I’m planning to build several WiFi connected devices for home automation: an AC remote control and air quality sensors. These devices would send data and be controlled through a local server. I’m considering two approaches: running custom software on a server PC (hardware to be determined) or integrating with Home Assistant’s protocols and purchasing their hardware. Would using Home Assistant be excessive for this use case?

  • AbouBenAdhem@lemmy.worldEnglish
    12·
    3 hours ago

    In terms of software, yes. But HA can be run on nearly anything—there’s no need to buy their hardware to use it.

    • roofuskit@lemmy.worldEnglish
      3·
      3 hours ago

      Adding to this, I recommend a used mini PC. There’s lots of cheap used office hardware out there on eBay that is more powerful, more serviceable, and more flexible than the hardware they sell or a raspberry pi.

  • just_another_person@lemmy.worldEnglish
    3·
    3 hours ago

    HA is definitely the largest adopted. OpenHab is probably more geared for developers, but has a more concise and powerful automation system.

    As for hardware to run it on: get a cheap n100 Minipc and be done with it. Uses 6-12W, and it’s going to miles.kore efficient for this use than a regular PC.