Ceiling Light server response time

[DARKFiB3R]

I'm in the UK, but I (have to?) use the China server for my ceiling light.

Some times it is very slow to respond, so much so, that Alexa anounces that it hasn't responded at all, but then it does turn on/off afterwards anyway.

Is there anything I can do to improve the response time?

Thanks.

[syssi]

1. If you don't use the Mi Home / yeelight app you could try to block the internet access for your cloud devices. If the connection gets dropped very early the device is a bit faster.
2. If you want to gain more speed: Flash the device with ESPHome / alternative firmware. But keep in mind: The remote control isn't supported and you have to control your lamp via HA always.

[DARKFiB3R]

How do I do option 1, block that device in my router?

Is there a 3rd party remote I could use with ESPHome? I have a Harmony elite remote. It would be nice to be able to use that.

Is removing the PCB and replacing it with some sort of zigbee module an option?

Thanks for your advice. Have a nice Christmas.

[syssi]

Option 1: Yes.

As soon the ESPHome node is connected to your HA instance you could use any supported remote. If you are looking for a standalone solution: I don't know.

I don't recommend to replace the WiFi controller by a ZigBee module. It's hard to replicate all features of the device (f.e. the night light mode).

[syssi]

Merry Christmas! 🎄

[DARKFiB3R]

So I gave the lights a static IP, and then blocked them.

The Xiaomi app says they are offline.

Unfortunately they are still intermittently slow to respond.

So... ESPHome. I don't see a repository for my ceiling light. Can you point me in the right direction?

Thanks and Happy New Year 😁

[syssi]

Which device do you own? Please use miiocli device info to retrieve the model identifier and may be some hint about the used mcu.

[DARKFiB3R]

I've never used miiocli before, and not sure how.

I did use Xiaomi Cloud Tokens Extractor.

platform: xiaomi_miio_philipslight model: philips.light.ceiling

Edit: So I've tried to install python-miio, but I'm getting errors. Made sure Visual C++ was up to date, but I'm thinking that's not right. Downloaded Visual Studio Installer, but not sure what is needed from there, if anything.

Is it ok post logs here? I think I'm making a mess of things.

[syssi]

It's easier to use a linux host. Please boot some Ubuntu machine or SSH to some raspberry pi and use this command to install python-miio:

pip3 install python-miio

If pip3 isn't available please install the missing package:

apt-get install python3-pip