I recently stumbled upon the KuKu Mi project and decided to give it a try to integrate my Xiaomi devices with SmartThings. It was a bit intimidating at first, but the process turned out to be quite smooth once I got the hang of it. Here’s my experience and some tips for anyone looking to do the same!
Installation Journey
First, I followed the installation guide for the KuKu Mi daemon. I had to set up Docker on my Raspberry Pi, which was a new experience for me. The commands provided were straightforward, and Docker made the whole process painless. I especially appreciated the option to enable auto-run on reboot using systemd—it’s a small detail that makes a big difference in convenience.
After setting up the daemon, I moved on to configuring the Xiaomi Mi Remote through the KuKu Mi web server. Discovering the devices was seamless, and the interface was user-friendly. I found that naming devices without spaces was crucial, as mentioned in the guide. It took a bit of trial and error to map all the commands correctly, but the satisfaction of seeing everything work afterward was worth it!
SmartThings Integration
Installing the KuKu Mi DTH and SmartApp in the SmartThings IDE was another smooth step. The GitHub integration made it easy to pull the necessary files. Configuring the SmartApp was a breeze, especially since the instructions were clear. I loved how customizable the setup was—I could map each button press to specific actions, which opened up a world of possibilities for automations.
A Few Tips
- Naming Conventions: Stick to simple names without spaces to avoid any issues during setup.
- Command Mapping: Take your time to map each command accurately. It might seem tedious, but it ensures everything works as intended.
- Backup Your Work: Before finalizing any changes, make sure to save your configurations. It’s a small precaution that can save you from headaches later.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the KuKu Mi project has been a game-changer for me. It has allowed me to seamlessly integrate my Xiaomi devices into my SmartThings ecosystem, creating a more connected home environment. The community support and detailed documentation were invaluable, and I can’t recommend this project enough to anyone looking to expand their SmartThings setup!
If you’ve been hesitant to try KuKu Mi, I say go for it—you won’t regret it! 