I have been a user of TPlink switches, dimmers, plugs, etc. All was good until it was not. I have been reading about the TPLink issues, and I have not seen anyone yet able to work around the TPLink lack of support for Home Assistant.
So I am selling (hopefully) all my hardware and want to switch to a totally new implementation.
I want to go with MQTT, and no cloud hardware. All local.
My setup is:
Dell server running HA Zigbee CC2652P Coordinator v4 USB Dongle
zigbee2mqtt
Are there any recommendations out of box for compatible switches and plugs people recommend?
My setup requires:
Dimmers (2-way and 3-way)
Switches (2-way and 3-way)
Outlets
With energy monitoring is a huge plus.
I’d even go with wifi if that’s better and more available. I looked at Martin Jerry and they seem to fit what I need, but will require me to hack for ESPHome support, which is not too bad. I have done it with all my Sonoff hardware. Just a pain, and getting something out of box is much better.
Any thoughts out there and recommendations?
First Wi-Fi or MQTT?
Then what hardware?
I’m having good luck with just plain old ZHA. I run Zigbee devices from about 7 different manufacturers. All off-the-shelf, no firmware hacks, no IP addresses to reserve, no worries about weak WiFi signal areas, no vendor cloud, no quirky integrations which fail every time the vendor changes their cloud configuration or does an OTA update of the device.
I, too, was initially going with WiFi, and still have a few TPLink devices. But at this point I’m a Zigbee convert. YMMV.
I started with z-wave and have ~90 nodes. If Shelly was available when I started I would not be on z-wave at all. Kudos to the developers who wrote and maintain z-wave js. My network has never been faster. I would expect zigbee to be similar. The shelly devices are relatively inexpensive and they fit in the box with normal switches. They are totally local but have a shelly interface that can be cloud based if you want. I run my network on multiple subnets so this provides me with additional ip addresses not that 255 devices is a large limit.
Can you share some of the hardware you use? I would like to buy a few and install a control system before I go all out.
I already got some of the zigbee wall switches to use as remote for my scenes and lights. I need the ability to control lights locally for kids, or visitors.
So I can put the shelly in the wall box, and add the remote on top to cover? Then run the automation in HA? I like the Shelly dimmer I just looked at, has the energy monitoring too. Always a plus.
You use a conventional switch with shelly. I have shelly 1, shelly 2.5 and shelly 1 PM. The automation is on top of the local control.
I use Jasco/GE enbrighten for my z-wave. I also have some Homeseer switches and dimmers. I use the homeseer HSM200 for motion sensors. I use fibaro and homeseer pucks for leak detection and mailbox monitoring. I have two dome z-wave water shutoff valves. One for main water and one for irrigation. I have one schlage lock that is z-wave. I have 3 unify AP for wireless. I also use a shelly 1 as a thermostat to control fireplace. I integrated a DSC alarm system into HA using an it100 with git code to make it look like an envisalink.
I use ecobee thermostats and myq garage door opener for 2 bay. Single bay is on mimolite z-wave with reed switch. I also have 6 tablets running HA android app to control system from various locations in the house. 4 are wall mounted and two are mobile.
I use nabu casa for two reasons: Supports HA and makes mobile phone system use easy and secure.
I think you might be over-complicating things but that is an uninformed opinion.
Ahhh I missed it. I see now, ill get a normal wall switch for the shelly 1, and a dual rocker for the dimmer (up and down, with middle position as standby). I think that’ll work.
Sorry about all the questions, I’m trying to figure out all the gotchas.
For the shelly switches you have, all work normally with three way and 2 way switch circuits? Or should I be aware of anything for that?
Also, can I use it out of box, meaning no hacking or flashing AND no cloud? Just connect to my wifi and go? I don’t mind doing it, but just want to make sure what I’m getting into.
Will I need to register to connect to wifi or does it have an AP mode.
One way to get all the gotchas is to go out and buy a couple and try them. But I figured I’ll start with those till I get my order in.
Just bought a few of each of the shelly ones. There is enough help online from doing my research and the video you linked to be dangerous.
Appreciate the help.