Installing and Configuring Hoobs on Raspberry Pi Made Easy with This Tutorial

Learn how to install and configure Hoobs, an open-source home automation software platform, on your Raspberry Pi in just a few simple steps. …


Updated October 18, 2023

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Learn how to install and configure Hoobs, an open-source home automation software platform, on your Raspberry Pi in just a few simple steps.

Introduction

Hoobs is an open-source home automation software platform that allows you to control and automate various smart devices around your home. It runs on Node.js and provides a user-friendly interface for managing your devices, creating custom scenes, and setting up schedules. In this article, we will guide you through the process of installing Hoobs on your Raspberry Pi step by step, making it easy for beginners to get started with home automation.

Prerequisites

Before starting the installation process, make sure that your Raspberry Pi is up-to-date and has the necessary dependencies installed:

  1. Update your system by running sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade in the terminal.
  2. Install Node.js (version 14 or higher) and NPM (Node Package Manager) using the following commands:
curl -sL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_14.x | sudo bash -
sudo apt install nodejs
  1. Ensure that your Raspberry Pi is connected to a network with internet access so you can download and install Hoobs.

Installation

Now, let’s get started with the installation of Hoobs:

  1. First, clone the Hoobs repository from GitHub using the following command in your terminal:
git clone https://github.com/hoobs-org/hoobs.git hoobs
  1. Change to the cloned directory and install the required dependencies:
cd hoobs
npm ci
  1. Create a configuration file for Hoobs by copying the sample file:
cp config/default.json config/production.json
  1. Open the configuration file using your preferred text editor, e.g., nano:
nano config/production.json
  1. Modify the following values in the production.json file:
  • "port": Set this to an available port on your Raspberry Pi (e.g., 8080).
  • "bridge": Replace “Bridge” with a unique name for your home automation system (e.g., “My Home”).
  • "whitelist": Add your local network IP address to the list so you can access Hoobs from your web browser.
  1. Save and close the configuration file.
  2. Start Hoobs by running the following command in your terminal:
npm start
  1. Open a web browser on your computer and navigate to http://<raspberry-pi-ip>:<port> (e.g., http://192.168.0.10:8080). You should now see the Hoobs interface.

Configuration

Once you have successfully installed Hoobs, it’s time to configure your smart devices and create automations. Here are some steps to get you started:

  1. Add a new bridge by clicking on the “+” button in the bottom left corner of the screen and selecting “Add Bridge.” Choose the type of bridge that corresponds with your device (e.g., HomeKit, Z-Wave).
  2. Follow the instructions provided by Hoobs to set up your bridge and connect it to your smart devices.
  3. Once your devices are connected, you can create custom scenes, automate tasks, and set up schedules using the user-friendly interface.
  4. If you want to access Hoobs remotely or from another device on your network, you will need to enable port forwarding on your router. Consult your router’s documentation for instructions on how to do this.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully installed and configured Hoobs on your Raspberry Pi. With its user-friendly interface and powerful features, Hoobs is a great choice for home automation enthusiasts. Start exploring the possibilities of controlling your smart devices from anywhere with just a few clicks.