#First time HA user seeking recommendations around ZBT-2

1 messages · Page 1 of 1 (latest)

trail reef
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Recently set up HA as a docker container on my server, running smooth as glass so far. Trying to work out what protocols and devices I should be looking at.

Amidst all the posts I've seen on forums, the major takeaways I've gathered so far are:

  • Using a Zigbee or Thread hub is better than direct WiFi, prevents flooding WiFi with traffic
  • There are a lot of hubs, but a lot of issues with x hub only supporting y thing

The simplest solution I am picking up on so far would be to go ahead and get a HA ZBT-2 for a hub. Then, choose devices accordingly. I am primarily interested in lights right now, but motion sensors would be nice too. Also potentially interested in things like climate monitoring later, not right now but just don't want to close the door on that.

One critical requirement I have, I want to be able to unbox a light or a sensor, add it to HA, and have it be operable with only HA. If I have to install an app that isn't HA on my phone to do initial setup of a device, I consider that a failure.

Another constraint is that I am running HA as a docker container on an existing server, not a standalone OS install. I would like to avoid dealing with a VM or having to stand up another box if possible, hence the docker container approach. The consequence is I cannot install apps to HA, which means if I'm understanding this right, zero support for Matter devices since they require an app to be installed to HA to run a separate server. I may be willing to bend on this one if it is literally impossible to honor this.

That said, a few ideas I've seen so far that I am unsure about:

  • Aqara: Seems kind of promising for lights and motion sensors, but their specifications claim you must use their proprietary hub, other Zigbee hubs won't work. Unclear if this is true, or just scare tactics to get you to buy theirs.
  • Nanoleaf: Light bulbs which advertise support for Matter and Thread, I think Zigbee too? But I've seen conflicting reports, official docs suggesting these require HomeKit, others saying the new Matter ones do not.

Any recommendations on hardware brands which would compliment the HA ZBT-2 and meet the constraints I laid out here would be greatly appreciated.

stable palm
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I just installed an aqara contact sensor (door/window open thing) that said in marketing lies that it required aqara hub but paired and is working perfectly with HA alone (older HA Yellow with built in ZigBee is similar to using their zbt-2)

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I also have some ThirdReality bulbs and Inovelli switches that paired and work perfectly (TR is a works with HA partner, Inovelli is a MI, US based company that develops devices with community support)

trail reef
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Okay, that is inspiring, thanks! What integrations did you use for those? Just the exact ones matching the vendors? And no extra apps required? With my situation using HA in Docker, any issue not having the Matter server you think?

stable palm
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No apps, that is one of the points on my list to be acceptable.
The ZigBee lights, switches, and sensors just showed up to ZHA when powered on first time or manually reset to pairing mode.

The venstar thermostat (US, gas heat plus AC) I just hooked up today showed up in HA once I got it on my network (ssid is case-sensitive and defaults to capslock) and enabled local API.
Oh, I also have two Shelly plugs, again, once on WiFi, it just showed up as new device in HA

I specifically chose these devices/brands because of their reported easy of connecting and lack of need of any other apps

(Edit to fix spelling errors)

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Oh, the venstar one I pre-installed the venstar integration (when I ordered the device, to prepare for install)
Shelly integration was installed as part of setting up the first plug.
Same for iotawatt when HA found that device in the network

trail reef
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Okay, brilliant, thanks! I think I have some starting points now, appreciate it!