A new month brings a fresh update to Home Assistant Core. The latest version, Home Assistant Core 2021.2, introduces a significant change for those using Z-Wave devices: the old OpenZWave 1.4 integration is being replaced by Z-Wave JS. While the spotlight is on the new Z-Wave JS integration, this release also includes additional Home Assistant integrations, enhanced web interface setups, and the removal of an unnecessary service. This article will cover all these updates, not just the Z-Wave changes.
Contents
What's New in Z-Wave JS?
The former Z-Wave integration relied on OpenZWave 1.4 and was part of Home Assistant Core. However, maintaining Z-Wave within the core proved to be too complex and burdensome. Moreover, OpenZWave 1.4, stemming from 2016, has become outdated and is no longer well-supported, necessitating a rewrite of the integration.
Z-Wave JS, first released on August 18, 2019, offers a modern solution. It allows control of your Z-Wave network using Node.js and is written entirely in JavaScript. Impressively, the Home Assistant integration for Z-Wave JS was developed in just one month, showcasing the developers' dedication.
How Z-Wave JS Works
Like its predecessor, Z-Wave JS operates independently of Home Assistant. The old integration used MQTT for communication, whereas Z-Wave JS uses a WebSocket connection. A key difference is the need to run a Z-Wave JS server between your Z-Wave USB stick and Home Assistant. Fortunately, a Docker container for the server is available, and if you’re using Home Assistant (not just Home Assistant Core), the server will be automatically installed during integration setup.
Initial reports indicate that Z-Wave JS is faster and more stable than the previous implementation. Some users have noted that their response times have halved compared to OpenZWave.
Transitioning to Z-Wave JS
The old Z-Wave integration is now deprecated. New users should start with the Z-Wave JS integration, while existing users can migrate their systems. There is no immediate need to switch unless you encounter issues with newer devices.
Potential Downsides of Z-Wave JS
Some users are concerned about the complexity of the new setup. Previously, integrating Z-Wave with Home Assistant was straightforward: plug in a Z-Wave USB stick, and the setup was nearly instant. Now, those using just Home Assistant Core may find the process more involved. However, for Home Assistant users, the server setup is handled in the background, making the experience similar to before.
If you choose to stick with the old integration, be aware that you may face difficulties with newer devices. Issues adding devices to your network may stem from them not being supported by OpenZWave.
New Integrations: Monitor Air Quality, Pools, and Power Usage
Alongside the Z-Wave JS integration, Home Assistant Core 2021.2 introduces several new integrations:
- AirNow: Monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) in your area using the official U.S. AQI. This integration can be set up via the web interface.
- Ondilo ICO: Continuously analyze your pool or spa's water quality, including temperature, oxidation-reduction potential, pH level, and total dissolved solids. The ICO device connects via Wi-Fi and can be set up using the web interface.
- Huisbaasje: For users in the Netherlands, this integration provides insights into your current power usage, grid power and gas consumption, power return to the grid, and daily energy and gas totals.
- DHCP Discovery: This integration, enabled by default, allows Home Assistant to monitor your network for DHCP requests from supported devices and services.
Transitioning to the Web Dashboard
Several integrations have been fully transitioned to the web dashboard, eliminating the need for YAML configuration. You can now manage these integrations through the web interface: