Exploring SmartThings Integration with Z-Wave and MQTT

As a homeowner passionate about automation, I’ve been diving into integrating various smart devices into my ecosystem. Recently, I’ve been experimenting with connecting my existing Nest thermostat to a new SmartThings hub. While I’ve come across some older posts suggesting compatibility issues, I’m curious if anyone has successfully integrated these devices with the latest SmartThings platform. Any insights or tips would be greatly appreciated!

Another area I’ve been exploring is MQTT integration with OpenHAB. Setting up MQTT for my smart lights has been a bit of a challenge, but I’m determined to crack it. I’ve managed to configure the MQTT binding and create some basic rules, but I’m struggling with sending commands to my devices. If anyone has a step-by-step guide or troubleshooting tips, I’d be thrilled to hear from you.

On the hardware side, I’ve been eyeing the Sonoff S31 Wi-Fi smart plug for its energy reporting features. However, I’m looking for a solution that doesn’t require a SmartThings hub. I’ve heard the Sonoff S31 can be integrated with IFTTT, but I’m wondering if there’s a way to bypass IFTTT and use native SmartThings routines directly. Any experiences or workarounds would be invaluable.

Lastly, I’ve been working on creating a presence-based lighting system using Homey. The idea is to have lights automatically turn on when motion is detected but revert to manual control when I’m asleep. While I’ve managed to set up basic flows, I’m struggling with the transition to manual control. If anyone has successfully implemented a similar setup, I’d love to learn how you approached it.

Overall, I’m excited about the possibilities smart home automation offers, and I’m eager to connect with others who share this enthusiasm. Let’s keep the discussion flowing and help each other overcome these challenges!