I’ve been experimenting with Bluetooth beacons to create a more reliable garage automation system, and I’d love to share my experience and tips with the community.
After struggling with inconsistent geofencing for my partner’s car, I decided to explore alternative solutions. I came across the idea of using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons paired with a Shelly Plus 1 device. The goal was to trigger the garage door opener accurately when the car approaches or moves away from the garage.
Here’s how I set it up:
-
Hardware Setup: I installed a Feasycom BLE beacon in my partner’s car. The beacon emits a signal that can be detected by the Shelly Plus 1, which I placed near the garage door.
-
Home Assistant Configuration: I configured Home Assistant to detect the BLE beacon using the
bluetooth_le_trackerintegration. This allows me to monitor the proximity of the car in real-time. -
Automation Rules: I created an automation rule that triggers the garage door opener when the beacon is detected within a 40-meter range. The rule also includes a delay to prevent false triggers due to brief signal losses.
-
Testing and Fine-Tuning: I tested the system extensively under different conditions, such as varying distances and signal obstructions. The results have been impressive—no more missed triggers or false activations!
This setup has significantly improved the reliability of my garage automation. I’d love to hear if others have tried similar solutions or have additional tips to share. Happy automating! 