Integrating Smart Devices: My Journey and Questions

Hello everyone! I’m relatively new to the world of smart home technology, and I’ve been on a journey to integrate various devices into my home ecosystem. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been experimenting with different brands and products, and I’d love to share some of my experiences and ask for your advice.

One of my first projects was setting up a Fibaro Door/Window Sensor 2. It’s been a great addition to my security setup, but I’ve noticed an odd behavior with the battery level readings. Initially, the sensor showed 50% battery, but after a week, it dropped to 0% despite the sensor still functioning perfectly. I replaced the battery, and for a brief moment, it showed 100%, only to drop back to 0%. I’ve tried this with multiple sensors and batteries, and the result is the same. Does anyone have any insight into why this might be happening? Is it a known issue with the HC3L firmware?

On a more positive note, I’ve been absolutely thrilled with my Govee products, particularly the LED strips and the outdoor light show box. The RGB color transitions are smooth, and the app integration has been seamless. However, I’ve noticed that when using the same device mode, I can’t access the Govee Effects Studio. This would be incredibly helpful for creating custom lighting scenarios. Has anyone found a workaround for this?

Another area I’m exploring is the integration of multiple brands. I’ve been using Fibaro, Govee, and Shelly devices, and while they all work well individually, I’m curious about how to create a more cohesive system. For instance, I’d love to set up a scenario where my Shelly dimmer adjusts the lights based on the time of day, as programmed by my Fibaro system. Is this something that can be achieved with the current integrations, or would I need to use a more advanced scripting approach?

Lastly, I’ve been experimenting with Home Assistant and its ability to connect with various smart devices. I’ve successfully integrated my Shelly wall switch and dimmer, but I’m looking for ways to enhance the user experience further. For example, I’d love to set up a routine where pressing a specific button on my Shelly wall switch triggers a series of actions, like adjusting the lights, turning on the HVAC, and setting the scene for a movie night. Does anyone have experience with creating such multi-device routines?

I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences on these topics. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or just starting out, your insights are invaluable! Let’s continue to learn and grow together in this exciting smart home journey.