I’m working on a series of articles called Smart Home on Wheels that aims to take a reader through the steps to make their RV a mobile workstation and entertainment center. I had looked at a lot of options, but I’ve come to the conclusion that using a few Raspberry Pi 3’s with other devices in the wifi network would be the best bet with openHAB. However, I don’t have any experience with openHAB as I just found it a few days ago.
I have to get all the hardware, so I figured I’d ask you all what would be the best to make everything work together. I’m going to have a Pi Zero W with a couple temp sensors at different heights and one outside. That’s easy enough. I’m also going to have a File Server Pi, a Media Server Pi, a VPN/Router Pi, a openHAB Pi, and finally one (maybe more) core unit that processes all the data and uploads it to one of my websites so I can access everything behind a login/pass so I can see the temp and control everything remotely.
Now, I have no idea if I can do this. I’m looking for DC devices because the things like lights are DC powered in an RV. I’m going to be adding more batteries soon and I’ll have the Pi’s and everything else I can run off that directly so it has power all the time. We will be adding solar as well, so I’m hoping we never have to worry about the LTE modem, and thus the whole networks connection to the internet, going out.
I was drawn to openHAB because of the ability to work with smart devices across the range. I don’t want to be limited to HomeKit or Z Wave or whatever, I want to find what I need and make it work.
I may be making this more complex than it needs to be, so that’s why I’m asking here for advice. For the openHAB setup, what I can do for DC switches? I’d also be interested if there is a thermometer so I don’t have to build one myself, but it needs to be able to detect inside and outside temp. And yes, I can put a hole in the wall and cover it up to have a meter outside. Its a 30 year old RV, I don’t mind drilling or cutting as need be. A battery meter would be nice as well. Also, is there anything else anyone can recommend? I’m really new to the RV and smart home line of thinking.