Does anyone have a SkyConnect paired with older Gen1/Gen2 Philips Hue Bulbs working well?
I migrated from my 43 Hue devices on Hue Hub 2.0 to ZHA with SkyConnect a few weeks ago and the experience has been OK. Here are the details of my setup:
- 3 story home
- SkyConnect (Controller) connected to HA NUC via powered USB 2.0 hub and USB 2.0 extension cable - originally in lowest floor, but now on middle floor in exact location of where Hue Hub was previously
- 40 Hue Bulbs (Routers), 5 on top floor, 10 on middle floor, remainder on lowest floor
- 3 Hue Switches (End Devices)
- 3 Aeotec Extender Zi (Routers), 1 on each floor of home
- 7 Sonoff ZBMINIL2 (End Devices)
- 4 Sonoff SNZB-02D (End Devices)
- 1 Sonoff MINIZB (Router)
After installing the extenders/repeaters, I was hopeful this would solve any reliability issues, but I’m still periodically seeing devices appearing available in the UI, but not showing as “unavailable.” In fact, I installed the ZHA Network Card so I can see all RSSI at a glance in addition to the network visual. There’s usually one or two at -79/-80, a couple in the -70s, and the rest -60 and better.
Due to this post on range/coverage optimization, I was asked if they’re running Zigbee 3.0 firmware and I then realized all of these bulbs are Gen 1 and Gen 2 and I’m not sure if they support Zigbee 3.0. They were fully updated to the latest available firmware via Hue Hub as I was certain to check for updates before migration, but I’m obviously no longer able to easily update them when connected via ZHA. Here are the model numbers I have in my network:
- LCT001 - 11x
- LCT002 - 17x
- LCT007 - 1x
- LCT014 - 5x
- LLC020 - 1x
- LCT026 - 1x
- LST002 - 1x
- LWB004 - 3x
- RWL020 - 3x
Does anyone know if these bulbs support Zigbee 3.0? Or if the age of the bulbs could be contributing to my experience.
I also haven’t found the limit for SkyConnect, but I believe Hue Hub was 50. I’m starting to think I should just migrate the Hue bulbs back to the Hue Hub and have two Zigbee networks (or get rid of SkyConnect and the non-Hue devices since I have a strong Zwave network already).
Here’s my network visualization. My current plan is if/when I find a device unresponsive, I’m removing it from the network and then re-adding it via a nearby router to see if that helps with reliability.