I currently use a variety of smart devices, including smart lights, thermostats, and voice assistants, but I’m eager to extend this integration to my ceiling fans and other remote-controlled appliances through Bond Home.
I’ve done some initial research and understand that Bond Home can control a range of devices using RF and IR signals, which is fantastic. However, I’m unsure about the best approach to seamlessly integrate Bond Home with my current smart home ecosystem. Specifically, I’m looking for advice on the following points:
Are there specific smart home platforms or ecosystems that Bond Home integrates with more effectively? For example, is there better support for systems like Google Home, Alexa, or Apple HomeKit?
What are the best practices for setting up Bond Home to work with existing smart devices? Are there particular steps or configurations that make the integration smoother?
How can I set up automations involving Bond Home? Are there recommended strategies or tools for creating complex automations involving both Bond-controlled devices and other smart home components?
If I run into issues with integration or device control, what are common troubleshooting steps or resources that could help?
I can only speak from my personal experience using a system called Loxone -
The main positive quality this system offers is its ease of programming using a graphical programming environment. There’s relatively easy integration with Bond Home and support links on how to do it here -
The main negative quality of the system is cost. The entry point is about € 393.00 for a wireless solution (Miniserver Go).
Other options for the main ‘brain’ of the platform are the Miniserver Compact and the Miniserver. Those more expensive Miniservers offer increasing numbers of wired input and output possibilities.
Outside of the Loxone ecosystem, I’m aware of very good support for the free Home Assistant platform. It’s a very powerful and mature platform. I don’t believe it’s as well integrated as Loxone on the hardware side. You’d have to build-your-own relay boards and other input and output options to bolt onto the typical Raspberry Pi ‘brain’ component.
I’ve been using my Bond with Hubitat since the original custom (Community developed) integration was created, but this has since been brought into the platform. I also control my shades using Home Assistant and Node RED. It’s been one of the most consistent integrations I have used on these platforms.
I have only used Bond for Somfy shades motors and an Alpha motor. I don’t have experience with any of the other devices supported by Bond.
