ZHA: Advanced features of Sonoff ZBMINIR2

Configuration Zigbee
1

I have installed a Sonoff ZBMINIR2. I skipped the installation via the recommended eWeLink App, because I want to use it with Home Assistant.

The switch was detected with ZHA without issues. However, I only see one control: Switching it on and off. The sensor “Opening” seems not to work – I get “closed” here even when the physical switch is toggled on.

The device supports a couple of additional options. In particular, I am interested in the “detached” mode, where I can keep a smart bulb powered and use the switch as a signal to turn it on or off. This way, I want to use the physical switch together with a remote to control the bulb.

Apparently, these options are available in the eWeLink App, and also when using Zigbee2MQTT instead of ZHA. I am new to HA and have installed the ZHA integration, plus I am running HA as a docker container, so I assume I cannot use the Zigbee2MQTT add-on.

Is there a way to access the other features of my device with my existing pairing? I’m not afraid to edit some config files, if necessary.

2

Meanwhile I learned that I can run Zigbee2MQTT on Docker, too. So I will try to switch from ZHA to Z2M.

3

I don’t understand. I looked at the literature on this device, and I don’t see anything about “open” or “closed.” It’s just a switch. On or Off. In HA, you can certainly change those words, but it is the same information; basically just a True or False.

I’ve found ZHA plenty functional for basic switches. I’ve heard Z2M is more functional for some devices, but there’s also value in keeping the HA system less complex to maintain.

4

As I wrote: This device has a few additional features.

One feature is “detached mode”. Normally, it acts as a relay: Switching it on/off will control the power of the connected light. With detached mode, the light will always be powered (for a smart bulb), and the switch can trigger custom actions.

This feature is not exposed with ZHA, but it is with Z2M.

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5

I ended up switching from ZHA to Z2M (Zigbee2MQTT):

  • I run 3 docker containers: Home Assistant, Mosquitto, Z2M
  • My USB Dongle is now exposed to Z2M
  • All my Zigbee devices are paired with Z2M

This now exposes the features I was missing for the Sonoff ZBMINIR2, e.g. the “Detached Relay Mode”. I have enabled that and created an automation that toggles my smart light when the physical (dumb) switch is toggled.

Now I can control my light using my bedside remote, the wall switch, and/or Home Assistant. The switch no longer cuts power to the light.

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6

Hi, can you also bind it with other zigbee lights?

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7

what is the trigger you are using for the automation?
i have Z2M also but when i turn on the detached relay no longer detects my dumb switch

8

This is exactly what I want to do with my ZBMini. I gave up trying to expose my dongle to Z2M (I just couldn’t get container to link to USB) and switched to ZHA.

So I cant keep the smart bulb alive with a dumb switch using ZHA? i.e if someone turns the dumb switch off, smart bulb will still be dead?

9

I feel like ZHA doenst support that mode yet (?). I’ve just installed my first R2 with the same reasons and failed to see any detached mode option, such as documented here for mqtt SONOFF ZBMINIR2 control via MQTT | Zigbee2MQTT