GE/Jasco ZW+ In Wall Motion Sensor (26931) Misidentified and Motion Detection Mode Change

toddo0254 · May 17, 2020, 2:30pm

I have been installing GE Smartthings wall switches and fan controls for months now and having no problem connecting and automating when various activity and mode changes occur, turning on and off the fans and lights,etc. I just installed the ZW+ In Wall Smart Motion Switch. Going in to the Smartthings app, I was disappointed to discover that the app thinks that it is a dimmer switch and has the controls for a dimmer. This foils my plan to do what I want from the motion sensor.

The plan was to change modes during the evening. So, the switch would be in manual mode most of the day, as we have a big frosted glass window for light, and most of the night, so as not to wake the partner as we go into the bathroom at night. However, we would like to have the mode change to occupancy mode during the evening until bedtime, approximately from 30 minutes before sunset, or 4 pm if sunset is not possible, until bedtime.

So, if anyone can help me with getting the item properly identified in Smartthings but more especially getting the motion sensing mode changes to occur the way I want, or suggest where to go to do that, it would be most appreciated.

Thank you in advance

TonyFleisher · May 17, 2020, 2:33pm

If you don’t mind some custom code, @MichaelS has put together a custom dth that (pethaps along with webCoRE) can do what you need.
You can find details and ask questions on this thread:

[RELEASE] GE Motion Switch (26931) and Motion Dimmer (26933) Community Created Device Types

Version 1.0.1: GE Motion Switch (26931) and Motion Dimmer (26933) I am pleased to announce the re-release (under new ownership by me) of the GE Z-Wave Plus Motion Switch and Dimmer DTHs (Device Type Handlers)! Special thanks to @mlebaugh for the original DTH and @Darwin for the suggestions and testing of these new DTHs. These DTHs are required when using the GE model 26931 and 26933 combination Switch (or Dimmer) and Motion Sensor. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071Y38FX5/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 No longer do you have to change batteries in the motion detectors of the room! In addition, the devices allow for limited LOCAL CONTROL of lighting based on motion. The DTH also allows you to sync other lights actions (ZWave only) within the SmartThings Environment wit…

toddo0254 · May 17, 2020, 3:45pm

TonyFleisher,

I would try any help, understanding that I am a novice with little coding experience at anything and would ask and really humbly require step-by-step instructions to implement any solution. However, once I learn I am a competent user.

Thanks
Todd

TonyFleisher

    May 17

If you don’t mind some custom code, @MichaelS has put together a custom dth that (pethaps along with webCoRE) can do what you need.

You can find details and ask questions on this thread:

JDRoberts · May 17, 2020, 3:52pm

The following FAQ is based on the classic app, but it’s still useful because it will introduce you to the terms and concepts of using custom groovy code with smartthings. (The topic title is a clickable link)

FAQ: An Overview of Using Custom Code in SmartThings (SmartThings Classic) FAQ

So you’re new to SmartThings, you asked a question, and someone suggested “custom code” as an answer. Or you were browsing the forums, and you found something that sounded like it would be perfect for what you wanted, but again, “uses custom code.” What does that mean, how hard is it to do, and what’s the difference between a “SmartApp” and a “Device Type Handler”? (Note: the official terminology has changed a couple of times. “device type handler,” “device handler,” “DTH,” and “device type” all mean the same thing, and you will find all these terms used in the forums.) SECTION I: SMARTAPPS AND DEVICE HANDLERS: WHAT THEY ARE SmartAPPS: Tiny Programs to decide what a specific device should do when, or to collect the information from a specific device SmartApps, including the various f…

toddo0254 · May 17, 2020, 5:21pm

Very cool. Perfect explanation. Thanks so much for the link. I am going to give it a try along with the previous links and see what happens.

toddo0254 · May 17, 2020, 7:52pm

So I added the DTH per instructions. I THEN deleted old the device in Smartthings and added the new one. It added according to instructions. It is now installed.

Thank you for all your help. I have another question.

The on/off is on the main screen and the other controls on the Settings screen. So for automation, only the on/off control is available. Is there any way to get Settings automated, as well?

toddo0254 · May 22, 2020, 4:23pm

Thank you for all of your help. I successfully installed the suggested motion sensor. It works as advertised. I am a little frustrated not being able to install webCoRE. Cannot install manually. Anyway, I am going to try Alexa Routines instead. I do really appreciate all your help.