Wrapping a python command line tool into a HA component (Philips purifier)

Development
1

Hi everybody,

I’ve found a python command line tool that can control my (and any) Philips air purifier/humidifier. So obviously i want to get that to work from within my home assistant and make it centrally visible and controllable.

Only i have zero programming experience, so i could use some help getting me started, first of all by determining what the right approach is.

This is the command line tool: https://github.com/rgerganov/py-air-control

So basically what the command line tool does is:

  • Get the generic status of the purifier (command: $ airctrl 192.168.0.1)
  • Get the filter remaining lifetime ( command: $ airctrl 192.168.0.1 --filters)
  • send commands to change any of the settings

Generic status is provided in this format:

[pwr]   Power: ON
[pm25]  PM25: 4
[rh]    Humidity: 32
[rhset] Target humidity: 60
[iaql]  Allergen index: 1
[temp]  Temperature: 22
[func]  Function: Purification & Humidification
[mode]  Mode: M
[om]    Fan speed: 2
[aqil]  Light brightness: 100
[wl]    Water level: 100
[cl]    Child lock: False

Filter status is provided in the following format:

Pre-filter and Wick: clean in 245 hours
Wick filter: replace in 3965 hours
Active carbon filter: replace in 1565 hours
HEPA filter: replace in 3965 hours

Commands can be sent as such, (for example setting target humidity to 60%)

$ airctrl 192.168.0.1 --rhset 50

Now i have found lots HA components that can do pieces of what i want to achieve, for example:

  • template fan
  • python script
  • command line sensor
  • shell command

But honestly i don’t really know what would be the proper way to get this up and running.
Can anybody give me some feedback on which components i should be using to:

  • query the purifier for statusses (generic + filters)
  • interpret the response as individual sensors
  • send the purifier commands

If anybody can get me started i’m sure i can do the rest on my own, wrap the whole thing, stick it in a fancy lovelace card and share it with everybody else that wants to control their philips air purifier through home assistant.

Sorry for the long-ass post. Thanks for any help in advance!