I don’t think I’ve ever used Zigbee, but I’ll soon have the opportunity as ITEAD sent me the Sonoff ZBBridge gateway, a Sonoff T2 2-gang WiFi switch as well as a Zigbee motion sensor.
I had reviewed several Sonoff devices in the past, but it had been over three years that I hadn’t. ITEAD recently contacted me basically telling me I could select whatever I wanted from their product list for a review on CNX Software. Since I had reviewed several of the company’s WiFi smart sockets, smart switches, and a light bulb, I had less to play with, and then I thought it might be fun to play with Sonoff Zigbee products. But I did not own any Zigbee hardware, so I had to think about a use case.
I have a small annoyance in the house I rent. When we come back at night, we have to leave the car headlights on until I turn on the light on the porch. So it would be nice if the light could be triggered automatically upon motion detection, while still giving me the option to manually turn on and off the light as needed. That’s how the idea started, but I had to figure something out first…
I had no idea what standard was used in Thailand for the light switch. So I asked in a Thai Facebook private group about Sonoff, and was told to use a Sonoff switch for the US market, meaning either Sonoff T0 (WiFi only) or T2/T3 (WiFi + 433 MHz RF) from the Tx series. I was also told to make sure both neutral and live were connected, which they were, as some installations may only include the live wire. I eventually asked for a 2-gang T2 switch, plus Sonoff ZBBridge for Zigbee <-> WiFi connectivity, and a Zigbee motion sensor.
Sonoff mailbags “unboxing”
When the DHL delivery man called me, I was a bit surprised as he had two bags to give me. It turns out the company sent me two sets of the hardware I asked for.
Sonoff T2 WiFi + RF433 switch comes with mounting screws plus a multilingual quick installation guide, the Sonoff ZBBridge only ships with its quick user guide, plus the motion sensor package included a double-sided sticker for attachment, as well as a quick user guide.
Sonoff SNZB-03 motion sensor
I would not usually think about opening the motion sensor, but since the case is made to be easily opened…
Sonoff ZBBridge teardown
Time to open Sonoff ZBBridge (aka Sonoff Zigbee Bridge) gateway. We’ll need to take out the four rubber pads, loosen four screws before removing the bottom cover.
Sonoff T2 WiFi switch
Sonoff Tx wireless switches come with 1, 2, or 3 gangs, and each model comes with the same enclosure with support for up to three gangs.
To get an idea about pricing, I’ll use Banggood where ZBBridge is sold for $16.28, Sonoff SNZB-03 motion sensor goes for $9.49, and a 2-gang Sonoff T2 wireless switch is sold for $20.08. So the total comes up to about $45 including shipping. You’ll also find those on ITEAD website.
I’ll now have to replace the wall switch for my lights with Sonoff T2, place the motion sensor in a strategic location, set up the Zigbee gateway, and configure all that with eWelink Android app.
Continue reading “Setting up a motion activated light with Sonoff Zigbee sensor and T2 WiFi switch“.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
Zigbee is turning into Matter+Thread. The protocol is being split into two piece — network independent Matter, and then 802.11.4 Thread. After Matter ships next year Zigbee will be in legacy status.
This split is going to make Matter much more useful since instead of just 802.15.4 for transport you can use any IP network such as wifi or Ethernet.
Zigbee will probaly remain as its own since it still has its place for those who do not want each device to be connected via IP. From a security perspective it is better to have protocol break
The Zigbee Alliance is the group writing the Matter spec.
https://zigbeealliance.org/about/
I know. And no where have they written that Matter will make Zigbee obsolete. Again, Zigbee will still have its place where for example a protocol break is wanted for IT security, like for utilities, medical or industrial applications.
Has Sonoff started doing UL/ETL safety certification yet? The clock is ticking on when Amazon is going to block non-UL/ETL listed AC products. Amazon is getting too many lawsuits from this.
My Sonoff S31’s are ETL.
My Shelly 1PM is UL, but IIRC, they also make a non-UL version (ETL?)
Either UL or ETL is fine. They are just two variations on the same thing.
UL and ETL are safety certifications. They test the products in their labs to make sure they won’t start fires or electrocute you. They don’t test if the app works or if the wifi is up to standard. Only safety related issues.
I can’t see any UL or ETL logo on Sonoff T2’s enclosure and package, so that probably means it’s not certified.
Hi JL, Can you tell me what the gateway is for? I am using zigbee products and they can all be managed via the app from anywhere in the world. Is the gateway only for cases when I want to use IR sensors to activate Aircon units or other IR devices?
If you have Zigbee products in your home, you must have a gateway somewhere, if not, where does the signal come from?
How does the 433mhz work, given zigbee is 2.4ghz? Is that what the gateway does, route between their 433 network and zigbee 2.4?
There are two radios one @ 433 MHz and the 2.4 GHz one for Zigbee.
The 433 MHz is typically used with a remote control.
The gateway is for Zigbee <-> WiFi.