Blockquote So which hub are you using (or testing) for z-wave / zigbee, and how do you introduce those z devices into HA??
Using the rebranded smarthings one, but I might switch to one of the new tuya ones soon (ones with the internal jumper to use local only) its pretty much like importing the hue stuff if using a hue hub. I will share it when done, lets just say from someone with one echo device and a few bulbs Its been an experiance. I started off with using just amazon eco system as a test, then moved onto smarthings with sharptools and then onto home assistant on two different NAS a cheap terramaster and and my pricey qnap on container and then on qnap on virtualisation station as well as a Pi, the next install is on a pico dedicated PC with 4gb and 32gb storage.
have learned a bit in this time, although my fav automation is the blinds auto closing at sunset and only opening at sunrise when a button is pressed, I also like the fact
I have worked out a way to have a fake switch in home assistant that gets detected by alexa as a contact sensor (done via smarthings) which means I can create switches to turn on alex only devices too.
I found it easier and more reliable than a bootlean command and the aws (I am just stating this as I am trying to make it easy for people to follow in article)
also adding the rm4 pro was a good idea too as that has enabled me to have a button that when I hit it turns on my soundbar and sub and alexa gets the command to pair if she is playing from music in the same room and auto switches over, also via this same rm4 it enables me to say alexa set theater mode which powers the switch and then switches sound bar from bluetooth to optical and then sets hue sync box to sync with whole living room lighting so whole room follows movie… (normal is just back of the tv.) with no sound bar…
I also have a robot hoover that is alexa only and not integrated and using the same switch method, made a switch that when a automation uses it, it starts my robot vacuum and of makes it return home to charger, yes no battery monitor or map, but yes it can start and stop it at what times I want.
I am loving this whole experience but its defo a rabbit hole I am waiting on my light switches to arrive (replacing the whole house with non dumb ones) 6 door sensors, and 6 temp sensors and also have drayton heating system to put in (thermostat and rad thermostats).
not loads really but getting there.