Hello! I am working with GE Appliances through FirstBuild on a new hardware device that will enable the connection of compatible GE/Cafe/Monogram/Hotpoint appliances to Home Assistant through MQTT.
It uses wired communication through the RJ-45 port found on these appliances to discover the available data sources/features/etc of the appliance and put them up on a MQTT server using an ESP32C3 so that Home Assistant can be configured to access.
The hardware and software will be open, and we are currently seeking beta testers.
If this sounds interesting more info can be found here:
I was looking to replace my washer with a new appliance and when looking for local control, I found out that GE had a standardized protocol called GEA if I’m not mistaken?
Unfortunately the Greenbean disappeared but then this adapter got announced and I really think that this will be a hot seller in the community and the added bonus of not hitting their probably costly SmartHQ API…
If I understand correctly, FirstBuild is a venture of GE, is that right? That means that GE sponsor this project in a way and promote the use of their devices thru projects like Home-Assistant?
For some questions specific to this project :
Will it be possible to control the appliance like the Greenbean?
Will the board get power from the 8P8C connector of the appliance?
Is there a list of compatible products or the fact that the appliance has an 8P8C connector is indicator of compatibility?
By this I mean, directly control individual components of the appliance. For example, control the speed in RPM on the washer drum or let’s say, create custom washing and drying cycles. One idea I had is when you enter the room, I light up the light of the room but it would be nice to light up the interior of the washer as well.
Also since this project is responding to the prerequisites of it, have you taught joining the Works with Home-Assistant program?
That really depends on the firmware of the appliance. There is an API that allows for the discovery of appliance features, which is an advantage over the original Green Bean. The appliance itself will provide a list of all the available data sources and control inputs.
Documentation on the appliance API can be found here
The firmware for the adapter will put all of the available ERDs from the appliance on a MQTT server. You can then use the above documentation to create the necessary YAML configuration to interact with the ERDs from Home Assistant.
I apologies, I got confused myself. I meant, do you need a straight cable or a crossover? So having cable pairs the same on both ends or having a crossover (t568a to t568b) I would believe we need a straight cable since it’s not Ethernet.
I have a GE Ultrafast Combo (PFQ97HSPV0DS) the port is behind the fabric softener.
The best option I found for now was this thin cable that I could break from the plastic enclosure on Aliexpress and route it somehow in the lip of the washer but I don’t know if it’s the best option.
