Proposal for a few smart devices for a good start (integration with HA)

Buying smart devices for a good start.


Hello all, I would like to purchase some basic devices for the purpose of apprenticeship and testing the possibilities in HA.

Please recommend a few models of the indicated smart devices to automate basic things at home (purchase will be domestic or via Aliexpres)

From my requirements integration with Home Asistant, possibility to free from the cloud
through reprogramming (Tasmota) or other alternative support.


- panel - thermometer (internal - external) , or thermometer with controller (later integration with the head of the radiator)
- water flow control head (radiator) -- later integration with the above-mentioned thermometer
- 230VAC switch (plug-in adapter)
- flush-mounted box with relay for lighting control
- servo to control an internal roller shutter on a "chain".





Alternatively, I would listen to interesting suggestions as to what else might be useful for educational purposes.



Regards

Hi.
Will you be using a Zigbee coordinator?
Interesting and basic things include for sure e.g. dimmers and can switches (e.g. avatto) and zigbee remote - you can set yourself scenes depending on the time of day with one click e.g. lights in the evening at 60% power during the day as needed at 100%.
It all depends on what you have at home and what you would like to automate or control from your smartphone/tablet/computer.
You can also play around with esp32 - it works great with HA (wi-fi) and create your own modules for your current devices (this is how I converted an older air purifier, rgbw to wled tape lighting, air quality sensor or gesture sensor for touchless switching of led tape in the kitchen).
I have now been using relays for six months from avatto (aliexpress and often from promos) and have had no problems.
You can write what else is on your mind then maybe we can advise something.
Living in a block of flats, I have a small flood sensor everywhere at the water supply (toilet, sink, sink, dishwasher).

Welcome,

Of the devices I am interested in, these are the basic components to dry test the automation system. I will then slowly implement this realistically in my home.

Mainly:

- CO furnace control + radiator surround (heat pump in future)
- external and internal roller shutters
- lighting
- irrigation
- video surveillance
etc.


I am rather interested in smartphone integration without additional remote controls.

Of course, once I have familiarised myself with the hardware, I plan to modify or perhaps create my own controls in the future, but for the time being, ready-made + modules from ali are sufficient.

If necessary, I can purchase a gateway to communicate with zigbee devices, etc. (but the priority is to make it work with the loco). (but the priority is to make it work locally on the LAN and not overload the WiiFii)

I plan to automate the control by using add-ons on HA
(Red Node etc).



Greetings

You don't have to be so "Welcoming" anymore . .

AoT_Hunter_PL wrote:

basic elements for dry testing the automation system

.
I don't really understand this "dry" if we want to test the automation and any module in our smart home then we need to include it.

AoT_Hunter_PL wrote:

Yes if need be I can purchase some sort of overarching gateway to communicate with zigbee devices etc. (but the priority is to make it run locally on the LAN and not overload the WiiFii)

.
Well the need will be when controlling at least the lighting, we have a choice of communication via Wi-Fi protocol, Zigbee and increasingly rare 'RF' communication. Communication via LAN can be to a zigbee gateway/coordinator. All currently available modules and smart devices have communication via Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/Zigbee.
HA needs to be set up on a virtual machine or on a machine recommended by the developers, with internet access (software update and devices running in the cloud).

I will send you models of smart devices for HA that I personally own, use and can recommend in good conscience.

Thanks to

I already started the game some time ago because on board the host , there will be a couple of other servers actually already there.

Some things will be tested proverbially "on the desk". , a few of them will definitely end up in the elements that I will want to automate.

Well, that's all clear .
As for the coordinator, a good choice is the "SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus-P" - available on Ali just look when selecting for the shopping cart if it's really this one - cost about 100PLN.
The LAN version has also "caught my eye" somewhere. Remember that in devices like sensors, battery-powered devices those on wi-fi will need frequent battery changes.

1. temperature and humidity sensor with display (zigbee or wifi version) I use this one:
Link .
There are also cheaper ones, and a sonoff version:
Link

2. 3-phase electricity consumption meter - Voltage, instantaneous consumption, daily consumption etc.etc. (only works for me via m2qqt)
Link

4.Dimer for the Avatto can
Link .

5. relay for Avatto box (there is a version without neutral and with neutral in my case there are switches with illumination so the version with neutral wire)
Link .

Flood sensor (there are also versions with audible alarm)
Link

7. smoke sensor (I do not recommend this model, in my case it drains the battery quite quickly) .
Link .

8.Avatto thermostatic head
Link .

Generally under the Avatto brand on Ali there is quite a lot of equipment including controllers for heating (for the cooker rather than the cooker), ir/rf remote controls and sensors. I what I have it has been trouble free for 9 months without complaint.

As for the roller shutters, from this brand it is only the wi-fi version Link .
If you punch in the phrase "zigbee roller shutter controller" into Ali, lots of it will pop up.

You don't want remotes ok, but a multifunctional one from LoraTap where you can have 3 devices or functions or scenes under one button is more practical than reaching for your phone . I have these remotes stashed everywhere and use them more often than a tablet or smartphone.

Thanks for the sample materials, I'll check it out.

There is a small wall-mounted smart temperature controller for heating on the market (but not as a thermostat - it does not need a built-in relay, 230VAC power supply from a flush-mounted box). I would prefer a simple battery-operated device with up , down control , displayed current , set temperature.


Regards

There are some of these but they are radio included with the main thermostat. I haven't seen any like the ones you describe, more smart control panels (usually a touch-up panel with a colour display that connects to the HA).

sobel23 wrote:

Avatto thermostatic head
Link

Twitter head.
Do you know how this head performs against those from tuya?
I'm thinking of another one like the one below, but on a zibee.

https://pl.aliexpress.com/item/10050055998184...%3ApcDetailTopMoreOtherSeller%7Cquery_from%3A

Jericho24 wrote:

How does this head perform against those from tuya?

.
Tuya is a platform and not a brand that produces smart home devices . As for the differences, advantages and disadvantages you will find a comparison on the internet I personally can not compare because I have not had the latter in my hands .