As I prepare to move into my new home, I’m diving into the exciting world of smart home integration. After using Homey PRO '19 for over three years, I’ve decided to start fresh with a more streamlined setup. My goal is to create a stable and efficient smart home ecosystem, and I’d love to share my journey and gather advice from the community.
My Setup
The new home is a mid-sized property (~200m²) spread over two floors with a decent garden. I’ve already invested in 20 HUE GU10 spots, 10 HUE E27 bulbs for indoor use, and 6 HUE outdoor lamps, complete with a HUE bridge. Additionally, I’ve purchased some HUE Tap Dial switches and Zigbee in-wall switches from Robbshop. My aim is to minimize the number of brands and protocols to simplify management and improve reliability.
Key Questions and Considerations
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HUE Bridge Integration with Homey: I’ve read that choosing a single controller is essential, and the HUE bridge will likely take that role. Will all devices be visible and controllable within Homey after linking the bridge? Can I maintain separate groups/scenes in both the HUE app and Homey, or should I stick to one platform for consistency?
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Zigbee Network Stability: With a mix of HUE Zigbee devices and Aqara sensors, I’m concerned about network coverage and stability. Should I connect the Robbshop in-wall switches directly to Homey, or rely on the HUE bridge for Zigbee communication? How can I ensure seamless integration and avoid dropped connections?
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Homey Flow Organization: In my previous setup, I organized flows by room, but it became too cluttered. I’m looking for a more efficient method, perhaps grouping flows by function (e.g., lighting, security, entertainment) instead of location. Any suggestions for a cleaner, more scalable approach?
Desired Features
- Use the HUE Tap Dial switches for both scenes (e.g., setting the mood for a movie night) and Homey flows (e.g., an “I’m leaving” routine that turns off lights and locks doors).
- Ensure compatibility between the HUE app and Homey for my wife, who prefers the HUE app for lighting control.
- Maintain reliable connectivity for all devices, especially the Aqara P1 motion sensors, to avoid coverage issues.
Seeking Advice
I’d love to hear from anyone who has successfully integrated HUE and Homey in their setup. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them? Any tips for ensuring a stable Zigbee network and organizing flows effectively would be invaluable.
Let’s create a smart home setup that’s not just functional but also a joy to use! 