Aeotec Door/Window Sensor

[c_callow]

I'm trying to add an Aeotec Door/Window Sensor (2nd Edition) to my Hubitat (hardware version C-5). Is this sensor compatible with my Hubitat? I haven't had any luck adding it. When I try to add it it finds it...and then gets stuck and times out. I've tried holding the sensor within 5 ft of the Hubitat in case it was an interference issue but I've had the same results each time. After this happens I have to do a factory reset on the sensor before I can try again. Any advice would be appreciated.

[gwydionjhr]

#1) You need to check your Z-wave details page for "ghosts", as you're likely creating them with the failed connection attempts.

#2) Do an EXclusion first before trying another inclusion.

[c_callow]

1. Looking at my Settings-> Z-wave Details page I don't see anything out of the ordinary. What would a "ghost" look like? I only see my other named devices.

2. I've tried the Exclusion first. But that has always timed out. Is there another way I should be attempting to exclude the device? I've also tried a factory reset of the sensor and then a repair of the Z-wave network just to see if that would make a difference, but no luck.

[Sebastien]

Can you post a screenshot of your Z-Wave details page?

Typically, a ghost will have a “Discover” button on the C7 hub.

[672southmain]

@Sebastien

Typically, a ghost will have a “Discover” button on the C7 hub.

Yes, but the OP has a C-5:

@c_callow

I'm trying to add an Aeotec Door/Window Sensor (2nd Edition) to my Hubitat (hardware version C-5).

A C-5 can have ghosts, too, but I don’t believe they can be seen without a Z-Wave USB stick and PC Controller.

[Sebastien]

@672southmain

Yes, but the OP has a C-5:

Right! I totally missed that. That’s what happens when trying to multi-task!

[jimyouse]

I have one of these and it took me about 45 minutes to pair it correctly. It failed multiple times. I just kept making sure there was no ghost/incomplete device left behind and tried again. Eventually it worked. It has been working perfectly since I finally got it setup.

I paired it just inside the house but it lives a few feet outside the front door in the mailbox. My only complaint is batteries only last about 6 months. Being outside with a weak signal and big temperature changes probably has some impact on battery life.

[Madcodger]

I've tried two of these, on both a Hubitat Elevation and another z-wave hub from a different mfr that I used in the past. Never could get them to pair. I use Aeotec repeaters and they work great, but I've had no luck with their door/window sensors.

[c_callow]

Is there any way to remove "ghosts" with a C-5 Hubitat natively? Or have I messed up my Z-wave mesh and now need to buy a Z-Wave USB stick to repair it?

[672southmain]

No. Yes.

See:

Starting Over

I experienced slowdowns on my C-5 ONLY after I created half-a-dozen stranded z-wave devices. @bobbyD helped me figure out there were stranded devices, and I used a secondary controller (UZB-3) to remove the stranded devices. My C-5 had no more slowdowns after that. Last year, I migrated the C-5 network to a C-7, and it continues to function well.

and

Starting Over

Unfortunately, unlike C7 model, the C5 is not very good at showing or removing ghost nodes. There is a nightly task that runs on the hub that attempts to remove hidden ghosts but is usually not very successful because the radio tends to hold onto dead nodes for a long time. Presence of dead nodes in your mesh will certainly introduce latency and can make your mesh unresponsive at times, which is consistent with your experience. I've seen your ticket coming through yesterday and will dig into yo…

[rlithgow1]

@672southmain

A C-5 can have ghosts, too, but I don’t believe they can be seen without a Z-Wave USB stick and PC Controller.

On the C5 If it doesn't have any in: out: nodes, it's usually a ghost...

[c_callow]

Could you elaborate? Where would I look at the in: out: nodes? Is that viewable in the Hubitat?

[rlithgow1]

Settings, z-wave details