Hello everyone, I wanted to share a project I recently completed using a WeMos D1 Mini PRO with a DS18B20 temperature probe to monitor my pool temperature in Home Assistant. As someone relatively new to the world of home automation, this project was both challenging and rewarding, and I thought I’d document my experience in case it helps others.
The Setup
I decided to go with the WeMos D1 Mini PRO for several reasons: its compact size, built-in WiFi capabilities, and the ability to extend its signal with an external antenna. Since my pool is about 50 feet away from my house, the antenna was particularly useful. I paired it with a DS18B20 temperature probe from DROK, which came with a 3-meter cable—perfect for my needs!
The Process
- Hardware Setup: I soldered the necessary components (including a 4.7k resistor) onto a small PCB and mounted everything inside a project box. This not only protected the components but also made the setup look professional.
- Software Configuration: I flashed the D1 Mini PRO with Tasmota, which I found to be user-friendly and highly customizable. Using the Arduino IDE, I set up the device with my WiFi network credentials and configured it to connect to my Home Assistant instance via MQTT.
- Testing: Before finalizing, I tested the setup on a breadboard to ensure everything was working as expected. The temperature readings were accurate, and the device communicated seamlessly with my Home Assistant setup.
Challenges and Solutions
One hiccup I encountered was figuring out the correct wiring for the DS18B20 probe. Initially, I connected the wires incorrectly, but after some trial and error (and a quick check of the Amazon product reviews), I got it sorted out. I also recommend using MQTT Lens to verify the MQTT messages if you’re unsure about the configuration.
Final Thoughts
After a few days of testing, the system has been running flawlessly. It’s incredibly satisfying to see the pool temperature update in real-time on my Home Assistant dashboard. This project not only gave me a better understanding of how to integrate IoT devices into my home automation setup but also opened my eyes to the potential of using ESP8266-based devices for various projects.
If anyone has questions or needs help replicating this setup, feel free to reach out! I’d be happy to assist.
Cheers,
[Your Name]