Starting Home Assistant (HA) for New Users

[TanKianW]

Hi guys, anyone managed to use adguard on HA to block youtube ads on their devices e.g. tv ? Just curious, as i'm thinking of setting up adguard on my HA

It should work like any AdGuard installation since it functions like "containers" in HA. Maybe other AdGuard users could chip in.​

 

[Shadowlite]

Just tried that yesterday, was able to block ads on webpages for my devices, but not for my Youtube app on my TV, which is the experience with some of the people out there, as the Ads on the youtube app come from the same Google server as the youtube videos, thus can't really block them without blocking access to youtube

 

[TanKianW]

**SHARING: Door/Window Sensors and Custom Automations using NFC Chips**

For those who asked what door/window sensors I use on my HA. Sensors like these will work like a charm. Can configure to send you app notification too. I got mine at less than $7 a pair.​

Link: Tuya ZigBee Smart Window Door Gate Sensor Detector Smart Home Security Alarm System TTS

 

[TanKianW]

*UPDATE On Post #6*

**Setting Up Home Automation Using NFC Tags with Home Assistant**
Some may ask why you still need to use NFC tags when you have already set up scheduled or planned home automation using home assistant. Well, sometimes, you might want to set up custom scenes or "call service" (turning on your hi-fi while you are on your bed) in you home assistant to fire only when you made contact your mobile with the NFC tags. You can learn more from the video below, I recommend using cheap sticker-like NFC tags or pebbles if you want to implement NFC tags in your smart home.

**Integrating pfSense firewall with Home Assistant for Remote Monitoring**
Some have asked me what could be a good way to remote monitor (or a quick glance) of their pfsense/opnsense firewall running at home. In fact if you have been using "Home Assistant", you could integrate your firewall appliance with the (opensource) smart home supervisor. Below I will cover the basic step-by-step guide for integrating pfsense with HA.

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NOTE: Some pre-condition before you follow this basic set-up. You must have an up and running HA server with HACS (home assistant community stall) installed and properly configured.

I have covered it here on Post #4:
https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/...tant-ha-for-new-users.6751695/#post-141707390
====================================================================

*STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE*
Step 1: Click Explore Icon at the bottom from the "HACS" tab. Search for "pfsense integration for HA" and click install integration. After installation, you will need to reboot the HA host under configuration -> add-ons, backup & Sup -> System -> Reboot Host. Ignore the "pfsense gateway monitoring" integration which is no longer supported.

Step 2: After reboot, log back into your HA supervisor. You will be able to find the pfsense integration under the Configuration -> Devices & Services -> click "add integration" tab at the bottom right -> search for pfsense -> key in the settings as shown and click submit. (Note: URL will be your firewall IP address)

Step 3: Add card under the lovelace dashboard and select the monitoring entity under the heading of "pfsense". On the right, you will be able to preview the dashboard card. Feel free to customize your lovelace dashboard to your liking or download custom themes to spice up the outlook.

Step 4: You can create a separate dashboard tab and name it as "pfsense", select vertical stacks and customize the pfsense monitoring entity you want to view at a glance (Eg. services, software upgrade, etc). I also prefer to create a separate tab which is more mobile friendly, where you can easily have a glance of the Gateway status of your pfsense.

===============================================================================

Want to learn more on setting up your own opensource firewall appliance, can check out my pfsense thread here:
https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/threads/starting-pfsense-for-new-users.6390714/

===============================================================================​

 

[Occupy HK]

Have been following the advice on this thread - super useful, thank you!

I have automated lights (mix of smart switches / zigbee relays behind existing switches / smart lightbulbs / smart sockets for table lamps) so far.I also have a door switch to trigger my lights on when I get home every day.

Two projects I would like to solve next (both Singapore specific I think!)

(1) I have a smart meter from SP Utilities. It sends electricity usage every 30 mins via the SP app. Is there any way to get this data into Home Assisant?

(2) I have some ducted aircon units. Meaning, they don't have wireless remote so cannot use IR blaster to control. They have in-wall wired remotes. Is there any way to control these A/C units?

 

[TanKianW]

Have been following the advice on this thread - super useful, thank you!

I have automated lights (mix of smart switches / zigbee relays behind existing switches / smart lightbulbs / smart sockets for table lamps) so far.I also have a door switch to trigger my lights on when I get home every day.

Two projects I would like to solve next (both Singapore specific I think!)

(1) I have a smart meter from SP Utilities. It sends electricity usage every 30 mins via the SP app. Is there any way to get this data into Home Assisant?

(2) I have some ducted aircon units. Meaning, they don't have wireless remote so cannot use IR blaster to control. They have in-wall wired remotes. Is there any way to control these A/C units?

(1) There a few supported smart meter which you could find on the HA forum. Not sure if the one you using are supported natively with HA. You can do some research. If you intend to get the data from the app/cloud/platform, it must be linked to Home Assistant via integration/HACS/add-ons. Usually it requires the platform to release its API, in order to work with HA. There might be some way to gather/collect the data if your smart meter support local data push. I might do some research on this if I get the chance to install the smart meter by SP Services.

(2) I think you can look for smart thermostat. HA also has support for generic thermostat.
https://www.home-assistant.io/integrations/generic_thermostat/​

 

[Mach3.2]

(1) There a few supported smart meter which you could find on the HA forum. Not sure if the one you using are supported natively with HA. You can do some research. If you intend to get the data from the app/cloud/platform, it must be linked to Home Assistant via integration/HACS/add-ons. Usually it requires the platform to release its API, in order to work with HA. There might be some way to gather/collect the data if your smart meter support local data push. I might do some research on this if I get the chance to install the smart meter by SP Services.

(2) I think you can look for smart thermostat. HA also has support for generic thermostat.
https://www.home-assistant.io/integrations/generic_thermostat/​

Afaik the local smart meters have encrypted connection back to the utilities provider, unlike the unencrypted zigbee smart meters commonly seen in US.

Porbably have to find some way to scrap data off the SP Power or openelectricitymarket website.

 

[TanKianW]

*UPDATE on Post #7*

**Setting up ZigBee2MQTT on Home Assistant**

I will cover on the step-by-step configuration of ZigBee2MQTT on HA in this section to get some of the new users going with connecting their Zigbee devices. If you find configuring the ZigBee2MQTT on HA to be too much for you, you could use the build-in ZHA on home assistant. Personally, I prefer the more granular and advanced control on ZigBee2MQTT. However, ZHA works really well too, so It is really up to you to choose which one you prefer (Zigbee2MQTT or ZHA). I will provide some start up configuration for those choosing to use ZigBee2MQTT here since ZHA is pretty straight forward and could be easily configured on the integration.

*STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE*
Step 1: Connect the Zigbee dongle (USB) to your HA server to work as a "coordinator". I will recommend to flash the dongle to the latest firmware (take note that "router" is different from coordinator) before connecting to your HA server using the steps shown in the tutorial video below:
​

Skip to timestamp: 05:38 on how to flash the firmware on your dongle



Picture reference: To the right is the SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB dongle connected to the HA server

*NOTE: With the new Home Assistant 2022.7.4 or later, you might be able to flash your firmware under the device settings itself without going through all the trouble of flashing it manually and hunting around for the firmware of your Zigbee dongle. I have not tried this. Feel free to check out the forum and github posts for more information on this.

Step 2: Install the Mosquitto broker Add-on
Navigate to setting -> Click the Add-on tab on bottom corner right -> Install the Mosquitto broker from the Official Add-on.

Leave everything on the configuration as default (shown below)

And start the Add-on.

Step 3: Install the Zigbee2MQTT Add-on
Same as Step 2 on installing the Add-on. Follow the configuration shown below, key in the user and PW for the mqtt,

*NOTE: You will need to specify your "port". To know the actual port name, you could go to:
Settings -> System -> Hardware -> click the 3 dots on the top right corner -> All Hardware -> Scroll down to look for the physical port name. It will look something like "ttyUSB0"

Remember to save and start the add-on.

Step 4: Add (Pair) your devices to your HA (Repeat Step 3 if your Zigbee2MQTT add-on does not start)
Make sure that the Zigbee2MQTT is added onto the sidebar. Click onto the Zigbee2MQTT sidebar. You should be able to access the dashboard. On the Top right, click on "Permit join (All)". Then start your Zigbee devices in pairing mode, you will see that the devices are paired on the device page which will be added onto HA under the Mosquitto broker integration. You should be able to configure your devices after they have been added onto your HA.

You can also check on the Zigbee relationship tree (router, coordinator, end devices) under the "Map" tab of the Zigbee2MQTT dashboard:​

*Still unsure?? Check out the video tutorial here:

 

[TanKianW]

**Security Risk of IOT Devices are REAL......not kidding**

 

[villains]

I came across this thread while looking at the other home automation thread. Great to see a fellow home assistant user here!

Half a year back I played around with an old smartthings hub, playing around with tuya / ewelink switches and 4" wifi control screens.

Now that I'm going to move to a resale flat, I'm like so torn between the ease of having an Aqara A100 Smart Door lock and it's D2 switches, but I don't want to be locked into the very confusing china/nonchina ecosystem.

Which hub would you recommend if I were to go into the tuya/zigbee route?

 

[TanKianW]

I came across this thread while looking at the other home automation thread. Great to see a fellow home assistant user here!

Half a year back I played around with an old smartthings hub, playing around with tuya / ewelink switches and 4" wifi control screens.

Now that I'm going to move to a resale flat, I'm like so torn between the ease of having an Aqara A100 Smart Door lock and it's D2 switches, but I don't want to be locked into the very confusing china/nonchina ecosystem.

Which hub would you recommend if I were to go into the tuya/zigbee route?

Just to be clear, I am not a user of Aqara products and ecosystem. But if the product you chose, use the open standard of Zigbee, there should not be a problem to integrate them with HA. Either over Zigbee2MQTT or ZHA.

I am using the Sonoff USB 3.0 Zigbee dongle as "coordinator". Which you can flash it to be use as a router too.

Recommend you to have a quick understanding on the various smart home standards (maybe platforms), by checking out the first page of the thread.​

https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/...tant-ha-for-new-users.6751695/#post-141707396

 

[villains]

I went to check out these two sites for support.
https://www.zigbee2mqtt.io/supported-devices/
https://zigbee.blakadder.com/index.html

And I have decided to either
1. flash the Sonoff Zigbee Bridge Pro with tasmota, or
2. get a Sonoff USB 3.0 Zigbee dongle.

But yeah, I think it's a bit weird that given the state of home automation, there isn't an easier way of just buying a cheap zigbee gateway for consumers.

 

[TanKianW]

I went to check out these two sites for support.
https://www.zigbee2mqtt.io/supported-devices/
https://zigbee.blakadder.com/index.html

And I have decided to either
1. flash the Sonoff Zigbee Bridge Pro with tasmota, or
2. get a Sonoff USB 3.0 Zigbee dongle.

But yeah, I think it's a bit weird that given the state of home automation, there isn't an easier way of just buying a cheap zigbee gateway for consumers.

If you do not want to move around your HA server (with Option 2 plugged in) for better reception, Option 1.

If your HA server is positioned at location with optimal reception, Option 2.

 

[villains]

Thank you for your kind advice, I also have considered that. Prolly will get the TRÅDFRI Signal repeater as well.

 

[batigola]

Thank you for your kind advice, I also have considered that. Prolly will get the TRÅDFRI Signal repeater as well.

if you have wired zigbee switches, they can also act as repeaters if im not wrong. Or you can get a SONOFF USB Dongle & flash as router for the same functionality.

You can refer to this video to plan a good Zigbee network:

 

[TanKianW]

if you have wired zigbee switches, they can also act as repeaters if im not wrong. Or you can get a SONOFF USB Dongle & flash as router for the same functionality.

You can refer to this video to plan a good Zigbee network:

That is correct.

