Smart Doorbell Retrofit and Irrigation System Setup

General
1

I recently undertook a project to retrofit an old dumb doorbell from the 1960s into a smart device using a Shelly 1 and ESPHome. It was a fun challenge to integrate modern technology with classic hardware. Here’s how I approached it:

Project Goals

  • Limit button presses: Prevent multiple presses in quick succession to avoid irritation.
  • No MQTT dependency: Keep the setup simple and localized.
  • Home Assistant notifications: Get alerts when the doorbell is pressed.
  • Nighttime disable: Automatically turn off the chime during late hours.
  • Remote activation: Enable the chime from my phone if needed.

Components Used

  • Shelly 1: Served as the smart relay.
  • AC-DC Converter: Converted 10-28V AC to 12V DC.
  • Wago Connectors: For secure wiring.
  • Original Doorbell Components: Kept the transformer, chime, and button intact.

Setup Process

  1. Firmware Update: Flashed the Shelly 1 with Tasmota firmware via OTA, then updated to ESPHome following guides from Savjee.be and GitHub.
  2. Code Customization: Utilized substitutions in YAML to simplify delay adjustments.
  3. Safety Fix: Added a floating pin fix inspired by a Shelly 2.5 workaround to prevent short circuits.

YAML Configuration

yaml
substitutions:
friendly_name: Doorbell
chime_delay: 20s
notify_delay: 30s
push_delay: 0.2s
push_mobile_delay: 0.5s

escphome:
name: doorbell
platform: ESP8266
board: esp01_1m
wifi:
ssid: !secret wifi_iot_ssid
password: !secret wifi_iot_password
ap:
ssid: $friendly_name
password: !secret wifi_iot_password
captive_portal:
web_server:
port: 80
auth:
username: !secret iot_admin
password: !secret admin_iot_password
logger:
api:
password: !secret esphome_api_password
ota:
password: !secret esphome_api_password

Additional configurations for sensors, switches, and automations

Challenges and Solutions

  • Button Press Handling: Implemented delays to prevent rapid activations.
  • Nighttime Chime Disable: Set up an automation to turn off the chime after a specific time.
  • Remote Activation: Created a virtual switch in Home Assistant to trigger the chime manually.

Integration with Home Assistant

The doorbell now seamlessly integrates with my Home Assistant setup. I receive notifications when the doorbell is pressed, and I can control its behavior through the Home Assistant interface. It’s been a great way to modernize an old device without losing its original charm.

If anyone has similar projects or tips for integrating classic hardware with smart tech, I’d love to hear about them! :rocket: