I’ve been exploring ways to monitor my 12V batteries in the garage without relying on WiFi, and I thought I’d share my journey and findings with the community.
Like many of you, I’ve been curious about using devices like Shelly for voltage monitoring. While the Shelly devices are fantastic, they depend on WiFi, which isn’t ideal for my garage setup. After some research, I stumbled upon the idea of using Z-Wave devices instead, especially since I already have a reliable Z-Wave network thanks to my Aeotec repeater.
I was thrilled to discover that there are Z-Wave compatible voltage sensors available. These devices not only solve the WiFi issue but also integrate seamlessly with my existing smart home ecosystem. The setup was surprisingly straightforward—just a matter of pairing the sensor with my hub and configuring it within the Home Assistant interface.
One thing I’d like to mention is the importance of proper wiring and placement. Ensuring that the sensor is correctly connected to the battery terminals and placed in a stable location was crucial for accurate readings. I also found that using a Z-Wave repeater in the garage significantly improved the reliability of the sensor’s communication with my hub.
This project has been a great learning experience, and I’m excited to see how I can expand it in the future. Whether it’s adding more sensors or integrating them into automations, the possibilities are endless!
If anyone has tips or experiences to share about monitoring batteries or other low-voltage systems, I’d love to hear them. Let’s keep the ideas flowing! 