Experiences with Zigbee devices
If we retrofit our home with smart technology, we quickly realize that without destruction, disassembly, or rewiring, almost only wireless solutions are possible.
There are several types of wireless communication.
The most common are WIFI, Zigbee, Bluetooth, and in Western countries even Z-Wave.
Among these, I will share with you my experiences with my Zigbee devices.
Hardware central unit: Conbee II
Hardware devices: details in "„Tools I use”" in the chapter.
Software: Zigbee2mqtt
By power source
Zigbee devices have two types of power sources.
They operate on both battery and mains power. The two cannot be varied.
Devices that operate on batteries are end devices.
Mains powered devices are useful in themselves, but they allow you to place more and further end devices from the central unit. These devices are Zigbee Routers.
Why do I use Zigbee devices?
I find it advantageous that I can place my devices anywhere because they are wireless.
I don't want to overload the WIFI network with so many devices.
They are energy efficient.
Regardless, I also use WIFI devices that cannot or should not be replaced with Zigbee devices.
Advantages and disadvantages of Zigbee devices in general:
Pros:
- Most of them are battery-operated, so you don't have to use sockets or bother with cables.
- They can be placed almost anywhere, they are mobile.
- They are small.
- Aesthetically, they do not spoil the overall look of the room, but they can also be easily hidden.
- The tools allow you to create several types of automations and even set up various notifications.
Cons:
- Most of them are battery-operated, and the batteries need to be replaced about every year to a year and a half, depending on how often the device is used.
- You must pay attention to the range of the central unit so that the end devices are within it (Zigbee routers can help increase the range).
- If there are too many and strong WIFI networks nearby, they may weaken or disrupt proper Zigbee communication between the Coordinator and the devices (WIFI and Zigbee can be improved with appropriate frequencies).
- They cannot be used as a standalone device, a HUB/ Gateway/ Dongle/ USB stick is required.
Neutral:
- If we use a free, independent Zigbee Coordinator (the hardware central unit of the Zigbee network) (e.g. Conbee II, or CC2652), it will recognize almost any Zigbee device (as long as the Zigbee software also supports the device).
This is important because although Zigbee also works according to a kind of standard, there are still differences. This is how manufacturers solve the problem of being compatible only with their own devices, but it can be circumvented with one of the above-mentioned coordinators or custom FW (Tasmota).
There are many brands, qualities, and uses of Zigbee devices.
Featured brands: Shelly, Aqara, Blitzwolf, Sonoff.
Shelly: It's a company that's been around for a few years, it has two headquarters, the parent company is in Europe, the other headquarters is in the United States. Their systems and tools are stable, but they're not that cheap.
Aqara: Part of the Xiaomi ecosystem. Founded in China more than 10 years ago, its products are primarily distributed in Asia, but have been available everywhere for a few years. Relatively good quality, mid-range price.
Blitzwolf: Founded in 2015, a Chinese company. They primarily developed and manufactured chargers for electrical devices, but now they also offer all kinds of other devices, such as smart devices.
Sonoff: A relatively new Chinese company, only a few years old, their products can also be purchased in Hungary. Medium quality, cheap price range.
What Zigbee devices are there?
By usability:
Door/window sensor
Motion sensor
LED strip controller
Portable push button
Water leak sensor
Smoke/gas detector
Water valve
Gas valve
Radiator heating controller
Smart lock
Etc…
Routers:
Wall switch
Wall/junction box concealed switch
Connectors
LED bulb
Tools I use:
Battery-operated devices:
Sonoff SNZB-01- Portable push button: You can give instructions for 3 types of button presses, 1 short, 2 short, and 1 long button press. We switch the two separate bedside lamps and the room ceiling lamp from the bed, in "Toggle" mode, meaning we can turn the three lights on and off.
Sonoff SNZB-02- Temperature and humidity meter: We use it in the bathroom. It is so small that it can be placed anywhere. It only sends a report to the system when there is a temperature or humidity change. It displays the results with hundredths of a point accuracy.
