Using GE Links as dumb LEDs

[JDRoberts]

I had 9 GE links and at least one would fail about once a month. Not really terrible, but since I need somebody else to do the reset required, we ended up eventually changing them all out for the $15 Hue whites.

It occurs often enough that it’s kept the GE links off the official “works with SmartThings” list, according to SmartThings staff.

And the FAQ for the problem has been read over 5000 times.

FAQ: GE Link Bulbs Dropped Offline

GE Links are the least expensive big brand zigbee bulbs you can buy, and, for whatever reason, they seem to sometimes have trouble reconnecting to the SmartThings network after power has been cut, whether it’s from a whole house failure or just someone flipping a switch. Or even just randomly from time to time. (SmartThings staff have confirmed in the forums that the reason the GE links are not on the official “works with SmartThings” compatibility list is that they have a firmware problem which causes them to stop responding to the Cordinator from time to time. Supposedly GE is aware of the issue and there may be a firmware update from GE in a few months, but no specific timeline and they can’t be certified as compatible yet. Meanwhile, they’re very inexpensive, but they do drop off fro…