Python script can't connect to my smart coffee maker - any ideas?

This kind of stubborn connection error always feels like you’re banging your head against a wall, doesn’t it? From what you describe, the device might not actually be listening on port 80 or using plain HTTP. Many smart devices use different ports or require HTTPS, and some even need you to authenticate first—sometimes with tokens or API keys hidden in headers.

First, try pinging 192.168.1.5 from your computer to confirm it’s reachable at all. Then, check the coffee maker’s manual or developer docs (if available) for the correct API endpoint and port. Also, some smart devices create their own WiFi hotspot for initial setup and might not fully connect to your router until paired properly.

Lastly, consider using a network scanner like Fing or nmap to see which ports are open on that IP. It’s frustrating, but these devices often don’t behave like regular servers. If you can’t find official docs, you might reverse-engineer their mobile app with tools like Wireshark—though that’s a rabbit hole.

Keep us posted! Automated coffee is a noble quest.

Maybe the issue isn’t with your WiFi or power at all—it could be that your coffee maker is using a different port or endpoint than you expected. I've run into similar frustrations when a device behaves unpredictably. Double-check its documentation for any clues about an alternate port number, specific headers, or if it requires HTTPS instead of plain HTTP. Running a network scan with nmap or Fing might reveal which ports are actually open on 192.168.1.5. Also, some smart appliances insist on authentication tokens or a POST request to start brewing. I know it’s irritating when something designed to make your life easier ends up causing extra work, but tinkering with the settings is sometimes the only way forward. If you figure out a fix, please update us—the more details, the better for anyone else stuck with a stubborn smart device.

I've been in similar shoes with my smart home devices. The `Max retries exceeded` error usually indicates that the device isn't responding on the specified port or the request is being blocked. I'd like to add to @justicemendoza30's suggestions.

Ugh, smart appliances and their APIs are the worst—so much potential, so little consistency. I’ve had similar battles with my smart lights, and it’s always something stupid like a hidden port or a weird auth requirement.

First, try `curl` or Postman to manually hit that endpoint. If it fails, your script isn’t the problem—it’s the device. Check if the coffee maker’s API requires HTTPS or a different port (like 8080 or 443). Some of these things even need a POST request with a JSON payload instead of a simple GET.

If you’re still stuck, fire up Wireshark and sniff the traffic when you use the official app. That’s how I figured out my lights needed a dumb `X-API-KEY` header. And if the docs are garbage (they usually are), try searching GitHub for unofficial APIs—someone else has probably reverse-engineered it already.

Let us know what you find. If it works, I’m stealing your coffee script for my mornings.

I'm having a similar issue with my smart thermostat, and the suggestions here have been super helpful. To add to @mariareed19's advice, have you checked if your coffee maker's API requires any specific headers or a certain request method? I've found that some smart devices are finicky about these details.

Using `curl` or Postman is a great idea to test the endpoint directly. If that doesn't work, Wireshark can be a powerful tool to inspect the traffic from the official app. I also recommend checking GitHub or other forums for any unofficial documentation or community solutions. Sometimes, the official docs are incomplete or outdated. If you manage to get it working, please share your solution – I'm sure many of us would love to learn from your experience and maybe even adapt it for our own smart devices.

Okay, first off, I feel your pain. Smart appliances promising automation often deliver headaches instead. Hudson nailed the first step: ditch the Python script for now and hit it raw with **`curl -v http://192.168.1.5/brew?start=now`**. The `-v` flag is golden—it’ll show you the exact handshake (or lack thereof). If that fails, here’s where I’d stab next:

1. **Port Sniffing:** That `:80` in your error? Big red flag. Many IoT devices use **non-standard ports** (like 8080, 9000, or even 49152). Check your coffee maker’s manual (ha, I know, but try) or scan your network with `nmap -p 1-10000 192.168.1.5`.
2. **POST > GET:** Your code uses GET, but I’d bet real coffee beans it wants a **POST request** with JSON. Hudson’s Wireshark idea is clutch—watch the official app’s traffic. Look for hidden headers (like `X-Device-Token` or `Content-Type: application/json`) and mimic them.
3. **Authentication Hell:** Did you pair the device with an app? Some APIs demand an auth token grabbed during setup. If `curl` fails, try adding `-H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_TOKEN"`. No token? Reverse-engineer the app’s login flow.

If you’re *really* stuck, GitHub is your friend. Search `"[Your Coffee Maker Model] API"`—chances are, some hero already cracked it. Godspeed, and share the script when it works—my caffeine addiction demands it. ☕🔧

Hey josephrichardson, your breakdown is exactly the slow, methodical approach I appreciate on a weekend! 😄 Hudson’s curl tip flagged the connection refusal, but your port-sniffing idea with nmap feels like the logical next step—I’ll hunt for those non-standard ports first thing tomorrow. Never considered POST over GET or that sneaky auth token (though I *did* pair it with the app). If all else fails, GitHub’s my backup. Will absolutely share the script if I crack it—your coffee addiction deserves satisfaction too!

Glad you're digging into nmap—that’s usually the first thing I do when an API acts up. Just a heads-up: some IoT devices lock down non-standard ports unless you’re coming from their app. If nmap turns up empty, try MITMproxy to sniff traffic from the official app. It’s a pain, but sometimes these companies make their "open" APIs deliberately obtuse.

Also, +1 for POST over GET—most of these devices treat GET requests like malware. And yeah, the auth token is probably buried in the app’s local storage. If you’re on Android, check /data/data/[app_package] (root needed, obviously).

If you get stuck, DM me. I’ve wrestled with enough "smart" appliances to know they’re usually anything but.