Adding my first Z-Wave device

[adrianp]

I bought a GE Smart Outlet, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013V1SRY/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1, and I'm trying to get the device added, but it'm having trouble adding it. It just sits there saying, "Listening for Z-Wave devices to add to the network". I've tried pressing the button on/off every couple seconds and still nothing. The outlet works, I just can't seem to get my ISY to see it. I even upgraded the firmware. It says Z-Wave Version 4.55 Bootloader Version 1.03. The weird thing is, I can tell it to upgrade the Z-Wave firmware, and every time it upgrades, but it's always the same version. Does it even check to see if I have the latest version already???

[Michel Kohanim]

Hi adrianp,

 

Please try Z-Wave | Exclude first before the Z-Wave | Include.

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[adrianp]

Hi adrianp,

 

Please try Z-Wave | Exclude first before the Z-Wave | Include.

 

With kind regards,

Michel

 

I'm not sure what you mean by this. Do you want me to select the "Remove/Exclude a Z-Wave Device"? Then what. It just sits there. How long do I wait? Do I click the Cancel Button?

Then you want me to click "Add/Include a Z-Wave Device" ? How long do I wait? Do I need to do anything on the Z-Wave device?

[Michel Kohanim]

adrianp,

 

Nothing is automatic with Z-Wave. You can sit there for hours and nothing will happen. You will have to read the instructions for your device and figure out the procedures for exclusion and inclusion.

 

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[adrianp]

adrianp,

 

Nothing is automatic with Z-Wave. You can sit there for hours and nothing will happen. You will have to read the instructions for your device and figure out the procedures for exclusion and inclusion.

 

 

With kind regards,

Michel

 

Well that's not very helpful.

 

The manual for the GE outlet says, "Follow the instructions for your Z-Wave certified controller to include a device to the Z-Wave network". I come here looking for instructions, and I'm referred back to the procedures for the device. See the dilemma?

[Michel Kohanim]

Hi adrianp,

 

You have a button in the middle. There MUST be some instructions that tell you the sequence and number of times you have to click on the button for inclusion/exclusion.

 

In short, you go to Z-Wave | Exclude, and then click that button (based on the instructions). Then you go to Z-Wave | Include, and then click that button (based on instructions). Usually double click but, again, they MUST have instructions as to the pattern and the number.

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[stusviews]

Two things need to occur to include or exclude a Z-Wave device: 1. the device itself needs to be placed in the mode for including/excluding (the device is in sending mode) and 2. the ISY Z-Wave Module needs to be placed in the mode to receive the Z-Wave signal.

 

There are always instructions for including and excluding a device, most often by pressing a button. The instructions that also need to be followed are those for the ISY Z-wave Module. It's a good ides to exclude the device twice before including it.

[adrianp]

Hi adrianp,

 

You have a button in the middle. There MUST be some instructions that tell you the sequence and number of times you have to click on the button for inclusion/exclusion.

 

In short, you go to Z-Wave | Exclude, and then click that button (based on the instructions). Then you go to Z-Wave | Include, and then click that button (based on instructions). Usually double click but, again, they MUST have instructions as to the pattern and the number.

 

With kind regards,

Michel

 

Their instructions are pretty simple. There's no combination or pattern to click.

 

Linking your device

1. Follow the instructions for your Z-wave certified controller to include a device to the Z-wave network.

2. Once the controller is ready to include your device, press and release the Program Button to include it in the network.

3. Once your controller has confirmed that the device has been included, refresh the Z-wave network to optimize performance.

Please reference the controller/gateway's manual for instructions.

Now you have complete control to turn your fixture ON/OFF according to groups, scenes, schedules and interactive automations programmed by your controller.

 

Note: To exclude and reset the device, follow the instructions provided by your Z-Wave controller.

 

That's it for the instructions.

 

So, what else can cause problems? I have an ISY994i ZW/IR Pro, which I bought specifically because it stated support for Z-Wave as well.

[stusviews]

Did you press and release the Program Button on your device? Don't forget to Exclude first, twice.

[lilyoyo1]

Well that's not very helpful.

 

The manual for the GE outlet says, "Follow the instructions for your Z-Wave certified controller to include a device to the Z-Wave network". I come here looking for instructions, and I'm referred back to the procedures for the device. See the dilemma?

Every Zwave device manufacturer enrollment sequence is different for their devices. Some require a single tap, some a double tap, some a press and hold, etc. Michel cannot tell you how your device operates to be included in their controller. 

 

Your mfg. instructions are geared towards your controller needing to be put into its linking mode. Once that part is done, it is up to the consumer to know how to put his individual device into linking mode. 

 

If you cannot get it to link to the ISY, there could potentially a few things. The main issue could simply be that the ISY is to far from your outlet to communicate with it. You will need some type of repeater (or additional hardwired devices) to bridge the gap between your ISY and outlet. Once distance is no longer a factor, you will want to exclude your device to clear out anything that could potentially be in its memory preventing linking. The next step would be to do an inclusion. 

