HARDWARE: USB to Serial

HARDWARE: USB TO SERIAL

Some of the hardware I use (and going to use at my Smart Home) require firmware modification. The usual way it OTA (Over-the-air) and can be done in pure software manner, hoever, some require flashing of the firmware.

Most of the equipment has on-board serial (RS-232) connector so I can easily connect to it and flash it's software. To do so I need serial-2-usb dongle as I do not have any serial interface on my laptop.

After short research I decided to go with simple usb2ser interface: USB TO TTL. This allows to use either 3.3V or 5V (be careful, setting this incorrectly can destroy the hardware you are trying to modify). The cost is super low - no more than few euros on Amazon or other portal.

To make my life easier I soldered wires to the pins so I can use them in much more flexible way later.

Another equipment is usb-extension cord and - obviously - soldering station.

LINKS AND EXTERNAL RESOURCES

• USB-TO-TTL
• Soldering station

Hardware: BLUETOOTH DONGLE

 

HARDWARE: BLUETOOTH HUB

Some of the devices at my home are bluetooth so I also need the bluetooth dongle. As there is no bug deal with it I decided to go with Baseus model mini-bt4, however in few days I replace it with same make, newer model 5.0 (BA-04). Older model (4.0) was working flawlesly so far. Price is really low - around 6€.

The device landed in the USB hub I wrote about in the previous post.

The configuration and integration will be described once we have the system up and running.

Baseus BA-04 

Hardware: ZIGBEE DONGLE

HARDWARE: ZIGBEE HUB

Another protocol (or basically the standard) that I use in my Smart Home is zigbee. It is widely used, for example, in the Philips Hue ecosystem. I offer, like z-wave, a mesh network (i.e. each device is also a network extender) and quite a good range at 868MHz, 915MHZ and 2.4GHz.

The first idea with this protocol was to plug and integrate all zigbee devices into the Philips Hue gateway that I use. Unfortunately, it was not a good idea - not all devices could be added (e.g. gas sensor) and some, despite adding to the network and proper communication, were not visible (e.g. IKEA remotes). 

To solve this problem, I decided to separate the Hue system from the rest of the zigbee network. I left the lights and remotes and the Philips motion sensor on the Hue bridge (more on this in the post) and the rest: IKEA remotes, Heiman sensors and the rest I connected to a separate zigbee gate.

I found a lot of possibilities on the Internet, but I focused on compatibility with the Home Assistant. After a short research, I decided to use the Dresden Electronics Conbee2 hub.

The choice was based on compatibility with Home Assistant and previous experiences with Dresden Electronik equipment. Additionally - it can work locally and does not need a cloud to operate. The price is quite decent - now you can buy less than 50€.

The device landed in the USB hub I wrote about in the previous post.

The configuration and integration will be described once we have the system up and running.

LINKS AND EXTERNAL RESOURCES

• Conbee2
• Zigbee protocol

Hardware: Z-WAVE DONGLE

EQUIPMENT: HUB Z-WAVE

One of the protocols that is used in my ecosystem is z-wave. After several years of experience, I can confirm that it is very stable and capable. Creating a mesh network is especially useful - it means that each device connected to the z-wave network is a transmitter and a receiver for others. This allows for a significant increase in the range of communication.

This protocol is also used by other systems that I have in my home Smart-Home - an example is Fibaro. However, I decided to use an additional hub: despite the possibility of connecting virtually any devices to the Fibaro control panel, I noticed that not all functionalities are supported (or their activation requires a lot of work).

After a short research, I decided to go with the Aeotec Gen5 + hub.

The choice was justified by nice functionalities: own battery power supply and S2 security support (more on this in a separate post). The price is quite decent - now you can buy less than PLN 45€.

I have been using it for about 2 years and it has never caused any problems.

The device landed in the USB hub I wrote about in the previous post.

The configuration and integration will be described once we have the system up and running.

LINKS AND EXTERNAL RESOURCES

• Aeotec Gen5 +
• Z-wave protocol

Hardware: USB Hub

I needed a USB hub to connect additional devices. It should provide additional power (i.e. it must be of the active type). Due to the fact that I have USB3 on the NAS, I also wanted to decide on one.

My first choice was LogiLink model UA0149. It looks really pro, has a metal casing and mounting holes. Additionally, when mounted on the wall, placing the dongle will ensure good RF range.

Provides 4 USB 3.0 ports and additional power. Unfortunately, the distance between the ports turned out to be too small and I couldn't plug in all the USB dongs.

The next choice was also Logilink ad different model UA0112A: 

Like the previous model, it provides 4 ports and power. The spaces between the USB ports are sufficient here to connect all dongle.

This is the model I have chosen. I connected it to the NAS via the USB3 port.

LINKS AND EXTERNAL RESOURCES

• Logilink UA0112A
• Logilink UA0149

Again: I do not throw in links to the promotion (although I recommend it - you can save a lot) because it is constantly changing.