Hello everyone! I’m excited to share my recent project where I integrated ESPHome and Node-RED to control a network of water pumps. This setup has been a game-changer for managing my irrigation system efficiently. 
I have 20 water pumps, each controlled by a relay board managed by an ESP32 (NodeMCU-32S). Initially, I tried using MQTT over Node-RED, but the reliability wasn’t up to par—messages were delayed by ±30 seconds, causing all pumps to start simultaneously, which wasn’t ideal. 
After some brainstorming, I decided to push the delay time directly to the ESP32. This approach allows the ESP32 to handle the timing internally, ensuring precise control without relying on MQTT delays. 
Here’s a quick overview of my setup:
- ESPHome Configuration: I configured the ESP32 to handle each pump individually, with custom topics for each. This ensures scalability and easy management.
- Node-RED Dashboard: I created a dashboard for settings like output per minute, tank size, and recipes. It’s user-friendly and allows real-time adjustments.
- Functionality: The system calculates how long each pump should run to meet the desired output, then switches them off automatically after the delay.
I faced some challenges, like figuring out how to pass the delay time via MQTT, but the ESPHome documentation and community support were invaluable. 
This project has not only improved the efficiency of my irrigation system but also reduced manual intervention. It’s a testament to how powerful combining ESPHome and Node-RED can be! 
If anyone has questions or suggestions, I’d love to hear from you! Happy tinkering! 