Tips for Enhancing Smart Home Automation with Shelly Devices

I’ve been diving into the world of smart home automation, and I must say, it’s been an exciting journey! One of the devices that has really caught my attention is the Shelly Plus 1. I’ve been using it to control a pump for watering my garden, and it’s been working wonders. However, I’ve run into a little snag that I’m hoping the community can help me with.

I have four flower beds that I want to monitor for soil moisture. Each bed needs its own sensor, but I only have one Shelly Plus 1. I’ve heard that I can connect multiple Shelly Addons to a single Shelly Plus 1, but I’m not entirely sure how that works. Does it just provide power, or is there more to it? I’d love to avoid having to buy four separate Shelly Plus 1 devices if I can help it. Any insights or tips would be greatly appreciated!

On another note, I’ve been experimenting with setting up rules based on mode changes. For example, when I switch from Away mode to Home mode, I want certain actions to trigger, like turning on lights or adjusting the thermostat. However, I also want to ensure that other mode changes, like from Sleep to Home, don’t activate these same rules. Is there a way to specify the prior mode in the trigger conditions? I’ve looked through the documentation, but I’m still a bit fuzzy on how to implement this.

Lastly, I’ve been exploring the use of QR codes for initial setup, especially with new devices like the Cam V3. I’ve had some trouble getting the QR code to scan properly, and I’m curious if others have encountered similar issues or have found a workaround. It would be fantastic to hear about any troubleshooting tips or alternative methods that have worked for you.

Thank you all for your support and wisdom! It’s amazing how a community can come together to solve problems and share knowledge. Here’s to more successful smart home projects ahead!