Smart home device testing – Mercator Ikuü

When it comes to building a smart home for the first time, starting with a product range that offers a wide variety of devices is key. Recently, I’ve been testing a selection of smart home devices from Mercator Ikuü, including:

• WiFi 3 Gang Smart Switch
• Zigbee 2 Gang Smart Switch
• Zigbee Hub
• Zigbee Motion Sensor

If you are build home automation for the first time, one of the simplest way to start will be choosing a product series who has wide range of products. When I look into the range of products available for this series I was blown out.

Upon exploring the range of products offered by Mercator Ikuü, I was thoroughly impressed by their breadth and versatility.

About Mercator Ikuü

Mercator Ikuü is an Australian-owned brand offering smart home products that are simple to install, quick to set up, and easy to use. Their intuitively designed app and extensive range of premium products provide an accessible and customizable solution for building a personalized smart home system.

What’s Inside the WiFi 3 Gang Smart Switch

Opening up the WiFi 3 Gang Smart Switch revealed a familiar design. The main IC is the WB3S (Tuya), and the internal layout closely resembles that of GridConnect products (available at Bunnings). This suggests they may share the same manufacturer in China.

Mercator Ikuü Product Offerings

Mercator Ikuü offers both WiFi and Zigbee product lines, each with distinct advantages:

• Zigbee products do not require a neutral wire, making them ideal for older homes where neutral lines may not be present at switches.
• Zigbee devices create a mesh network, reducing the load on your WiFi network and minimizing the exposure of devices to the internet.
• WiFi products connect directly to the Tuya cloud but require a neutral connection and can strain your WiFi network in larger setups. For a deeper dive into device selection, check out my blog post on this topic.

Device Reviews

1. WiFi 3 Gang Smart Switch

• Neutral Required: This switch requires a neutral wire and connects directly to the Tuya cloud via a 2.4GHz WiFi network.
• Limitations: Not recommended for double-brick houses due to potential WiFi signal issues.
• Features: Allows remote control through the Mercator Ikuü, Tuya, or Smart Life app, making it ideal for managing lights and other electrical devices.

2. Zigbee 2 Gang Smart Switch

• No Neutral Required: Perfect for older homes.
• Connectivity: Requires a Zigbee hub to connect to the Tuya cloud.
• Mesh Network: Supports Zigbee mesh networking (though I have not yet tested the self-healing capabilities due to the lack of multiple Zigbee switches).
• Recommendation: While this switch integrates seamlessly with Mercator Ikuü, I recommend using third-party hubs with advanced automation features (e.g., Homey Pro, Zemismart Zigbee Hub, AEOTEC Smart Home Hub, or Fibaro Home Center) for better local control.

3. Zigbee Hub

• Limitations: This device functions more as a WiFi bridge than a true hub. All automation is cloud-based, requiring an active internet connection.
• Recommendation: Avoid this hub and opt for a third-party Zigbee hub (e.g., Homey Pro, Zemismart Matter Hub, AEOTEC Smart Home Hub, or Fibaro Home Center) that supports local control and advanced automation.

4. Zigbee Motion Sensor

• Battery-Powered: A compact sensor that detects motion and triggers automation routines or alerts.
• Recommendation: I prefer powered motion sensors since battery replacement can be inconvenient and easy to forget.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Australian-Owned: Mercator Ikuü is a trusted local brand.
• Easy Installation and Setup: Designed for simplicity, these devices are accessible to both DIY enthusiasts and professionals.
• Intuitive App: The app offers seamless integration and control of your smart home.
• Certified for AUS/NZ Standards: Products meet local safety and performance standards.

Cons

• WiFi Device Reset Issues: Some users have reported frequent resets with GridConnect WiFi devices, though I did not encounter this during testing.
• Zigbee Hub Limitations: The Mercator Ikuü Zigbee Hub lacks local control and limited advanced automation features.

Overall Impression

Overall, I’m satisfied with the performance of Mercator Ikuü devices. However, I strongly recommend opting for Zigbee products over WiFi ones. Additionally, when using Zigbee devices, invest in a high-quality third-party hub (e.g., Homey Pro, Zemismart Matter Hub, AEOTEC Smart Home Hub, or Fibaro Home Center) to unlock advanced automation features and ensure a more robust and reliable smart home setup.