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• Why I Created the Hornet Nest Alarm Panel

  Christopher Greenlee • 11/26/2024 at 14:56 • 0 comments

  When building my new home, I wanted a robust yet smart security system that could integrate seamlessly with my Home Assistant setup. Like many DIY enthusiasts, I initially considered two options: hacking together multiple ESP32 boards to achieve the necessary input/output capacity or buying a pre-made solution from the market. Neither approach quite hit the mark.

  The pre-made systems available were either overly simplistic or lacked the specific customization and integration I needed. On the other hand, cobbling together multiple ESP32 modules felt inefficient and prone to instability, especially with the number of zones I wanted to monitor.

  I realized that what I really needed was a single, purpose-built device with ample inputs and outputs, reliable power (like PoE), and seamless integration with ESPHome. With my background in technology automation and embedded systems, I decided to build exactly what I wanted: a dedicated alarm panel tailored for modern smart homes.

  Originally, the Hornet Nest Alarm Panel was just a personal project, crafted to meet my specific needs. However, as I shared my progress with friends and online communities, I received an overwhelming amount of support and feedback. Many people suggested that others in the Home Assistant ecosystem might benefit from such a board. After much thought, I decided to make the Hornet Nest Alarm Panel available to the public.

  This project grew out of necessity but evolved into something much greater, thanks to the encouragement of the community. My goal is now to offer this solution to others who want to bridge traditional wired alarm systems with modern smart home setups without compromises.

  Check out the project here: Hornet Nest Alarm Panel on Crowd Supply.

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