Jerky fades with dimmers (using "fade to level" in core)

[James_Watts]

The scenario is:

Porch light defaults at 15% and turns on automatically at dusk.
If someone approaches the porch, the motion sensor fades the light to 100%.
If there’s no motion after 4 minutes (default reset time), the light fades from 100% back to 15%.

It works, but the “fade” is not as expected. Instead of a smooth fade, it does 3 stairstepped levels. Which function in CoRE will do a smooth fade?

[pizzinini]

It may be easiest to adjust the parameter for dim speed in the switch itself. I have done this on my GE dimmers with this “hack”. Its not straight forward and takes some tinkering but it works…

Modify Ramp Rate on GE (Jasco) Dimmers

@ultrazero I don’t mind, I’ll link it in a second, but because I’m lazy and this is a 1-off thing let me explain the hacky thing I did. I added the accompanying code as a “my device type” (i cloned the dimmer switch and added the 2 functions that @chrisdrackett originally posted) (here’s the hacky party) I modified the two methods for changing the light status. 2a) I made “indicatorNever” also call "listCurrentParams()" 2b) I made "indicatorWhenOff() also call “updateRamp()” I saved /published the device type I went to a dimmer in “my devices”, clicked “Edit” and switched the Device Type to the device type I created I pulled up the Logs interface on the web UI on my phone, I brought up the device, I toggled through the indicator light modes and watched the log interface for updates. I …

[James_Watts]

Thanks, but I don’t think this addresses what I’m experiencing. In CoRE, automating the “fade to level” doesn’t appear to do any ramping whatsoever. It jumps from level-to-level one second at a time.

For example, in my piston above, it will jump from 15% for second#1 to ~60% for second#2, then 100% for the final jump.

[James_Watts]

Apparently this is not an issue with an older firmware version (3.0D). That version does indeed ramp when receiving level commands from CoRE. Newer firmware (3.0E) does not ramp, which I assume I have without removing the switch to look on the back.

I’m going to play around with Enhanced Dimmer Switch and see if anything can be done there. Also waiting for sunset to try “Smart Porch Light”, a SmartApp by a user here.

Rumor has it Gen5 (Z+) dimmers do ramping between levels, maybe someone can confirm.

[pizzinini]

Just remembered… Try this DTH. It works without tinkering. You only have to use it for configuring the parameters, then you can switch back to your original DTH:

GE 12729 Dimmer fade when issued a set level command

Bummer. Here is try one: Using a different zwave command. Here is try 3: Basically same as above but adds the additional field for how long (2 seconds). If it works I will clean it up some. This one is a little buggy with repeated commands since it waits the 2 seconds (plus 2 more seconds) to process anything. Let me know if either works.

[James_Watts]

I’m using a GE 12724 Dimmer, and a Monoprice motion sensor. The Fibaro dimmer probably won’t fit in my box, especially behind a paddle. (old house) But wow, Fibaro really got it right there. They must be listening to us.

@pizzinini Enhanced Dimmer Switch can’t quite do it either. I’ve used this in the past to remove the dimming effect, but what I want here is to add it when changing levels. It looks like the ramp effect in my dimmer only engages when turning the switch on or off. It does not ramp when setting a level via software, meaning changing the stepsize and duration will have no effect there.

[onetrav (Travis Muszynski)]

Any updates? I struggling with the same thing in my theater room.

[onetrav (Travis Muszynski)]

Ok, so is there any advantage to just changing it to “set to level” in core and changing it in the device handler? Would this allow a smooth fading transition?

[James_Watts]

Yes, we are confined to the hardware limitations of the device.

[onetrav (Travis Muszynski)]

Ok, so the best option is to increase duration?

[onetrav (Travis Muszynski)]

I’m still having issues with my GE dimmers. Are there any good decora style dimmers that fade properly right out of the box with core?

[James_Watts]

The Fibaro dimmers can I think. Haven’t tried them myself.

[onetrav (Travis Muszynski)]

What about the Leviton DZ6HD-1BZ? Does anyone have any experience trying to create smooth automation transitions with this dimmer?

[onetrav (Travis Muszynski)]

I’m fine with it always fading at the same rate. I guess I was wondering if there were any other dimmers that allow the fading to be handled on the hardware side so I can just us “set level” in core. I’ll take a look at the Fibaro. Thank you.

[patrickacollier (Allen Collier)]

Years later I found the solution for GE setLevel ramps.

Param 6, value =1

GE/ Jasco 14294 smooth dimming to a specific level

Just commenting here because I’ve struggled with this for a while. SetLevel commands are instant and it’s obnoxious when scenes are running, do to the delay in lights. It was like light bombs going off around the house. As of today, None of the “enhanced” device handlers provide configuration for newer (2015+) GE dimmers to actually ramp on setLevel changes. However, there is a hidden parameter not listed in the advanced config by the manufacturer. This param sets the ability to actually ramp on setLevel changes. Ie “set level to 90%” by default would be instant this param allows it to slow ramp. Parameter 6 Value: 1 (Value 0 (default) =instant, 1=ramp) Length 1 byte Now the dimmer will slow ramp when setting specific values, not just Turn on/Off commands. I don’t use the enhanced dr…