Home Automation on Raspberry Pi
Project Overview
This project uses open-source HomeAssistant home automation to control lights, switches, etc in a domestic setting using cheap hardware. The system allows integration with Apple Home and Google Nest to allow consolidation of various home automation platforms into a single interface.
Implementation
HomeAssistant and an MQTT broker then run as Dockerised containers on either a locally connected Raspberry Pi or Synology NAS on the network.
We make use of 3rd party integrations with HomeAssistant to control colored smart lights, smart window coverings.
We make use of in-wall WiFi enabled switches from CTEC and connect them to our MQTT backbone as digital switches.
Sensor data from Bluetooth smart phones allows for proximity and presence detection of occupants - allowing for some elaborate automation options:
EXAMPLE AUTOMATION
Trigger:
- Peter approaches within 2 kilometers of home
Conditions:
- Peter was away from home for 2 hours or more
- Temperature is greater than 32ºC
- Time of day is during daylight hours
- Day is Friday, Saturday or Sunday
Actions:
- Turn on Aircon to cool zones 1 & 2 to 25ºC
- Turn on lights in "Twilight" scene
- Play "DJ Shadow - Midnight" on Pool speakers
Notes
- Cheap and Powerful
- Allows for voice control via Siri, Alexa, etc.
- Allows for advanced automations
- Wide array of supported products
- Options to add relay controlled hardware
