ConBee III Matter over Thread

ConBee III and Matter over Thread

The ConBee III has the Zigbee function when delivered. A configuration as Thread Border Router is possible without any problems. To do this, the ConBee III Thread firmware must be programmed via webbrowser or manually via the command line using the GCFFlasher. This process can be undone at any time to restore the original Zigbee functionality of the ConBee III.

The OpenThread implementation from Silicon Labs is used for the ConBee III.

Installation

The Zigbee delivery firmware must be replaced with the OpenThread firmware. This can be done via an update in the web browser or manually.

Update directly in the web browser

The ConBee III firmware can be updated in the web browser. Currently, only Chrome and Edge are supported.

Download the OpenThread firmware for ConBee III and store it in a suitable directory on your PC/laptop.
Open the Online Firmware Updater and select the previously downloaded OpenThread firmware via Local File.
Connect the ConBee III to your PC/laptop
Perform the update

Update manually

The firmware of the ConBee III can be updated manually. An tutorial video for the update under Windows is available on Youtube:

Tutorial: Firmware-Update ConBee

The individual steps are summarized here:

Download and unzip the GCFFlasher. A description how it works can be found in the Wiki article and in this Youtube-clip.
Download the OpenThread firmware for ConBee III and store it into the GCFFlasher directory.
Start the GCFFlasher and program the OpenThread firmware by using the command line. The COM port is set specifically depending on the operation system used and is described in the Wiki article.

Linux
```
 GCFFlasher_internal -d /dev/ttyUSB0 -t 60 -f ot-rcp-cb3_0x01000900.GCF
```
Windows
```
 GCFFlasher -d [COM-Port] -t 60 -f ot-rcp-cb3_0x01000900.GCF
```

Example Home Assistant

The example application for using the ConBee II and the ConBee III as a Thread border router in the Home Assistant is described below. The smart plug Eve Energy is used as the end device to be controlled.

Preparation

The smart plug Eve Energy used for the example application must have Thread functionality. Depending on the firmware version of the device, this is already active or must be updated via the official Eve smartphone app.

The Matter installation code for the smart plug is required for successful setup. This is either included in the product packaging, attached to the device or saved as an image/document on the smartphone via the manufacturer’s app after a firmware update.

Setup

Log in to the Home Assistant web interface and open the Settings section.
Open the settings of System and switch to Add-ons.
Search for Open Thread Boarder Router in the Add-ons store and install it.
Configure the Open Thread Boarder Router add-on.

Set Hardware Flow Control = off

 ![HA OTBR Add-on Konfigurieren ConBee3](/openthread/img/ha-otbr_07.png){width="500" height=auto}

Start the Open Thread Boarder Router add-on.
Search for Matter Server in the Add-ons store and install it.
Start the Matter Server add-on.
Open the Integrations menu item in the Home Assistant web interface. The following integrations must be visible:
- Open Thread Border Router
- Thread
- Matter Server
Check that the Thread integration setting Used for Android + iOS credentials is enabled.
Switch to the Home Assistant app on the smartphone or tablet, as a Bluetooth connection is now required to add the smart plug. To do this, go to the menu item Settings and Devices and Services.
Go to Add Integration and connect a new Matter Device.
The search for a new Matter device now begins. Once the device has been found, the Matter installation code must be scanned with the smartphone or tablet camera.
After the smart plug has been successfully connected, it can now be controlled via Home Assistant.