“The SkyConnect might be great someday but right now it's subpar.
The antenna-less design and low quality extension cable in the box means that if you have any interference nearbythis thing won't connect to a device physically placed in top of it.
Though it's not entirely the fault of the SkyConnect, and a lot of that is on ZigBee as a protocol (particularly the fact it shares its channel with 2.4GHz WiFi), the designers could have taken steps to mitigate the issue.
Instead, we get videos telling you how to avoid interference, by not putting it next to things it would typically be near in a typical household, like, I don't know, a USB port or a 2.4GHz WiFi signal.
Home Assistant implementation of the software is great, though lacking in some feedback when the thing won't discover devices and you're sitting there puzzled.
I bought the SkyConnect for two reasons, first, I want to support the Home Assistant creators, this is one small way; second, it promises mixed mode use in the future with Thread/Matter.
As it stands, if it wasn't for those things, I'd pick a different device, with an external antenna, or I'd avoid ZigBee altogether. I already run a flawless Z-Wave network, and honestly, it's just superior for residential use; the devices are more expensive though so that's the trade off.”
“Wasn't sure at first. It looked too small and didn't have an aerial so how could it be any good. I'd been using the sonoff one and that one looks impressive. But as we all know looks can be deceiving. Took a bit of setting up but soon discovered it was because I had it too close to my router. Once I'd located it further away all was plain sailing. Connected it via a longer lead, the one that comes with it is in my opinion too short. Only had it running for a few days and so far no problems everything connects as expected.”
“Bought it as a replacement for my old adapter that somehow stopped working. Took me some time to get it working but I blame ZHA rather than the adapter. It is now connected to HA using Zigbee2MQTT and all is good!”
“i got this to replace my conbee II that was failing and im hoestly really impressed, It seems to be slightly speed up my zigbee response and devices that would drop from the conbee from time to time have been solid with this. the 1m usb cable was a nice addition, and to top it off ordered at 10 am and was delivered the next day thank you pi hut :)”
