For the first one I have an external USB fan (like this) attached to a separate USB hub. Depending on the current system temperature I regulate the fan with a script (simply turns the USB port and therefore the fan on or off). This solution works perfectly for I think more than two years by only gives some extra cooling when really needed.
For this âUSB powered, USB hub attached fan controlâ I need
USB hub
external USB fan
controlling logic (on the system to be cooled): script and uhubctl to switch USB ports on and off
Now Iâm thinking of implementing the very same solution for the Home Assistant Pi 4.
At least that would be my #2 favorite solution, open questions:
How to install (and keep permanently) uhubctl when running Home Assistant OS?
How to permanently (start at host OS boot) run a shell/bash script when running Home Assistant OS?
Of course those are mainly HA OS questions. As this is the hardware section, hereâs my #1 favorite solution: Have a complete separate system maybe consisting at least of
a (USB or otherwise powered/connected) fan
a network interface to interact with the device, e. g. via WiFi
As Iâm completely not in the electronics business (soldering and stuff - also not into the ESP game (yet)), I was wondering if you guys know a solution for such a âWiFi accessable fan deviceâ. Pretty much âplug and playâ if possible.
In the end this device should only offer a switch to turn the fan on and off to Home Assistant. The logic (script / fan control) shall be implemented within an automation directly in HA (as the current system temperature is only known by HA and I think it makes no sense to push that temperature to the fan device which then does the fan on/off logic). The logic part is no problem for me.
So to sum all this up: Whatâs the best way to get/build such a âWiFi accessable fan deviceâ (for someone with no expertise in electronics)?
What hardware is needed?
What programming/software (ESPHome addon?) is needed?
If I could buy something like that (fan controlled by a ESPHome or similar) âready to useâ that would be just perfect⌠if someone is capable of building such a device I would also be interested.
The Sinilink definitely looks very interesting. âOnlyâ issue (and thatâs a big one for me) is the need for the initial flashing which needs the connecting of a serial programming interface. Thatâs neither equipment nor experience I have. Looking at how âdifficultâ it is even for proâs (like that Swiss expert in the YT video) I tend to say: great device, I would instantly get it - but only if pre-flashed already.
Therefore the Sonoff USB Micro Mini seems to be my current way to go. This device seems to suite my âplug and playâ approach a lot better. Anyway, few questions are open:
I read bout connection issues once the WiFi is gone (repeater/router restart etc.) which does not sound very promising. Can you confirm those @Neil_Brownlee ?
I donât use Sonoff hardware yet so never integrated one in HA. (How) Can it be used 100 % locally without any cloud dependency?
What I did not think about yet is: I could also use such device with a ZigBee interface. That would probably be even better in terms of interference (I would need to connect the Sonoff USB device by an USB extension cable anyway). I searched for such âZigBee powered USB switchesâ but couldnât find one unfortunatelyâŚ
No issues at all with router restarts etc. I have a Unifi system and it updates the APâs overnight and Iâve never ever had an issue with the USB socket not connecting.
Have a look at the integration documents - itâs pretty easy and requires no messing about.
How to install (and keep permanently) 
in the electronics business (soldering and stuff - also not into the ESP game (yet)), I was wondering if you guys know a solution for such a âWiFi accessable fan deviceâ. Pretty much âplug and playâ if possible.
Easy.