Premise Fresh start - XP OS, Z-Wave -> Which Controller?

[chucklyons]

Wow. First. its extremely misleading for Z-Wave manufacturers to claim 'two-way' communication if it doesn't report local control changes. Second, if it doesn't give me status on local control, I'm not sure its much better than X-10.

I tried associating, etc. I either haven't hit the right combo, or it's not working.

So if I want two way communication WITH local notification, I need to purchase what?

(given I have a drawer full of Lutron, I may have to re-re-wire my switches...I don't think 1/2-a** communication is worthwhile)

btw, no offense on your fine driver. That is solid and other than user error, easy to use.

This is a slam on cheap manufacturers and marketing....

 

[etc6849]

The Leviton Vizia RF+ line supports full two-way feedback and they for sure work (I use 35 or more of them). They cost more than the GE switches though ($13-20 versus $54-64).

So, the GE switches state they do two-way feedback on the box? What model/version are the switches?

You should join the micasaverde forum and ask if those folks can see local feedback with your specific model and version.

 

[etc6849]

To set the association try this:

Navigate to the device: e.g. sys://Devices/CustomDevices/ViziaRF/Devices/Dimmer2

Then under properties toggle GetAssociations. Observe the "Associations" property, it should list all current associations with the switch.

Now, click RemoveAllAssociations to remove all associations.

Next, navigate to sys://Devices/CustomDevices/ViziaRF. Fill in VRC0PNodeID with whatever node number your primary controller has assigned to the VRC0P. This is very important. You must manually find the nodeID using whatever software that came with your primary controller. Now, navigate back to sys://Devices/CustomDevices/ViziaRF/Devices/Dimmer2 and select AssociateWithVRC0P.

You should now see status feedback.

 

[chucklyons]

hmmm...well I had started this reply before I went to work..distraught, confused and irritated. I finally got one of the dimmers to reflect local manipulation...the others I struggled with for a least a couple of hours. Finally, I went to work. Tonight, I spent a few minutes, did the remove all associations, etc. Deleted the serial port when I saw the Port Spy wasn't reacting. Deleted one of the offending devices. Reset the com port, rediscovered, and the deleted device reappeared. Did the remove associations, set the node id, and boom. All is good. So this is my rewritten reply

Short story? I knew I said I would do instructions, but I don't know what the heck I did to get it to work. Other than perseverance. Although I think the wait allowed all of the jobs in the queue to finish before I tested the communication.

Now it is great. Thanks for the great module!

 

[etc6849]

How fast is the status feedback with the GE switches? In other words, does it take 1 second or more for the feedback to show up in Premise when you manually toggle a switch?

 

[chucklyons]

Hm. I haven't gotten the GE switches to provide ANY feedback. It just sits there and mocks me. I replaced three of the GE switches with Leviton, per your recommendation. Much better all of the way around. Easier to install (2-wire); seems more durable; the dimmer separate from the toggle is a nice feature; and it provides feedback. Perfect.

Fortunately, I hadn't gotten too far down the GE path, so doing the change wasn't cost prohibitive...but if you're interested they are now on ebay

 

[etc6849]

I remember someone recommending the Leviton ViziaRF+ switches...

The GE switches are ok, but felt more like a DIY switch to me. The ViziaRF+ line seemed to feel very professional and uses screws to make the connections instead of wire nuts and leads. The Cooper AspireRF line might be worth looking into also, but I would stick with Leviton if that's what your distributor sells (most pick Leviton or Cooper, but not both).