Hello fellow smart home enthusiasts! I wanted to share my recent adventure in integrating Zigbee devices into my Home Assistant setup. For those who might not know, I’ve been experimenting with various smart home technologies, and Zigbee has always piqued my interest due to its reliability and low power consumption. My Setup I currently own two gateways: a wireless Tuya gateway controlling a few bulbs, LED strips, and wall light switches, and an IKEA Tradfri gateway that’s been sitting in its box. I recently decided to dive into Home Assistant, running it on my Synology DNS-343. I know that purchasing a USB Zigbee stick is a common solution, but I wondered if I could repurpose one of my existing hubs instead. The Quest Begins After some research, I came across mentions of hacking Guy’s Gateways to function as Zigbee radios. Intrigued, I wanted to see if this could work with my Tuya gateway. I also pondered whether the Tradfri gateway, which I hadn’t yet unboxed, could serve a similar purpose. Challenges and Learning The journey wasn’t without its bumps. I faced compatibility issues and had to tweak configurations, but each obstacle taught me something new. I discovered the importance of proper firmware versions and the nuances of integrating different protocols within Home Assistant. The Outcome After several attempts and a lot of trial and error, I managed to configure my Tuya gateway to act as a Zigbee radio without needing additional hardware! It’s been a fantastic way to repurpose existing equipment and save on costs. Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying to see everything working seamlessly together. Tips for Others - Research Thoroughly: Understanding your hardware’s capabilities is key. - Community Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to forums or communities for guidance. - Backup and Restore: Always ensure you have backups before making significant changes. This experience has only deepened my appreciation for the flexibility and customizability of Home Assistant. It’s a testament to the power of open-source communities and the creativity of their members. I’m excited to continue exploring and optimizing my setup! Happy smart home tinkering! ![]()