Integrating multiple brands in my smart home has been an exciting journey! 
I’ve always been fascinated by how different devices can work together seamlessly, and I’m thrilled to share my experiences with you.
Starting with Shelly devices, I’ve found them to be incredibly versatile. From controlling curtains with a Shelly 2.5 to managing energy usage with the Shelly 1, they’ve proven to be reliable workhorses. However, I encountered a minor hiccup with the Shelly 1PM after a firmware update, which led me to explore the latest adapter versions for my ioBroker setup. Thankfully, the community support was amazing, and I got everything sorted out! 
One of the most satisfying projects was setting up a Zigbee network using an IKEA Tradfri gateway and a Zigbee USB stick. It was a bit of a challenge to merge two separate networks, but with some research and patience, I managed to extend the range of my LUMI door sensors by utilizing the IKEA bulbs as repeaters. This not only enhanced reliability but also added a layer of redundancy to my system. 
I also experimented with Aqara smart switches for my new apartment. The H1 EU model was a great choice for 2-way switching, and the wireless remote switches worked like charm. However, finding the right color and ensuring reliability for 40+ switches was a task, but the end result was worth every bit of effort! 
In terms of energy monitoring, I’ve been using the Aurora Lighting AU-A1ZBDSS ZigBee UK sockets with the Riemann Sum integral sensor. It’s been a smooth experience tracking energy usage, though I did run into some unexpected positive readings initially. After some troubleshooting and reconfiguring, everything now runs smoothly. 
I’d love to hear about your experiences with integrating different brands or any tips you might have for optimizing smart home setups. Let’s keep the conversation flowing and help each other make our homes smarter! 
