Documentation

[jurgen-kluft]

First I would like to say that this looks like a solid C# project, nicely done!

Now I would like to know how this could be used to write many automations in C# using this library.

First, this is marked as a Controller which I assume is different from a HomeKit Accessory Server? Could you be so kind and explain the difference, thank you.

Next, so my use-case would be somewhat like this:

• Apple HomePod running my Home
• HomeKit owns all accessories through Aqara/Hue/Ikea hubs, even HomeBridge, or any other way to get devices/accessories into HomeKit
• C# Automation scripts

The C# Automation scripts I would like to run on a local Windows or Raspberry PI device where I am using the HomeKitDotNet library.
Using this library am I able to see/know the state of all devices that are owned by my Home (HomePod)?

As an automation example:

• When my Kitchen Motion Sensor is detecting motion I reset a custom timer to 1 hour
• When this custom timer expires (no more motion for one hour) I turn off the lights in the kitchen

Love to hear your response to all of the above :-)

[Myself-Varun]

Hi ,

First, I would like to say that this looks like a solid C# project, nicely done! Great work on the implementation.

I also wanted to share my thoughts and ask a few questions related to using this library for C# automations.

1. Controller vs HomeKit Accessory Server
   This project is marked as a "Controller," and I assume it is different from a HomeKit Accessory Server. Could you kindly explain the difference between the two, as it pertains to how this library works?

2. Use-Case for Automation
   In my scenario, I have the following setup:

An Apple HomePod running my Home

HomeKit owns all accessories through Aqara, Hue, Ikea hubs, or HomeBridge (any other way to integrate accessories into HomeKit)

C# Automation scripts that I plan to run locally on a Windows or Raspberry Pi device, using the HomeKitDotNet library.

With this setup, my question is:
Can I use this library to get the state of all devices owned by my HomePod (which is managing the HomeKit devices)?

3. Automation Example
   For automation, I’d like to implement something like this:

Motion Sensor in the Kitchen detects motion, triggering a custom timer reset to 1 hour.

After 1 hour (if no motion is detected), the lights in the kitchen turn off.

Would this library allow me to handle these types of automations in C#? I’d love to hear your thoughts and any examples that might help me get started!

Regarding the Updated README.md
I have updated the README.md to improve clarity and readability, making it easier for new users to understand the setup and usage of the project. It includes new sections such as features, installation, usage, and related projects. I hope this helps provide better guidance for anyone new to the project.

Looking forward to hearing from

[jurgen-kluft]

Thank you!

So can I connect directly to my Home and see all accessories/devices that are in my home ?
The end-point I should connect to is the IP of my Apple HomePod ?

[jdomnitz]

Thanks for the positive feedback and readme improvements. I'll take a look and get them merged this weekend.

To address the terminology - this library is written as a HomeKit Controller taking the place of an iPhone or iPad that usually handles that role. Using this library a raspberry pi for example could control all of the HomeKit compatible devices in your home.

The other role which is not currently implemented is a HomeKit Accessory Server which is the role usually handled by TVs, light bulbs, thermostats and other smart devices. About 75% of the code needed to make an accessory server is implemented in this library but the goal was to recreate the controller which is now 100% done.

With that established, a HomePod only communicates with HomeKit Accessory Servers in a home it cannot share ownership of accessory servers without an Apple account and a handshake through Apple's servers.