 

I would contact your device manufacturer to find out how to put your specific device into discovery mode so that you are aware of exactly the steps you need to take on the device end to get it working with the ISY. 

[adrianp]

Every Zwave device manufacturer enrollment sequence is different for their devices. Some require a single tap, some a double tap, some a press and hold, etc. Michel cannot tell you how your device operates to be included in their controller. 

 

Your mfg. instructions are geared towards your controller needing to be put into its linking mode. Once that part is done, it is up to the consumer to know how to put his individual device into linking mode. 

 

If you cannot get it to link to the ISY, there could potentially a few things. The main issue could simply be that the ISY is to far from your outlet to communicate with it. You will need some type of repeater (or additional hardwired devices) to bridge the gap between your ISY and outlet. Once distance is no longer a factor, you will want to exclude your device to clear out anything that could potentially be in its memory preventing linking. The next step would be to do an inclusion. 

 

I would contact your device manufacturer to find out how to put your specific device into discovery mode so that you are aware of exactly the steps you need to take on the device end to get it working with the ISY. 

 

 

Let's skip the whole every device has it's own instructions.Yes, that is clear and I've been following them and the ISY still doesn't see it. It has one button. Set controller so it's ready to include and then press and release the single/only button on the device. Too much back and forth on that. I never had issues with that. The device came with simple instructions to follow. I was more concerned with the ISY side. Anyways, all this back and forth and it was a simple issue, which I found in some other post. The tried and true troubleshooting technique...restart the ISY.

 

Thanks everyone

[adrianp]

Just for shits and giggles I grabbed a SmartThings hub at HD for $50. Loaded the app, paired the device, done in 5 minutes. Been messing around with a bit and no communication issues, no weird errors like I would get after turning the outlet off, etc.. like I was having in ISY even after I finally got it to see the device. I'll probably stick with this for the outlets and lights. I've had some lights hooked up to the ISY, but even that craps out (turns on/off is a door is opened that has door sensors). I think it might be the dimmer devices I'm using. Either way, better ones work of Z-Wave.

[Michel Kohanim]

adrianp,

 

I've had some lights hooked up to the ISY, but even that craps out (turns on/off is a door is opened that has door sensors)

If your device is turning on/off based on the status of a door sensor, then it's not crapping out. You either have some programs in ISY or they are linked in a scene or some other Z-Wave controller has programs in it.

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[adrianp]

adrianp,

 

 

If your device is turning on/off based on the status of a door sensor, then it's not crapping out. You either have some programs in ISY or they are linked in a scene or some other Z-Wave controller has programs in it.

 

With kind regards,

Michel

 

Nope. My programs are very simple and haven't been touched in over a year. There's basically 3 programs, I've had all three for over a year, probably longer. One is for door sensors that open, sends an email. And the other 2 are for Stop and Watch Movie where it turns on/off the lights. The door programs and the lights programs are completely separate and have nothing to do with each other. It was all working fine up until a few months ago. This is the 2nd dimmer, the first one crapped out as well.

[stusviews]

Post all three programs (right click on the program name, select Copy to Clipboard).

[adrianp]

Post all three programs (right click on the program name, select Copy to Clipboard).

I've removed the devices, so it now shows <Not Specified> for the device, but here you go.

 

Door opened devices notifications

 

<?xml version="1.0" ?><triggers><d2d><trigger><id>2</id><name>Security (Outside)</name><parent>1</parent><if><and /><paren><or /><device><status /><node>37 1F FE 1</node><op>=</op><control>ST</control><action>255</action></device><or /><device><status /><node>37 1B F1 1</node><op>=</op><control>ST</control><action>255</action></device><or /><device><status /><node>37 1E D2 1</node><op>=</op><control>ST</control><action>255</action></device><or /><device><status /><node>37 1D 76 1</node><op>=</op><control>ST</control><action>255</action></device></paren><and /><schedule><from><time>0</time></from><to><time>86399</time></to></schedule></if><then><notify>1</notify></then><else></else><comment></comment></trigger></d2d></triggers>

 

 

Turns lights on - Stop from my remote gets picked up on my HTPC where I have a program that it triggers to send the command to the ISY

 

<?xml version="1.0" ?><triggers><d2d><trigger><id>5</id><name>Stop Movie</name><parent>1</parent><if><and /><paren><and /><device><node></node><op>=</op><control>DOF</control></device><or /><device><node></node><op>=</op><control>DFOF</control></device></paren></if><then><device><node></node><control>DON</control></device></then><else></else><comment></comment></trigger></d2d></triggers>

 

 

Turns lights off - Play from my remote gets picked up on my HTPC where I have a program that it triggers to send the command to the ISY

 

<?xml version="1.0" ?><triggers><d2d><trigger><id>4</id><name>Watch Movie</name><parent>1</parent><if><and /><paren><and /><device><node></node><op>=</op><control>DON</control></device><or /><device><node></node><op>=</op><control>DFON</control></device></paren></if><then><device><node></node><control>DOF</control><action>0</action></device></then><else></else><comment></comment></trigger></d2d></triggers>

 

 

Hope you find the issue, I really did like the potential of the ISY. So far, I've installed 6 Z-Wave outlets and 1 Dimmer and all have gotten linked in the SmartThings hub within seconds using the phone app. Insteon devices and the ISY have never been that easy.

