Mastering HTTP Actions

HTTP actions are the workhorse of modern automation. They allow Control It to talk to virtually any smart device, web service, or API-enabled software.

Example: Controlling Philips Hue

In this tutorial, we will create a button that toggles a Philips Hue light.

1. Get your Bridge IP and API Key

Before starting, you need the IP address of your Hue Bridge (e.g., 192.168.1.50) and a valid username/API key.

2. Create the Action

1. Create a new action and select HTTP.
2. Host: Enter your bridge IP (e.g., 192.168.1.50).
3. Port: 80 (Default for Hue).
4. Path: /api//lights/1/state
5. Method: Select PUT.

3. Define the Body

Hue expects a JSON body to tell it what to do. In the body field, enter:

{"on": true, "bri": 254}

This command turns the light ON at full brightness.

Authentication

Many APIs require authentication. Control It supports standard headers.

Bearer Tokens

If an API requires a Bearer token, add a Header:

• Key: Authorization
• Value: Bearer YOUR_TOKEN_HERE

Basic Auth

For Basic Auth, you need to base64 encode your username:password. You can do this online or in terminal:

echo -n "user:pass" | base64

Then add the header:

• Key: Authorization
• Value: Basic dXNlcjpwYXNz

Troubleshooting