Shelly1 Installation and Local MQTT Setup Success Story

General
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I recently decided to upgrade my home automation setup by replacing my old Sonoff Basic switches with the Shelly1. After reading several reviews and guides, I was excited to dive into the installation process. Here’s my journey and some tips for anyone considering the Shelly1!

Challenges Faced
Initially, I encountered some hurdles in setting up the Shelly1 for local MQTT control without relying on the Shelly Cloud app. The most confusing part was configuring the MQTT server settings correctly. I had to troubleshoot multiple times, checking logs and ensuring the MQTT topics were correctly set up. The process was a bit overwhelming at first, but persistence paid off!

Setup Process

  1. Hardware Installation: I followed the wiring guide from The Hook Up’s video, which was incredibly helpful. The 3-way switch configuration required careful attention, especially connecting the extra L and N wires properly.
  2. Firmware Update: Updating the Shelly1’s firmware was straightforward. I accessed the web interface via the local IP and followed the update instructions. It was reassuring to see the device update smoothly.
  3. MQTT Configuration: After enabling MQTT in the developer settings, I spent some time ensuring the MQTT server details were correctly entered. I used the mosquitto_sub command to confirm communication, which was a great way to verify everything was working.
  4. Home Assistant Integration: Setting up the switch in Home Assistant was the final piece. I referenced the Tasmota GitHub example but adjusted the topics based on my Shelly1’s unique ID. Rebooting Home Assistant ensured all changes were applied.

Results and Satisfaction
I’m thrilled with the outcome! The Shelly1 now seamlessly integrates with my Home Assistant setup, allowing me to control my lights both locally and via voice commands with Amazon Echo. The Edge Switch setting resolved the occasional toggle delay issue, making the experience smooth.

Tips for Others

  • Read Guides Thoroughly: The wiring and MQTT setup require precision, so take your time.
  • Utilize Developer Tools: Commands like mosquitto_sub are invaluable for troubleshooting.
  • Consider Tasmota: If you’re comfortable with flashing firmware, Tasmota offers even more customization options.

This project has been a fantastic learning experience and has significantly enhanced my home automation setup. I’m already brainstorming the next device to integrate!

If anyone has questions or needs advice, feel free to reach out. Happy automating! :rocket: