ESPHome Integration — Home Assistant, Troubleshooting, Next Steps

Integration with Home Assistant, troubleshooting, and development plans.

5.1 Home Assistant Integration

Automatic Discovery

After flashing the ESP32, the device automatically appears in Home Assistant.

Verification:

Settings -> Devices & Services
Find the "New devices discovered" notification
Or: ESPHome -> select the device

Entities in Home Assistant

When using the Standard Example, the following are created:

Entity	Type	Description
`light.dimmerlink_light`	Light	Main dimmer
`sensor.dimmerlink_ac_frequency`	Sensor	Mains frequency (50/60 Hz)
`sensor.dimmerlink_level`	Sensor	Current level (%)
`select.dimmerlink_curve`	Select	Dimming curve
`binary_sensor.dimmerlink_ready`	Binary Sensor	Ready status
`button.dimmerlink_restart_esp`	Button	ESP restart

Lovelace Card

Simple Card

yaml

type: light
entity: light.dimmerlink_light
name: Living Room

Extended Card

yaml

type: vertical-stack
cards:
  - type: light
    entity: light.dimmerlink_light
    name: Dimmer

  - type: entities
    entities:
      - entity: select.dimmerlink_curve
        name: Curve
      - entity: sensor.dimmerlink_ac_frequency
        name: Mains Frequency
      - entity: binary_sensor.dimmerlink_ready
        name: Status

Card with Slider (custom:slider-entity-row)

yaml

type: entities
entities:
  - entity: light.dimmerlink_light
    type: custom:slider-entity-row
    name: Brightness
    toggle: true

Tip

Requires installation of [slider-entity-row](https://github.com/thomasloven/lovelace-slider-entity-row) via HACS.

Automations

Turn On by Motion Sensor

yaml

automation:
  - alias: "Light on Motion"
    trigger:
      - platform: state
        entity_id: binary_sensor.motion_sensor
        to: "on"
    condition:
      - condition: sun
        after: sunset
    action:
      - service: light.turn_on
        target:
          entity_id: light.dimmerlink_light
        data:
          brightness_pct: 70
          transition: 2

Turn Off After 5 Minutes

yaml

automation:
  - alias: "Auto Turn Off"
    trigger:
      - platform: state
        entity_id: binary_sensor.motion_sensor
        to: "off"
        for:
          minutes: 5
    action:
      - service: light.turn_off
        target:
          entity_id: light.dimmerlink_light
        data:
          transition: 5

Night Mode (Dimmed Light)

yaml

automation:
  - alias: "Night Mode"
    trigger:
      - platform: time
        at: "23:00:00"
    condition:
      - condition: state
        entity_id: light.dimmerlink_light
        state: "on"
    action:
      - service: light.turn_on
        target:
          entity_id: light.dimmerlink_light
        data:
          brightness_pct: 20
          transition: 10

Change Curve by Load Type

yaml

automation:
  - alias: "Curve for LED"
    trigger:
      - platform: state
        entity_id: input_select.lamp_type
        to: "LED"
    action:
      - service: select.select_option
        target:
          entity_id: select.dimmerlink_curve
        data:
          option: "LOG"

  - alias: "Curve for Incandescent"
    trigger:
      - platform: state
        entity_id: input_select.lamp_type
        to: "Incandescent"
    action:
      - service: select.select_option
        target:
          entity_id: select.dimmerlink_curve
        data:
          option: "RMS"

Scripts

Gradual Morning Turn On

yaml

script:
  morning_light:
    alias: "Morning Light"
    sequence:
      - service: light.turn_on
        target:
          entity_id: light.dimmerlink_light
        data:
          brightness_pct: 10
      - delay:
          seconds: 30
      - service: light.turn_on
        target:
          entity_id: light.dimmerlink_light
        data:
          brightness_pct: 50
          transition: 120  # 2 minutes

