Power at the Edge
HomeGenie Server running on a Raspberry Pi, combining low energy consumption with advanced automation capabilities. (AI-generated image)
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Small Footprint, Huge Potential
HomeGenie Server is optimized to run efficiently on low-power hardware without sacrificing performance. While the Raspberry Pi is the reference platform, the system shines on any Debian-based Single Board Computer (SBC) (e.g., Orange Pi, Odroid, ASUS Tinker Board).
This "Embedded" capability transforms the concept of a smart home server. You are not limited to a central hub hidden in a closet; you can deploy HomeGenie directly "at the edge," creating standalone smart devices that are intelligent, private, and robust.
Why Raspberry Pi?
- Eco-Friendly: A system running 24/7 on a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W consumes a negligible amount of electricity compared to a traditional PC.
- Direct Hardware Access: Unlike a generic server, running on an SBC gives HomeGenie direct access to GPIO pins. This allows you to connect sensors, relays, and LEDs directly to the device, eliminating the need for external hubs or bridges.
- Cost-Effective: Build a complete automation node for a fraction of the cost of commercial alternatives.
Example: DIY Smart Thermostat
One of the best ways to demonstrate the power of HomeGenie on a Raspberry Pi is to build a fully functional Smart Thermostat.
Commercial smart thermostats can be expensive and often rely on cloud services to function. In this guide, we will build a professional-grade thermostat that:
- Works 100% Offline: No internet? No problem. Your heating schedule keeps running.
- Protects Your Data: Usage statistics and logs stay on your device.
- Costs a Fraction: You can build it for roughly 1/10th of the price of popular brands.
- Is Fully Integrated: It's natively compatible with ZigBee, Z-Wave, and everything else connected to your HomeGenie system.
Requisites
- Raspberry Pi: Any model works, but the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W is recommended for its compact size, low cost, and wireless connectivity.
- DHT Sensor: A DHT-11 (basic) or DHT-22 (more precise) for reading temperature and humidity.
- Relay Module: A standard 5V/3V3 relay to switch your boiler or heater on and off.
- HomeGenie Server: Installed and running (see Getting Started).
Step 1 - Connecting Components
Wiring the components is straightforward. We will use the GPIO pins to communicate with the sensor and control the relay. Connect the components as shown in the diagram below:
DHT-xx Sensor Connections:
- Pin 1 (VCC) → Pi Pin 1 (3V3 Power)
- Pin 2 (DATA) → Pi Pin 11 (GPIO 17)
- Pin 4 (GND) → Pi Pin 9 (Ground)
Relay Module Connections:
- Pin 1 (VCC) → Pi Pin 4 (5V Power)
- Pin 2 (GND) → Pi Pin 34 (Ground)
- Pin 3 (IN) → Pi Pin 36 (GPIO 16)
Step 2 - Enabling Drivers
Once the hardware is connected, we need to tell HomeGenie how to use it. Navigate to the Automation Programs page:
- Enable the DHT-XX program (controls the sensor).
- Enable the GPIO Pin program (controls the relay).
Next, go to System Settings to configure them.
Step 3 - Creating the Thermostat
Now we bring it all together using the built-in Thermostat Widget.
- Open your Dashboard.
- Locate the Thermostat widget (if not present, add it from the widget menu).
- Click the menu button and select Settings.
- Sensor: Select the DHT-11 sensor we configured in Step 2.
- Switch: Select the GPIO 16 switch we configured in Step 2.
Done!
Your Smart Thermostat is now active. You can now set up weekly schedules, analyze heating history with built-in charts, and even integrate it with other smart home rules (e.g., "Turn off heating if window is open").
