Voice assistants and smartphones are often the go-to interfaces for modern smart home systems. However, if you fancy more direct physical controls, you can go that route as well. To that end, [Salim Benbouziyane] whipped up a nifty keypad to work with his Home Assistant setup.
The build is based on an ESP32 microcontroller, which has wireless hardware onboard to communicate with the rest of [Salim’s] Home Assistant setup. Using the ESPHome firmware framework as a base, the microcontroller is connected to a four-by-three button keypad array, built using nice clicky key switches. There’s also an indicator light on top as a system status indicator. A fingerprint scanner provides an easy way for users to authenticate when disarming the alarm.
Security and speed were the push for [Salim] to whip up this system. He found it difficult to disarm his alarm in a hurry when fumbling with his phone, and the direct keypad entry method was far more desirable.
Sometimes, the easiest route to the smart home of your dreams is to just build the exact solutions you need. Video after the break.
I’m glad I’m not the only one who’s less keen on phone controls for this stuff! Of course, the ideal is that the system is truly smart and turns stuff on/off based on timers, sensors, etc, but there always remains stuff that you need to switch. Using a phone seems like such a hassle compared to a button.
Also, just a note on using HA for security – it’ll be better than nothing, but it’s susceptible to WiFi/BT jamming, which apparently is becoming more common in break-ins (at least here in the UK). A proper wired security system isn’t, and even a professional wireless system is fairly resistant. Also your insurance company will not give a discount.
I’ve been using a combination of wireless remotes and WLED setups to interface with Home Assistant beyond the web/app. It’s neat to see something purpose-built.