Hello Techies -
New to this forum but have been using SM RPi HATs for a while. I am looking for the best practices for integrating SM with Home Assistant.
I've seen several different ways like MQTT, RS485, etc., so what is the general concensous and opinions. I'm welcoming your thoughts and experiences, and what you do differently next time.
My RPi setup RPi4B using two HATs: SM-I-009 - Sixteen LV Digitals Inputs 8-Layer Stackable HAT for RPi and SM-I-013 - Sixteen Relays 2A/24V 8-Layer Stackable HAT for RPi. Home Assistant is on Intel i7-4790 running HAOS (not in a Docker container) - bare metal. My application is for monitoring and controlling certain HVAC functions based of outside conditions. Unfortunately, HVAC systems don't always play well together... I'm running central heat/air, floor radiant heat boiler, fresh air intake, humidifier, dehumidifier, aroma scent machine. The digital inputs read nothing more than 'I'm on' via a 24VAC signal from the HVAC unit. My intent is to use some of the relays to block conflicting conditions (e.g., turn on Humifier when room humidity is < 35% -- but outside temp is 0 degrees, therefore s/b no Humidity call.
Again, just looking for your experiences in this space, using the RPi HATs and Home Assistant together. (As a side note, I'm impressed with the engineering that went into building these HATs!! Kudos, folks!!)
Dale Barnes.
Solved. MQTT via Python on the RPi works well. Both from HA to RPi to toggle Relays, MQTT from RPi to HA to display Inputs. Claude is your friend here! 