Presence Simulation

yaml

script:
  presence_simulation:
    alias: "Presence Simulation"
    sequence:
      - repeat:
          count: 10
          sequence:
            - service: light.turn_on
              target:
                entity_id: light.dimmerlink_light
              data:
                brightness_pct: "{{ range(30, 80) | random }}"
            - delay:
                minutes: "{{ range(5, 20) | random }}"
            - service: light.turn_off
              target:
                entity_id: light.dimmerlink_light
            - delay:
                minutes: "{{ range(10, 30) | random }}"

Scenes

yaml

scene:
  - name: "Movie"
    entities:
      light.dimmerlink_light:
        state: on
        brightness_pct: 15

  - name: "Reading"
    entities:
      light.dimmerlink_light:
        state: on
        brightness_pct: 80

  - name: "Romantic"
    entities:
      light.dimmerlink_light:
        state: on
        brightness_pct: 30

Groups

yaml

light:
  - platform: group
    name: "All Dimmers"
    entities:
      - light.dimmerlink_living_room
      - light.dimmerlink_bedroom
      - light.dimmerlink_kitchen

Template Sensor for Power

If lamp power is known:

yaml

sensor:
  - platform: template
    sensors:
      dimmer_power:
        friendly_name: "Dimmer Power"
        unit_of_measurement: "W"
        value_template: >
          {% set brightness = state_attr('light.dimmerlink_light', 'brightness') | default(0) %}
          {% set max_power = 100 %}
          {{ (brightness / 255 * max_power) | round(1) }}

History and Statistics

Add to configuration.yaml:

yaml

recorder:
  include:
    entities:
      - light.dimmerlink_light
      - sensor.dimmerlink_level
      - sensor.dimmerlink_ac_frequency

history:
  include:
    entities:
      - light.dimmerlink_light

5.2 Troubleshooting

I2C Issues

Device Not Found (0x50)

Symptom: Logs don't show "Found i2c device at address 0x50"

Check:

Check	Solution
DimmerLink in I2C mode?	Switch via UART: `02 5B`
Power connected?	VCC -> 3.3V, GND -> GND
Wires correct?	SDA -> SDA, SCL -> SCL (not crossed!)
Pull-up resistors?	Add 4.7k ohm on SDA and SCL to 3.3V
Wires short enough?	I2C works up to 30 cm

Diagnostics:

yaml

# Add to configuration for debugging
i2c:
  sda: GPIO21
  scl: GPIO22
  scan: true  # Enable scanning
  id: bus_a

logger:
  level: DEBUG
  logs:
    i2c: DEBUG

Intermittent I2C Errors

Symptom: "I2C communication failed" from time to time

Solutions:

Reduce frequency:

yaml i2c: frequency: 50kHz # Instead of 100kHz

Add delays:

yaml output: - platform: template write_action: - delay: 1ms # Before writing - lambda: |- // ... code

Check power supply — unstable power causes I2C errors

WiFi Issues

ESP32 Doesn't Connect to WiFi

Check:

Correct SSID and password in secrets.yaml
WiFi on 2.4 GHz (ESP32 doesn't support 5 GHz)
Router not blocking new devices

Solution — Fallback AP:

yaml

wifi:
  ssid: !secret wifi_ssid
  password: !secret wifi_password

  ap:
    ssid: "dimmerlink-fallback"
    password: "12345678"

captive_portal:

If it doesn't connect to WiFi — it will create an access point for configuration.

Frequent Disconnections

yaml

wifi:
  ssid: !secret wifi_ssid
  password: !secret wifi_password
  fast_connect: true
  power_save_mode: NONE  # Disable power saving

Home Assistant Issues

Device Doesn't Appear in HA

Check that ESPHome addon is running
Check api key in configuration
Restart Home Assistant
Add manually: Settings -> Integrations -> Add -> ESPHome

"Entity unavailable"

Causes:
- ESP32 offline
- WiFi issues
- API key mismatch

Check:

bash

ping dimmerlink.local

Dimming Issues

Lamp Flickers

Causes and Solutions:

Cause	Solution
LED not dimmable	Use lamps marked "dimmable"
Low load	Minimum 10-25W for stable operation
Wrong curve	Try LOG for LED
Mains interference	Add RC snubber to dimmer output

