Comparison boneIO Black and ESP¶
Want to take control of your smart home? boneIO controllers are the brain of your installation, conveniently mounted on a DIN rail in your electrical cabinet. They give you central control over lighting, sockets, blinds, pumps, and many other devices.
In this comparison, we’ll look at two popular models: boneIO Black 32x10A and boneIO ESP 32x10A. Both offer 32 independent outputs, each rated at 10A, ready to manage your home. Let’s see how they differ and which one is better for you.
The key difference between the compared 32x10A models lies in their system architecture and integration approach, which determines their optimal application.
boneIO Black 32x10A: Flexibility and extended I/O capabilities¶
- Platform: Based on the BeagleBone Black minicomputer with the Linux operating system and a dedicated boneIO application.
- Integration: Utilizes the universal MQTT protocol, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of BMS systems and smart home platforms (including Home Assistant, Node-RED, SCADA systems).
- Input/Output Resources: Offers the largest number of built-in inputs: 49 digital (24VDC) and 7 analog, allowing consolidation of numerous signals in one device.
- User Profile: Recommended for users requiring maximum system flexibility, planning integration with diverse platforms via MQTT, needing a large number of I/Os, or intending to run custom applications directly on the controller. Requires basic familiarity with the Linux environment for full potential utilization.
- Sensors - possible to add external modbus sensors. Can’t exhaust CPU by connecting more than 30 modbus devices.
boneIO ESP 32x10A: Optimized integration with Home Assistant and compact design¶
- Platform: Utilizes the ESP32 microcontroller with the popular and open-source ESPHome firmware, which offers multiple ready-to-use templates for Home Assistant.
- Integration: Designed for the Home Assistant ecosystem, offering native integration via the ESPHome API, significantly simplifying configuration and management within HA.
- Input/Output Resources: Features 35 digital inputs (24VDC) and 3 analog – sufficient for many standard installations. Esphome offers more automations inside firmware than Black app.
- Construction: Characterized by a smaller size (12 DIN modules vs 15 in the Black model), which is advantageous in limited mounting spaces.
- User Profile: An ideal choice for Home Assistant users who prioritize ease of integration, YAML-based configuration (ESPHome), and prefer a more compact solution. Does not require advanced system knowledge beyond the HA/ESPHome ecosystem.
- Sensors - possible to add external modbus sensors. There is no hard limit how many devices can be connected., but there might be CPU exhaustion by connecting more than 10 devices.
Common technical features (for 32x10A models):¶
Both models provide:
- 32 relay outputs 10A (230VAC/30VDC).
- Reliable communication via the Ethernet 10/100Mbit port.
- A rich set of serial interfaces: RS485 (Modbus), CAN (future use), 1-Wire, I2C for integration with peripheral devices.
- Power supply with standard 24VDC voltage.
- Convenient, pluggable installation connectors.
Comparative table of key parameters (32x10A models)¶
| Feature | boneIO Black 32x10A | boneIO ESP 32x10A |
|---|
| Central Unit | BeagleBone Black (Minicomputer) | ESP32 (Microcontroller) |
| Operating System | Linux (Proprietary Open source App) | ESPHome Firmware |
| Digital Inputs | 49 (24VDC) | 35 (24VDC) |
| Analog Inputs | 7 | 3 |
| Relay Outputs | 32 x 10A (230VAC / 30VDC) | 32 x 10A (230VAC / 30VDC) |
| Ethernet | 10/100 Mbit | 10/100 Mbit |
| RS485 (Modbus) | Yes | Yes |
| CAN Bus | Yes (For future use) | Yes (For future use) |
| 1-Wire | Yes | Yes |
| I2C Bus | Yes | Yes |
| USB Port | Mini-USB (Console, Power, Peripherals) | USB-C (Firmware installation) |
| Power Supply | 24VDC | 24VDC |
| Power Consumption | 3W - 18W | 3W - 18W |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 270 x 123 x 57 mm (with plugs) | 216 x 123 x 57 mm (with plugs) |
| DIN Size | 15 DIN | 12 DIN |
| Weight | 900g | 800g |
| Main Integration | MQTT (Any system), HA | ESPHome (Native Home Assistant API) |
| Configuration | YAML file via Webui or SSH (Linux Skills) | YAML ESPHome (Via HA Add-on / Tools) |
| Target Skills | Linux knowledge recommended | Home Assistant / ESPHome User |
| Openness | Open Source Software, Open HW (BBB) | Open Source Software (ESPHome), Open HW |
Other controller variants¶
It is worth noting that the Black and ESP platforms are also available in other variants tailored to specific needs:
- Cover variants: Dedicated to controlling blinds or shutters (e.g., 16 channels for blind control).
- Cover Mix variants: Combining lighting and blind control functionality in one device (e.g., 16 relay outputs for lights and 8 channels for blind control).
Summary¶
Choosing between the boneIO Black 32x10A and ESP 32x10A comes down to evaluating project priorities. The Black model is preferred in scenarios requiring the maximum number of I/Os, integration flexibility with various systems (MQTT), and the computational potential of the Linux platform.
- The ESP model is the optimal solution for users within the Home Assistant ecosystem seeking simplified configuration, seamless native integration, and a more compact design.
- Remember also the availability of Cover and Cover Mix variants for both platforms, dedicated to blind control or combining lighting and blind control.
- Both controllers represent professional tools for implementing advanced home and building automation systems.