MQTT 101 - Integrate Your DIY Devices into Home Assistant

Learn how to integrate custom DIY devices into Home Assistant using MQTT in this comprehensive 28-minute video tutorial. Explore the fundamentals of MQTT and its functionality, followed by practical examples of MQTT implementation in Home Assistant. Discover techniques for incorporating MQTT into custom devices and integrating them into Home Assistant through automations, sensors, and switches. Follow along with a real-world example of a DIY device integrated into Home Assistant using MQTT. Gain insights into MQTT payloads, publishing and subscribing in Home Assistant, MQTT broker options, and additional MQTT terminology. Examine an MQTT-based matrix clock project, including its Home Assistant dashboard and features. Understand the importance of device subscription and publishing, and learn how to utilize the MQTT retain flag. Master the process of adding MQTT to custom DIY devices and incorporating MQTT entities into Home Assistant. Conclude with a summary and exploration of alternative approaches.

Intro
What is MQTT?
Overview of how MQTT works
MQTT payloads
Publishing and subscribing in Home Assistant
MQTT Broker options
Additionl MQTT terms
Overview of MQTT-based matrix clock
Home Assistant MQTT-based dashboard and features
Why this device needs to subscribe and publish
Using the MQTT retain flag
Adding MQTT to your custom DIY device
Adding device MQTT entities to Home Assistant
Wrap up and alternatives