Adding a user defined field to node definition

[JerryB]

Is it possible to add a user defined field to the node definition to allow a user to better clarify the device to 3rd party software programs?

 

Specifically, I'm using CQC and trying to use their auto generation module to setup a quick template for the lights in my house. This works for dimmer switches, since these are recognized by the CQC software as light controls. However it doesn't work for on/off switches (e.g. 2477S) since these could be used to control not only non-dimmable lights but also motors or fans. I've raised this issue on the CQC support website and the author of that program requested that I ask about adding a user defined field that would appear in the node definition on this website since that would enable him to identify which of these switches actually control non-dimmable lights and add support for these switches/lights to his auto generation module.

[Michel Kohanim]

Hi JerryB,

 

Yes, right mouse click and choose Notes.

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[JerryB]

Hi JerryB,

 

Yes, right mouse click and choose Notes.

 

With kind regards,

Michel

I tried that and then retrieved the Node definition using a REST command and the information I added to Notes does not show up in the Node definition that is returned. Am I doing something wrong?

[Michel Kohanim]

Hi JerryB,

 

Sincere apologies for not giving you enough information. You need to use a GetNodesProp SOAP message. Unfortunately not available via REST.

 

Here's an example (please note that we might deprecate this call):

POST /services HTTP/1.1
Host: 192.168.0.156:80
Authorization: Basic YWRtaW46YWRtaW4=
Content-Length: 153
Content-Type: text/xml; charset="utf-8"
SOAPACTION:"urn:udi-com:service:X_Insteon_Lighting_Service:1#GetNodeProps"

<s:Envelope><s:Body><u:GetNodeProps xmlns:u="urn:udi-com:service:X_Insteon_Lighting_Service:1"><id>E EB 22 1</id></u:GetNodeProps></s:Body></s:Envelope>

With kind regards,

[JerryB]

Is there any chance you could add retrieving this field to the REST command? The external program is based on REST commands and I doubt I'll be able to get the author to change to SOAP commands, especially when you might depreciate the call.

[Michel Kohanim]

Hi JerryB,

 

Yes, certainly but what's your timeline for this feature?

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[JerryB]

Hi JerryB,

 

Yes, certainly but what's your timeline for this feature?

 

With kind regards,

Michel

 

That's a question that I can't answer since I'm just playing intermediary here between developer(s) at UDI and Charmed Quark. Obviously I'd like it done ASAP and then immediately implemented in the new CQC ISY driver (which currently lacks full functionality since it has no way to determine whether an Insteon On/Off switch (relay) is connected to a light, a fan, or an appliance) but I realize that both UDI and Charmed Quark have to prioritize requests and I can't make the priority decision for either.

 

Jerry

[Michel Kohanim]

Hi Jerry,

 

Got it, thank you. #160, low priority.

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[JerryB]

Thanks. I reported your response to Dean Roddey at Charmed Quark and he said to make sure that you understood that

 

"They are already returning the node info, so all it requires is adding that field to the node values being reported. That's the only place it needs to be exposed. Make sure he knows that that's the limit to the need. There's no reason to provide access to it any other place or provide any new URLs to query or anything like that."

 

Sincerely,

Jerry

[Michel Kohanim]

Hi Jerry,

 

Please have him contact me via email (support@universal-devices.com) as I do not think we are talking about the same thing. Again, he can use the field in the Node Property to save and retrieve whatever you want.

 

With kind regards,
Michel

[JerryB]

Hi Jerry,

 

Please have him contact me via email (support@universal-devices.com) as I do not think we are talking about the same thing. Again, he can use the <description> field in the Node Property to save and retrieve whatever you want.

 

With kind regards,

Michel

I'll give him your message. It's certainly better if the two of you talk directly about what he needs to create the driver to fully support the ISY in the updated version of his software.

 

PS: I just did a rest/nodes/<node id> command from my browser and I don't see a <description> field.

[JerryB]

Please have him contact me via email (support@universal-devices.com) as I do not think we are talking about the same thing.

 

I heard for Dean Roddey (owner/creator of Charmed Quark Systems, Ltd.) today. He says that he sent the requested email to support@universal-devices.com 2 weeks ago and never received a response.

[Michel Kohanim]

Hi JerryB,

 

Please have him check his junkmail since I responded to him almost immediately (12/03/2014 at 11:01 AM PST). If you wish, you can send me an email to support@universal-devices.com and I'll forward it to you so that you can forward it to Dean.

 

With kind regards,

Michel