Still use UPB? Got Arduino (and maybe a 3D printer?)

dremu

New Member
Not sure if such a Venn diagram includes anybody but me, but here goes.

In short, I've done up an Arduino library for ESP32's to emulate UPB devices and communicate via MQTT over WiFi. I call it "WUPB" for Wireless UPB. They speak the vast majority of the UPB protocol, enough that they can integrate into UPStart and play nice with existing UPB devices.

There's a bridge which connects a PIM and the MQTT, and then a separate bridge sketch for adding/programming devices via UPStart.

You'd need at minimum two ESP32's, one for the bridge and one for a device, plus an MQTT server, familiarity with the Arduino IDE, and some networking skill (I use a separate subnet on a VLAN as the devices are all static IP.)

I use it for my window shades, for example; regular UPB wall units send "activate" or "deactivate" links over the line, the bridge picks them up, and sends on to the MQTT. I've also done various occupancy sensors for bathrooms and closets. Really, though, you could do anything you want, if (1) you can code it and (2) you can build the physical part (thus the 3D printer mentioned in subject :)

If there's interest, I can do up a github with the code, further details, and example sketches, or if it's more of a "that's cool but we've all moved on to other technologies" (which I can't say as I'd blame you except mine works for me, and it'd take a ton of work to switch up) I can post some pix to ooh and ahh over =))
 
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I chuckled when I read this. Wow. Thats some creative work to keep UPB alive.

I personally dread the day I move and have to come up with a lighting solution again. UPB is a great system relative to many of the other options. I haven't done the homework, but I've never found a perfect alternative that is affordable. UPB is less affordable with SAI gone.
 
I still use UPB because (1) it [mostly] works, and (2) I dearly love the SAI modular faceplates, allowing multiple functions on one unit. If I could find an e.g. Matter-compatible unit with dual or quad rockers I'd be all over that.

I'd also have to bridge Matter to my existing setup, which is tricky becasue Matter is complicated. I'm not really a software developer, I just play one on TV. I identify as a technology factotum, jack of many trades but master of none.

Still, this is what we do for this hobby...
 
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