Exploring Xiaomi Smart Bulbs with HE: A Seamless Integration Journey

General
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Hi all, I wanted to share my recent experience integrating a Xiaomi Mi Home LED WiFi RGB Smart Light Bulb into my Hubitat Ecosystem (HE). While I’m still getting the hang of things, I thought I’d walk through my process in case it helps others or sparks some discussion.

The Setup
I decided to try out the Xiaomi bulb after hearing great things about its affordability and versatility. I picked one up locally for under NZ$30, which felt like a steal given its features. The goal was to see if it could integrate smoothly with my existing HE setup.

Integration Process
I opted to use the Yeelight integration within HE, even though the bulb is technically a Xiaomi product. Here’s what I did:

  1. Discovery: I first located the bulb in the Yeelight app on my phone. It showed up as a ‘Mi Led Smart Bulb’, which was a good sign.
  2. LAN Control: I enabled LAN control in the Yeelight app—a step I read was crucial for direct communication without relying on the cloud.
  3. HE Integration: I then searched for the bulb within HE’s Yeelight integration. It popped up almost immediately, confirming that the MAC address matched the expected Xiaomi OUI.

Testing the Waters
Once integrated, I did some basic tests:

  • Color Changes: I cycled through different colors to ensure the bulb responded.
  • On/Off Toggle: Verified that the bulb could be turned on and off remotely.

So far, everything worked like a charm! I’m impressed by how straightforward the process was, especially considering it’s a Xiaomi product working seamlessly within the Yeelight ecosystem.

Cost-Effectiveness
At under NZ$30, these bulbs are an economical option for adding smart lighting without breaking the bank. Plus, the ability to control them via HE means they fit right into my existing smart home setup.

Questions & Thoughts
While I’m happy with the integration, I wonder if there are any potential drawbacks I should be aware of. For example:

  • Compatibility: Are there any specific scenarios where the Xiaomi bulb might not behave as expected within HE?
  • Future-proofing: With so many smart lighting options out there, is this a good long-term choice, or should I consider other brands for better ecosystem integration?

I’d love to hear others’ experiences with integrating Xiaomi bulbs into their HE setups. Have you encountered any quirks or issues? Any tips for optimizing performance?

Thanks for reading, and happy integrating! :rocket: