Home Assistant Yellow
Home Assistant itself has gradually started to focus on hardware, and currently, they have two plug and play solutions for running Home Assistant - Home Assistant Green and Yellow (this page).
The individual devices have similar names, but they are quite different, and we will look at the second one called Yellow. If you are interested in the first one, then look here.
Home Assistant Yellow is the first hardware device directly from Home Assistant, and its goal was to build a slightly modified Raspberry Pi (thanks to the use of the Raspberry Compute Module) for Home Assistant users' needs - especially thanks to the integrated Zigbee & Thread module and the possibility to install an M.2 SSD disk.
In contrast, Home Assistant Green is a pre-prepared computer at the lowest possible price, but with performance that will still be sufficient for Home Assistant.
Specifications
- Processor: Quad-core ARM 1.5GHz (Cortex-A72 for CM4) or Quad-core ARM 2.4 GHz (Cortex-A76 for CM5)
- RAM: 2-8GB for CM4, 2-16GB for CM5
- Storage: 0-32GB eMMC for CM4, 0-64GB eMMC for CM5
- Ports: USB 2.0 2x + USB-C 2.0 1x
- Network: 1GBit Ethernet port (optionally with POE support)
- Dimensions: 123 mm x 123 mm x 36 mm
- Bluetooth: optionally as part of CM
- Zigbee/Thread: integrated Silicon Labs MGM210P
CM = Compute Module - a special variant of Raspberry Pi that can be replaced over time with a newer one.
The latest module from Raspberry called CM5 is compatible from HassOS version 14.
CM5 can bring significant improvements for more demanding users:
- Up to 3x faster ESPHome compilation
- More efficient local speech-to-text processing
For most users who will use HA Yellow only for controlling a smart home, the specifications should be more than sufficient.
Very similar options are also offered by Raspberry computers which I recommend looking at as well.
I have not yet had the opportunity to physically test this, so I am relying only on information from the official manufacturer's website.
Pros
- ✅ Modular design: Offers flexibility in hardware configuration and the possibility of upgrades.
- ✅ Option to choose between different Compute Modules: Allows users to select optimal performance and storage capacity.
- ✅ POE (Power Over Ethernet) compatibility: Allows power and network connection through a single cable, which is ideal for
- ✅ Integrated Zigbee & Thread module: No need to purchase a USB dongle.
Cons
- ❌ Higher configuration complexity: May be more challenging to set up and requires more technical understanding.
- ❌ Larger dimensions: May require more space for installation.
Home Assistant Installation
The installation is really simple. Just physically connect the Ethernet cable and power supply to the device, and then wait a few minutes for the initial setup.
You can then complete it either using the Home Assistant mobile app or through the web interface.
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