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Connect via Thread

WaterFlowKit V2 uses an ESP32-C6, which has a built-in Thread radio. With the dedicated Thread firmware the kit joins your existing Thread network and talks to Home Assistant over IPv6 through your Thread border router, with no WiFi needed.

Local only. The Thread firmware connects to Home Assistant directly and does not include the SmartHomeShop cloud. If you use the SmartHomeShop app, keep using the regular WiFi or Ethernet firmware.

What You Need

Requirement Notes
WaterFlowKit V2 ESP32-C6 hardware.
Thread border router For example Home Assistant with a Home Assistant Connect ZBT-1 / SkyConnect.
An existing Thread network Visible under Settings → Devices & Services → Thread in Home Assistant.
ESPHome Device Builder The ESPHome Device Builder app in Home Assistant, or a standalone ESPHome installation.
USB-C cable The first installation always happens over USB.

Good to Know Before You Start

  • No SmartHomeShop cloud over Thread. Cloud, the SmartHomeShop app and online firmware updates do not work in this variant.
  • No fallback hotspot. If the device cannot join your Thread network, reflash or fix the dataset over USB.
  • The Firmware Type selector and firmware update entity need internet access and stay inactive on Thread. Update through the ESPHome Device Builder instead.

Step 1: Copy Your Thread Dataset

  1. In Home Assistant go to Settings → Devices & Services → Thread.
  2. Click Configure (cogwheel), then the information icon next to your network.
  3. Copy the Active dataset TLVs string.

Step 2: Create the Device in the ESPHome Device Builder

Create a new device, open Edit and replace the YAML with:

substitutions:
  thread_dataset: "PASTE_YOUR_ACTIVE_DATASET_TLVS_HERE"

packages:
  remote_package:
    url: https://github.com/smarthomeshop/waterflowkit
    ref: main
    files: [waterflowkit-v2/waterflowkit-thread.yaml]
    refresh: 1d

Paste your dataset TLVs from step 1 into thread_dataset.

Step 3: First Installation over USB

Connect the WaterFlowKit over USB-C, choose Install → Plug into this computer and wait for the flash to finish. After booting, the device joins your Thread network.

Step 4: Add It to Home Assistant

The device is discovered as a regular ESPHome device (Settings → Devices & Services → ESPHome). All flow sensors work exactly like on the WiFi firmware.

Troubleshooting

Problem Check
Device does not join the network Is the thread_dataset the complete Active dataset TLVs string? Is your border router online?
Not discovered by Home Assistant Home Assistant and the border router must be on the same network.
Firmware update entity unavailable Expected on Thread; update through the ESPHome Device Builder.