As I continue to expand my smart home setup, I’ve encountered a few interesting challenges and successes worth sharing. One area I’ve been focusing on is integrating various devices from different brands while ensuring seamless communication and functionality. Here’s a glimpse into my journey:
Monitoring & Automation
I recently set up a Shelly1 PM to monitor my air-water heat pump. The device is fantastic for tracking when the pump is on or off, as well as monitoring inlet and outlet temperatures. However, I’ve noticed that the Shelly occasionally disconnects, which I believe is due to the pump’s power cycling. My question is: if I disable the maximum power protection on the Shelly, will it sustain any potential damage? I’d appreciate any insights from the community!
Innovative Solutions
In my bathroom, I’ve installed a screen behind a mirror to keep an eye on news while getting ready. To control this setup without physical touch (given the bathroom’s humidity), I’m using a PAJ7620 gesture sensor with ESP32. This setup allows me to swipe between dashboards and control media playback through MQTT in Home Assistant. It’s been a fun project, though I’m still exploring the best ways to handle gesture recognition reliably.
Technical Puzzles
I’ve also been working with the PM5560 power meter, which has presented an intriguing challenge. During testing with a three-phase AC generator, I noticed that the kVAR reading fluctuates wildly instead of stabilizing around zero. While the W and VA readings are accurate, this inconsistency in reactive power measurement is puzzling. Does anyone have experience with similar issues or suggestions for calibration?
Device Comparisons
Another topic I’ve been researching is thermostats for electric baseboards and fan heaters. I’m torn between the Sinope TH1124ZB and the Stelpro STZ402+ for use with SmartThings. Both seem compatible with my setup, but I’m curious to hear real-world experiences, especially regarding reliability and integration with mixed heating systems.
Looking Ahead
As I continue to refine my smart home ecosystem, I’m excited to explore more innovative solutions and share my findings. Whether it’s troubleshooting hardware issues, optimizing automations, or discovering new integrations, the journey is both challenging and rewarding. I’d love to hear about your experiences and tips for achieving a smooth, multi-brand smart home setup!
Cheers to the community for all the inspiration and support! 