GPIO over USB (FT232h or ?)

[c64club]

Hi everyone. It's my first post after heavy reading.
I'd like to install Domoticz on Linux server, directly or as Podman container. But I need a few GPIO ports to turn on/off few devices (plus temp sensors, preferrably Dallas 18b20), no radio. Is there a simple, proven expander USB->GPIO that works with Domoticz? Plug and play or (acceptable) flash, plug and play.

Tried to search the forum for FT232H but seems nobody used it. Seems obvious for such use.
Or maybe some USB->GPIO module based on Arduino, Rpi Pico or other small board? (should be available as a project ready to flash)

[psubiaco]

This is not exactly what you're looking for, but some DomBus modules have many configurable GPIOs (analog, digital, buttons, up/down button, counters, ...) and are plug and play:
1. install the dombus plugin for Domoticz
2. connect a module to the bus (you need a cheap USB/RS485 adapter)
3. set a unique address for that module, then all module ports are ready to use.
As this is a wired bus, it's 100% reliable and secure solution.
Also, DomBus modules are designed for very low power consumption and can communicate each other so it is possible, for example, to configure a port connected to a pushbutton/switch to activate a relay port in another (or same) DomBus module, so these simple automations can work independently from Domoticz.
https://wiki.domoticz.com/Creasol_Dombus

[c64club]

A bit overkill for my needs but looks very interesting, especially in situation when far and reliable connection is needed. Though the project site and shop look (and work) like abandoned around 2001, the prices are at least up to date (for west European). So i keep it in mind.

Does Domoticz have some "standard" GPIO method for computers other than Rpi?

[psubiaco]

A bit overkill for my needs but looks very interesting, especially in situation when far and reliable connection is needed. Though the project site and shop look (and work) like abandoned around 2001, the prices are at least up to date (for west European). So i keep it in mind.

There is a misunderstanding: 2001 is the year when Creasol, the italian company producing DomBus modules, born!
The prices you see at https://store.creasol.it/domotics are correct, even if modules are produced in "West Europe" as you mind.

[c64club]

Yes I figured out that they started in 2001. But visiting their site feels like time-travel to 2001.

For the prices - they seem actual - maybe Western European can afford their devices. Me not. Or, to be precise, my server and its yearly run costs are less than cheapest Dombus module. If I wouldn't find anything more affordable, will go for one or two Dombus 12 modules.

For now - I still search for something closer to FT232H. If it exists for Domoticz.

[waltervl]

Perhaps you can use something like this: https://github.com/bbqkees/Domoticz-Pi- ... me-ov-file

Or search in the plugin list for the term relay for supported relay devices: https://wiki.domoticz.com/Plugins

There are also the Denkovi IO modules https://denkovi.com/domoticz-with-denkovi-modules

[c64club]

Perhaps you can use something like this: https://github.com/bbqkees/Domoticz-Pi- ... -solutions

Muchos gracias.
That's what I need for output.

Nowe the same or similar solution for output plus some two-way pin (for 1wire) is needed.

[waltervl]

You can also use esphome https://esphome.io/ on esp devices. It connects over MQTT Auto Discover with Domoticz.

[Dave21w]

There is also quite a lot of Ethernet based relays boards you could choose from too. My take on this would be that in the even something fails to work you could at least connect to the board directly to see if it's responding.

[c64club]

Thanks guys. I really appreciate your wide and detailed help for new user.

After second deeper reading, for this particular location, dedicated Raspberry seems the only reasonable option, just for its GPIO.

In case I would need physical on/off outputs and some (not yet isntalled) sensors, I will choose one of options you proposed. With network connected sensors and Domoticz in container on existing x86 server. I have all your info saved in my notebook for future use.