j_angliss

Do I setup a handful of BT Proxies for Home Assistant via ESP32s, or get a decent BT adapter for the HA host?

I have 1, maybe 2, sensors that are pushing the limits of BT so the built in adapter in my HA host doesn't always see its announcement. A dedicated external adapter, with better antenna would help there, but so would sticking some adapters everywhere, as well as allowing more data collection for other "things".

#homeassistant

Nov 25 at 12:50amWeb
Show threadJon GranroseNov 25

@j_angliss Eventually, I to plan to go BT proxies, one per room. But that's so my home knows who's where. This will make it easier for my phone to show me the right controls on the HA app based on what room I'm in.

#HomeAssistant

Show threadj_anglissNov 25
@jongranrose I've not even got into the room based location awareness stuffs yet, but that's a good point and idea. Especially adding in any of the proximity/lidar sensors being easily integrated into ESPHome on top of the BT Proxy.
Show threadJay LyerlyNov 25
@j_angliss I’ve found that Bluetooth isn’t the best for HA sensors due to range. Maybe instead of trying to bandaid the Bluetooth situation, you’d be better served by switching those sensors to Zigbee or ZWave which seem to work better over distance.
Show threadj_anglissNov 25

@jaylyerly that would be where the BT Proxies would come in. Strategically placed, should improve that coverage.

My only problem with Zigbee and ZWave is that the same types of sensors are usually at least double the cost. The most important devices I have do run one of those protocols though.

If cost was no issue, I'd definitely be doing everything with those :)

Show thread(Andreas Bulling) has movedNov 25
@j_angliss both 😉
Show threadCalvNov 25

@j_angliss
BT proxies for me. I don't even have a BT adapter plugged into my HA box. Works great for switchbot blind tilts around the house. 98% of the time they respond as quickly as I expect. Then randomly they will take a few seconds to act, but they still end up getting the request.

Distance to the BT device definitely matters from my experience. Plus you can go down the time suck rabbit hole of room presence if you wish.