Heyho,

as I will soon move into my first “own” apartment (have lived in shared apartments so far), I would like to set up some smart home devices. Primarily lights, but I am open to other ideas.

Looking into the topic I noticed that basically all cloudless setups need a server - often they use a Raspberry Pie, a low energy protocol - like Zigbee or Thread, and a managing software like Home Assistant or openHAB.

Currently, I think about using the Raspberry Pie 5 (should also be helpful for other projects such as Immich) together with some kind of USB to connect to the Thread network (guess there is something similar like conbee2 for Zigbee) and openHAB as the software for greater customization. While openHAB is probably overkill, as a computer scientist I think I might enjoy the greater customization options.

So my question: Are there any good tutorials for this setup? While I knew of Zigbee before this project, I wasn’t aware of Thread and am just looking into it. I don’t feel comfortable yet to double down on it without learning more on possible ways to connect Thread to openHAB on a Raspberry Pie.

Thanks in advance!

  • dakoriki@sopuli.xyzEnglish
    0·
    2 months ago

    I can say some zigbee plugs have terrible/problematic antennas. I had a situation where:

    Plug A <------> Plug B <-> Plug C, where B would have connetion issues but

    Plug A <------> Plug C <-> Plug B would be solid

    It maybe be that my selected zigbee band is not optimal for every device I use. That could also effect the range/signal strength

    • Shimitar@downonthestreet.euEnglish
      0·
      2 months ago

      I have the same experience. 5he worst ones are the cheap ones from aliexress. I think some of them generate lots of interference maybe by sending energy consumption updates too often