I never planned to replace every appliance when building a smart home. I kept the existing lights and changed the switches, added a communication module to the door lock, and connected an ordinary USB fan through a smart plug.
As the number of devices grew, I wanted one place to record what I use and why I chose it. Where I have not confirmed the exact model or variant, I have said so rather than guessing.
See the connection overview on ONSEMO HOME →
Devices at a glance
| Category | Equipment or model | How I use it |
|---|---|---|
| Hub | SmartThings Station · EP-P9500TBEGKR | Connecting compatible Zigbee devices |
| Lighting | PowerManager standard AI light switches | Existing fixtures with smart switches |
| Lighting | PowerManager Premium AI light switches | Two installed so far |
| Boiler | Kiturami NCTR-200 Wi-Fi | Switching between Away and Heating modes |
| Power | PowerManager Zigbee smart plug | Power control for a USB fan |
| Door lock | SHP-DADT301/CN Zigbee module | Connecting an existing door lock |
| Buttons | Zigbee smart buttons · exact model unrecorded | Door, lighting and vacuum controls |
| Fan | External computer USB cooling fan · exact model unrecorded | Fan above the aquarium |
The standard switch and smart plug links below are reference model pages provided for this record. I have not independently confirmed the precise variant or number of gangs installed in every location.
SmartThings Station
I use SmartThings Station (EP-P9500TBEGKR) as the central hub. I disliked the idea of collecting a different app and hub for each device, so I tried to bring compatible Zigbee switches, buttons and plugs into SmartThings where possible.
Official Samsung product page · How my smart home started
Standard and Premium AI light switches
The PowerManager smart switches I could find at first were white. I was not especially keen on their appearance, but they connected my existing lights to SmartThings, so I replaced most of the switches anyway.
When the Premium AI light switches came out later, I bought around two and installed them. They looked distinctly better on the wall than the original white switches and matched my Kiturami boiler controller nicely. I am now considering changing the remaining switches as well.
Standard switch reference PM-S150-ZB-S · Premium range · My switches and buttons
Kiturami NCTR-200 Wi-Fi boiler controller
I first looked into a Google Nest thermostat. I wanted to try it, but installing it with my existing boiler looked more complicated than expected. I looked for a controller I could replace relatively simply myself and settled on the Kiturami NCTR-200 Wi-Fi.
I linked the manufacturer's account to SmartThings. On the boiler I preset a cycle of around 20 minutes of heating followed by about three hours off. In SmartThings it was easier for me to switch between Away and Heating modes than to create separate on/off routines. In winter I often switch to Heating about 30 minutes before arriving home from a trip.
I would still like to try Google Nest someday if I get the opportunity.
PowerManager Zigbee smart plug and USB fan
The fan above my aquarium is an external computer USB cooling fan. The fan itself was not smart, but I used a Zigbee smart plug to control its power.
I initially searched for a Zigbee sensor that could read the aquarium's water temperature directly, but did not find one I liked. Instead, I used the air conditioner's indoor temperature available in SmartThings as a condition for switching the fan on.
Smart plug reference B540-ZB-S · The aquarium cooler story
Door-lock Zigbee module and smart buttons
I used an SHP-DADT301/CN Zigbee module with the existing door lock and connected it to SmartThings, making remote unlocking possible.
A smart button beside the wall intercom lets me open the door after checking who is visiting. Another near the entrance turns off all lights with one press, turns on the living-room light with two presses, and starts the robot vacuum with a long press. I have not recorded the exact model of these buttons.
Door lock and wallpad story · Light switches and buttons
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I will add to this record as I install or replace equipment.