Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Remote controls everywhere, chaos on the coffee table - and you're once again looking for the right one? With the LinknLink eRemote HA this is a thing of the past. This small device is a Infrared blasterwith which you can connect classic IR devices such as televisions, receivers or fans directly in Home Assistant integrate. You can use MQTT to control your devices, learn commands and build intelligent automation. In this article, you will find out how this works and why it massively enhances your smart home.
For detailed instructions and an explanation of all configuration options, I recommend the YouTube video linked below. In this video, every single setting is explained in detail so that you receive comprehensive instructions for the exact setup. You can find any code from the video in this article so that you can use it directly without having to type it in.
What is the LinknLink eRemote HA?
The eRemote HA is a IR transmitter (blaster)which imitates the signals from your conventional remote control and integrates it into the smart home via Wi-Fi. It can save commands, transmit them to Home Assistant and be used from there in automations or scenes.
The most important functions at a glance:
- 📺 Appliance IR Control: Compatible with more than 500,000+ device models and 2,000+ brands.
- 🔄 Cloud updates & custom learningNew devices are added via the cloud. You can simply teach in unknown devices manually.
- 🌐 IR2MQTT bridge: Connects classic IR devices with Home Assistant and enables local automation - without any cloud constraints.
- 📱 App control: You can use the LinknLink app to send IR commands, create scenes and operate devices directly from your smartphone.
- 🔄 Teaching commands: If your device is not preconfigured in the app, you can teach in buttons from your original remote control.
- 🌐 MQTT interface: Thanks to MQTT, the eRemote HA can be integrated directly into Home Assistant integrate. This opens up the world of automation.
- 🧩 Integration into smart home platforms: You can also control devices with Alexa, Google Assistant or Apple HomeKit via Home Assistant.
- 📡 360° IR coverage: The device sends signals in all directions - so you don't have to aim perfectly like with a normal remote control.
Why MQTT or IR2MQTT is good
Many IR blasters rely on a Cloud connection. This means that every keystroke first goes through the manufacturer's servers and from there back to your device. This has two disadvantages: It's slower, and you're dependent on the stability of the manufacturer's cloud.
The LinknLink eRemote HA goes with IR2MQTT another way:
- 🏠 Local controlAll commands run directly via your own Wi-Fi and the MQTT broker in Home Assistant. No cloud, no detours, no dependencies.
- ⚡ SpeedThe response time is practically instantaneous because no servers abroad are involved. A command in Home Assistant is executed without delay.
- 🔒 PrivacyYour usage data remains in your home network. Nothing is sent to external providers.
- 🔧 FlexibilityMQTT allows you to name and structure commands exactly as you want. This allows you to build a very clean, individual control system.
- 🔄 ExpandabilityWith IR2MQTT, you can seamlessly integrate devices into complex automations - whether in scenes, scripts or sequences with other smart home devices.
In short: IR2MQTT turns the LinknLink eRemote HA into a fully-fledged smart home devicethat is fully integrated into your local ecosystem - independent of cloud services. For power users, this is a decisive advantage over many other IR blasters.
Installation and initial setup
1. set up the hardware
- Position the IR blaster so that it has a clear view of the devices to be controlled.
- Make sure that it is within range of your WLAN network.
- Power is supplied via USB (e.g. mains adapter or smart plug).
2. set up WLAN and app
- Load the LinknLink app download (Android & iOS).
- Register and add the eRemote HA as a new device.
- Connect it to your 2.4 GHz WLAN (5 GHz is not supported).
- Test whether the connection is stable and the first commands work.
3. teach-in IR commands
- Select your device in the app (e.g. TV). Many brands are preconfigured.
- If your model is missing, you can Learning mode start: Simply press a button on your original remote control while the eRemote HA is receiving it.
- The command is then permanently available in the app and later also in Home Assistant.
Integration in Home Assistant via MQTT
This is the real strength of the eRemote HA: the Direct integration into Home Assistant via MQTT. This allows you to control IR devices not only manually, but also automatically.
