I want to begin converting parts of my home to be automated, but am overwhelmed by the number of options. After the AWS outage recently, it made me conclude that if I want to have local automations, I should make sure that I do not have to rely on cloud services for initial setup as well. Currently I have a Ring system for security, but other than that I want assosciated plugs, thermostats, etc to be completely local. Ideally any devices would all play together well with Home Assistant. Any assistance/direction would be appreciated.
#Entirely Local Device Recommendations
paper cargo
dusty nova
I want to begin converting parts of my home to be automated, but am overwhelmed ...
for security/cameras stuff reolink/ubiquiti stuff can be totally offline.
for plugs/relays you can look at shelly which can be totally offline.
also you can look for devices (or make them) that run opensource like ESPHome (or Tasmota)
maybe worth listing the devices you want to replace and perhaps people can help you work through it.
unkempt trellis
Zigbee or ZWave or Matter over Thread devices are generally well integrated for local control.
IKEA make good quality Zigbee devices at reasonable prices, otherwise Alibaba/etc sell cheap ones but the reliability might be lacking.
Shelly is another quality and reasonably priced brand for smart electrification (e.g. sockets, fans, garages, etc)
dusty nova
also deciding what protocols you want to use is a big thing e.g. wifi/zigbee/zwave
paper cargo
So I am ok with the Ring for security as I use the cellular backup and manage multiple locations. I am not set with a proticol at this minute as beside the Ring that is the exception to the rule. I am presuming zigbee/zwave/matter are likely the best contenders right now
I have looked at shelly a bit, seems definitely promising, a little pricey though, but if they are reliable then that can be overlooked.
Unfortunately I don't live near a Ikea or else I would likely pick up some of their stuff. I am in USA if it matters as well.
dusty nova
shelly is really solid and they work with the project directly for compatibility. their gen4 range can be used in zigbee mode instead of wifi if you prefer that. and they also have zwave versions of a a bunch of their devices if you want to go that direction.
they are in general not that much more expensive (although zwave stuff does have a higher price tag) then other reliable options. but there is definetly a good element of trust with them.
paper cargo
shelly is really solid and they work with the project directly for compatibility...
I will have to take a closer look at their options at their website. Was looking on amazon and realized the options were more limited. My primary target right now is to automate grow lights and try and automate heating in a external garage with space heaters. I think for the grow lights that should be easy enough with just setting timers. The garage one I would probably try and tie to a temperature sensor somehow. My concern is that there may be trouble with signal penetration through two insulated walls seperated by 10 or so feet, so I would probably nedd a signal extender of some kind.
tender shadow
shelly is europeean and certified, also
which is nice for the peace of mind, given a proper electrical installation
gritty tree
having choice between zigbee or wifi, always choose zigbee. If you're looking for a camera i can advice Reolink, running fully locally without issues and perfectly integrated in to HA (except 2-way audio) If you are near an IKEA, they have cheap yet good zigbee stuff like powerplugs, remotecontrols etc.
ah just read you are not near IKEA..
dusty nova
having choice between zigbee or wifi, always choose zigbee. If you're looking fo...
(except 2-way audio)
lol someone saw the chaos unfold recently...
tender shadow
having choice between zigbee or wifi, always choose zigbee. If you're looking fo...
i'm having a lot of instability with zigbee though
much more fragile setup than wifi in my experience (stick must be usb2 not 3, not near wifi router, carefully chosen channel, etc)
gritty tree
Have to admit, had some faillures at start with a alibahbah zigbee dongle for a few bucks, but recently upgraded to the SLZB-06 wich can be PoE'd, i did not have any issues. It depends on wifi channel overlapping zigbee, network range between devices etc.
dusty nova
much more fragile setup than wifi in my experience (stick must be usb2 not 3, no...
some devices getting fussy over usb2/usb3 is a pain but not exclusive to zigbee. as for antenna/channel issues. yeah its probably gunna depend on where you are but the whole 2.4ghz spectrum is a bit of a mess these days.
gritty tree
no wifi no control against the full local control with zigbee
dusty nova
I am planning to add zigbee to my setup soon™ I may or may not be awaiting the release of a new coordinator which may or may not be coming soon...
unkempt trellis
Unfortunately I don't live near a Ikea or else I would likely pick up some of th...
In Europe IKEA does delivery, maybe worth checking if that is an option?
misty pawn
I am planning to add zigbee to my setup soon™ I may or may not be awaiting the r...
The ZigBee coordinator SLZB-06 is a great, reliable and cheap option 🙂
And totally agree with Ikea ZigBee and Shelly devices
paper cargo
Looks like shelly's website is out of the zigbee plugs right now, only wifi and zwave. Probably will pick up a standard wifi one from amazon then to see how they work then to test