Home Assistant : Q&A, Tips & Tricks, Your Configs

I like to start working on my own HA setup and would like to know which videos are recommended to learn more about HA?

Can I use any RPI for running the server? Any limitations I need to know about?
 
I like to start working on my own HA setup and would like to know which videos are recommended to learn more about HA?

Can I use any RPI for running the server? Any limitations I need to know about?
RPI is a good start, old pc can also work. You can start by searching YouTube; there are many helpful vids to get started. Have a look at the more recent ones (last 12 months or so) - the HA layout has changed over the years and searching for menus, etc. can be off-putting.
 
RPI is a good start, old pc can also work. You can start by searching YouTube; there are many helpful vids to get started. Have a look at the more recent ones (last 12 months or so) - the HA layout has changed over the years and searching for menus, etc. can be off-putting.
Yup older guides and screenshots can be a nightmare because certain things have been renamed and now you can't find what they are referring to.
 
Anyone found any smart valves that work on 20mm irrigation pipes? I currently have some manual valves installed but want to try automating it. Most smart valves I have found are either for the tap connection or house supply.
 
Anyone found any smart valves that work on 20mm irrigation pipes? I currently have some manual valves installed but want to try automating it. Most smart valves I have found are either for the tap connection or house supply.

Some DIY'ing will be required.

For the plumbing, you could use any Hunter/Rain Bird solenoid with some 25mm to 20mm reducers.

Then to smartify, you could use a controller like the one Dr Z. mentioned above.
If you're up for a tinker, you could go the ESP32 with some relays route. The wiring is straightforward and the ESPHome Sprinkler code can do pretty anything you need it to

I have ESP code ready should the day come when my ( now ridiculously overpriced ) Hunter Hydrawise controller releases the magic blue smoke. The code even has a flashy RGB LED ! But that's not strictly necessary of course :)
 
Not sure if someone could make use of this but it seems like a great deal:
 
Some DIY'ing will be required.

For the plumbing, you could use any Hunter/Rain Bird solenoid with some 25mm to 20mm reducers.

Then to smartify, you could use a controller like the one Dr Z. mentioned above.
If you're up for a tinker, you could go the ESP32 with some relays route. The wiring is straightforward and the ESPHome Sprinkler code can do pretty anything you need it to

I have ESP code ready should the day come when my ( now ridiculously overpriced ) Hunter Hydrawise controller releases the magic blue smoke. The code even has a flashy RGB LED ! But that's not strictly necessary of course :)
Yup looks like DIY is required. I already use Sonoff 4CH relays to control the irrigation zones, but along one zone I have varied irrigation needs for the various sections.

I also want to avoid running power to it so need to see if a mini solar panel and battery can power the relay
 
Anyone that has managed to natively integrate their aircon into HA and can recommend the most compatible brand.

Ideally want to avoid needing esp32 type controllers.
 
Anyone that has managed to natively integrate their aircon into HA and can recommend the most compatible brand.

Ideally want to avoid needing esp32 type controllers.

Mine are Tuya based aircons so I use that integration. Works ok, some features for some reason don’t work (changing fan speed etc)

I’ve seen some Daikin and Midea aircons working with their native integrations - I think @Tinuva has a Midea
 
Mine are Tuya based aircons so I use that integration. Works ok, some features for some reason don’t work (changing fan speed etc)

I’ve seen some Daikin and Midea aircons working with their native integrations - I think @Tinuva has a Midea
Ive got a Midea Breezeless in one room. Haven't got around to trying to integrate it. Likely going to stick with Midea unless there is a brand that integrates easier.

I really just want to have the ability to turn on / off only. Servers are cooking in this heat.
 
Anyone that has managed to natively integrate their aircon into HA and can recommend the most compatible brand.

Ideally want to avoid needing esp32 type controllers.

Have Midea ones and work pretty well. The one integration was stopped being maintained which required a copy of the previous repo but seen another one pop up. Both can run locally
 
Ive got a Midea Breezeless in one room. Haven't got around to trying to integrate it. Likely going to stick with Midea unless there is a brand that integrates easier.

I really just want to have the ability to turn on / off only. Servers are cooking in this heat.
Midea brand is what most people use with Home Assistant, or any of the brands that basically use Midea components.

You get far more control than just on/off. In fact, you can change the mode, temperature, led on/off, etc.

See: https://github.com/mill1000/midea-ac-py

Midea is an OEM for many brands including: AirCon, Alpine Home Air, Artel, Beko, Canair, Carrier, Century, Comfee, Electrolux, Friedrich, Galactic, Goodman, Hualing, Idea, Inventor, Kaisai, Kenmore, Klimaire, Lennox, LG, Mitsui, Mr. Cool, Neoclima, Olimpia Splendid, Pioneer, Pridiom, QLIMA, Qzen, Rotenso, Royal Clima, Samsung, Senville, Thermocore, Toshiba, Trane and more.


ps. That is the exact integration I use and it is still maintained. You can see, last commit less than a day ago.
 
Anyone that has managed to natively integrate their aircon into HA and can recommend the most compatible brand.

Ideally want to avoid needing esp32 type controllers.
I'm using Midea, specifically the R32 ones. They are supower power efficient and works locally (without internet connection) hacs integration.
1737539658151.png 1737539721729.png

Graph is from yesterday, had AC set to 21C, with the door semi open (for the dog). I think Daikin should also work, but haven't tested myself yet.
I bought it off AC Direct.
 
Midea brand is what most people use with Home Assistant, or any of the brands that basically use Midea components.

You get far more control than just on/off. In fact, you can change the mode, temperature, led on/off, etc.

See: https://github.com/mill1000/midea-ac-py




ps. That is the exact integration I use and it is still maintained. You can see, last commit less than a day ago.

The turn off led feature being the biggest win
 
Midea brand is what most people use with Home Assistant, or any of the brands that basically use Midea components.

You get far more control than just on/off. In fact, you can change the mode, temperature, led on/off, etc.

See: https://github.com/mill1000/midea-ac-py




ps. That is the exact integration I use and it is still maintained. You can see, last commit less than a day ago.

Just to confirm other brands. I'm using Carrier with the Midea integration.
 
shout out to @SmartPad

I ordered a zigbee plug from the store yesterday and it got delivered today.
1736167153443-png.1785714


I just happend to see his posts on converting to tasmota https://mybroadband.co.za/forum/thr...be-flashed-with-tasmota.1075323/post-33566801 and saw he is also selling zigbee plugs
Hey @ItherNiT,

How did the Zigbee plug work for you?

We personally love these plugs and find them as a great way to extend your Zigbee network. We would love any feedback that you might have for us.
 
Hey @ItherNiT,

How did the Zigbee plug work for you?

We personally love these plugs and find them as a great way to extend your Zigbee network. We would love any feedback that you might have for us.
Its working great, I'm using it to send notification to my phone when ever the washing machine is done.
I like them more than the brazil zigbee plugs that I've been using, I no longer need to upgrade my appliances to the new 3pin plugs :D

It replaced my last tuya/cloud dependant plug.
 
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