Nabu Casa, the commercial arm of the Open Home Foundation, has released the Home Assistant Connect Aux-2. This $69 device is designed to integrate non-smart hardware into the Home Assistant ecosystem. The box supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, and USB connections. It also features a Grove port for sensors and RS-232 serial ports for legacy devices.
Hardware and Connectivity Options
The Aux-2 is roughly the size of a deck of cards. It includes a digital and analog audio jack, allowing users to connect amplifiers or powered speakers. The USB-A and USB-C ports support various peripherals. Users can attach Z-Wave or Zigbee antennas to extend the range of their smart home network. The device runs on ESPHome, an open-source platform for DIY smart home projects.
All features rely on existing Home Assistant integrations. The serial control capability was developed earlier this year. Audio streaming uses Music Assistant and SendSpin, which are currently in active development. The design allows for flexibility without requiring proprietary software locks.
Setup and Bluetooth Proxying
Initial configuration is straightforward. Users connect the device via USB-C to a computer to install the latest firmware through a web browser. Wi-Fi credentials can be entered during this step. The device can then be powered via USB-C or Power over Ethernet. Home Assistant detects the unit and prompts the installation of the ESPHome integration.
The Bluetooth proxy feature allows Bluetooth devices to connect to Home Assistant. In testing, a Govee Bluetooth hygrometer maintained a stable connection through multiple walls and inside a metal refrigerator. This resolves previous issues with Zigbee sensors dropping connections in similar environments. The setup required only a few clicks within the Home Assistant interface.
Audio and Serial Control
Audio output requires additional software configuration. Music Assistant must be installed on the Home Assistant hardware. This service supports streaming from Spotify, YouTube Music, and local files. It can route audio to Sonos, Wiim, AirPlay, and Google Cast devices. The initial setup took less than thirty minutes. SendSpin, a whole-home audio standard, aims to group speakers from different protocols, but this feature is still in development.
Serial control is the most complex feature. It allows the Aux-2 to interface with TVs, AV receivers, and solar inverters. This capability is useful for older equipment that lacks smart connectivity. The RS-232 ports provide a direct link for these devices. Testing this feature requires specific hardware and time for configuration.
Open Ecosystem and Alternatives
The Aux-2 does not offer unique hardware capabilities that cannot be replicated with other components. The Apollo Automations Cast-1 costs $35 and provides similar Bluetooth proxy and music casting features. Users can also build custom devices using ESP32 boards for under $20. The Aux-2 simplifies this process by providing a pre-assembled, reliable unit.
The Open Home Foundation encourages users to build their own devices. Nabu Casa and Apollo Automations both fund the foundation. This support ensures that the underlying software remains open and accessible. The Aux-2 serves as a convenient entry point for users who want to avoid the complexity of DIY assembly.
The device is now available for purchase. Users can explore its serial and audio features to expand their smart home capabilities. The integration with Home Assistant provides a unified control panel for diverse hardware.
Source: The Verge
