OpenZWave (beta) for Home Assistant

New OpenZWave (beta) for Home Assistant

If you’re a Z-Wave user and been following the latest Home Assistant news, you might have noticed a new “OpenZWave (beta)” integration that keeps getting mentioned. This Home Assistant integration aims to improve the Z-Wave experience within Home Assistant by controlling your Z-Wave network over MQTT. In today’s article I’m going to be discussing how … [Read more…]

Aeotec Z-Wave Mulit-Color Bulb Review

Aeotec Z-Wave ZWA002 LED Bulbs Review (with automated Holiday Colors)

Personally, I’m a big fan of always using smart switches instead of smart bulbs to automate my home. However, there are times when adding multi-color lights adds something to your smart home. I wanted to have my porch lights routinely go on every night and also change colors during the holidays. I’ve already got a … [Read more…]

Home Assistant Z-Wave Tips and Trick

Home Assistant Z-Wave Tips and Tricks

Z-Wave is a wireless communications protocol used primarily for Home Automation. It can be a bit harder to work with compared to some other protocols we see daily like WiFi and Bluetooth. Ever since I got my USB Z-Wave gateway and first dimmer switch, I’ve been interested in Z-Wave and see the benefits of a completely local mesh network for Home Automation communication. I’ve assembled a few tips and tricks that can help improve your Z-Wave experience using Home Assistant.

Some of these will work with other Home Automation platforms, but these are what I use for Home Assistant.

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Zooz ZSE29 Outdoor Motion Sensor

Zooz ZSE29 Z-Wave Outdoor Motion Sensor Review

I recently wanted to overhaul my outdoor lighting. I wanted for all my outdoor lighting to be dimmed around dusk, so that my house was accented but not be too bright. But if any motion happened around the house, I wanted all the lights to go full brightness for some added security. Last week I reviewed the ZEN22 dimmer switch that can control lighting. This week I’ve got the Zooz ZSE29 Z-Wave Outdoor Motion Sensor to sense when motion occurs around my property.

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Zooz ZEN22 Z-Wave Dimmer Switch

Zooz ZEN22 Z-Wave Dimmer Switch Review

If you’re just getting into smart home tech, lighting is a great place to get your feet wet. If you’re looking to start investing in Z-Wave for your lighting setup, the Zooz ZEN22 Z-Wave Dimmer Switch could be your answer. I replaced a switch in my garage to the ZEN22 to automate my outdoor lighting at night. In today’s review, I look at the features of the switch, installation process, and integration with Home Assistant. The ZEN22 switch is available at Amazon and The Smartest House.

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