[Michel Kohanim]

adrianp,

 

We are not targeting people for whom SmartThings is sufficient. So don't really understand the comparison. And thus I question why you are trying to use ISY anyway?

 

Need screenshots of your programs.

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[lilyoyo1]

What do you mean devices are crapping out? What are the specific behaviors that you are seeing?

 

A device turning on/off based off the actions of another device would need some type of connection to that device. This is especially true when it comes to zwave and the ISY (unlike insteon it's not easy to directly link zwave devices to each other).

[landolfi]

OK, here are some dumb questions about this, I'm getting very frustrated trying to add Zwave devices. I have a Schlage lock and a Jasco hinge pin door sensor that are about 15 feet from the ISY and neither are getting added even with removing, then adding.

 

1. When you say remove the device first, then add it, how long do I need to let the remove run if there is nothing added yet?

2. Should the LED for the Zwave dongle be on other than at startup? Mine lights at startup, then goes dark and stays that way.

3. When listening, does the ISY need to be connected to both the wired network and the PLM?

4. Can anyone recommend a reliable Zwave repeater that isn't a siren?

5. Or is there a good antenna anyone can recommend?

[G W]

The exclude should ececute as soon as you physically set the lock to exclude. Are you sure you are entering the correct codes on the lock keypad?

[Michel Kohanim]

Hi landolfi,

 

3. It depends on the firmware. If you have Insteon_UD994, then YES, you need a PLM. Otherwise, no you don't. Network, not necessarily but you need to have access to the Admin Console to see what's going on. So, I guess it's best to have network connectivity while you do Exclude/Include

4. https://www.amazon.com/Aeotec-Range-Extender-Z-Wave-repeater/dp/B01M6CKJXC/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1513179586&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=aeotec+repeater&psc=1&smid=ATKB8ECADIJYO

5. You should not use an antenna unless ISY is boxed in a closet. And, even then, a repeater is better than an antenna

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[dbuss]

OK, here are some dumb questions about this, I'm getting very frustrated trying to add Zwave devices. I have a Schlage lock and a Jasco hinge pin door sensor that are about 15 feet from the ISY and neither are getting added even with removing, then adding.

 

1. When you say remove the device first, then add it, how long do I need to let the remove run if there is nothing added yet?

2. Should the LED for the Zwave dongle be on other than at startup? Mine lights at startup, then goes dark and stays that way.

3. When listening, does the ISY need to be connected to both the wired network and the PLM?

4. Can anyone recommend a reliable Zwave repeater that isn't a siren?

5. Or is there a good antenna anyone can recommend?

Landolfi,

 

My experience in adding Z-Wave devices has been the devices need to be very close to my ISY when adding. Especially secure devices like locks. Once the devices are added the distance is not so much of a factor. The more Z-Wave devices you add the stronger and larger your mesh network will become which means your devices will perform better.

 

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

[landolfi]

Yes, I definitely am getting into the programming mode, but it only lasts about 10 seconds before I get the red X showing it failed. I'll see if there's a way to prolong it. I also have a SmartThings Hub, which I disconnected from the network thinking it might be interfering. I suppose I should also turn it off, which I didn't do. There's nothing about Zwave that prevents a lock from being registered by more than one controller, is there?

 

I also haven't been putting the lock in programming mode before running the exclude, so I'll try that. I thought that was something just on the ISY side and that it didn't need to communicate with the lock to do it.

 

I got a Jasco door sensor to register successfully. It's Zwave Plus, so shouldn't that function as a repeater? It's closer to the ISY than the lock is by 6 inches or so.

 

I updated to the latest Zwave firmware, so I suppose that at least shows I have the dongle installed correctly and eliminates version as a potential cause.

[dbuss]

Yes, I definitely am getting into the programming mode, but it only lasts about 10 seconds before I get the red X showing it failed. I'll see if there's a way to prolong it. I also have a SmartThings Hub, which I disconnected from the network thinking it might be interfering. I suppose I should also turn it off, which I didn't do. There's nothing about Zwave that prevents a lock from being registered by more than one controller, is there?

 

I also haven't been putting the lock in programming mode before running the exclude, so I'll try that. I thought that was something just on the ISY side and that it didn't need to communicate with the lock to do it.

 

I got a Jasco door sensor to register successfully. It's Zwave Plus, so shouldn't that function as a repeater? It's closer to the ISY than the lock is by 6 inches or so.

 

I updated to the latest Zwave firmware, so I suppose that at least shows I have the dongle installed correctly and eliminates version as a potential cause.

If your Jasco door sensor is battery operated it won't act as a repeater. Battery powered devices are not repeaters.

 

I believe the only way to have a Z-wave device connected to two controllers is to have one controller designated the primary controller and the other as the secondary controller.

 

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

[lilyoyo1]

From my experience, locks (secure devices) need to be within a couple of feet of the ISY when adding.