Lamp Doesn't Turn Off Completely

DimmerLink completely turns off the TRIAC at level=0. If the lamp still glows:

Problem in dimmer or wiring
Some LED drivers have leakage

Brightness Range Too Narrow

Try different curves:

yaml

# In Home Assistant Developer Tools
service: select.select_option
target:
  entity_id: select.dimmerlink_curve
data:
  option: "RMS"  # or "LOG"

ESPHome Issues

Compilation Error

"lambda function not allowed"

Check indentation in YAML — lambda must have correct indentation:

yaml

# Correct
write_action:
  - lambda: |-
      uint8_t data[2] = {0x10, 50};
      id(bus_a).write(0x50, data, 2, true);

# Incorrect (missing "|-")
write_action:
  - lambda:
      uint8_t data[2] = {0x10, 50};

"id not found"

Make sure id: bus_a is declared in the i2c: section.

OTA Not Working

Check that ESP32 is on the same network
Use IP instead of hostname:

bash esphome run dimmerlink.yaml --device 192.168.1.100

Diagnostic Commands

I2C Check from ESPHome

Add a diagnostic button:

yaml

button:
  - platform: template
    name: "I2C Diagnostic"
    on_press:
      - lambda: |-
          ESP_LOGI("diag", "=== I2C Diagnostic ===");

          // Check connection
          uint8_t reg = 0x00;
          uint8_t status = 0;
          auto err = id(bus_a).write(0x50, ®, 1, false);
          ESP_LOGI("diag", "Write result: %d", err);

          err = id(bus_a).read(0x50, &status, 1);
          ESP_LOGI("diag", "Read result: %d, status: 0x%02X", err, status);

          // Read version
          reg = 0x03;
          uint8_t version = 0;
          id(bus_a).write(0x50, ®, 1, false);
          id(bus_a).read(0x50, &version, 1);
          ESP_LOGI("diag", "Firmware: %d", version);

          // Read frequency
          reg = 0x20;
          uint8_t freq = 0;
          id(bus_a).write(0x50, ®, 1, false);
          id(bus_a).read(0x50, &freq, 1);
          ESP_LOGI("diag", "AC Frequency: %d Hz", freq);

          ESP_LOGI("diag", "=== Done ===");

Logging All Operations

yaml

logger:
  level: DEBUG
  logs:
    i2c: DEBUG
    api: DEBUG
    sensor: DEBUG

Factory Reset

ESP32

Erase flash:

bash esptool.py --port COM3 erase_flash

Flash firmware again

DimmerLink

Send RESET command:

yaml

button:
  - platform: template
    name: "Factory Reset DimmerLink"
    on_press:
      - lambda: |-
          uint8_t data[2] = {0x01, 0x01};
          id(bus_a).write(0x50, data, 2, true);
      - delay: 3s

Error Codes Table

Code	Name	Cause	Solution
0x00	OK	—	—
0xF9	ERR_SYNTAX	Invalid register	Check register address
0xFC	ERR_NOT_READY	Not calibrated or FLASH error	Wait 2 sec after power on
0xFD	ERR_INDEX	Invalid dimmer index	Use 0
0xFE	ERR_PARAM	Invalid parameter	level <= 100, curve <= 2

5.3 Next Steps

Current Status

DimmerLink v1.0:
- I2C interface
- UART interface
- Basic dimming (0-100%)
- Three curves (LINEAR, RMS, LOG)
- Auto-detection of mains frequency
- I2C address change

ESPHome Integration v1.0:
- Light entity
- All sensors
- Curve selection
- Diagnostics
- Multi-device

Development Plans

DimmerLink v2.0 (In Development)

Feature	Status	Description
Thermal protection	In development	NTC monitoring, PWM fan
Smooth FADE	In development	Hardware fade by command
Multi-channel	Planned	Up to 4 channels on one module
EEPROM settings	Planned	Saving level and curve

ESPHome Integration v2.0

Feature	Status	Description
Native component	Available	External Component
Thermal monitoring	In development	Temperature sensor
Fan control	In development	Cooling management
Energy monitoring	Planned	Integration with ACS712/CT

