I only received my Hubitat hub last Friday, so I am Very Green and still in my learning curve. My system is primarily GE/JASCO 12722/14291 Z-Wave switches and I have three switches at the far ends of my mesh network, approximately 35 feet, through 2 walls, from the Hub that are just not cooperating. I cannot get them to Exclude from my previous Z-Stick, so that means I cannot get them to Include to Hubitat.
I have three other switches, only 10 feet away from my problem switches that did Exclude/Include and are running perfectly in the Hubitat Hub without problems. Why these three are giving me problems? It has me a bit confused.
I’ve tried;
Resetting the circuit breaker on the problem switches
Manual Excluding with the Z-Stick and the exclude process just gave me strange light flashes on the Z-Stick. Not positive it worked.
I even replaced one of the switches with a brand new switch that was never in a network and it would not include.
I tried to Heal the Network a few times to see if I could repair the mesh to see if that would solve the problem.
Finally, I waited over the weekend to see if the mesh network would stabilize and then allow me to Exclude/Include.
No Joy
Anyone have any idea’s?
Would it help if I made some kind of inclusion jig in the same room as the Hubitat hub, then preform the Exclusion/Inclusion and move the switches to their final location? I have read Pro’s and Con’s about this solution.
Try using a network cable that will allow you to locate your hub as close as a couple of feet away from the device. Do this with the device that is closest to your hub's normal location. Work your way further away from your hub's normal location to aid in building the mesh as you go.
If you find a device pairs with the hub close to it, and then fails to remain connected once the hub is back in its normal location, then you will have confirmed a weak mesh.
I see advice against doing this, but it always works for me when I have a stubborn device.
You may need to add one of the zwave smart plugs repeaters recommended here in the community to help in that space between 10’ from your hub and those other items that are 35’ feet away.
Having the hub within a couple of feet of device you are trying to Exclude will help rule out the hub’s zwave radio as the cause of exclusion failure.
Also, those GE 12722 switches were old zwave and not zwave plus. They will not pair or repeat as well as your 14291 switches.
Thanks mpoole32
I guess great minds think alike, last night on my way home from work, I stopped by a local electronics store and picked up 3-GE/Jasco 14291’s. I replaced the older 12722’s with the 14291’s and they joined the network first time without the need to relocate my hub.
Maybe it was because my network settled down with a stable mesh configuration. Maybe it was because of the newer switch technology. I don’t know. But, things are working now!
Now I have three old 12722 switches and don’t know what they would be good for….
Tonight I plan to install a new Z-Wave Tilt Sensor in the garage. When the Garage door is open, it will turn the garage lights and a small lamp in the house on.
I also purchased a magnet door/window sensor. I intend to put this on the back door so when we let the dog out at night the backyard lights will come on. What I really want to do is play around with Rule Maker and see if I can make a rule that turns lights on if the door is open and it is nighttime. I will use a clock time for my initial rule. Maybe in the future I might add a Lux sensor to replace the clock times.
Anyone have a suggestion for a reliable z-wave Lux sensor?
I’ve GOT to stop driving by that store. It’s breaking the bank.
Again, thanks for everyone’s help! I can see a difference between my old Z-stick and the Hubitat hub. This is making Home Automation fun again!!!
Of the two, I'd go with the MultiSensor, because the Dome is magnetic and if you do mount it outside, it's pretty trivial to steal. I've got a Multisensor outdoors, under an eave, pointing towards my front door. Gives me motion on the door, plus all the rest of the 6 sensors, including Illumination.
At the present time, the walkway is in shade, as it is most of the day... the last 90 mins of daylight it's in full sun. The values vary oddly as a result.. late in the day is brighter than noon.
For your garage door, I have the same, but I use two rules. 1 for just the door open and close, the other is if the door gets left open.
Thank You Both Wayne & csteele!
I am sorry it took me a couple of days to respond. The wife and I went to our Daughters home for the 4th of July picnic and visit and I just got back!
This is Great information. I will experiment a little later today.
Take Care All
Enjoy the remainder of your Holiday
Bill
