Easily Integrate Sonoff Zigbee Bridge with Home Assistant

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Flashing the Zigbee Bridge with Tasmota without Soldering
• Integrating and Adding Devices in Home Assistant Using ZHA
• Overview of the Zigbee Bridge
• Benefits of Using Tasmota Firmware
• Things You'll Need
• Step 1: Disassembling the Zigbee Bridge
• Step 2: Identifying Connections on the Bridge
• Step 3: Connecting USB to Serial Adapter
• Step 4: Setting Up and Flashing Tasmota Firmware
• Step 5: Configuring Tasmota in the Web Interface
• Step 6: Flashing the Zigbee Chipset Firmware
• Step 7: Integrating the Zigbee Bridge with Home Assistant
• Conclusion

Flashing the Zigbee Bridge with Tasmota without Soldering

The Zigbee bridge has gained popularity in home automation setups due to its small size and affordable price point. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of flashing the Zigbee bridge with Tasmota firmware without the need for soldering. Tasmota is an open-source firmware that allows you to control your devices locally and integrate them with platforms like Home Assistant.

Overview of the Zigbee Bridge

The Sonoff Zigbee bridge is a compact device that serves as a hub for your Zigbee devices. Its small form factor and affordable price make it an attractive option for DIY enthusiasts. With the ability to load open-source firmware like Tasmota, the possibilities for customization and control are endless.

Benefits of Using Tasmota Firmware

Tasmota firmware offers several advantages for home automation enthusiasts. It allows for local control of your devices, ensuring privacy and reducing dependence on cloud-Based services. With Tasmota, you can easily integrate your Zigbee devices with platforms like Home Assistant, providing a seamless user experience. Additionally, Tasmota firmware is actively maintained and updated, ensuring compatibility with new devices and features.

Things You'll Need

Before we begin, let's Gather the necessary tools and equipment for this process:

• USB to serial adapter (with 3.3V and 5V toggle)
• Dupont connectors and smaller jumper wires
• Laptop or desktop computer

Step 1: Disassembling the Zigbee Bridge

To start the flashing process, we need to open up the Zigbee bridge by removing the four Rubber feet on the bottom and unscrewing the four screws underneath. Carefully remove the PCB from the device.

Step 2: Identifying Connections on the Bridge

On the Zigbee bridge PCB, we need to identify five connections: 3.3V, Ground, RX, TX, and IO0. These are clearly labeled on the PCB for easy identification. Additionally, we need to identify the corresponding connections on the USB to serial adapter: 3.3V (or VCC), Ground, RX, and TX.

Step 3: Connecting USB to Serial Adapter

Using the jumper wires and connectors, we will establish connections between the Zigbee bridge and the USB to serial adapter. Connect the following:

• 3.3V to VCC
• Ground to Ground
• RX on the bridge to TX on the adapter
• TX on the bridge to RX on the adapter

Additionally, connect IO0 on the bridge to the Ground Pin. This connection is necessary to enter the flashing mode.

Step 4: Setting Up and Flashing Tasmota Firmware

Ensure that the serial adapter is set to 3.3V using the jumper. Avoid supplying 5V to prevent damage. With the adapter unplugged, connect it to your laptop or desktop. If a green LED is lit on the bridge, it indicates correct connections.

Next, download "Tasmatizer" from the provided GitHub link. This tool allows us to flash the Tasmota firmware onto our devices. Open Tasmatizer and select the correct com port. If multiple devices are listed, unplug the adapter, press refresh, and then choose the newly listed device.

You can optionally back up the original firmware before proceeding. Select the Tasmota firmware for the Zigbee bridge from the drop-down menu and click the "Tasmatize" button. The flashing process will take around 60 seconds. Do not disturb the bridge during this time.

Once the flashing is complete, disconnect the USB adapter, remove the wire connecting IO0 to Ground, and plug the adapter back in. You should see a Tasmota Wi-Fi network available for connection.

Step 5: Configuring Tasmota in the Web Interface

Connect to the Tasmota Wi-Fi network using your phone or laptop. Open a browser and enter the IP address "192.168.4.1" to access the Tasmota web interface. Here, you can enter your Wi-Fi details or use the scan button to discover your network. Save the settings and the Zigbee bridge will restart, joining your existing Wi-Fi network.

To access the Tasmota web UI, enter the bridge's IP address in your browser. This is the main configuration page for Tasmota, where you can customize various settings.

Step 6: Flashing the Zigbee Chipset Firmware

To complete the setup, we need to flash the Zigbee chipset firmware. Download the NCP UART firmware from the provided GitHub link. In the console of the Tasmota web interface, enter the following commands:

backlog WebLog 3
SetOption65 1
Module 75

These commands set the logging level, disable fast power cycle detection, and set the module to the Zigbee bridge.

Navigate to the firmware upgrade menu, select the NCP UART file, and start the flashing process. Monitor the console and ensure that the flash is successful.

Step 7: Integrating the Zigbee Bridge with Home Assistant

In Home Assistant, go to Configuration and Integrations. Add a new integration and search for ZHA or Zigbee Home Automation. Select the "Easy SP" option and enter the socket address of the Zigbee bridge (IP address followed by port 8888). Make sure to enter 115200 as the speed.

Finish the integration process and Home Assistant will automatically connect to the Zigbee bridge. You can now start pairing your Zigbee devices and integrate them into your automation setup.

Congratulations! You have successfully flashed the Zigbee bridge with Tasmota firmware and integrated it with Home Assistant using ZHA. Enjoy the control and automation possibilities offered by your new setup.

Conclusion

Flashing the Zigbee bridge with Tasmota firmware opens up a world of possibilities for controlling and automating your Zigbee devices. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily achieve local control and integration with platforms like Home Assistant. Enjoy the flexibility and customization offered by Tasmota and ZHA, and have fun exploring the endless possibilities of your smart home setup.

Highlights

• Flash the Zigbee bridge with Tasmota firmware without soldering
• Integrate the Zigbee bridge with Home Assistant using ZHA
• Benefit from local control and privacy with Tasmota firmware
• Easily customize and automate your Zigbee devices

FAQ

Q: Can I use any USB to serial adapter for this process? A: Yes, as long as the adapter allows toggling between 3.3V and 5V and has the necessary RX and TX pins.

Q: How long does the flashing process take? A: The flashing process takes approximately 60 seconds, but it may vary depending on your hardware and firmware versions.

Q: Can I use the Zigbee bridge with platforms other than Home Assistant? A: While this guide focuses on integrating with Home Assistant, the Zigbee bridge can be used with other platforms that support Zigbee home automation protocols.

Q: What if I encounter issues during the flashing process? A: If you encounter any issues or need further assistance, leave a comment below or join our Discord community for support from fellow enthusiasts.