@user3380 and @LearningHubitat can you please report whether the Aqara T1 is recognized and operates successfully with built-in Hubitat drivers? Thanks
I brought mine in via matter from the Aqara M2 Hub. However, I believe I saw a review on Amazon where a guy said that it is recognized in Hubitat and works with the generic zigbee switch drivers, which is what it actually shows up as in the Aqara Hub as well. Then the matter driver is the generic matter switch.
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So, I bit the bullet on this, as it is the only valve controller on the market that fits within the dimensions of my main shut off valve install, and made the assumption it would work with HE easily.
I can confirm that you can add it to the HE hub as a generic zigbee switch, and it functions perfectly.
One thing I struggled with was getting it to pair with the hub. Following the install instructions, for me, resulted in the valve controller exiting pairing mode, due to the amount of time that passed, and I was unable to find out how to put it back into zigbee pairing mode. Had to reach out to support in order to get an answer, so for anyone reading this in the future: to force the valve controller to go back into pairing mode press the reset button twice, quickly, then hold it down for 5 seconds and release it.
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I finally bit the bullet and installed the gate valve. However, I couldn't go the Compression route because there was not enough slack in the brass pipe. Instead, I installed a Shark Bite Max Slip Gate Valve:
So, if any of you are in a situation where you need to replace the valve to get one of these Valve Controllers to work, I highly recommend for ease of install in tight spaces. You simply slip it a couple of inches onto one pipe; align the valve with the other side of pipe; then slide the valve 1 1/4" (for 3/4" pipe) onto other using a tool that releases the "biting". You definitely want to deburr the inside and outside of cut pipes so that it doesn't damage the rubber seals in the valve. The valve can actually rotate after installed to whatever angle you want.
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Thanks for the feedback. That is good to know in case my Aqara hub gives up the ghost.
I almost had to go the same route as you. Had it in my buggy but I found a brass fitting that screwed into my ball valve and I was able to mount it or that fitting.
Overall I am pleasantly surprised with the valve and the shutoff power. Especially for the price.
I just received mine. Was able to pair it with my C8 as a generic ZigBee switch. It will be replacing my Fortrezz water valve which can't open/close properly anymore, it's a pain.
I've also purchased the above mentioned Shark Bite ball valve. Everything works fine.
I'm hoping someone will release a driver for it soon.
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I was finally able to get mine installed and set-up. I had to replace my shut off valve and then 3d print a gasket so the controller was stable and in the correct position. The controller is very sensitive to position in my installation.
I connected the controller to an Aqara M2 hub and then to Hubitat through matter. The controller reports as a generic Matter Generic Component Switch. I timed the closing of the value with both the Aqara application and Hubitat. Triggering the value to close in Hubitat is less than a second slower in closing the value in the Aqara application, about 6.5 seconds versus 7 seconds. I tested closing based upon a water sensor triggering as wet and it took about 10 seconds to close the valve.
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Received one of the Aqara Valve Controller T1 today. Immediately paired with Hubitat as “device”. Changed to Generic Zigbee Switch. It immediately executed on/off operations. Great!
But… Buyer Beware! The mounting brackets have very tight tolerances and no easy way to adjust the fit to my water valve. (see photo) My valve lever appears to be about 1/8th to 1/4 inch higher above the pipe than I have seen in photos or videos of other installation. Also the screw from the Aqara device may be a tad longer than need be, causing it to touch the screw on the valve lever.
The Aqara works but it only turns about 87 degrees, not 90, in each direction. I suspect that this may be caused by the touching (friction) of the 2 screws which may limit the rotation. But I don’t know for sure if this is the reason it is not turning a full 90 degrees.
I could hacksaw or grind down the screw to try to create some space but I don’t want to mess it up either.
Anyway, if you are planning to buy one of these, make sure you pay close attention to any and all measurements and instructions, cause if it’s a hair off you may have issues like me.
