Sonoff ZBMini is the ZigBee version of the popular Sonoff Mini R2 smart relay, remotely controllable via Internet, with timer function.
What is Zigbee?
Zigbee is a standardized wiresless smart home / IoT protocol, created specifically for communication between smart home devices. Zigbee devices do not have a Wi-Fi chip and do not connect to a Wi-Fi router directly, but connect to and communicate with a Zigbee gateway or hub which is necessary component of Zigbee systems.
The Zigbee technology supports in general a short-range (10-100 meters line-of-sight, depending on device capabilities) and low-rate wireless data transfer, with low power consumption, so it is helps specially long battery life for battery powered Zigbee sensors.
It helps to reduce load on WiFi networks, which is beneficial in case of a smart home system with larger number of components, because Zigbee devices' communciation is managed in a separated Zigbee network and the Zigbee-WiFi gateway is the only component which connects to the local WiFi network, using only one IP address.
Also, Zigbee technology supports the so-called mesh network logic, meaning those Zigbee devices powered by a permanent 230V AC power act as a Zigbee repeater and forward the communication to the Zigbee gateway in case it is out of the range of a Zigbee sensor. This ‘signal-hopping’ gives mesh networks more range and more reliability than traditional ‘star networks’.
SONOFF ZBMini was released in December 2020 to the market by Sonoff. It supports a range of Zigbee hubs/gateways: including Sonoff's ZBBridge (Zigbee Bridge), SmartThing Hub, Philips Hue hub and Amazon hub.
When connected to Sonoff Zigbee Bridge, then Zigbee device are managed by the eWeLink app in the usual way, supporting scheduled on/offs, countdown timer, loop timers. (Note: Zigbee switches do not support inching / momentary switching feature at the moment.)
When connected to SmartThings hub, you may control all the connected appliances via SmartThing APP on iOS/Android phones to access rooms, scenes, members or automations mode to build a smart house.
Seamlessly works with Amazon Alexa platforms including ZE39KL Echo Plus, Echo Studio, DW84JL 2nd Gen Echo Show & L9D29R 2nd Gen Echo Plus, directly pair with ZigBee smart switch via your voice, just say: “Alexa, find device” and see. Plus, more triggering conditions like schedule, device, location and alarm can be used to make appliances connected with Zigbee smart switch activated or inactivated.
The device also has a physical button. It is a perfect solution to smart-control any home appliances that is not neccesary to operate constantly, and have to turn ON / OFF periodically (e.g. aquarium air pump). By using the smart switch you can remotely turn ON any of your appliances even before you are at home, and you can conveniently set a scheduled turn OFF, to save energy and cost.
Mini body, huge power: Whatever type of junction box you use, the switch can be installed in it to smarten your wall switch. (It is recommended that the back of ZBMINI is installed outwards, and do not install MINI in the metal junction box.) Work with different type of external switches to control your devices, like the SPDT light switch.
Incompatible switch types: momentaryrocker light switch, touch wall switch.
The shell is fire-proof and flame-retardant shell that improve the fire safety when ZBMINI works with your devices. CE and FCC certified. The ZigBee 3.0 protocol with AES-128 encryption keeps your device data secure and unreadable by prying eyes.
Adopts ZigBee3.0 protocol, you can quickly add it to SONOFF ZBBridge, getting them paired via a single tap on the app.
ZBMINI can be a ZigBee router to transmit the signal among devices.
Product features:
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa.
- Works with eWeLink-compatible Sonoff ZBBridge, SmartThings hub, Amazon hub, Philips Hue Hub
- With Sonoff Zigbee hub:
- Remotely see actual ON/OFF status,
- Remotely turn ON/OFF the relay
- Set sunrise and sunset routine to turn on or off light.
- Use eWeLink's Smart Scene feature to create automations with other Zigbee and WiFi eWeLink products
- Hands-free voice control.
- Schedule devices on or off.
- Max Current: 10A
- Max.input: AC 100-240V 50/60Hz 10A;
- Max.output: AC 100-240V 50/60Hz 10A;
- Gang: 1;
- Zigbee: IEEE 802.15.4 2.4GHz;
- Enclosure Material: PC V0;
- Product Dimensions: 42.6*42.6*20 mm;