Native ESPHome Component

A native ESPHome external component is now available. It provides clean YAML configuration without lambda code:

yaml

external_components:
  - source: github://robotdyn-dimmer/DimmerLink@main
    components: [dimmerlink]

dimmerlink:
  id: dimmer1
  address: 0x50

light:
  - platform: dimmerlink
    dimmerlink_id: dimmer1
    name: "Light"

sensor:
  - platform: dimmerlink
    dimmerlink_id: dimmer1
    ac_frequency:
      name: "AC Frequency"

Tip

See the [External Component Documentation](https://www.rbdimmer.com/docs/dimmerlink-esphome/component) for full configuration reference.

Extended Projects

Solar Router

Using DimmerLink to route excess solar energy:

text

+---------------+     +---------------+     +---------------+
| Solar Panel   |---->| CT Sensor     |---->|   ESP32       |
+---------------+     +---------------+     |  + ESPHome    |
                                            |               |
+---------------+     +---------------+     |               |
|   Heater      |<----|  DimmerLink   |<----|               |
+---------------+     +---------------+     +---------------+

Multi-room System

yaml

# Central controller for the whole house
substitutions:
  # Dimmer addresses
  living_room: "0x50"
  bedroom: "0x51"
  kitchen: "0x52"
  bathroom: "0x53"

# 4 dimmers on one ESP32

Smart Alarm Clock

yaml

# Gradual light turn on for waking up
automation:
  - alias: "Sunrise Alarm"
    trigger:
      - platform: time
        at: "07:00:00"
    action:
      - service: light.turn_on
        target:
          entity_id: light.bedroom_dimmer
        data:
          brightness_pct: 1
      - repeat:
          count: 30
          sequence:
            - delay: 60
            - service: light.turn_on
              target:
                entity_id: light.bedroom_dimmer
              data:
                brightness_pct: "{{ repeat.index * 3 }}"
                transition: 60

Feedback

Found a bug or have a suggestion?

GitHub Issues: DimmerLink Repository
Documentation: rbdimmer.com/docs

Want to help with development?

Testing new versions
Documentation and translations
Usage examples

Useful Links

Resource	Link
DimmerLink Documentation	rbdimmer.com/docs
ESPHome	esphome.io
Home Assistant	home-assistant.io
ESPHome I2C	esphome.io/components/i2c
ESPHome Light	esphome.io/components/light
HACS	hacs.xyz

Change History

Version	Date	Changes
1.0	2026-02	Initial version

<- Back: Lambda Reference | Contents

AC Dimmers

DimmerLink - UART/I2C

DimmerLink - esphOME (hOME aSSISTANT)

ACrouter

ESPHome Integration — Home Assistant, Troubleshooting, Next Steps

Contents

5.1 Home Assistant Integration

Automatic Discovery

Entities in Home Assistant

Lovelace Card

Simple Card

Extended Card

Card with Slider (custom:slider-entity-row)

Automations

Turn On by Motion Sensor

Turn Off After 5 Minutes

Night Mode (Dimmed Light)

Change Curve by Load Type

Scripts

Gradual Morning Turn On

Presence Simulation

Scenes

Groups

Template Sensor for Power

History and Statistics

5.2 Troubleshooting

I2C Issues

Device Not Found (0x50)

Intermittent I2C Errors

WiFi Issues

ESP32 Doesn't Connect to WiFi

Frequent Disconnections

Home Assistant Issues

Device Doesn't Appear in HA

"Entity unavailable"

Dimming Issues

Lamp Flickers

Lamp Doesn't Turn Off Completely

Brightness Range Too Narrow

ESPHome Issues

Compilation Error

OTA Not Working

Diagnostic Commands

I2C Check from ESPHome

Logging All Operations

Factory Reset

ESP32

DimmerLink

Error Codes Table

5.3 Next Steps

Current Status

Development Plans

DimmerLink v2.0 (In Development)

ESPHome Integration v2.0

Native ESPHome Component

Extended Projects

Solar Router

Multi-room System

Smart Alarm Clock

Feedback

Useful Links

Change History