Sonoff SNZB-03- motion sensor: These motion sensors are responsible for turning on the LED strip under the bed. They are also perfect for hallways. They are small and square, so they can be easily placed anywhere. They remain active for 60 seconds after motion is detected.
Sonoff SNZB-04- door window sensor: It detects the open state slowly, so I do not recommend this device in situations where it should come into operation immediately (e.g. pantry door). They do a completely good job with windows. The factory battery is of very poor quality, because it can be used for about half a year (I recommend replacing it the first time). If the battery is only on 4%, the device still detects if it is open or closed, but it can no longer send the information to the Home Assistant system, it only flashes red when the state changes.
Aqara MCCGQ11LM- door window sensor: It performs great, immediately detects and sends the opening-closing status changes. It also has a temperature sensor, but unfortunately it is useless under the Home Assistant system, as it shows a completely false value. Below is a comparison video in which I show the difference in reaction between the Aqara MCCGQ11LM and the aforementioned Sonoff SNZB-04. The two sensors were placed on a door, the sensors and the magnet sides were placed at equal distances.
Aqara RTCGQ11LM- motion sensor: It may detect movements a little better than the Sonoff SNZB-03 motion sensor. It also has a temperature sensor and a light intensity meter, but in my opinion neither function is suitable, they show false values. It remains active for 90 seconds after motion is detected. With soldering and minimal coding, its activity can be set to 1 second.
Blitzwolf BW-IS9- Water Leakage Sensor: It has sensors at 3 points. It detects minimal liquid contact, so if just a drop of liquid touches one of the legs, it won't signal (in my opinion, it's not a problem), but if it's a water leak, it detects it immediately. We use it behind the washing machine and under the kitchen faucet. Fortunately, it's only been doing quiet service so far, but if something goes wrong, it signals immediately.
Mains powered:
Sonoff ZBMini- Switch: Works with a mains power source. It is also suitable as a smart switch and for amplifying the signals of end devices. It is very easy to connect, the drawings included with the product help with the correct connection. It fits just about behind wall switches and sockets, but we prefer to hide it in the junction box. It also fits under a pedestal night lamp. It can be connected with a smart home system and a traditional wall switch.
Blitzwolf BW-SHP13- Smart socket that plugs into a traditional socket: It can also be used as a smart socket and to amplify the signals of end devices. According to the manufacturer, it can also handle devices with a current of 16A. Simple but great, it can measure power, voltage, current, and can be connected to the smart home system and can be physically turned on and off.
Lonsonho QS-Zigbee-D02-TRIAC-2C-L- dimmable, wall-mounted switch: With this device, you can also use dimmable (brightness adjustable) lighting fixtures. You can physically switch and adjust the brightness with a traditional push-button switch, and you can also easily do it with the help of a smart home system. This type can independently manage two lights and two wall switches.
MOES sliding dimmable wall switch: Externally and in terms of form, it is very aesthetic and convenient to use. It has a square base and a circular push button, and when switched on, the brightness can be adjusted according to our needs with a gentle movement. When switched off, the LED on the switch flashes faintly, in the position it was last used in when switched on. When switched on, the LED on the switch lights up continuously from the bottom strip to the set position, based on the brightness level. When switched off, the faint flashing does not bother our eyes at all, but it helps us know where the switch is. Of course, the brightness can not only be controlled manually, but also automated using the smart home system.
In summary:
They are very good additional devices for building a smart home system, but I do not recommend replacing all devices with Zigbee communication devices. If you want to use several lights at the same time as a quick light indicator (switching on-off-on-off every second), then I recommend WIFI switches. My experience is that it cannot handle 5-6 Zigbee switches at the same time well, because sometimes it happens that one of them randomly stays on, regardless of whether the Zigbee signal strength is good.
If you don't need to send and receive multiple, immediate signals at the same time, I highly recommend it.
If possible, it is worth considering building a smart home when planning the house or before the renovation, in which case the Yabune Home team is at your disposal. If you would like your own smart home system, sign up for a consultation and we will discuss everything.