You need to install ESPHome on the ESP32, here is the guide. Then configure the Xiaomi sensor.

timmmay:

 

Once I have a ESP32 what are the next steps? Do I need to flash a firmware? Apply some software? Or just plug it in and ignore it? I assume I have to at least pair it with the WiFi, since I don't have ethernet everywhere, how's that done? Do I need to configure it to find my HA instance? There's probably a tutorial but I don't even really know what to search for. Thanks for any suggestions :)

 

I'm still going to try to get the USB Bluetooth working, but I might do ESP32 as well since it sounds cheap.

 

<rant>This whole home automation thing is really quite complex. Home Assistant is more like a framework or programming language than a product in some ways, and there's absolutely no way that an average person could get all this stuff working. Yesterday I spent hours trying to find the chipset drivers for my USB Bluetooth controller, today I'm probably learning about embedded systems like ESP32!</rant>

 

For the ESP32 follow this video - https://youtu.be/iufph4dF3YU?t=260

Once you have the base ESPHome firmware running you need to add your BLE sensors manually, this is a bit of work initially, but is only a one time config. Happy to share config files and step through once you are at that point.

I agree with your rant, this platform is also being constantly changed/improved which makes it hard to keep up. 

Thanks, interesting :) Sounds like you install your ESP32 integration, buy your ESP32, flash a firmware, add the temperature sensor, and the information gets relayed to HA. Probably easier to have a few of them around than getting this Bluetooth adapter working - though I think it's working ok, it's just HA that isn't working well with it.

Can anyone link to an ESP32 they know works at a reliable vendor? Ideally one that sells cases as well. The video linked to above mentions the "D1 Mini" which has a different number, but apparently works well. You can get them in NZ for about $30 each, or from AliExpress for $2 - $5 each.

I've recently had good luck with "Cainiao Standard For Special Goods" for stuff from AliExpress. It took less than two weeks to arrive.

I just get them from Aliexpress, general purpose cases might be difficult to come by, though. It's a bit of a nightmare matching the exact form factor.

This is a cool idea, expensive though: https://shop.everythingsmarthome.co.uk/

POE version planned, which is why I'm keeping an eye on it.

If I want a ESP32 quickly I buy off TradeMe or Jaycar, if I can wait I grab them off Aliexpress. Not sure Ive ever seen a case for a ESP32, if you find one let us know!

I've had good success with the Win Win store https://www.aliexpress.com/store/1084082

Haven't ordered for a while so not sure what shipping is like at the moment.

Bought some LEDs, breadboards and such from these dudes....

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/search?member_listing=6033450

Not ordered an ESP32 or WeMo from them, but everything I have ordered as arrived has been as advertised.

Jeez - can't string my worms properly today ....

How does this one look? USB-C is handy. "ESP32 ESP-WROOM-32 Ultra-Low Power Dual Core Development Board USB (TYPE-C) CP2102 WiFi + Bluetooth".

Alternately this one from EPartners on Trademe. "ESP32 Development Board WiFi+Bluetooth Ultra-Low Power Consumption Dual Core" with MCU module: ESP32-WROOM-32.

I'll look around Ali Express for a seller that has shipping that says it will arrive in less than two months for when I want another half dozen of them.

I reckon either would do. Re: USB-C - personally I would probably not go with that because I have so many micro-USB cables and keep the the C ones for the Mobiles :-)

Old phone chargers are great for running these things and they often have hard-wired micro USB ends.

Can get some details on the AliExpress seller I last used for ESP32 when I get home if still interested.

..... flippin brain is mucking up me edits today.....

Thanks huckster. I got the Trademe one, once I have that working I'll order a half dozen from AliExpress :) Hopefully I can get my long range USB bluetooth adapter working as well.

huckster:

 

Bought some LEDs, breadboards and such from these dudes....

 

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/search?member_listing=6033450

 

Not ordered an ESP32 or WeMo from them, but everything I have ordered as arrived has been as advertised.

 

Jeez - can't string my worms properly today ....

 

Yeah they are good sellers. Bought quite a bit from them that I didnt want to wait on.

timmmay:

 

<rant>This whole home automation thing is really quite complex. Home Assistant is more like a framework or programming language than a product in some ways, and there's absolutely no way that an average person could get all this stuff working. Yesterday I spent hours trying to find the chipset drivers for my USB Bluetooth controller, today I'm probably learning about embedded systems like ESP32!</rant>

 

Doing to the way you have done it is complex. HA is a platform and gives you a lot of flexibility but adds complexity.

Average people will integrate some zigbee sensors via a gateway with Alexa and be done with it.

If it's any consolation commercial building integration is even worse and we've been doing that for 20 years.

Anyone installed ESPHome into Home Assistant Core? I found these instructions but wanted to check. When I try to install ESPHome using the GUI I get this error message

Incidentally, I got the Bluetooth USB adapter working, the range is pretty good. The little Xiaomi sensors work anywhere in my house, in the fridge (only at the top), and outside the back door. I'll still get the ESPHome working as I might put it near the fridge so I can turn the transmit power down. I also might see if I can use it as a bridge to have HA control my Mi Box.

Not sure on ESPHome but MQTT is fairly similar I think. You need to point it at the container if you are running in docker

Hmmm. Having seen this thread and commenting re: ESP32, I had a peek at ESPHome.
I've used hand-cranked code on these mini things talking to an MQTT broker but ESPHome looked simpler.

Basically, in HA, I went to Settings, Add-ons, clicked on Add-on Store and searched for ESPHome. Then clicked install. That was it.

I found this which is quite good.

https://youtu.be/iufph4dF3YU