So, my Raspberry Pi 5 Starter Kit with power supply, 8gb ram, and 128gb card will be here Monday. I’m gonna do the “DIY with Raspberry Pi” track! I’ve always wanted to play with a Pi, and this looks like a great place to start.
For background - I know Linux well, and python somewhat. I can troubleshoot and compile with gcc, and build hardware platforms as a hobby, mostly PC. That should give you a good idea of my ability to get into trouble!
We just bought a home - its about 20 years old - in central USA. My goal to begin with is simple automation of the 20-ish light switches scattered through our home. All are 1-way except two 2-way switches for one light. Beyond that - who knows. Interested in the AI stuff coming our way - can get into all kinds of trouble!
I guess my biggest concerns with getting started is what switches to buy. I see that Home Assistant works with just about everything. I would imagine this may be a somewhat controversial question - or at least result in a diversity of responses - but here it is anyway:
Should I do all wifi? all z-wave? zigbee? or other proprietary (i.e., Lutron?) I know that the low-frequency modes go through walls better, and so I would need wifi to be able to reach all my devices if I went with wifi (and it does). I guess I’m asking about wifi because it looks like the “Matter” control type (still in beta?) is on top of wifi, I think? I’m just a little worried about all those connectivity methods.
An easier way of asking that question: are there any components, connectivity standards, corporations, etc that this community shys away from, doesn’t like, has issues with, or is non-compliant? I love the all-inclusive alliances and foundation, but I am notorious for buying that one thing that just doesn’t work well, LOL.
Welcome and I’ll skip most everything and jump right to this before everyone piles on.
You’re about to get 1000 conflicting recommendations.
At the end of the day your answer is what works for you.
Ive had installs where there was so much wifi interference I could never get zigbee to work but ZWave was rock solid. But on the other hand I’ve had ZWave nets that were flaking out. Why? Your conditions.
None of us know what you’re dealing with. Unfortunately that means some experiments. Youll have to try and fail before you know what works and unless you know that best is out of the picture.
If. You understand RF… Learn how stuff works and why then you’ll have your answer.
Welcome, and great question! The first two posts offer you a good start. I can add the following without causing too much commotion.
I started with the same config as you. But you should plan on converting the system to boot and store data on an SSD instead of on a card. Over time you will notice a lot of folks having problems with cards. Although I was nervous about it, the swap to the SSD went 100% smoothly and quickly. I chose 250gb USB Sata SDD, Very happy with it.
Start out slowly–maybe just one switch. Also, take note of whether the electrical boxes behind your devices have neutral wires in them. There are devices that work without neutrals but there are fewer choices. Pulling a neutral into a box is usually quite a pain.
There are a few ways to install HA on your Raspberry. I recommend going with the HAOperating system method. It gives you plenty of options (as it allows add-ons) and HA maintains the Debian OS instead of you being responsible for it separately.
I’m guessing you’re talking about an SD card here. If so, I can only offer one piece of advice:
As soon as that card arrives, chuck it in the bin or some drawer far away from your HA installation. There’s too many threads here about SD cards failing sooner or later - if you’re starting out, you might as well do it properly and do it on an SSD drive.
My goodness that house sounds amazing. And mansion-huge.
Ive had installs where there was so much wifi interference I could never get zigbee to work but ZWave was rock solid. But on the other hand I’ve had ZWave nets that were flaking out. Why? Your conditions.
Well yes, Zigbee runs at 2.4. Allegedly you can use different “channels” , but not sure. I have the latest StarLink - the brand new version out this year. However I think the wifi component is the standard 2.4 and 5 GHz.
But you should plan on converting the system to boot and store data on an SSD instead of on a card.
That’s the third time I’ve seen that warning…duly noted and will comply.
And I highly recommend reading The Home Assistant Cookbook.
My house is the My Smart Home Build house mentioned above. I highly recommend Tp-Link Kasa switches, especially if you have a strong WiFi signal. I have 118 Kasa devices and they have all been flawless.
