I need advice about if my zigbee network needs any changes

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C-8Pro Ver 2.4.3.173 main hub
C-7 2.4.3.164 primarily used to run echo speaks app
Inactive/unplugged C-8 not sure what version it was on when it was turned off

I am trying to figure out if I need to make any changes to my zigbee network

Looking at zigbee details on the C-8 Pro I have 143 devices. When I run the graph, it shows that many are repeaters.
Some of the devices are in my detached rear garage which is about 40 feet away from the C–8 pro hub. There are devices in that rear garage that show as being repeaters.
Mounted on the outside of that garage are two different light fixtures, both of which contain two bulbs which are currently Sengled bulbs. These bulbs seem to be problematic with staying connected. On the main house there is a similar situation. There are two separate floodlight fixtures that each have two bulbs in them also currently Sengled bulbs.

I have purchased new Third Reality bulbs to replace those eight bulbs.

If I understand correctly, the Third Reality bulbs are good repeaters whereas the sengled bulbs are not.

It was suggested that I could look at possibly using the old C-8 hub in the rear garage as a Zigby repeater only to help strengthen the network

My question is, how likely is it that the new Third Reality bulbs, compared to the Sengled ones, will be more reliable if I add them to the C-8 Pro hub without doing anything else?

The bulbs in question are on the outside of the building in floodlight fixtures that have metal shades over them so they are protected from direct moisture, but would be considered in a moist condition I guess because they’re outside?

If I add the bulbs and there continues to be an issue, especially with the Rear ones is it a problem to add the C8 hub as a repeater only.

I am trying to avoid the headache of moving a bunch of devices from one hub over to another.

Currently the C-8 Pro and C-7 hubs are in a room, positioned less than 1 foot apart, at the back of the house next to a window with direct line of sight to the rear garage.

My thought at this point is to add the new bulbs to replace the existing ones and see what happens. If needed, repurpose the old C5 hub, as a repeater only, in the rear garage. That seems like the least amount of work.

But if anybody has any additional thoughts about whether or not I should lighten the load on the C8 pro hub I’d appreciate any input. I could move some of the devices that are in the house over to the C7 hub and I could move all of the devices in the Rear building to the old C8 hub. And turn on hub mesh on all of those devices to talk nice to the C8 pro hub.

Replacing the bulbs requires climbing up on a ladder, which because of balance issues I can no longer do. So I need to figure out which hub the bulbs need to connect to before I enlist my friend who avoids technology to climb the ladder to screw the new bulbs in.

I appreciate any help or advice offered. Thanks in advance.

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I have a box of 12 Sengled bulbs. All reset and working when they were removed. Great ZigBee mesh here. 100 plus ZigBee devices, lots of repeaters. The Sengleds would individually randomly go offline for no particular reason. Physical on/off would bring them back. I eventually tired of messing with them and paid the Hue tax almost two years ago. Not one of those has ever disconnected. You are welcome to have the Sengleds no charge for $15 shipping in the US.

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Thank you for answering. I think I will go ahead, add the bulbs and see what happens.

My experience with the Sengled bulbs is similar to yours. Your offer on the bulbs is generous but I think I will pass.

I got a bunch of Linkind matter bulbs to replace other Sengled ones. Started with a couple and they seemed to work well so I got a bunch more. But ended up being a headache to deal with getting them to fit in with Apple Home and Alexa integrations I use. So gradually replaced all of them with Third Reality ones.

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Not being generous :wink: Just trying to keep them out of the land fill. The Sengleds are a good starter product for someone that wants to play with automation on the cheap.

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My experience is the same, with only 2 sengled bulbs. They now are in my pile of "I WANT a headache devices" along with a Cree zigbee bulb and some Aqara gen 1 devices.
I have some old Ecosmart zigbee bulbs & Arduro smart Eria bulbs, both of which work better for me than Sengled. Although some here like the Sengleds, go figure.
I'll tell you one thing, any company that can sell such a huge POS button dimmer remote, like Sengled does, has no place in my setup.

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Actually the Sengleds worked well for a couple of years. It's almost like the electronics sort of wears out. Work well for weeks or months and then go offline, Power cycle and good again for some indeterminate time. The stupid expensive Hue never fail.

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and Hue bulbs make amazing repeaters as seen by @dandanache Zigbee Map App

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Right now all of mine are connected through the Hue hub and the CoCo Hue app so only talking to themselves. On the ToDo list is to connect them directly with the new built-in integration. No rush on that as it all works well for now.

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Agreed. They are beasts as repeaters - that was a pleasant surprise!

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