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Welcome to the future of living, where your home listens, learns, and adapts to your lifestyle. With Linkstyle, turning your house into a smart home is easier than ever. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or a beginner, these tips and tricks will guide you through maximizing your home automation experience with Linkstyle.

Pairing Your Devices

Getting started with Linkstyle's smart devices is a breeze. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure a flawless setup with products like the NexoHub Gateway, which acts as the central hub for all your smart devices.

Download the Linkstyle App: First, ensure you have the Linkstyle App installed on your smartphone or tablet. It's available free for both iOS and Android device

Bluetooth Pairing: Linkstyle offers a range of devices which can easily connect to your mobile device via Bluetooth. These would include the Matrix II Smart Lock Key Box, your 24/7 Reception for rental properties, or easy access for spare keys at your home; and the Tocabot Smart Switch Button Pusher for your favorite home goods that dont have automation built in yet, set a schedule for the Tocabot to start your Keurig Coffee Maker in the morning.

Pairing with Bluetooth is a breeze: Linkstyle devices will each have a unique way of activating pairing mode the Tocabot Smart Switch Button Pusher is set to pairing by switching on and off and the Matrix II Smart Lock Key Box can be set by placing your palm across the keypad, you can find all these details in depth in our online manuals. Plus these devices can be paired to your mobile device easily via bluetooth.

WiFi Pairing: To use third party web apps like Alexa and google home you have the ability to pair a Linkstyle Gateway which syncs to your wifi and gives you full remote control of your devices. You can also use the Gateway to pair your favorite bluetooth devices to unlock even more features such as push notifications and remote control.

Wi-Fi Connectivity:

Make sure your Wi-Fi is set to 2.4 GHz, as Linkstyle devices perform optimally on this frequency band.
When linking the Linkstyle Gateway provide your Wi-Fi credentials in the app when prompted.

Finalize Setup:

Once connected via the NexoHub Gateway, you will need to associate your Linkstyle device with the Gateway. This way your devices will appear on your Gateway dashboard, allowing you to control and monitor them remotely, as well as set notifications to alert you of your devices status.
For the best results of the connection of your Wifi to the Gateway and therefore to your Linkstyle devices you can refer to this article on our community page, How Can You Optimize the Placement of Your Linkstyle Gateway?

By following these steps, your Linkstyle devices will be ready to enhance your daily life with convenience and connectivity.

Optimizing Smart Device Use

Discover the full potential of your Linkstyle smart devices by configuring them for peak performance:

Wi-Fi Configuration: For a stable and smooth operation, ensure your home Wi-Fi network is configured to 2.4 GHz. This frequency offers better range and penetration, which is crucial for smart home devices.
App Customization: Personalize your Linkstyle App settings to suit your preferences. This includes setting notifications, automating device routines, and managing user access efficiently.
Regular Updates: Keep your Linkstyle App and devices, such as the Matrix Smart Lock Key Box, updated to the latest firmware for enhanced functionality and security.
Data Monitoring: Use the app to monitor device data such as energy usage and security status, especially with devices like the Hydrozen Smart Water Timer as this will track the amount of water being used in the garden on a daily, weekly and even monthly basis.

Optimizing Smart Device Use

Discover the full potential of your Linkstyle smart devices by configuring them for peak performance:

Wi-Fi Configuration: For a stable and smooth operation, ensure your home Wi-Fi network is configured to 2.4 GHz. This frequency offers better range and penetration, which is crucial for smart home devices.
App Customization: Personalize your Linkstyle App settings to suit your preferences. This includes setting notifications, automating device routines, and managing user access efficiently.
Regular Updates: Keep your Linkstyle App and devices, such as the Matrix Smart Lock Key Box, updated to the latest firmware for enhanced functionality and security.
Data Monitoring: Use the app to monitor device data such as energy usage and security status, especially with devices like the Hydrozen Smart Water Timer as this will track the amount of water being used in the garden on a daily, weekly and even monthly basis.

Creating Smart Schedules

Efficiently manage your smart devices and home systems by integrating them with Google Calendar:

