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Tom Bombadil edited this page Dec 22, 2024 · 13 revisions

This is a Home Assistant (HA) custom integration that enables communication between HA and specific Helios/Vallox ventilation systems via an RS485 interface.

The integration supports bi-directional communication for reading and writing system registers and coils, providing detailed control options.

It builds on the foundation of the SmartHomeNG-Helios plugin (see here), which has been in use since 2014 in my previous home automation setup with a Helios EC 300 Pro ventilation system. Other users have successfully connected the plugin to the following ventilation models:

  • Helios: EC 200 Pro R/L, EC 300 Pro R/L, EC 500 Pro R/L
  • Vallox: Vallo Plus 510 SE, Vallo Plus 350 SE, Vallox 910 SE, Vallox 090 SE, Vallox Digit SE, Vallox 130D (note: the 130D requires adjustments due to some different register numbers)

The following screenshot demonstrates how the data provided by this integration can be visualized in HA:

image

How does it work?

All Helios/Vallox ventilation systems consist of several components. Some are optional, but there is always at least the ventilation unit itself and one remote control:

drawing1

The Pro (Helios) and SE (Vallox) models are equipped with an RS485 bus for communication between the mainboard of the ventilation unit and other system components, including the remote control(s).

A standard RS485 bus supports up to 32 devices connected in parallel. By adding a serial-to-LAN/WiFi adapter to the bus, we can enable software to act as a regular remote control. All that’s needed is to implement the (proprietary, non-standardized) protocol used by the ventilation components. This functionality is provided by this integration.

Precauations

If you are not a electrical or electronics engineer or have no practical experience in this field, please ask someone who is qualified to do the wiring for you. Why?

Connecting the 24V internal supply to the wrong terminal is not a matter of trial and error. Incorrect wiring or accidental contact of +24V to the bus ports WILL harm the electronics of your ventilation.

Important: Always disconnect the device from main power before starting any wiring or connections. Make sure you pull the plug.

What is needed?

You will need:

  • A RS485-to-LAN/WiFi adapter of your choice (a list of tested adapters and their setup will be included later),
  • a short cable (20–30 cm) with at least two wires.

There’s no need to be picky on the cable. In the predecessor of this integration, I successfully ran my adapter 24/7 for over 8 years, using two single NYM 1.5 mm² wires.

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