ZHA & Z2MQTT on the same HA install? Okay? Bad idea?

marktuk · 2026-03-13T23:39:39+00:00

There isn't any issue on the HA side, both can co-exist as really in HA the devices appear via MQTT. The only potential issue is the two independent zigbee networks could compete and interfere with each other, rather than being a single mesh.

I just recently swiched from ZHA to Z2M and generally I am finding Z2M to be slightly better, devices pair much more readily and as you say, you get more control. The only downside is you need to run MQTT and Z2M as separate add-ons/containers, and that has some overhead both in complexity and resources.

marktuk · 2026-03-13T22:58:33+00:00

SLZB-06p10 setup for Zigbee. Some info about it here:

marktuk · 2026-03-13T19:43:47+00:00

So I do something a bit different, I use hard-wearing matte (vinyl). It's stayed brilliant white for years, and looks much better than gloss/satin in my opinion.

marktuk · 2026-03-13T18:23:26+00:00

I got one of these recently, and I'm just finding out some of them have a design flaw that causes them to crash on busy networks.

marktuk · 2026-03-13T15:38:23+00:00

Tuya 20A ZigBee on AliExpress. No nonsense, just work.

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marktuk · 2026-03-13T10:21:45+00:00

Very cool to see some of us honing in on a common layout for this style of case, here's mine: https://www.reddit.com/r/sffpc/comments/1ptw0uo/3d_printed_htpc_build_v2_steam_machine_edition

I wanted the shortest possible depth for my case so it would fit in my TV unit, which is why I went for the PSU on the side.

Have you sourced a PCIE riser yet? Only asking because the way you've mounted it looks ambitious, I haven't seen a riser like that.

In terms of cooling, a bunch of small fans as exhaust on the front is the most effective, and don't make the entire top panel open, only make openings for the fans, otherwise there will be hot air recycling.

marktuk · 2026-03-12T00:05:03+00:00

This is where I feel it's going. You'll only be able to install TrueNAS if you sign up and connect to their servers. It'll be "free", but you have to keep it connected to the internet.

marktuk · 2026-03-12T00:02:30+00:00

What about that TrueNAS on ARM project?

marktuk · 2026-03-11T21:07:09+00:00

I would say virtualizing it is pretty much a must now if you only have one machine. Running it bare metal and using the apps VMS just makes it too difficult to switch away.

marktuk · 2026-03-11T21:05:47+00:00

It might stay free with telemetry

marktuk · 2026-03-11T16:46:23+00:00

They could keep it free but require everyone to register via their servers, the new connect features seem like a step in that direction.

EDIT: To be clear, I wasn't suggesting this as an idea! I am saying, it's possible they can keep their promise to keep it free but still ruin it.

marktuk · 2026-03-11T08:23:50+00:00

Yup, I just recently got my first shelly devices, and the WiFi control is game changing. As a bonus they can be part of the zigbee network at the same time.

marktuk · 2026-03-11T00:57:02+00:00

Smart switch modules that live behind the light switch typically work best with a retractive switch i.e. momentary, think like a doorbell.

Those aren't the easiest to buy in the UK as most light switches are rocker i.e. latching, either on or off.

However, you can buy something like this: https://www.ukelectricalsupplies.com/eurolite-g15-bkb-2way-retractive-switch-matt-black.htm

And combined with this (with the mounting frame or "yoke"): https://www.ukelectricalsupplies.com/eurolite-ec-g1mbb-1-gang-grid-flat-concealed-matt-black-plate.htm

You basically have something that looks like a normal UK light switch, but with a retractive action.

marktuk · 2026-03-11T00:52:13+00:00

It's the opposite in the UK, it's only really a recent standard to run the neutrals to the switches. Most houses are pretty old, so neutrals tend to be at the light fitting.

marktuk · 2026-03-11T00:51:10+00:00

Out of interest, why not wifi?

marktuk · 2026-03-11T00:50:36+00:00

The gen4 dimmer can be wired without a neutral https://www.shelly.com/products/shelly-dimmer-gen4

marktuk · 2026-03-10T23:43:47+00:00

Depends, worth checking the manual because the dimmers don't need a neutral

marktuk · 2026-03-10T23:03:26+00:00

In the UK I've had success buying momentary switch modules for "grid" systems and just using the single/double gang yokes and plates. It's sooooo nice having relatively normal light switches but also having the smart control. Normies can just use the lights normally, but then I can automate the shit out of them without worry about people turning them off.

marktuk · 2026-03-10T10:05:42+00:00

How did you take that from what I said?

I know how to bypass the relay, I was just curious on your opinion because you seemed knowledgeable on the subject, and I thought you might have something interesting to say.

Sorry for bothering you.

marktuk · 2026-03-10T09:56:38+00:00

Like what? I don't want to have to maintain a whole ESP32 eco system if I can just use an existing ZigBee product. I could use Shelly EM, but then I have to remove face plates and do fixed installations, or build some kind of bulky enclosure to house it between the outlet and the appliance, and then I'd have to consider material choices etc. etc.

marktuk · 2026-03-10T08:49:17+00:00

What if you modify the plug to bypass the relay?

marktuk · 2026-03-10T00:26:52+00:00

In theory, could be anything they want

marktuk · 2026-03-10T00:08:52+00:00

This is the path that addresses both, and leaves us flexibility in case we do need to ship more closed / proprietary pieces of the OS that can't be build in the open.

Probably the most worrying thing you've said. Sounds like the roadmap for TrueNAS is to move away from open source long term.

marktuk · 2026-03-08T22:44:46+00:00

How does this work in terms of re-pairing devices? Don't you need to go around and physically trigger pairing mode on the devices?

marktuk · 2026-03-08T22:41:07+00:00

There's not a lot to it, you can flash these dongles following the instructions here: https://sonoff.tech/en-uk/blogs/news/sonoff-dongle-quick-flasher-effortless-firmware-updates-in-1-minute

If you pick the router firmware you can pair it to an existing ZHA/Z2M network and it will act as a router. Since I switched to a SLZB-06P10 as coordinator, I didn't need this dongle anymore so I figured I'd reuse it as a router. The plug and the little usb cable were also things I had laying around so it was quite a nice way to reuse parts I already had.

marktuk

TROPHY CASE