Hi everyone, I wanted to share my experience with integrating smart floodlight devices into my home automation setup. I recently purchased the Ledvance Smart+ WiFi outdoor floodlight and the Nedis SmartLife outdoor light, both of which I was excited to add to my system. However, the process wasn’t as straightforward as I hoped, so I thought I’d walk through my journey in case it helps someone else.
The Challenge
I started by attempting to connect the Ledvance floodlight through the Ledvance Smart+ app. Unfortunately, the app didn’t recognize my device, which was frustrating. I tried multiple restarts, uninstalls, and even factory resets, but nothing worked. Meanwhile, the Nedis SmartLife light, while listed on their website, wasn’t appearing in the Tuya app either. I was stuck, wondering if these devices were even compatible with my setup.
The Solution
After some research, I discovered that both devices are compatible with the Zigbee protocol. I decided to try integrating them using Zigbee2MQTT, a tool I’ve been using for other smart devices. Here’s how I did it:
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Firmware Update
- I checked the firmware versions of both devices and updated them to the latest available. This step was crucial as outdated firmware can cause compatibility issues.
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Pairing with Zigbee2MQTT
- I followed the Zigbee2MQTT pairing guide. For the Ledvance floodlight, I held the button on the device until the light flashed, indicating it was in pairing mode. The Nedis light required a similar process but involved a different button press sequence.
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Configuration
- Once paired, I configured both devices in Zigbee2MQTT. I set up basic controls for brightness and color temperature, which are essential for outdoor lighting.
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Integration with OpenHAB
- I added the devices to my OpenHAB setup using the Zigbee binding. This allowed me to control them through my sitemap and even create automations based on motion sensor inputs.
Lessons Learned
- Always check for firmware updates before troubleshooting connectivity issues.
- Zigbee devices often require specific pairing procedures. Taking the time to research these can save a lot of frustration.
- Tools like Zigbee2MQTT are invaluable for integrating devices that aren’t natively supported by your system.
Final Thoughts
Both the Ledvance and Nedis floodlights are now seamlessly integrated into my smart home setup. They provide excellent brightness and color temperature adjustment, which is perfect for outdoor use. While the initial setup was a bit challenging, the end result has been well worth the effort.
If anyone else is struggling with similar devices, I highly recommend exploring Zigbee integration options. It might just be the solution you’re looking for!
Happy automating! 