
Domoticz Plugin Manager
Step-by-step how-to guide install the Python Plugin (PP) manager on a Raspberry Pi 4, with the latest Raspbian Buster image and Domoticz.
Until earlier, plugins in Domoticz where a bit of a nightmare. In some cases it still is, mostly because Domoticz is an ongoing project that is still being developed. and for the most part, it will always be a work in progress, as is the nature of most open source projects. But life got easier since 2018 with the Python V3 based Plugin Manager for Domoticz. This how-to article guides you true the installation of this great piece of software and how to use it.
This how-to is part of a bigger series of Domoticz how-to’s on sancla.com!
This tutorial has been verified with:
Domoticz 2020.1
Python Plugin Manager version 1.5.1
Prerequisites
- Running Domoticz installation with stable Raspbian Buster release and SSH access. See my previous post for a how-to:
https://sancla.com/domoticz/raspberry-pi-4-with-domoticz/
Tested with
- Raspbian Buster Lite 4.19, Februari 2020
- Domoticz Stable 2020.1 (compile date 22-3-2020)
- Domoticz Python plugin manager dated January 2th, 2020
Step 1: Preparation
Connect with SSH to your Domoticz installation and follow below instructions.
First, make sure that git is installed:
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install git python3-pip -y
Next, make sure the correct Python library is installed on your system.
First, check the current installed Python version:
python3 -V
My results:
pi@raspberrypi:~ $ python3 -V
Python 3.7.3
Also, check the library version with this command:
dpkg --get-selections | grep libpython
My results:
pi@raspberrypi:~ $ dpkg –get-selections | grep libpython
libpython-stdlib:armhf install
libpython2-stdlib:armhf install
libpython2.7-minimal:armhf install
libpython2.7-stdlib:armhf install
libpython3-stdlib:armhf install
libpython3.7:armhf install
libpython3.7-minimal:armhf install
libpython3.7-stdlib:armhf install
As you can see, both the Python 2.7 and the 3.7 libraries are installed, but Python version 3.7.3 is active. However, in order to use the Plugin Manager, we also need the corresponding “dev” libraries. Run the following commands to install them:
sudo apt-get install python3.7 libpython3.7 python3.7-dev
sudo systemctl restart domoticz.service
Step 2: Install the Python Plugin Manager
Now everything is ready for the Python Plugin Manager, it’s time to install it. Run the below commands to install the PP-Manager plugin.
cd
cd domoticz/plugins
git clone https://github.com/ycahome/pp-manager.git PP-MANAGER
cd PP-MANAGER
chmod +x plugin.py
sudo systemctl restart domoticz.service
The plugin manager should be installed and ready in Domoticz. Go to your Domoticz hardware page and you can now use it to install plugins.

Before you start installing plugins, make sure to check the Domoticz Plugin page in advance. Not all plugins are duly tested and some need some steps in advance. As stated earlier, Domoticz and the plugin manager are work in progress (but very good progress!).
https://www.domoticz.com/wiki/Plugins
For more information about the Python Plugin Manager, you can follow one of these sites:
Janne
Hi, i cant find the “domoticz/plugins” i think it is missing?
SANCLA
Hi Janne,
Could it be that you are using a older and different version of Domoticz? I know that some older version do not have this folder yet, not sure about the last stable version (Most are using the beta nowadays)…
Machiel
Hi Sander,
following your nice guidelines for installing the Python Plugin manager without problems
I’m still struggeling with a small problem:
It results in not adding devices after adding the Python Plugin Manager in Hardware and updating with Buienradar or Speedtest plugins.
The hardware and software versions are similar with yours.
By executing de plugin in pi@raspberrypi:~/domoticz/plugins/PP-MANAGER with
sudo python3.7 plugin.py
I receive an error:
Traceback (most recent call last):
File “plugin.py”, line 105, in
import Domoticz
ModuleNotFoundError: No module named ‘Domoticz’
Do you have any idea how to solve this?
SANCLA
Hi Machiel,
My apologies for the delayed response, normally I’m a bit quicker…
I just created a fresh install of Raspbian and this plugin manager, in accordance to the guides on this site. Now, the PP-Manager is installed in Domoticz. You don’t need to use the command line after your followed this guide. Use the default Domoticz web interface…
The following steps have been verified, tested and are up to date:
To install the plugin “Buienradar”, take the following steps:
1. Configure your location in the Domoticz settings.
Setup -> Settings -> System tab -> Location
Lookup your GPS coordinates for your location (for the Netherlands, take a look at the following website: https://www.coordinatenbepalen.nl/coordinates/826-eindhoven
2. Create a new hardware device with these settings:
– Name: PP-Buienradar
– Type: Python Plugin Manager
– Plugin to install: Buienradar.nl (Weather lookup)
– Leave the other settings with their default values
3. Wait a few minutes so the plugin has time to install, then reboot Domoticz
4. After the reboot, again create a new hardware device with these settings:
– Name: Buienradar
– Type: Buienradar.nl (Weather lookup)
– Leave the other settings with their default values
When you look at the devices, you should see buienradar devices (can take up to 5 minutes, in my case it only took a few seconds).