Cloud/Internet required?

[crpeck]

Is access to the Cloud, aka BeeHive servers, required for this to work, or, are commands sent locally? I need a new timer & this looks perfect. I especially like the ability to base waterings on the weather.

[sebr]

Yes, all interaction with the devices is done via BHyve's servers. Unfortunately there is no option for local control.

[pcsmith811]

Yes, all interaction with the devices is done via BHyve's servers. Unfortunately there is no option for local control.

Is this statement still true with HA's addition of a bluetooth integration?

[sebr]

It may be possible to reverse engineer the Bluetooth communication, however this is not on my personal todo list. If someone wishes to investigate or even submit a PR I would be very happy to consider for inclusion.

[vahaldor]

I just came back from holidays and my garden is almost dead. BHyves stopped opening on 1st September and I it looks it is related to the update fixing a bug on this date. Was this caused by the b-hyve cloud? If so, you may consider developing only the BT link to let us open the valve if the cloud has some issues. I am using the common B-Hyve hose tap and control only its opening.

[harrv]

Yes, all interaction with the devices is done via BHyve's servers. Unfortunately there is no option for local control.

Thank you for that answer. It took me a while to find it. I think it would be great to mention this in the README (both here and in HACS), or if it is, and I somehow missed it, to make it more prominent. I'm shopping for an irrigation controller, want to integrate it with Home Assistant, and local control is important to me. I doubt I'm unique.

[dxmnkd316]

I believe Eve has a full-local device but it's quite spendy. Otherwise I've seen several DIY cheapo Ali Express solenoids with an ESP controller. Not sure I'd trust those with the potential consequences of a fail-open water line on the yard.