bluetooth? Br, Gert ---
**Author:** ![robertklep](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/robertklep/32/160628_2.png) [@robertklep](https://community.homey.app/u/robertklep)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2019, 8:47pm UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/microbot-push-make-dumb-devices-smart/7385/17 "2019-01-21T20:47:13Z")
> [@Jan\_Peeters](#): > > Wouldn’t it make more sense to implent the hub? Avoiding Bluetooth? Perhaps, but on the other hand, it would be nice of Homey could support the device directly. That way, users wouldn’t have to buy the hub. ---
**Author:** ![Jan\_Peeters](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/jan_peeters/32/86660_2.png) [@Jan\_Peeters](https://community.homey.app/u/Jan_Peeters)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2019, 8:50pm UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/microbot-push-make-dumb-devices-smart/7385/18 "2019-01-21T20:50:17Z")
> [@robertklep](#): > > Perhaps, but on the other hand, it would be nice of Homey could support the device directly. That way, users wouldn’t have to buy the hub. True; but wouldn’t the limited allowed distance between the two be an important downside? Everybody is constantly wining about range and modifiying whatever needs to be modified in order to extend the range? ---
**Author:** ![robertklep](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/robertklep/32/160628_2.png) [@robertklep](https://community.homey.app/u/robertklep)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2019, 8:56pm UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/microbot-push-make-dumb-devices-smart/7385/19 "2019-01-21T20:56:47Z")
I have no idea what the range of BLE is for Homey (but then again, I don’t have any issues with Zigbee or Z-Wave anyway). Once/if I’m able to control a Microbot directly, I’ll take a look at the Prota Pi software, although, from what I’m reading about it, it can already be set up to accept HTTP requests from other devices (like Homey), so it might not even be necessary to implement _specific_ support for it. ---
**Author:** ![Jan\_Peeters](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/jan_peeters/32/86660_2.png) [@Jan\_Peeters](https://community.homey.app/u/Jan_Peeters)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2019, 9:02pm UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/microbot-push-make-dumb-devices-smart/7385/20 "2019-01-21T21:02:32Z")
> [@robertklep](#): > > I have no idea what the range of BLE is for Homey … seems to be just fine… Let’s hope for a quick re-write on athom’s side… ![21-01-2019%2022-01-16](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/uploads/athom/original/2X/7/7e4d8d6db5a24bec55bd5a3bb131de91e59a083d.png) [Next page](https://community.homey.app/t/microbot-push-make-dumb-devices-smart/7385.md?page=2)