Requirements
- Home Assistant on your server, Raspberry Pi or NAS
- MQTT broker installed (e.g. Mosquitto add-on in Home Assistant)
- eRemote HA connected to WLAN
Step-by-step integration
- Activate MQTT integration
- Open in Home Assistant: Settings > Devices & services > Add integration
- Search for MQTT and add the integration.
- If you have not yet installed a broker, set up Mosquitto first.
- Configure eRemote HA
- In the app, you will find the option to connect the device to an MQTT broker.
- Enter the IP of your Home Assistant server there.
- Define user name and password (if set).
- Make devices & commands visible in Home Assistant
- After a successful connection, the eRemote HA publishes topics in the MQTT broker.
- You can now issue commands in Home Assistant via
mqtt.publishsend.
- Automate commands
- Create automations in Home Assistant that access IR commands.
- Example: When you switch off the light, the TV should also go out.
Practical examples of automation
- 🎬 Movie night: One click and Home Assistant switches on the TV, receiver and soundbar, dims the lights and activates your favorite app.
- ⏰ Automatic switch-off: TV switches off automatically at midnight - perfect if you often fall asleep.
- 🎶 Music mode: With a voice command, your system starts and Home Assistant adjusts the lighting at the same time.
- 🌡️ Control air conditioners: Old air conditioning systems with IR remote control can also be integrated and incorporated into scenes.
Advantages of the eRemote HA compared to other solutions
- ✅ Direct MQTT integration (not all IR blasters can do this)
- ✅ No cloud constraints - local control possible
- ✅ Teaching individual commands
- ✅ Compact design and 360° signal coverage
- ✅ Compatible with all common smart home platforms via Home Assistant
Tips for everyday life
- Place the IR blaster centrally in the room so that it can reach several devices at the same time.
- Lay in Home Assistant Scripts that send several IR commands one after the other - it behaves like a "macro remote control".
- First test all commands in the app before you finally integrate them into Home Assistant.
Comparison: LinknLink eRemote HA vs. Logitech Harmony Hub
Many still know the Logitech Harmony Hubwhich was the top dog in IR bridges for years. Unfortunately, it is no longer manufactured.
How the LinknLink compares:
- 🔄 FunctionalityBoth can send IR commands to devices.
- 🌐 IntegrationThe Harmony Hub relies heavily on the Logitech cloud. The LinknLink eRemote HA scores with local MQTT integrationwhich is independent of external servers.
- 🎙️ Voice controlBoth support voice commands, but the eRemote HA is much more flexible via Home Assistant.
- 💸 Price: The Harmony Hub costs well over 70-100 €, while the eRemote HA costs around 20-25 € is an extremely favorable alternative.
- 🔧 Future security: As Harmony is no longer in production, the LinknLink is the better choice for anyone starting out today.
YouTube video implementation
My personal opinion
I tested the LinknLink eRemote HA myself - and was surprised at how well it works.
👉 The appTo be honest, the app is not the best. It looks a bit old-fashioned, is confusing and not as intuitive as one would wish.
👉 The device itselfThe blaster works absolutely flawlessly. Commands are recognized and sent immediately. Once programmed, it works reliably and without delay - exactly as you would expect.
👉 Price-performance: For around 20-25 € you get a device that brings your old devices into the smart home. Given the features and the Home Assistant integration, I think it's a real bargain.
Conclusion
The LinknLink eRemote HA is an inconspicuous but extremely useful gadget. It makes your classic infrared devices smart, integrates them directly into Home Assistant thanks to MQTT and opens up countless automation options.
Whether TV, receiver or air conditioning unit - you can use it to bring everything that is controlled with an IR remote control into your smart home. This saves you having to buy new hardware, keeps your favorite devices and expands your smart home cleverly and cost-effectively.
👉 If you want to take your smart home to the next level, the eRemote HA is a clear recommendation.
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