I am having trouble locating zigbee light sensors - it seems that Aqara/Xiaomi are no longer readily available. Maybe I am looking at this the wrong way. I want automations to control blinds and lights based on light readings in rooms, not just based on sunrise/set times. If there is a good window/door sensor that also has built-in light sensors, maybe that would be a good option as well (i.e. don’t shut blinds if the door is open even if it is too bright). I really do not want Tuya since they need their own hub. What are people using that can still be easily purchased? Thanks
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Most previous discussions suggest using ESPHome, a Wemos D1 Mini (or other small ESP8266 device) and a BH1750 luminance sensor. Quite easy to assemble. I recently 3D printed a small box/case and switched to a Fresnel-lens BH1750 device for my light sensor. It used to be only a bare Wemos D1 Mini with a Wemos BH1750 luminance shield, affixed to a southern window using double-sided tape.
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Thanks for the reply. I was really hoping to find something pre-assembled in a small good looking package like many of the other sensors out there such as the Aqara Temperature/humidity sensor. They apparently used to sell such a device but for some reason stopped making it. If I need to build my own I will try to find a zigbee solution for the networking to build my mesh - I only have a few zigbee devices at this point…
I am also looking for an outdoor light sensor. I am currently using the Philips Hue outdoor motion sensor which also measures the light level but I am not happy with the resolution. The minimum value it can measure is 1lux. I am opening my shutters when it gets bright outside and I feel like 1lux is already quite bright and I’d want to open the shutters earlier.
Some sensor with 0.1lux minimum value would be great. I’d prefer not to build my own but at this point it looks like I’d have to.