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Homeowner baffled after washing machine uses 3.6GB of internet data a day (2024)

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Re: Homeowner baffled after washing machine uses 3.6GB of internet data a day (2024)

#101

Post by IAmBroom »

potato3732842 wrote: post #81
nofunsir wrote: post #35

I just want normal buttons and dials back. Not time-based capacitance buttons that take 5.02 seconds to activate, not 5.0 seconds; nor free-spinning encoder wheels that mandate you give it a jiggle before the washer does anything, even if it's already on the setting you want. I want kachunk-a-chunk back first. Then we can decide if it needs smarts.

Most low end appliances have buttons and dials as the interface to the "will last long enough to not be available when it breaks" computer that the fancy touchscreen stuff uses.

"Most". I do not think that word means what you think it does.

Re: Homeowner baffled after washing machine uses 3.6GB of internet data a day (2024)

#102

Post by IAmBroom »

Daviey wrote: post #54
boxerab wrote: post #10

I'm sorry, Dave, I can't do that. This rinse cycle is too important for me to allow you to jeopardize it.

We already have this with the dryer function... It's too hot to allow you to open the door and accept the risk yourself, so I need you to wait 10 minutes for the machine too cool before I unlock the door.

I have that with my washer. There's a catch on the door that won't open until it's CERTAIN spinning has stopped. Granted, that's a safety issue of sorts.

Of course it was the first part to fail. Of course you have to enter from behind to override it.

Re: Homeowner baffled after washing machine uses 3.6GB of internet data a day (2024)

#104

Post by zorobo »

When our oven gave up the ghost last year, I bought one with WiFi connection. Installed it, then discovered that the smartphone app that goes with it is horrid, borderline unusable; moreover, oven programs (pizza/cake etc.) are only available on the app. Finally, when WiFi is on, the oven cannot be operated through its front panel.

We are left to using it in the most basic way, with its capacitive touch buttons, a downgrade from the previous oven…

Also, its interior lighting is on when door closed, but shuts off when we open the door. Who designs such things?

Re: Homeowner baffled after washing machine uses 3.6GB of internet data a day (2024)

#105

Post by ssl-3 »

oliwarner wrote: post #76
hulitu wrote: post #72

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> "Capacitive buttons are cheaper" shouldn't be a factor. "Capacitive buttons" are implemented and tested together with the software. Real buttons need a PCB and maybe some wires and connectors which must be assembled, tested, reliability tested (aging, vibrations). It _is_ more expensive.

I'm not questioning whether or not capacitive buttons are cheaper, I just don't believe they make the difference between profit and loss. How many more sacrifices must consumers make to increase margins?

But tt's not just the buttons -- it's also the motorized knob, sensors, and control logic.

A board with model-specific software and some garden-variety relays is cheaper to copy than model-specific motorized knobs are.

And it's not the singular key to profit, and I don't think that anyone ever said that it is. It's just a part that we can see, and touch.

There's other things that modernization helps with, too.

For instance: Variable-speed motor drives, with a computer brain to drive them (which we already have in the BOM once we abandon the motorized knob).

These can improve electrical efficiency (reducing motor size and cost), and deliver power more smoothly (reducing transmission size and cost).

That's real copper and real iron that is saved by using electronic controls.

(I can do washing machines all week.)

Re: Homeowner baffled after washing machine uses 3.6GB of internet data a day (2024)

#106

Post by ssl-3 »

palmotea wrote: post #99
ssl-3 wrote: post #50

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The problem with kerchunk-a-wheels and real pushbuttons (and the not-smarts they imply) is that they're expensive. They're more expensive (and more failure-prone) than the rotary encoders, mush-buttons, and brain-boxes that replaced them. But one cool part about things like motorized kerchunk-a-wheels is that, upon failure, a motivated person on Gilligan's Island can often mend them back into service with a screwdriv…

>> I just want normal buttons and dials back. Not time-based capacitance buttons that take 5.02 seconds to activate, not 5.0 seconds; nor free-spinning encoder wheels that mandate you give it a jiggle before the washer does anything, even if it's already on the setting you want. > The problem with kerchunk-a-wheels and real pushbuttons (and the not-smarts they imply) is that they're expensive. > They're more expensiv…

It is with immense displeasure that I find that my playful descriptions have been interpreted as "gaslighting" by someone on the internet who suffers from selection bias.

If your intent is to demonstrate that there is nothing here that can be discussed, then: Congratulations. You've accomplished that.

Re: Homeowner baffled after washing machine uses 3.6GB of internet data a day (2024)

#107

Post by ssl-3 »

s1mplicissimus wrote: post #93
ssl-3 wrote: post #64

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It's not just the buttons themselves (in a capacitive-vs-mechanical sense) -- it's also warranty services. When the electronicals are bottled up behind a sheet of glass or Perspex or whatever, then: They tend to last longer because their operating environment becomes less hazardous to them. Exact hourly rates vary too much to write about specifics, but whatever they are: Sending a tech out to look at a thing costs re…

> End-of-cycle detection is really all that is ever needed for smarts anyway To me that would be the least interesting part about a smart washing machine. Like when I start it, I can already see when it's going to be done. The part I'm really interested in is preloading and autostart it at a given time. Guess it's usecase related what one considers "needed for smarts"

So put a smart plug on a dumb Speed Queen, preset the knob and the buttons, and have it turn on at the time you wish.

Are there any other automation scenarios that you wish to address?

Re: Homeowner baffled after washing machine uses 3.6GB of internet data a day (2024)

#108

Post by euroderf »

zorobo wrote: post #104

When our oven gave up the ghost last year, I bought one with WiFi connection. Installed it, then discovered that the smartphone app that goes with it is horrid, borderline unusable; moreover, oven programs (pizza/cake etc.) are only available on the app. Finally, when WiFi is on, the oven cannot be operated through its front panel. We are left to using it in the most basic way, with its capacitive touch buttons, a do…

My guess would be MBAs, via compliant PMs.

Re: Homeowner baffled after washing machine uses 3.6GB of internet data a day (2024)

#109

Post by euroderf »

kennywinker wrote: post #32

I am playing with home automation, and one of the reasons i’m only using zigbee devices is that they have no outside network access. I have two wifi thermostats that I bought before, and one of these days I’m going to have to set up a firewall of some kind to block them from outside access.

A selling point of Matter is that objects can operate without net access. I guess we'll find out whether the spec ensures the guarantees.
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