Compatibility
Quick jump to: Devices, Software, Third party services
Devices
The Sonoff NSPanel is a multifunctional device and one of its strengths is that it can be used to operate other devices:
- Thermostat: turn a heater or cooler on/off based on the temperature measured with the onboard temperature sensor
- Widgets: room for 8 shortcuts to other devices and tap-to-perform (manual) scenes
These features needs to have eWeLink compatible devices added in the eWeLink app as well tap-to-perform scenes been setup (if you want to use scenes on the Sonoff NSPanel). Supported devices are mainly on/off devices but we got a lightbulb working. For the lightbulb we tested we were able to set the color temperature and brightness.
Software
The Sonoff NSPanel needs the eWeLink app to unlock its full potential. As described above the device can operate other devices and scenes that are configured at the eWeLink app.
The eWeLink app also allows you to setup things that are fairly standard available on all new multichannel devices:
- Create a group with other devices in the same device category (currently only other NSPanels)
- LAN control
- Configure Power-on State (what should each channel on the device do when the power has failed and restored?)
- Set Inching
- Enable Interlock
- Adding schedules
- Set timers
- Configure loop timers
These are the unique features for the Sonoff NSPanel that can be configured at the eWeLink app:
- Thermostat (which device on your eWeLink account to drive and whether that is heating or cooler device)
- Widgets (8 slots for devices and tap-to-perform manual scenes)
- Configure temperature unit (Celsius or Fahrenheit)
- Energy saving mode
- Location (this mainly seems to be for the correct display of the weather conditions)
Third party services
ITEAD told me the Sonoff NSPanel should work with the same third party services as other devices or at least Amazon Alexa and Google Home. I don’t have Amazon Alexa, but I managed it to get the device working at Google Home. During extensive testing only toggling both channels on or off together at worked. The individual channels did not show up. Also Google Assistant didn’t understand your voice command if you ask for the themperature of the Sonoff NSPanel. The Sonoff NSPanel also does not show up as a thermostat at Google Home. Right before publication of this review the indicidual channels did show up at Google Home.
