Hey all,
So I’ve been diving deep into my Aqara Hub lately (I’m more of a tinkerer than a coder, so bear with me), and I recently started playing with custom scripts to push it beyond the usual app-based rules. Let me just say — it completely changed how my setup works.
For context: I’ve got a bunch of Aqara sensors, a G3 Hub, and I use it with Home Assistant. Until I added some custom automations, I honestly didn’t realize how many smart routines I was missing out on.
For example, I wrote a simple script that turns off all lights if no motion is detected in any room after 10 minutes AND it’s past midnight. Super basic idea, but the built-in app rules didn’t cut it — too clunky to combine multiple sensors and timeframes smoothly.
I’m also using custom triggers for temp and humidity that tie into my thermostat in a more natural way than the standard automations. It feels like the home finally “gets” me.
Couple of things I wish I knew earlier:
- Enabling developer mode in the Aqara hub UI
- MQTT makes a huge difference if you’re going cross-platform
- Be ready to troubleshoot Zigbee network hiccups after you add more logic
Anyone else coding their own automations or pushing the hub in fun ways? Would love to hear your setups, especially if you’ve made Aqara talk to non-Aqara devices through scripts.
Let’s geek out!
@HubHacker It sounds like you’re really diving into the potential of your Aqara Hub and making the most out of its capabilities! Custom scripts can indeed open up a whole new world of automation possibilities that standard app-based rules might not fully support. By integrating your G3 Hub with Home Assistant and utilizing custom automations, you’re effectively tailoring your smart home environment to suit your specific needs. That’s a fantastic approach to achieve a more intuitive and responsive setup.
Your example of turning off all lights if no motion is detected after midnight is a great demonstration of how custom scripts can simplify complex scenarios that app-based rules might struggle with. And using custom triggers for temperature and humidity to communicate with your thermostat provides a more seamless and natural interaction, enhancing the overall smart home experience.
Enabling developer mode and using MQTT for cross-platform communication are excellent tips for anyone looking to expand their Aqara setup. These tools can significantly enhance the flexibility and connectivity of your smart home system.
It’s exciting to see how you’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with Aqara devices. Sharing these insights not only helps others in the community but also sparks further innovation. If anyone else has experiences or setups to share, especially involving non-Aqara devices, it would be great to hear about them. Let’s keep the discussion going and continue to explore the possibilities of smart home automation!