How We Created Our DIY Smart Home Automation System

This article details the creation of a DIY smart home automation system, drawing from various online resources. The system focuses on affordability and accessibility, emphasizing cloud-free solutions for enhanced privacy and security.

System Overview

The core of the system is Home Assistant software running on a Raspberry Pi 4. This open-source, cloud-independent platform offers flexibility and compatibility with various protocols. The network utilizes a mix of Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, and Zigbee protocols for different devices and functionalities

The system's capabilities include:

• Lighting Control: Turning lights on/off based on time of day, weather, or smartphone commands. Motion-activated corridor lights are also implemented.
• Environmental Control: Automating humidifier operation in the nursery based on humidity levels.
• Security Integration: Interfacing with the home alarm system for remote arming/disarming and motion-triggered camera recording and lighting.
• Surveillance: Monitoring security cameras and receiving email alerts for unusual events.

Hardware Components

The system utilizes a variety of devices, including:

• Home Assistant Hub: A Raspberry Pi 4 with an Aeotec Z-Stick 7 Plus for Z-Wave connectivity and a SONOFF ZigBee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus for Zigbee.

• Z-Wave Devices: In-wall relays (Shelly Qubino Wave 1PM), multi-sensors (Aeotec MultiSensor 7, Aeotec TriSensor, Aeotec MultiSensor 6, Fibaro Gen 5 MultiSensor), and smart plugs (Aeotec Smart Switch 7).
• Zigbee Devices: Smart bulbs and battery-powered sensors.
• Wi-Fi Devices: ESPHome DIY sensors, Mi Humidifiers, and Shelly relays in detached mode.
• Other Devices: Ethernet-to-IR bridge for controlling older IR devices, QNAP NAS as an NVR (Network Video Recorder).

Software and Protocols

• Home Assistant: The central software platform.
• Z-Wave: Used for critical in-wall relays and sensors.
• Zigbee: Used for smart bulbs and battery-powered sensors.
• Wi-Fi: Used for specific devices and DIY sensors.
• MQTT: A messaging protocol used for communication between devices and the Home Assistant hub.

Planning and Considerations

The article stresses the importance of careful planning, including:

• Defining Sub-systems: Categorizing home functions (lighting, heating, security) as independent sub-systems for better integration and automation.
• Choosing HA Platforms: Evaluating different platforms (DIY, professional, managed) based on needs and complexity. The author recommends cloud-independent DIY platforms like Home Assistant.
• Selecting Protocols: Choosing appropriate protocols (Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, Zigbee) for different devices based on reliability and cost.

Conclusion

The article provides a comprehensive guide to building a DIY smart home automation system, highlighting the importance of planning, choosing the right hardware and software, and understanding different communication protocols. It showcases a successful implementation using readily available and affordable components, emphasizing a cloud-free approach for enhanced privacy and control. The author encourages readers to adapt the system to their specific needs and explore the vast possibilities of home automation.