DIY Home Automation Projects

Discover Homatica’s collection of privacy-first home automation projects, blending Raspberry Pico W, MicroPython, MQTT, and Home Assistant for modular, scalable solutions. From smart HVAC controllers to efficient battery chargers, each project is a step toward a smarter, DIY-driven home.

Homatica LiFePO4 Battery Charger with Pico W

LiFePO4 Battery Charger Modification

Upgraded a legacy charger by replacing its PIC chip with a Raspberry Pico W. Custom MicroPython code manages an output relay with a voltage dead band, syncing to 800W sun-tracked solar panels. A PWM-controlled cooling fan adjusts dynamically, and power data is published via MQTT for seamless Home Assistant integration.

Tech Stack: Raspberry Pico W, MicroPython, Resonant Power Supply, MQTT, Home Assistant

Why It’s Cool: This project maximizes solar efficiency while ensuring battery safety, all with real-time monitoring in your smart home dashboard.

Generalized Pico W IoT Firmware for Home Assistant

Generalized Pico W IoT Firmware

This firmware turns any Pico W into a dynamic IoT agent for Home Assistant. Devices auto-register via API, retrieve GPIO configuration from a local database, and communicate over MQTT. The same code runs across all devices, adapting to their wiring and role—whether sensing or controlling.

Tech Stack: Raspberry Pico W, MicroPython, MQTT, MariaDB, REST API, Home Assistant

Why It’s Cool: Scalable, privacy-first automation with zero cloud dependencies and full local control.

Project Page
Homatica Smart HVAC Controller with Pico W and Home Assistant

Smart HVAC Controller

This project optimizes a legacy furnace using multiple Pico W boards and temperature sensors. A servo modulates gas flow for efficiency, while a custom Python program analyzes sensor data, stores it in MariaDB, and publishes actions via MQTT to Home Assistant. Each Pico W runs identical software, auto-registering with the database for scalable control.

Tech Stack: Raspberry Pico W, MicroPython, RC Servo, MQTT, MariaDB, Python, Home Assistant

Why It’s Cool: Save energy and control your HVAC remotely with a modular, privacy-first system.

Project Page
Homatica DIY Power Factor Controller Experiment with Pico W

Learning Power Factor Correction with Pico W

This experiment explores Power Factor Correction (PFC) to understand efficient AC power draw. Using a Pico W, I learned zero-cross detection, PWM shaping, and voltage feedback to smooth power consumption. An opto-isolator ensures safe experimentation, perfect for diving into microcontroller capabilities.

Tech Stack: Raspberry Pico W, MicroPython, PWM, Feedback Control, Opto-isolator Circuit

Why It’s Cool: A hands-on way to learn how PFC reduces energy waste and enhances power efficiency.

More DIY home automation projects coming soon! Check out my blog for tutorials and updates.

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