DIY Tuya Smoke Detector Integration Success! 🚀

General
1

Hey everyone, I wanted to share my recent success with integrating a Tuya smoke detector into my Home Assistant setup! :star2: I came across these affordable smoke detectors on AliExpress and decided to give them a try, even though I knew the Tuya integration in HA doesn’t natively support them. Here’s how I made it work:

The Challenge
Initially, I faced the same issue as many others—HA couldn’t communicate with the Tuya smoke detectors. I did some research and found that flashing them with custom firmware was the way to go. I decided to go with Tasmota and ESPHome since they’re both well-supported in the community.

The Process

  1. Flashing the Firmware: I used the Tuya-Convert tool to flash the devices with Tasmota. The process was a bit nerve-wracking, but it worked perfectly! I then downgraded to Tasmota-Minimal to save space and resources.
  2. Configuring ESPHome: Next, I set up ESPHome with a custom configuration to handle the smoke detector’s UART communication. I created a detailed config file that included binary sensors for status and text sensors for firmware version tracking.
  3. Testing and Tweaks: After setting everything up, I tested the device extensively. It now reliably connects to my WiFi and updates its status in HA. The best part? It even triggers automations when I press the test button!

The Outcome
While I still can’t get battery level updates (a minor hiccup), the detector is fully functional and integrates seamlessly with my setup. It’s a huge win for my home security!

Why I Did It
I wanted to highlight this project because it’s a testament to the power of the DIY community. With a bit of research and some trial and error, I was able to turn an unsupported device into a fully functional part of my smart home. It’s incredibly rewarding!

Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to save some cash on smart devices, don’t shy away from DIY projects like this. Just make sure you’re comfortable with flashing firmware and tweaking configurations. The HA community is amazing, and there’s always someone willing to help if you get stuck.

Thanks for reading, and happy automating! :rocket: