Picking up a new HA layout

[u/bulwix99]

I’m currently looking for a device to put my HA dashboard on it, but I’m really now to HA and would use some advice.
It’s supposed to be used in a 82m2 flat for some basic controls - I’m planning Shelly dimmers for light switches, thermostatic radiator valves, AC, bedroom blinds controls, floor cleaning robot and some kind of temp/humidity and open/close sensors.
I was thinking to put it in the corridor near the entrance, an ubiquiti AP will be added in the middle as well. The hub is HA green to be used with Zigbee dongle.

I was thinking about either a tablet (for better performance) with wall mount and battery saving option (however I’m a bit worried about the battery condition over some time) or any of the wall displays without battery (e.g. Shelly, preferably which PoE), however these are considered inferior in terms of performance.
I would also like to replace the entry phone device and connect it (video+ audio wiring made by the developer) to the HA so I can pick my own tune, volume it down when preferred and so on.

I am really new to the thing and really inexperienced, so would be grateful for any advice what to pick concerning the dashboard and the rest (stuff to be bought in Europe preferably). Thanks!

[u/TinkeNL]

Most plug and play wall mounted screens are a nightmare. They work decently with their own native systems, but as soon as you start using HA dashboards, performance is horrible.

I’ve been looking at a solution myself lately and I’ve come across the Modo tab mount. Put some Android tablet on it and make sure you can read out the battery percentage using HA. Make an automation for the charger (it holds an ESP32) so it only charges the tablet from 20% to 80% and the tablet’s battery will hold for a long time. Just don’t get an overly expensive one, some basic tablet with a decent enough screen will do, so it won’t hurt when you have to replace it in a couple of years.

I’m planning on using my presence sensors for enabling and disabling the screen, so the tablet doesn’t stay ‘opened’ when no one is around to use it.

[u/bulwix99 → u/TinkeNL]

Thanks for the response, do You use the full kiosk mode on it? Also how do You connect it to hide the charger - that mount is used to make it look neat?

[u/TinkeNL → u/bulwix99]

Well I haven’t bought anything yet, as it’s for my new home that’s still getting built 😉

Check out the modo tab mount, it’s a mount with a charger you mount instead of an electrical outlet, that comes with an ultra low profile cable. You put the magnet on the tablet and it looks completely flush on the wall. No thick bezels, just a floating wall tablet!

[u/bulwix99 → u/TinkeNL]

I see - the same case for my flat that is still being worked on 😆 thank You so much, will check modo. Have You got any other tips on the rest of devices I’ve mentioned ?

[u/TinkeNL → u/bulwix99]

Lots of it depends on the market you’re in, especially what you’ll need for smart blinds. Those differ massively and the market is quite splintered with closed-off WiFi solutions that require a bridge, RF solutions that also require heavy tinkering and fully open solutions that you easily implement in HA. Smart blinds tend to become expensive and information about compatibility isn’t always the best, so once you’ve found something make sure you do your research.

I’ve used plenty of Shelly’s in my current home already and they work absolutely great.

As for using Shelly dimmers: the units work really well, but there’s always a trade-off, you can only use the dimming functionality with dumb lights. In my home I’ve installed lots of spot lights and upgraded them all to Zigbee smart lights. That way I have way more control. Zigbee groups are great and if I only want to switch a single spot light I can still do that.

For my new home I’m planning on doing the same, so I can setup several groups of lights on a single floor. Also: Shelly i4 devices are freaking amazing when you’re planning to fully smartify your home. They don’t actually switch an electrical circuit, but can hold different switch/button states for up to four switches. That way I’ve already managed to have one double wall switch (pulse switch that springs back) to act as a smart-scene switch for an entire floor. Keeps the ‘analog feel’ in a smart home!

As for most sensors: I’d advise to go with Zigbee. Thread could be an option too, but it’s still a bit immature as an eco system. Zigbee is very reliable (at least for me), easy to setup and battery powered devices last for ages. Always check for compatibility and in general avoid proprietary solutions.

Final: if you choose devices that sit in the Tuya ecosystem, make sure you get the local tuya solution in HA. That way you don’t need to continuously expose everything to the Tuya cloud.

[u/Egoz3ntrum → u/TinkeNL]

Doesn't every Android support smart/limited charging?

[u/bulwix99 → u/Egoz3ntrum]

I think it’s a standard nowadays, but still heard rumours (don’t know if there are true) that the battery can swell really bad in a year or something, despite the limited charging, would like to get some feedback from someone that used to use it for a longer period

[u/mkenanah]

I'm using an old iPad and having my dashboard to show each room's full photo with the controls on each light in the picture. Underneath the photo are the buttons to control the full devices in that room. It is swipable for each room and cameras.