Help using GE Z-Wave remote as secondary controller

[Deane Johnson]

I purchased one of the GE remotes that Radio Shack has on sale. I want to use it as a secondary controller, my primary being a ThinkStick running on my PC.

I seem to have it enrolled OK as a secondary using ThinkEssentials. It shows up on the screen and the properties show it correctly. That's where it all ends. :angry:

I have the instructions before me, but they all seem to address it being a primary controller which it is not.

Can anyone direct me on how to assign the buttons to pick and choose what devices it commands? If you have the instructions handy, maybe point me to the proper section.

Thanks

Deane

 

[drvnbysound]

I am not certain regarding your setup. However, I have the GE remote configured as my primary and when I initially tried to auto add/assign my dimmers, the controller or dimmer (I am not sure where the decision is made) seemed to select a random number (e.g. 1-18) for the device. Finding that, I ended up manually adding each device, so I knew what button they were assigned to (1-18).

I can only assume that your ThinkEssentials controller has done the same with your Zwave network, and the mapping to the GE remote may be just as random.

 

[Deane Johnson]

One clue as to the status of the remote, if I push the "all" button, then one of the keys it turns all of the lights and modules on and off depending on which way the rocker is pushed.

What I don't know how to do is assign the individual buttons to a specific device. There are instructions on doing it by pushing the button on the device, but it says it also enrolls the device in the network. Mine are already in the network, I don't want to mess with that, only to add control capability to a specific rocker button.

 

[pkshiu]

One clue as to the status of the remote, if I push the "all" button, then one of the keys it turns all of the lights and modules on and off depending on which way the rocker is pushed.

What I don't know how to do is assign the individual buttons to a specific device. There are instructions on doing it by pushing the button on the device, but it says it also enrolls the device in the network. Mine are already in the network, I don't want to mess with that, only to add control capability to a specific rocker button.

When you select "Add", you can select "Add to Network" vs "Add to Key". "Adding to key" will associate the device to a key, which is not the same as adding to the network.

 

[drvnbysound]

When you select "Add", you can select "Add to Network" vs "Add to Key". "Adding to key" will associate the device to a key, which is not the same as adding to the network.

Ahh, I thought this was one-and-the same... could very well be wrong.

The 45601 remote has the following 2 options for adding devices to it as the primary controller:
* - To add a device to your home network WITHOUT assigning it to a specific number key (Using: Setup > Lght Setup > To Network > )
* - To add a device to your home network AND assign it to a specific number key (Using: Setup > Lght Setup > To A Key)

#1 above is what seems to be your issue as the GE is your secondary, and you need to associate it with a specific key on the GE remote. However, the description of #2 states that it is for adding the device to your network AND to a key, so I dont know the impacts of doing this (e.g. will it disassociate from the Home Essentials and assign the GE as the primary for this device?).

When I setup my dimmers (GE remote as primary controller) I ONLY did #2 above, so it not only assigns a key, but also adds to the network. I am not sure what happens if the device is already associated with another network (or primary controller).

 

[pkshiu]

Ahh, I thought this was one-and-the same... could very well be wrong.

The 45601 remote has the following 2 options for adding devices to it as the primary controller:
* - To add a device to your home network WITHOUT assigning it to a specific number key (Using: Setup > Lght Setup > To Network > )
* - To add a device to your home network AND assign it to a specific number key (Using: Setup > Lght Setup > To A Key)

#1 above is what seems to be your issue as the GE is your secondary, and you need to associate it with a specific key on the GE remote. However, the description of #2 states that it is for adding the device to your network AND to a key, so I dont know the impacts of doing this (e.g. will it disassociate from the Home Essentials and assign the GE as the primary for this device?).

When I setup my dimmers (GE remote as primary controller) I ONLY did #2 above, so it not only assigns a key, but also adds to the network. I am not sure what happens if the device is already associated with another network (or primary controller).

#2 does work. My setup is similiar to the OP, I have a vizia controller as primary, and my GE is secondary. So I am just adding a dimmer device "to key" as the device is already in the network, which was replicated to the GE secondary.

Now does anyone know if I can replicate a secondary GE remote to another secondary GE remote!?

Thanks,
P.K.

 

[Deane Johnson]

#2 does work. My setup is similiar to the OP, I have a vizia controller as primary, and my GE is secondary. So I am just adding a dimmer device "to key" as the device is already in the network, which was replicated to the GE secondary.

Now does anyone know if I can replicate a secondary GE remote to another secondary GE remote!?

Thanks,
P.K.

I'm wondering where you get the "to key" choice. I am using the basic GE remote, the one without the screen.

Thanks for your input.

Deane

 

[drvnbysound]

That I do not know. I have the one with the LCD :-/

 

[pkshiu]

Ah. Me neither. I have the LCD version also. In fact, I bought both, opened the LCD one. Tried it, and seeing how much key pressing and menu'ing I needed to get it programmed, I returned the non-LCD version and exchanged for another LCD one. (proud owner of 4 of these guys at $9.95 each).

 

[Deane Johnson]

I'm going to call Jasco and ask them what to do. I'll post the results of the call.

Deane

 

[Deane Johnson]

Well, as suspected, that call turned out to be a waste of time. The girl who answered didn't have a clue and just read things off a screen.

She said all of the programming had to be done in the ThinkStick software, as once it is transferred to the remote it cannot be changed.

If you have looked at the ThinkStick software(ControlThink), it's far too primitive to do anything like assign buttons on a remote such as the GE.

It's rather obvious that this remote cannot be used as a secondary remote with any other brand controller as primary. There is no way to control what it does. So much for the BS that this stuff is all interchangeable. That's just not true.

Another device for the local landfill. Good think they were on closeout. :nutz:

Deane

EDIT: Just had an email from Jasco asking for an opportunity to work further with me on getting the remote to operate. They gave me the name of their head technician and his extension number, stating he would expect my call. We'll see if anything can be made to work. Again, I'll post any results in case it helps someone else.

 

[Deane Johnson]

OK, just got off the phone with the Z-Wave tech at Jasco. Neat guy. Couldn't be nicer or more helpful. Spent 1 1/2 hours with me going through test after test. The good news is that the GE remote is supposed to work as a secondary with the ability to assign buttons to the various devices at will. Mine won't do it. They are sending me a replacement remote to try.

The tech got the Jasco Product Manager into the circle. He has tested it personally with the ThinkStick and says it works well.

For the information of anyone having trouble figuring out the sequence of doing it with the non-LCD screen model (the plain jane model), as I was, here it is:

Hold SETUP down until both LEDs blink twice.
Press ADD and get red LED flash.
Press LIGHT and get red LED flash.
Press ON for the button you want to assign the module to (green will flash steady)
Press button on module briefly.

Deed should be done at that point, but mine never responded to the module. We tried various modules including a GE appliance module.

Deane

 

[drvnbysound]

The instructions for the LCD module are pretty much the same, other than you actually see the menu structure on the LCD screen.

Hopefully the new remote fixes the problem. However, just because the remotes are on clearance doesn't mean you shouldnt be able to exchange yours for the LCD model at your local 'Shack' assuming they have some in stock.

 

[Deane Johnson]

Jasco is sending my the LCD model.

Unfortunately, the packaging is such that it has to be pretty much destroyed in opening it. I hate to take things like that back. Interestingly, they are sending me the new LCD model and I don't need to send the old one back. Not much good though if it's defective. I'll find out.

Deane