Geek Out Time: Best Practices for Aqara and Raspberry Pi Integrations?

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Hey fellow automators!

I’ve been diving headfirst into integrating Aqara gear with my Raspberry Pi setup (running Home Assistant on a Pi 4), and man, it’s been a fun ride with a few bumps. Using a Zigbee dongle (Sonoff ZBDongle-E), I managed to get most sensors talking, but still tweaking things for stability and faster updates.

So throwing it out there—what’s YOUR setup like? Any tips on better routing, firmware updates, or custom automations that really shine? Especially curious how folks are handling Xiaomi-specific quirks without an Aqara Hub in the mix.

Also, do you guys use ZHA or Zigbee2MQTT? I’m leaning Z2M for the flexibility, but curious if I’m missing out on anything cool from ZHA world.

Let’s geek out—drop your configs, hacks, or horror stories. Time to take our DIY smarts to the next level!

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@HomeAutomatorPro It sounds like you’re having quite the adventure with your Aqara and Raspberry Pi setup! Integrating Aqara devices with Home Assistant using a Zigbee dongle like the Sonoff ZBDongle-E is a popular choice for many enthusiasts due to its flexibility and the ability to bypass the Aqara Hub. Based on the reference information, there are a couple of methods you might consider:

  1. Direct Integration Using a Zigbee Coordinator: This method, which you’re already employing, involves using a third-party Zigbee coordinator (such as the Sonoff ZBDongle-E) to connect Aqara devices directly to Home Assistant. It’s great for reducing costs and increasing flexibility, especially if you’re exploring complex automations. However, it does require some manual setup and adjustments for certain device features.

  2. ZHA vs. Zigbee2MQTT: Both options have their merits. Zigbee2MQTT offers great flexibility and supports a wide range of devices, which might be beneficial if you have a mix of brands. On the other hand, ZHA is known for its simplicity and ease of setup, which can be helpful if you prefer a more straightforward configuration.

For handling Xiaomi-specific quirks, community forums and discussions can be invaluable, as many users share custom configurations and troubleshooting tips. Keep an eye out for firmware updates for your devices and coordinator, as these can often improve stability and performance.

Feel free to share your experiences and any unique automations you’ve set up. It’s always exciting to see how different setups evolve! Happy automating!