There are two parts to this project that include setting up the PyPortal along with configuring Home Assistant. Here are some things that you will want to be sure you have ready before you begin.

For the PyPortal

Front view of a Adafruit PyPortal - CircuitPython Powered Internet Display with a pyportal logo image on the display.
PyPortal, our easy-to-use IoT device that allows you to create all the things for the “Internet of Things” in minutes. Make custom touch screen interface...
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1 x PIR (motion) sensor
PIR sensors are used to detect motion from pets/humanoids from about 20 feet away
1 x STEMMA JST PH 3-Pin to Female Socket Cable - 200mm
This cable will let you connect the PIR motion sensor to one of the JST PH 3-pin connectors on the PyPortal.
1 x USB cable - USB A to Micro-B - 3 foot long
Use this USB cable to program and power your PyPortal.

For Home Assistant

You will need a Home Assistant server set up for this project to interface with. There are many ways to do this, but most people set up Home Assistant on a Raspberry Pi. If you need to set up your own Home Assistant server, have a look at the following guide that will help you set up Home Assistant along with an MQTT broker.

If you already have Home Assistant set up and running, you will need to have the Mosquitto broker installed. You will also need to know the Host URL, Username, and Password for your MQTT broker.

We will also be editing the configuration.yaml file to add support for the PyPortal MQTT topics. So be sure that you can access and edit the configuration.yaml file.

Your WiFi network SSID and password will also be needed for the PyPortal to connect to the same local network as your Home Assistant server.

This guide was first published on Jan 08, 2020. It was last updated on Mar 27, 2024.

This page (Things you will need) was last updated on Mar 08, 2024.

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