Most wired switches will act as a repeater which is called a “router”. If you have several of them close by, they will mesh together in daisy chains to extend or improve coverage.

The main control node will be called the “coordinator”.

 

[TanKianW]

I went to check out these two sites for support.
https://www.zigbee2mqtt.io/supported-devices/
https://zigbee.blakadder.com/index.html

And I have decided to either
1. flash the Sonoff Zigbee Bridge Pro with tasmota, or
2. get a Sonoff USB 3.0 Zigbee dongle.

But yeah, I think it's a bit weird that given the state of home automation, there isn't an easier way of just buying a cheap zigbee gateway for consumers.

Check out the flashing of Sonoff ZB Bridge Pro to Tasmota firmware too. Option 2 will be the easier way.

 

[TanKianW]

*UPDATE on Post #4*

**CUSTOM Dashboard: Spice Up your Home Assistant Dashboard!**

The most queries I commonly received is on how the HA dashboard was done up nicely and so sleek at my place. Therefore, I will share some of my setup here. For those who think the default HA dashboard is boring, you are not looking hard enough. Hope I could help you create your favourite custom HA dashboard to look homely and also professional which you could be proud of. Below are the custom themes/lovelace I use from Home Assistant Community Store (HACS). I also shared some of the details of my setup:​

• HA Server: HAOS on x86-64 Intel Celeron N5105 ZX01 8GB/128G SSD, backup HA server on hypervisor during maintenace​
• Android Tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5" running official HA app​
• Mount: Dual HST-magnetic tablet sticker mount on the back​
• Mount Surface: Wooden Cabinet with drill hole at the back leading to a power point​
• Charging: a 90 degree USB type-C cable that can be tucked to the back when not in use/charging. I also custom an automation on the power that is connected to a smart plug (inside the cabinet) to charge the tablet only during certain timing.​
• Theme: Mushroom Themes​
• Dashboard: Mushroom, Button-card, Grid, Weather Card, Digital Clock, TV remote Card​
• Room Button: Yes, clicking the room button will direct to the right column​

**NOTE: Overall when it comes to designing your custom HA dashboard, remember to do your research and get inspiration/ideas from fellow HA users. There is also no "one size fits all solution" since every home automation and integration is very different. Do plan ahead to save you lots of time spend on making mistakes (like me).

If you want to mount your dashboard tablet as sleek as possible, I recommend using strong magnetic mounts like the HST-magnetic tablet sticker mount:

*Tutorial of using Mushroom and sharing from a advanced HA user:
​

 

[orhanzi]

Just to confirm my understanding, so i do not need to purchase any aqara or tuya hub or smartthings , i just need to buy raspberry pi flash it with haos and plug the sonoff zigbee dongle which will act like the hub to communicate with ny zigbee devices? Then i am good to go?

 

[TanKianW]

Just to confirm my understanding, so i do not need to purchase any aqara or tuya hub or smartthings , i just need to buy raspberry pi flash it with haos and plug the sonoff zigbee dongle which will act like the hub to communicate with ny zigbee devices? Then i am good to go?​

Yap. If your end devices supports Zigbee. But if you need voice assistant (Alexa and Google) you still need to onboard your end devices onto Aqara and Tuya platform using their hub to link up with their ecosystem. Another way is integrate onto HA and subscribe to their Nabu Casa cloud platform that could link up your integration on HA to the voice assistant platform.

I don’t use Aqara, but I have no problem integrating my OEM Tuya end devices onto HA.

Actually I don’t really recommend any Pi below Pi4b to run HA, unless you already have one lying around. The wait time between restart and reboot is a pain, especially if you constantly update/backup your HA or supportong CCTV in the future. Power user should either run a NUC using container or a x86-64 mini pc which could be cheaper than a RasPi4, spec to spec. A mini pc like Intel ZX01 comes with SSD is compact and pack more horse power. If you are using a Pi, it is preferred to use it with an SSD. There are some Pi4 enclosure like Argon ONE, which comes with a base for SSD install.​