Skip to Content

How HomeMaster 
Works

Smart Home Automation System with RS-485 and Local Logic

HomeMaster is an industrial-grade smart home automation system based on RS-485 Modbus communication. Unlike cloud-based systems, it operates locally, ensuring reliability even without internet or controller connectivity.

RS-485 Modbus architecture. Deterministic, offline-capable, industrial-grade control.

  • Works without controller or internet 
  • Deterministic communication (Modbus RTU) 
  • Automation runs locally on every module

System Architecture (Controller, Modules, Devices)

HomeMaster is a distributed automation system — not a centralized smart home hub.
Each module operates independently with local logic, ensuring system operation even during failures.

The system consists of four layers: 

01 CONTROLLERS

MiniPLC/MicroPLC

  • ESP32 + ESPHome
  • Modbus RTU Master
  • Central automation logic

 

02 RS-485 MODULES

Expansion I/O 

  • Modbus RTU Slaves
  • Relay, analog, PWM, RTD, I/O
  • Local Logic & Autonomy
  • DIN-rail mounted


 

03 FIELD DEVICES

Sensors & Actuators

 

04 SERVER

Home Automation Server

  • Dashboards
  • Automation
  • Remote Access

 

Automation Data Flow (Local, Controller, Remote)

Three ways the system can operate:

LOCAL OPERATION

No controller required  

Modules execute logic locally

Example: Leak detected➡WLD module➡Valve OFF 

WITH HOME ASSISTANT

Visualization, automatio,  remote access

Example: Monitor, automate, control remotely 

CONTROLLER-ASSISTED

Controller processes system logic  

Modules act as distributed I/O

Example: ΔT detected → MiniPLC → Pumps ON 

 

1

LOCAL LOGIC & AUTONOMY 

Each module operates independently.

If controller or network fails:
  • Lighting continues working 
  • Pumps continue running 
  • Leak protection remains active 

System does not stop — automation continues locally.

2

COMMUNICATION 

RS-485 Modbus RTU
  • Industrial communication standard  
  • Noise-resistant over long distances  
  • Deterministic real-time behavior  

Implementation:

  • Controller = Modbus master
  • Modules = Modbus slaves

 

3

CONFIGURATION 

Two configuration layers

1. Module-level (WebConfig)

  • Modbus address 
  • I/O types 
  • Logic behavior

2. Controller-level (ESPHome YAML)

  • System logic
  • Automation rules
  • Integration

 

3

BUILT FOR RELIABILITY

Engineered for real world installations.

✔ DIN-rail modules

✔ Industrial components

✔ Surge & isolation

✔ OTA updates 

REAL SYSTEM EXAMPLE 

Chimney System 

  • Multi-sensor monitoring 
  • Energy calculation 
  • Pump & valve control 

Works even during outages

→ View solution

Smart Heating Systems 

  • ΔT-based pump control 
  • PT100 / DS18B20 
  • Flow monitoring 

Fully automatic operation

→ View solution

Smart Lighting 

  • RGB+CCT control 
  • 5-channel PWM 
  • Scenes & dimming 

Controlled via Home Assistant 

→ View solution

EXPLORE THE  ECOSYSTEM

Controllers, RS-485 modules, documentation, and ready-to-use ESPHome configurations — all open source.

Product:

Development:

Community:

WHAT MAKES THIS DIFFERENT

Feature

Typical Smart Home

HomeMaster

Communication

Wi-Fi

RS-485 (wired)

Logic location

Cloud / server

Distributed

Failure behavior

Stops working

Continues

Determinism

Low

High

Scalability

Limited

Industrial-grade