Least Expensive Way to interface Multiple Dry Contact?

[avpman]

It communicates via MQTT so with the mcsMQTT plugin a HS device/feature is created for any GPIO that you want to use. If they are being used as inputs then HS will change ON/OFF as the GPIO changes. If they are being used as outputs then HS UI will have control buttons created. In both cases the HS event can also be used for trigger or action. Other functionality such as PWM for dimmer is modeled by mcsMQTT so a slider is created. Temp sensors, humidity sensors, etc. are also handled the same way.

When you are running RPi then you are usually running off of a limited lifetime SD card and have all the capability and difficulties of using a general purpose OS such as Linux. Packaging, heat, power use, and environmental protection are considerations where a microcontroller such as ESP32 shines vs. a microcomputer. An interface board such as a opto-isolated input bank can just as easily be connected to a ESP32 as it can be connected to a RPi.

MQTT requires a WAN network connection, correct? I don't want to depend on that should my internet go down. Rather have a LAN solution. But still, good info. Thanks!

[Michael McSharry]

There is no WAN connection typically used with MQTT. It is the same as with most things that are interfaced with HS using ethernet. If you want to to stay local you can. If you want to go to the cloud you can. Most consumer devices that need a WAN connection use HTTP protocol. It would be rare to find one that uses MQTT over WAN.

[avpman]

There is no WAN connection typically used with MQTT. It is the same as with most things that are interfaced with HS using ethernet. If you want to to stay local you can. If you want to go to the cloud you can. Most consumer devices that need a WAN connection use HTTP protocol. It would be rare to find one that uses MQTT over WAN.

So the broker would run locally on the HS Pi?

[Michael McSharry]

The broker is built into mcsMQTT, or you can use an external one on the LAN or on the WAN

[Eman]

If you want to use the ESP-WROOM-32 ESP32 ESP-32S Development Board you may find the DIN RAIL housing up to the job : DIN Rail Mount Screw Terminal Block Breakout Module Board for ESP32-DevKitC




Eman.

[Ltek]

$29 right now, Zooz dual contact zwave 700 unit... https://www.thesmartesthouse.com/col...relays-20a-10a

[upstatemike]

$29 right now, Zooz dual contact zwave 700 unit... https://www.thesmartesthouse.com/col...relays-20a-10a

That looks like a decent device for $29. What are the chances it will work with Homeseer (based on the firmwaare warning in the product description)?

[cd36]

That looks like a decent device for $29. What are the chances it will work with Homeseer (based on the firmwaare warning in the product description)?

Under supported hubs it lists homeseer and version required.