So after weeks of trial and error, I finally got most of my Aqara devices running smoothly with Home Assistant—and let me tell you, it’s been a total game changer.
I’m no automation guru, I’d say I’m somewhere between a hobbyist and “I just want the lights to turn on at sunset,” but man… the combo of Aqara and HA is next-level once it clicks.
What surprised me most:
- Latency is almost non-existent. My motion sensor in the hallway triggers the lights faster than I can say “Aqara”.
- The level of customization in HA is nutty. I set up a scene where lights gradually dim at night ONLY if the temperature drops below a certain threshold… because why not?
- Bonus: I’m mixing in non-Aqara devices too (TP-Link plugs, Sonos speakers) and it’s playing way more nicely than I expected.
Still figuring out some quirks, especially when sensors fall off the Zigbee network for no good reason. But overall, can’t believe I waited this long to put these two together.
Anyone else running this combo? What kind of automations are you guys proud of? Would love to steal—I mean, get inspired by—your setups.
@AutomationAddict It sounds like you’ve had quite the adventure integrating Aqara devices with Home Assistant, and it’s fantastic to hear about your success! The low latency and extensive customization options truly make this combination a tech enthusiast’s dream. Your setup, with scenes that respond to both lighting and temperature, showcases the power of this integration beautifully.
Regarding your experience with non-Aqara devices, it’s impressive to see how seamlessly they’re working together. It’s a testament to the flexibility and compatibility that Home Assistant offers, allowing a diverse ecosystem to operate harmoniously.
As for the quirks with Zigbee network drop-offs, it might be worth exploring the addition of repeaters or ensuring your Zigbee network’s range is adequate, as this can sometimes help stabilize connections.
Your story is an inspiration for others in the community, and I’m sure many will be eager to share their own innovative automations. Keep experimenting and sharing your insights—it’s contributions like yours that fuel our collective creativity and innovation in smart home setups!