Automate Routines: Use the Linkstyle Apps DIY feature to schedule operations for devices like the TocaBot for to turn a light on at dusk, or turn the coffee maker on at 5am sharp. The Hydrozen Smart Water Timer can make sure your garden is being properly irrigated day in and day out. While the Afra Smart Soil Sensor can let you know if a hot day caused some issues in the garden as well.
Optimize Energy Use: Automation is the key to working smarter with less effort at home, or at work.
Family Coordination: Share schedules with family members so everyone is informed about device operations, fostering a coordinated and efficient home environment. The Linkstyle App allows you to share access to family members so they can create their own account, or use the same login and have access to all the same Linkstyle Smart Products across multiple devices.
Holiday Mode: Plan ahead by scheduling devices to simulate occupancy while you're away, enhancing security and peace of mind. Make sure your cameras are plugged in and their motion settings are properly set, the Mira Indoor Security Camera with its Smart AI Motion Detection, Infrared Night Vision, Two-Way Audio, and Automatic Video Patrols Video make it an essential part of home monitoring.
Automate Garden Care: Schedule your Hydrozen Smart Water Timer to water your garden at optimal times, ensuring healthy plant growth without wasting water. Pair this with the Afra Smart Soil Sensor to receive alerts on your smartphone if soil conditions require attention, like adjusting watering times after a particularly hot day.
Online Support and Guides

The Linkstyle Team is always ready to help support you on your smart home journey. You can reach out by phone, email or on the Linkstyle Community Forum. There are also helpful video guides on Youtube or on the individual device resource pages which you can find by scanning the QR code on the back of your smart devices.

Transforming your home into a smart haven is both easy and rewarding with Linkstyle. By pairing your devices, optimizing their use, and creating smart schedules, you'll ensure that your home is efficient, comfortable, and secure. Unlocking the Enchanted Life!

Embrace the potential of smart automation with Linkstyle products like the NexoHub Gateway, Matrix Smart Lock Key Box, and TocaBot, and enjoy the convenience and control that comes with a well-connected home.

Whether you're optimizing daily routines or enhancing security, Linkstyle empowers you to live smarter every day.

The Plantron Afra II Smart Soil Sensor is an advanced tool designed to provide precise readings of soil moisture and environmental humidity, both crucial for optimizing plant growth. While these two metrics might seem similar, they play distinct roles in plant health and require different approaches for effective management.

Soil Moisture Readings: Measured as a percentage, soil moisture indicates the amount of water contained within the soil. Using the Afra II sensor, these readings help determine whether plants are receiving adequate water to sustain their growth. Maintaining the correct soil moisture is essential to avoid under or overwatering, which can lead to plant stress or root diseases.

Environmental Humidity effects on soil: Environmental humidity refers to the amount of moisture present in the air around the plants. While the Afra II Smart Soil Sensor focuses on soil moisture, understanding the surrounding air's humidity is vital as it affects transpiration rates and plant health. High humidity levels can slow down transpiration, leading to less water uptake from the soil, while low humidity can cause plants to lose water too quickly.

Moisture Reading Chart for Afra II

How can you determine your soils moisture from how it looks and feels?

Texture: The finer it is, the more pores and, therefore, better moisture retention.
Structure: A porous structure with a high level of aggregation improves water retention. Add perlite, coarse sand, or lava rocks for added drainage.
Organic Matter Content: The more organic matter there is, the more significant the water-holding capacity.
Density: The higher it is, the less water penetrates inside.
Temperature: Moisture content is higher at lower temperatures.
Depth: This factor affects the amount of water available, i.e., the deeper the soil is, the more water and nutrients the plants can get.

Optimal Moisture Levels for Different Crops and some examples

The optimal soil moisture levels are not universal and depend on the specific crop, regional conditions, and external factors.

What different moisture levels do some vegetables need?

Tomatoes: Require well-drained soil with moderate to high moisture levels (30-40%). Consistent watering is essential to prevent blossom-end rot and splitting.
Garlic: Prefers moderately moist, well-drained soil (20-30%). Overwatering can lead to bulb rot, so precise moisture control is critical.
Potatoes: Thrive in slightly moist soil with good drainage (30-40%). Excessive moisture can cause tuber rot, making drainage crucial.
Onions: Need well-drained soil with moderate moisture levels (20-30%). Like garlic, too much water can cause bulb rot.
Carrots: Require consistently moist soil for optimal root development (20-40%). Uneven moisture can lead to misshapen roots.

Why the Difference Matters?

Water Management: The Afra II sensor provides actionable data for adjusting irrigation schedules. Ensuring soil moisture remains within optimal ranges helps maintain plant health and maximize growth. To help manage water usage and watering the Hydrozen Smart Water Timer provides detailed data for both and can work with the Afra II to ensure proper growth.
Plant Health: Proper soil moisture levels are critical to avoid common plant issues. Overwatering can lead to root diseases, while under watering can cause dehydration and hinder growth.
Growth Optimization: By using the Afra II Smart Sensor to monitor soil moisture accurately, gardeners can create an environment that supports robust and healthy plants. This leads to more efficient gardening practices and a thriving garden.

The Afra II Smart Soil Sensor allows for precise soil moisture management, helping gardeners tailor their care to the needs of their plants. By understanding these moisture readings, you can ensure that your plants thrive in a well-balanced, hydrated environment.