I recently faced a significant challenge with my Shelly Plus Uni device, which I use to control my greenhouse heater. The device’s signal quality was consistently poor, making it unreliable for automation tasks. After extensive troubleshooting, I discovered that the issue stemmed from the device’s antenna and its placement within the greenhouse.
Initially, I tried various solutions, including directional antennas and longer cables, but these attempts either worsened the signal or had no effect. Eventually, I moved the device closer to my router, which provided some stability, but the ‘uptime’ plot in Home Assistant still showed occasional connectivity gaps.
Seeking a more permanent solution, I consulted a professional antenna designer who suggested modifying the antenna setup. By adding a small piece of aluminum flashing behind the antenna and mounting it on a foam pad, I achieved a significant improvement in signal strength. This hack effectively shaped the signal and addressed impedance issues, resulting in more reliable connectivity.
The RSSI values after the modification showed a marked improvement, with readings ranging from -70 to -65, compared to the previous inconsistent and weaker signals. This adjustment has been a game-changer, ensuring that my greenhouse automation runs smoothly without unexpected failures.
I hope this experience helps others facing similar issues with their Shelly devices. It’s a testament to the importance of understanding hardware limitations and being creative in finding solutions. Happy hacking!