I understand it’s probably unique to the UK/Europe as I know the frequencies differ, however it’s essentially a 4 button controller. The manual is awful, however with a little guidance from it, and a bit of trial and error I’ve been able to do two things.
First I joined it to ST as a secondary controller. It was identified as a ‘Z-Wave device’, but I couldn’t seem to do much more to it. I had already joined the two lights to ST (they’re Aeon LED RGBW bulbs - not too fussed about the colour, but I do want the dimming).
Reading a bit more, I thought that the way to do it might be to make the device a primary controller first, join the lights to it, and then migrate to ST making it a secondary controller with the lights attached.
So, I disjoined the lights from ST and managed to hook them up to the switch as a primary controller (which works very well on its own, on/off/dim all work). I then set about entering the button sequence to migrate to another primary controller, and told ST to find a new thing, but nothing happens.
I can’t see this controller mentioned anywhere else, am I being a bit ambitious in trying to get it to work?
The problems you’re running into because it’s a scene controller, not just a button controller. And it’s using Z wave specific scene controls.
Because SmartThings is a multiprotocol platform it doesn’t want its customers to have to know whether a device is zigbee or Z wave. So it just doesn’t use the built-in Z wave scene controller functionality.
I Think the best thing at this point would be for you to read the two recent threads on light controls available for the UK.
After that people can help you work on a device type for this specific switch if you want. There is a UK community member working on a device type for one of the Z wave.me similar switches, but he doesn’t have it finished yet. Following his process would probably help you a lot, though.
So, I would encourage you to take the following three steps. These are all clickable links that will take you to discussion threads.
One) read the FAQ on lighting controls currently available to UK customers.
Two) read the couple of posts that are the technical discussion regarding multibutton zwave switches that use scene control
Three) glance over the work that’s being done on the Z wave.me switch type
Trying to go the secondary controller route is unlikely to give you the results you want, again because that’s utilizing zwave–specific functions and the SmartThings architecture just doesn’t tend to support those kinds of solutions.
If you started with the popp switch as the primary, and moved things over, you might end up with a situation where the physical switch buttons would control the lights you wanted, but their status would never get updated to smartthings which causes a bunch of other issues. I’m not saying it’s impossible to work around, I just think you’ll get better results with the approaches outlined in the links above.
Good luck and welcome! The community has done a great job of developing device types for many different devices which have to work a little differently in the SmartThings environment. But that environment is what lets us mix Zigbee and zwave devices in the same “scene”, so most people are very happy once they get it set up. Or if they only use devices that already have existing device types.
Thank you for the comprehensive reply. I have had a good look around the forums and it’s a little daunting. I have read lots of your posts though, and have seen enough to know that you’re a very valuable member here, and should be an inspiration to most people for many reasons. Even better to see that you’re a UK member!
A little more about my own setup; I’ve come from an X10 background so have previously had all of my light switch boxes bored out to 35mm to accommodate micro modules. I’ve gone for Fibaro Dimmer 2s this time round, as the module does not require a neutral feed and is fine with LEDs (a Fibaro brand resistor is available for the module if the draw is <25w to make it work with LEDs). The majority of my house has momentary switch plates with micro modules behind (I use these: http://www.rbstarelectrical.co.uk/products/gu1412rbpc)
I have a bit of a coding background, so will have a good look at the links you’ve posted, and hope to understand enough to get this working (or at least get something else in its place). I can see that wireless switches are one place ST is lacking.
As it happens, I just added the Schneider retractive frontplates to the UK lighting control FAQ this morning. They look nicely priced.
I myself live in the United States, but back in the days when I worked for IBM I worked on a number of international teams, so I do have some familiarity with UK wiring and networking issues.
I am very interested in the Fibaro 212 as well, as it would solve a number of issues for many people in the US also.
Not based in the UK? That makes you a very dedicated member then.
I had a good hunt around for the best price on the Schneider plates, that place was by far the best and has the full range. I’m a fairly regular customer!
JDR mentioned a thread earlier where a device script is being written (for a different switch) which might be adapted. It looked very interesting indeed, regardless of whether it could be adapted.
I for one am holding off spending any time on this though, as I’m getting cold feet at the moment and looking at the Fibaro HC2 which might offer more compatibility with these types of devices. However if ST get their act together soon in other respects I will certainly invest some time.
Yes I saw @JDRoberts post and bizarrely I think that switch is also another manufacturers name for the same switch… or at the very least they are using the same plastic’s and seemingly zwave module
Popp Zwave Wall Controller
Now what I don’t know is if they use the same firmware … and I am way to much of a newbie at this to really be able to make a comparison even from the manuals…
I did quickly (and possibly incorrectly) use the latest version of @AdamV 's code at
And so far all I have is a "Err 106: ZW secure inclusion failed " but then it was too late last night for me to play anymore…
Definitely SmartThings saw the devolo version of the device and listed it as a zwave thing in the app
Yes, it’s almost identical (right down to the battery isolation strip you need to remove when you unbox it). Only difference for me is the paddles (I could only get a single 4 way paddle).
Mine is set up outside of the ST network at the moment, and controls 2 bedside lights.
I’ve been reading your thread in awe, some great work there. It seems like you’re so close to a complete solution to make a dimming 4 way wireless switch (which for me, and many I’m sure) would be a bit of a game-changer for ST.
However I need the dimming unfortunately (without wanting to sound ungrateful in the slightest!), so I’m going to leave this switch out of the ST loop for my hub, for the moment.
I really hope you get everything you need to reach your goal. You deserve a bit of help from the team I think.
I too, would also have appreciated some help from Smartthings. It seems criminal that a supposedly future facing home/iOT system cannot currently handle a proper dimming function. I seem to be making a monumental amount of effort to replicate functionality people have had since the 50’s!
However, despite all of it’s many many shortcomings, I don’t think there is a better / more versatile system available to us in Europe. How long that stays the case… I’m not sure - if Smartthings don’t pull their finger out soon a new player could still come along and eat their breakfast. One thing is certainly true - for the average person who wants a home automation system with new age components - Smartthings fails to live up to their consumer proposition - just too much right now relies on having the ability to custom code.
Anyway - back on to dimmers: I’m almost done on the smartapp and if all goes to plan I’ll do a V1 release when I get home and finish it tonight. Once it’s complete you’ll be able to set events for: presses, long holds (the smartthings understanding of a long hold), actual long holds (where an event is repeatedly fired whilst the button is held down like for dimmers and roller shutters), and also events on release. The only action that this button controller can do that won’t be covered is double clicks - only because, despite my best efforts I haven’t figured out the exact configuration that makes the controller report these correctly, so far I’ve only managed to get buttons 2 & 4 to fire double click events - I think the firmware on the controller itself is to blame.
