I have openHABian 1.4 running on a RPi 3. I need to add Zigbee functionality. What is the best option for a dongle? One of the cheap Chinese CC2531 sticks? Raspbee?
Thanks!
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I would currently recommend the Telegesis ETRX3 stick as itâs getting the most testing at the moment.
Thanks for the response. Looks like that will run about $50.
Iâm not sure if you mean thatâs too much?
Another option is the gocontrol husbzb-1 which includes ZWave as well (Iâm assuming youâre in the US as itâs only available there). Itâs probably a similar price, but include both ZWave and ZigBee.
Sorry, I wasnât clear. It is unfortunate that the dongle is as expensive as it is. I already have a Z-stick, so the husbzb-1 wonât help much. Iâll probably just get the Telegesis stick. Thanks.
If cost is a big issue, then you can use the TI CC2531 sticks from China - it might save you a few $$ - but you asked for the âbest optionâ 
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The TI dongle should be ok, but I personally donât use it other than for occasional testing to make sure it still works. Itâs a little fragile and some people have problems. You also normally need to buy the programmer and download the code etc - it sometimes results in problems.
Still - it can work ok, but personally, I would recommend one of the commercial devices - they might cost a bit more (but maybe not so much once youâve bought the TI programmer and the stick), but I would say they are more robust and probably more reliable.
This is the only place that I could find in the United States to buy this item:
https://www.semiconductorstore.com/cart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=50564
Is that what I am looking for?
There is also a version that comes with 8Mbit Flash. I have no idea what that is for or if it would be of any possible use to me at all.
Yes - thatâs the one.
Neither do I 
. Donât worry about this version - I donât think itâs used.
Just as an update. I purchased this item from that site, and it works great. 
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Whatâs the latest status on this matter in 2020? 
Which USB stick to pick for the RP or Synology-based server?
any updates? what should I get for OH
I am using Zigbee2mqtt, so this doesnât answer the question directly. However, with Zigbee2mqtt, the CC2531 is considered an âentry levelâ adapter that can only support fewer number of zigbee devices (in capacity, processing power, and signal strength). I used to use one, and eventually replaced it with another adapter that supports external antenna https://www.zigbee2mqtt.io/information/supported_adapters.html
Once Iâve replaced the adapter, the signal levels reported by all devices improved significantly for me.
OpenHABâs Zigbee binding supports different adapters to zigbee2mqtt, so the point Iâm trying to make is that whilst you could go for the cheap CC2531 first, simply because itâs super cheap, you should eventually replace it once youâre up and running, unless youâre happy with the performance that is.
I eventually caved in and bought a husbzb-1, and sold the z-stick. It has been working very well. I would suggest that as a solution, even if you donât currently plan to need z-wave. It will be there if you need it in the future.
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If I had to do it all over again, I think that is what I would probably go for now:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01GJ826F8/
Can you tell me how you did this? I have a HUSBZB-1 that I was using for HomeAssistant. However, OpenHab does not seem to have this as an optionâŠ
When I go to add a Zigbee Bridge, these are all that pop upâŠ
I believe the HUSBZB-1 is based on the Ember EM35x.
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Thanks, that eventually worked (with a reboot)
I have the HUSBZB-1 âonlineâ using the Ember EM35x Coordinator
- Port: /dev/ttyUSB1
- Flow Control: Hardware (CTS/RTS)
- Baud Rate: 57,600
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Is the CC2652RB based Slaesh stick also supported directly by OH?
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Iâm guessing the non-response was a ânoâ? Or did you get a PM response?
I also have the Slaesh CC2652". I guess I need to stick with setting up Zigbee2MQTT?