Hi again, I got my Hubitat Hub. I'm excited, scared, and fighting to not be in a hurry. So, I want to connect and set it up on my desk first, then disconnect it and move it to it's final resting place, then try to include devices. is that OK, or should I place the hub first?
I am waiting for 4 JASCO 28172 Z-WAVE PLUS PLUG-IN SMART SWITCH MODULES (repeaters) and I won't physically do anything till I get em, I understand those would be the first devices to include.
Once I start to include, would it be a good idea to include the repeaters and wait for the network to settle, or can I go ahead and include all my devices at that time?
I found the reserved IP address list for my router, but I'm not sure how to search them to see if any are used, any suggestions?
I know some of the answers are included in the literature I've collected, but I want to get some 'inside information' from those who have done it. Literature doesn't always show tips and tricks that experienced users have.
I think that's enough questions because I don't want to get too far ahead of myself.
thanks again
By all means place it on your desk and learn and play around with it. Update the firmware. Download some of the built-in software packages. Include and exclude some devices. etc.
However. The hub and devices "learn" which routes to take based on the signal strength of each device verses other devices. Once the routes have been learned, they are resistant to changing the routes. They will change, but it can take days/weeks/months for the devices to change their routes. I suggest that after playing around for a bit, exclude and reset all devices, and then locate the hub in its final location. Then start adding devices. It is important that you add devices closest to the hub first. And then continue to add devices further away. You build your network (mesh) from the hub out.
As you keep adding devices further and further away from the hub, new devices will need to communicate through existing devices to get to the hub. Depending on the make/model of the devices, you sometimes need to bring the new device physically close to the hub to "include" it. Once the new device has been included, you can then move it to its permanent location.
After you have added (or moved) all of the devices for the day, run a "Z-wave Repair" so that each device reaches out to all of its neighbors and tries to establish an optimal mesh.
Yeah agree with @dean - feel free to play but don't pair on your desk and then relocate - unpair everything first. Things get funny Z-Wave-wise when you try to do that.. Zigbee stuff seems a bit more resilient in my experience.
The thing is you might consider just putting the hub where it will ultimately go - you really shouldn't be doing a whole lot of crazy stuff directly to the hub anyway except maybe powercycling - protip: do NOT unplug cord from hub, do it from the outlet instead. Also consider getting a small UPS for the hub to keep things stable.
Always build your new network "outwards" from the hub. Using repeaters or outlets to help propagate the signal. Ring Security Extenders are good because they contain a battery and can alert the hub when a power failure occurs. Also consider pairing most S2 devices with no security (use "skip" when pairing) except locks or garage door relays etc.
thanks guys, my fondest dream would be to leave it on my desk where I already have a UPS.
Originally I was going to register it, set the static IP address, etc. while on the desk, then move the hub. Now, I might just try to include some devices just to see if I can reach the other end of the house. It's not a large house and I don't see any device being more than 10 or 12 feet apart, although they will have to penetrate one floor (and not that far cuz I'm thinking the final place would be mounted to the ceiling of the finished basement so only a few feet through the wood, if necessary).
I think I understand the logic of not using S2 for non-security devices. I just found that concerning cuz that was one of the certifications I was looking for when I bought the stuff I have now.
I'll certainly be back once I start playing with it and realizing I really didn't have the 'understanding' that I think I have.
thanks again
If you haven't already - install the community based "Hubitat Package Manager" - it allows you to easily install and update community apps and drivers..
Q&D instructions:
Click on "Apps Code" on the left, then the "+ New App" button on upper right, then Click on import and copy/paste this link into the popup window:
https://raw.githubusercontent.com/dcmeglio/hubitat-packagemanager/master/apps/Package_Manager.groovy
Click "import" then "save". Go to "Apps" and click on "+ Add User App" and select "Hubitat Package Manager" and follow instructions, don't forget to hit "done" when done.
thank you, I copied this into my notes so I wouldn't forget it
It isn't necessary in my opinion. It causes more traffic, and for stuff other than locks/garage door openers, I really can't see it being a big security risk. I do have a few things paired S2 like my Ring Range extenders, and a couple light switches that I paired way back when I got the hub and it hasn't caused any ill effects. But going forward, I am using the minimal security levels just to prevent issues as my mesh grows.
@erktrek should the Ring extender be paired S2, or not? I've also seen @bravenel mention pairing it with S2
I think the general consensus is paired with S2 - it will route ALL devices regardless of security. Others have had success with no security as well.
I just checked my settings - both my repeaters are paired with no security and appear to be working fine.
So S2 devices will only route through S2 repeaters?
Nope S2 will route through any repeater regardless of pairing - is my understanding.
-
For pure repeaters, then it won't matter what you pair them as. They do nothing but repeat. there's no conversation between the Hub and the repeater.
-
For the Ring, they have additional features beyond pure repeater and thus can have conversations with the Hub. The choice of S-none through S2 therefore ONLY affects the hub <--> repeater conversation. People use the fact that the Ring has a battery and therefore can send a message to the hub that its lost power. That message would occur at the encryption level selected during the join. For traffic that is repeated on to other devices.. see 1 above
@TRJ
Some rules of thumb
Use DHCP reservations over static... (Allows you to view all your like devices in one place)
If you have a failed z-wave pairing STOP. Check your z-wave details page for ghosts. (They will not have anything in the route column) Remove ghost, and exclude or factory reset device before attempting to pair again.
Z-Wave Locks should be paired within a couple of feet of the hub.
Unplugging the hub repeatedly without shutting down first can corrupt the database
Start z-wave pairing in a concentric circle outwards from the hub using mains powered devices first. Then include battery devices. This will help create a stronger mesh.
When powering down the hub, unplug at the wall, not the hub. The hub side connection can be weak, but has improved.
Keep the hub as central to the home as possible. If you can't there is an antenna mod that can be done to help boost signal.
Ask lots of questions here. We're all glad to answer.
