Testing Sonoff's first Matter miniR4M module

That’s it, Sonoff released its first mini Matter module on miniR4M, thanks to itead who provided me with this module I will be able to test the integration into Home-Assistant and give feedback on this module sold to less than €12.

Sonoff Matter miniR4M

By Sonoff

New Sonoff mini switch module the miniM

Buy Now out of Itead

Unboxing

To begin with, the packaging is almost identical to that of the zbminil2 and this is not surprising because these two modules are very similar in shape. The box is blue like the brand’s wifi modules and yes if you don’t know it yet Matter works on the home wifi mesh or by thread but this is not the case.

Just look at the screenshot below to see the volumes used at Sonoff for the mini range. The advantage is of course the integration in the junction boxes located behind the switch, you will have no trouble finding a place without having to force it.

Sonoff image comparison miniR4M and ZBMiniL2

We feel that the manufacturing platform of the miniR4M and the ZBminiL2 and very similar, just look at the image capture below.

A module with undeniable options

the sonoff miniR4M has quite a few important options

• you can connect it to a panel of different switches (see the image below)
• ewelink, google, alexa and apple compatible
• miniR4M has a detached relay basically you can turn a connected bulb on and off while leaving it on so you can control it all the time
• possibility of connecting a simple switch or two-way switch.

Integration into HA of miniR4M in image.

As you can see in the animated gif below I had no difficulty integrating it into Home-Assistant. Before you can add the device to Home-Assistant you will first have to install Matter in the supervisor . To do this you can follow the installation steps by going directly here, it will give you Just click on the links for installation and Matter integration. I wrote the installation process in a previous article dedicated to the Neo NAS-WR15W6 module. Then follow the steps of the process and when prompted scan the qrcode located on the back of the module.

Once integrated, you can go to the module panel and test the operation of the module. Only one command available to turn the module on and off, in my opinion it’s a little thin but hey we are at the premise of the protocol, the next modules should gradually be expanded with new functions.

Specifications of miniR4M

As said previously, the module is almost the same size as thezbminil2

MINIR4M is SONOFF’s first Matter device, it can recognize and work with other brands of Matter end devices, and integrate with Matter compatible platforms, such as Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, etc. Controlling all smart devices through a single app is no longer a dream.

Matter certified devices support local communication in the home network, even if the network is disconnected, MINIR4M still works normally, with faster responsiveness and better reliability. Adding MINIR4M to Matter-enabled apps is simple. Simply scan the Matter QR code that comes with your Matter-enabled app and MINIR4M is easily set up by following the steps in the app.

MINIR4M is equipped with ESP32 chip, its small size fits various mounting boxes, including type 86/EU, type 120 mounting box. MINIR4M supports controls external switches and easily connects to momentary switch, door exit switch, SPDT switch, interlock switch and even dry contact sensors.

MINIR4M features a “detached relay” mode, which means that the states of the external switches and the relay are separated, so actuation of the external switch button will not affect the state of the relay. For example, if you open the “detach relay” mode, when you turn off the light, the connected bulb will not be offline and you can still use the app to control the smart lights.

Particularities of miniR4M

Documents miniR4M

product advantages miniR4M

• manufacturing quality
• the price
• matter compatible (esp32)
• works with all types of switches
• A detached relay

the - of the product miniR4M

• Requires neutral to operate
• Requires neutral to the switch and neutral from the switch to the light

Sonoff Matter miniR4M

By Sonoff

New Sonoff mini switch module the miniM

Buy Now out of Itead

Conclusion

Sonoff makes a successful entry into the world of the new Matter protocol. The miniR4M has many undeniable advantages and the integration into Home Assistant was done without difficulty, a good point according to Haade. If you want to equip yourself with Matter modules then the Sonoff miniR4M is made for you 👌.