OpenThread documentation

OpenThread is an Open-Source implementation of Thread® released by Google, to make the networking technology used in Google Nest products more broadly available to developers, in order to accelerate the development of products for the connected home and commercial buildings.

A lot of background information about OpenThread is available online.

A list of OpenThread-enabled devices is publicly available.

ConBee II

The ConBee II has the Zigbee function when delivered. A configuration for OpenThread is possible without any problems. To do this, the ConBee II OpenThread firmware must be programmed 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 II.

Installation

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 II 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/ttyACM0 -t 60 -f ot-rcp-cb2_0x01010700.GCF
```
Windows
```
 GCFFlasher -d [COM-Port] -t 60 -f ot-rcp-cb2_0x01010700.GCF
```

ConBee III

The ConBee III has the Zigbee function when delivered. A configuration for OpenThread is possible without any problems. To do this, the ConBee III OpenThread firmware must be programmed 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.

Installation

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

This guide is intended for experienced users. Unfortunately, integrating Thread devices via Home Assistant is still complicated.

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.
Depending on the used Open Thread Border Router a different setting of the Hardware FLow Control is necessary:
- ConBee II: Hardware Flow Control = enabled
- ConBee III: Hardware Flow Control = off
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.

Troubleshooting

The Matter installation code does not work

It is the wrong code: when using several devices of the same type, it is important to correctly assign the code to the device.
It is not the Matter installation code on the device, but rather:
- the Apple Homekit installation code,
- a manufacturer-specific installation code
which cannot be used for the Matter training process.

ConBee II OpenThread Firmware

Detailed information about the OpenThread porting for the ConBee II can be found on GitHub. Firmware or application problems can be reported via GitHub. Bugfixing will take place as soon as possible.