It is a condensed evaluate of the House Assistant Join ZBT-2, which was initially featured on mightgadget.co.uk
A number of days in the past, I reviewed the Sonoff PoE Dongle Max, which I used to be very impressed with. The extra I take advantage of it, the extra I respect what it gives. Shortly after that evaluate, House Assistant introduced the brand new ZBT-2, which represents a big improve to the previous ZBT-1 (previously generally known as the Nabu Case / House Assistant SkyConnect).
I beforehand used the ZBT-1 with multi-protocol help, and it was temperamental at greatest. House Assistant have correctly chosen to restrict the ZBT-2 to a single protocol at a time, whereas the Sonoff can technically help each protocols concurrently, although this stays in beta.
Resulting from ongoing points with multi-protocol setups, I’ve opted to make use of the Sonoff and ZBT-2 collectively, with one operating Zigbee and the opposite Thread. Each units are moderately reasonably priced you probably have invested in good house units, and operating devoted {hardware} for every protocol ensures essentially the most dependable community.
Specification
The ZBT-2 measures 83 x 83 x 179 mm and weighs 157 g. It makes use of a Silicon Labs MG24 chip with an ESP32-S3 serving as a USB-serial bridge, powered by way of USB-C at 5 V DC and 500 mA. The gadget helps Zigbee 3.0 and Thread protocols.
The antenna operates within the 2400-2483.5 MHz frequency vary with transmit energy of 10 dBm in Europe. The antenna itself measures 24 mm in diameter and 164 mm in top, with a peak achieve of 4.16 dBi and an omnidirectional radiation sample. The gadget is rated for indoor use solely, with an working temperature vary of 0 to 65 levels Celsius.
Options
The ZBT-2 options an optimised antenna design meant to supply improved connectivity with Zigbee and Thread units. The adapter additionally permits entry to Matter-compatible units throughout your community.
The up to date internals utilise a more recent Zigbee and Thread chipset that delivers larger efficiency in comparison with the earlier technology. Notably, the adapter operates at a baud fee of 460,800, in comparison with 115,200 on the ZBT-1. This 4x enhance in communication pace ought to translate to improved gadget responsiveness in sensible use.
The ZBT-2 has been developed by the workforce answerable for House Assistant, ZHA, and Matter.js integration. Setup features a wizard designed to simplify preliminary configuration for Zigbee or Thread networks, with one-click firmware updates accessible by means of the interface. Customers can migrate present Zigbee or Thread networks to the ZBT-2.
Design
The House Assistant Join ZBT-2 adopts the identical desk aesthetic because the House Assistant Join ZWA-2. It presents a glossy, trendy look with clear design resemblance to House Assistant’s Z-Wave dongle, however in a extra compact measurement. The design language aligns with different current House Assistant {hardware} just like the Inexperienced and Voice, that includes clean, rounded parts and an interesting mixture of white, translucent, and clear components for the outer casing.
It’s considerably bigger than the ZBT-1, which was basically a small USB dongle. The ZBT-2 is now a free-standing antenna with an aesthetic design that you would be able to have sitting out within the open on a shelf or desk with out it trying misplaced. As soon as assembled, it resembles a tiny desk microphone that picked a profession in RF engineering. The scale is not only about aesthetics although – it’s about physics. An even bigger antenna equals higher vary, and the ZBT-2 delivers on this entrance.
The bottom unit incorporates the primary parts, together with the EFR32MG24 Zigbee/Thread chip. The elongated stem incorporates the antenna, which maximises vary. On prime of the antenna is an LED for standing suggestions, though it has fewer management choices than the Z-Wave model. The present firmware doesn’t allow the LED when in Thread mode, although this may occasionally change with future updates.
The general construct high quality is stable, particularly in contrast with the ZBT-1, which was only a skinny plastic dongle that even had a problematic batch recalled by House Assistant. The ZBT-2 has affordable weight distribution, permitting it to sit down steadily on a desk with out tipping over. A 1.2 metre USB lead is equipped, which is necessary as you wish to place the antenna away from parts that will intervene with the Zigbee or Thread sign.
Setup inside House Assistant
Zigbee Setup and Migration
Initially, I examined this with Zigbee. In my earlier Sonoff evaluate, I famous that I didn’t have many Zigbee units straight built-in with House Assistant. Resulting from all of the opinions I do, I’ve built-in most issues by way of Matter or built-in integrations, primarily Aqara and Philips Hue units. Since getting the Sonoff, I’ve began transferring issues away from Aqara and straight into House Assistant.
With the ZBT-2, I migrated the Zigbee units from the Sonoff. I solely had 10 units emigrate and had no points, although I’ve learn studies that some folks must reset units when doing massive migrations. The migration wizard is genuinely spectacular – House Assistant detected the stick immediately, launched the migration wizard, and transferred all the pieces. No repairing, no operating round the home urgent buttons, and no Aqara units pretending they might not see the brand new coordinator. It simply labored.
If you’re utilizing ZHA, you’ll be able to both observe the really helpful settings or use the migration wizard. This course of updates the firmware robotically and completes the ZHA setup. The ZBT-2 presently makes use of EmberZNet Zigbee firmware model 7.4.4.3 in ZHA. This isn’t the newest Ember firmware, however it seems to be the newest one validated for the ZBT-2. For Zigbee2MQTT customers, you choose the Customized possibility throughout onboarding, and House Assistant will robotically flash the required firmware.
Thread
After testing Zigbee, I restored a backup, moved all the pieces again to the Sonoff and arrange the ZBT-2 as my foremost Thread controller. I respect the idea of Matter over Thread, however previously, I’ve had points getting units linked. I struggled with Aqara hubs and would typically require a number of makes an attempt. With the older ZBT-1, it was barely potential to get units paired, with the issue being worsened by utilizing a number of protocols.
With each the ZBT-2 and Sonoff, issues had been a lot better, although I discover the onboarding course of extra time-consuming than Zigbee. It takes fairly some time to totally join, however whereas slower than Zigbee, it has been way more dependable than the ZBT-1 and the Aqara Hubs I’ve used with Thread.
To arrange Thread, choose “Use as Thread adapter” within the configuration wizard. This selection robotically flashes the firmware, downloads and installs the Open Thread Border Router add-on, applies the right settings, and begins it instantly. House Assistant gives one of the vital steady OpenThread Border Routers accessible, with entry to the usual webUI and REST API for superior configurations.
Efficiency
It’s exhausting to gauge efficiency precisely, however from my testing, it’s successfully the identical because the Sonoff PoE Dongle Max. There are professionals and cons to every.
The Sonoff advantages from PoE, that means you’ll be able to place it wherever in your house if linked to Ethernet. This lets you find it centrally for the absolute best sign. On the flip aspect, PoE will theoretically create some latency in comparison with USB. In actuality, from my subjective expertise, I discover no distinction. Each carry out considerably higher than the previous ZBT-1.
Units on the sting of my property responded shortly. Battery sensors confirmed up reliably with few delays. I even positioned a temperature and humidity sensor in my automobile, parked on the road, and to date it has carried out reliably.
The ZBT-2’s antenna has a peak achieve of 4.16 dBi, akin to the 4 dBi on the SMLight vary and the 4.5 dBi on the Sonoff Dongle Max. These dongles ought to theoretically present related community vary and protection.
Worth and Various Choices
The House Assistant Join ZBT-2 is out there from pimoroni.com for 41.90 kilos together with tax and supply, although on the time of writing it was out of inventory. Amazon lists this as a US import for 78.30 kilos.
The Sonoff Zigbee/Thread PoE Dongle Max is arguably the perfect different with an RRP of 41.30 kilos, however accessible on Amazon for 31.20 kilos on the time of writing. This technically helps each protocols concurrently with multiPAN, and PoE connectivity permits optimum placement.
The SMLIGHT MR1, MR2, and MR3 are additionally value contemplating. Much like the Sonoff with PoE and twin protocol help, however with devoted radios for each Zigbee and Thread fairly than counting on MultiPAN. On Amazon these promote for 84 kilos, making two Sonoffs operating individually cheaper, however on Aliexpress you will get the SMLIGHT MR1 for round 45 kilos.
General
The House Assistant Join ZBT-2 is a considerable improve to the ZBT-1 and a logical buy for anybody entering into House Assistant. It’s extra engaging than generic dongles.
That mentioned, it’s troublesome to provide it a glowing advice when you will get the Sonoff Dongle Max for much less, which is arguably a superior product. The ZBT-2 is maybe extra interesting to new customers who need reassurance that their gadget will work with House Assistant. It’s also extra aesthetically pleasing, which could possibly be useful in case your House Assistant {hardware} is seen.
General, I believe the House Assistant Join ZBT-2 is a stable product, however for my part, it isn’t pretty much as good worth because the Sonoff Dongle Max.
