So I've been running Zigbee and Z-Wave for years without any problems. [63 devices]
I'm looking at adding Matter over thread capability using a Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24 and asking my self why? Why do I need it? What does it give me that I can't get otherwise? How will it make my HA setup better? Serious questions .
#Matter over Thread ???
sudden shale
muted knot
So I've been running Zigbee and Z-Wave for years without any problems. [63 devic...
Do you have a specific requirement for it? For a specific device or something?
If you don't have a direct need for it and can do everything you need with your current setup, Then I wouldn't bother adding it.
sudden shale
No I don't... I tried searching for something that is only available as Matter over Thread, and couldn't find anything. As I understand it, it's not event better on power use for battery powered sensors. I'm going to set up one power monitoring outlet to play with it. I set up the coordinator, OTBR, and Matter server . Bottom line, I'm not seeing the "Big Deal" if there is one
muted knot
No I don't... I tried searching for something that is only available as Matter ...
Cool, Setting up a device to play with it as en experiment is fine. But people tend to end up having a bunch of problems with it so I don't really see the appeal of it.
There is a theory that the "Big Deal" as seen by some companies making stuff for it is that Apple put thread radios in some of their devices. So everyone shit themselves with excitement thinking that this technology which has a bunch of problems is going to be the next thing that the Apple fanboys waste money on.
sudden shale
I thought I should play around with it to get familiar . It seems like a technical kluge with a lot of moving parts that are guaranteed to create problems. IMHO, nothing bleats Z-Wave running at ~915 Mhz for reliability and simplicity. Zigbee is good too, I haven't had any problems with "losing" sensors. I have created some of my own specialized Zigbee sensors using ESP32-C6 and H2. I've been running Z-Wave starting on Samsung SmartThings at least ten years ago. Migrated those devices to HA on Yellow with Z-Wave addon board, then again to a N-100 using the Z-Wave Me Z-Station and all still work perfectly
sudden shale
The Z-Station is no longer being made. That's really too bad, It's a great combo Zigbee+Z-Wave device and has been working perfectly. If it fails, or somehow becomes incompatible with future Z-Wave or Zigbee stack, I'll likely move to Sonoff PZG23 and a Sonoff MG24 . I will never use the ugly, awkward ZBT-2 or ZWA-2 that can't be wall mounted. Or perhaps Sonoff will create a similar dual protocol device
muted knot
The Z-Station is no longer being made. That's really too bad, It's a great combo...
You could 3d print a wall bracket for them if you wanted 😛
sudden shale
They're large and ugly; that will never be an option for me. Dumbest design ever
muted knot
They're large and ugly; that will never be an option for me. Dumbest design eve...
They are designed to be the most ideal antennas they can be so there are some trade offs.
sudden shale
I've been involved with RF design, creating low power FCC part-15 radio firmware , You don't need dildo antennas for good performance
The Z-Station uses conventional slim OTS antennas that fold so it can be table mounted or wall mounted; works perfectly. The slight extra gain from the dildo antenna really doesn't make any difference indoors where multipath and local electromagnetic and RF interference dominate. Dumbest radio design ever
muted knot
The Z-Station uses conventional slim OTS antennas that fold so it can be table ...
I kinda like the design personally, I kinda see where you are coming from but I disagree with your conclusions.
In any case, Hopefully I helped with the original question.