Help creating a virtual switch that tracks valve state

jpage4500 · October 17, 2020, 6:51pm

I think this is possible, but I can't figure it out..

I'm trying to control a valve by voice (google assistant). I think Google needs a button or switch because it doesn't work with a valve.

so, virtual switch to the rescue! I can have the switch open and close the valve.. but I would really like the switch state to reflect the same state as the valve too.. on when valve is open, etc.

can someone help me figure this out? I know rule manager can have a trigger when the valve state changes. but, how can I set the switch state without re-triggering the valve? does that make sense?

thanks,
joe

ogiewon · October 17, 2020, 7:05pm

In Rule Machine, use the Valve Changing State as your Trigger. Then, add in a Conditional action to check if the Valve State and Virtual Switch State DO NOT Match - if so, change the state of the Virtual Valve accordingly.

In your other automation/rule, perform the same logic, but in reverse. Use the Virtual Switch as the Trigger. As a Condition, If the Valve does not match the Switch, adjust the Valve accordingly.

This way the actual valve is only commanded to do anything when it is not in the correct state.

If you're using a custom Driver for the valve, it would be much simpler to just add the Switch Capability to the driver code. This way the two attributes would always be kept in sync by the driver, and no rules would be needed at all.

aaiyar · October 17, 2020, 7:18pm

This would be the best solution. @jpage4500 - which valve is this?

The generic z-wave valve driver has Switch capability, but I just noticed the built-in Sinope valve does not. Tagging @mike.maxwell to see if it possible to add Switch Capability to the built-in Sinope Valve driver - thanks!

jpage4500 · October 17, 2020, 8:48pm

it's an Orbit Bhyve driver. I've had similar questions before though on other device types so this will be helpful regardless

aaiyar · October 17, 2020, 8:50pm

Aha - you can make the suggestion to @dman2306 to add Switch Capability to that driver. It might be useful to others as well.

jpage4500 · October 17, 2020, 9:28pm

awesome - thanks for the help!

I'm not going to lie.. that was absolutely painful to enter in.. I figured I'd share what my rules look like if it'll help anyone.. but, here's hoping the HE guys can come up with an easier way to create/edit rules!

Rule 1 -- opening / closing a valve ("Orbit Hose") when toggling a virtual switch ("Hose")

Rule 2 -- keeping the virtual switch in sync with the valve

kahn-hubitat · October 17, 2020, 10:28pm

also you can use my device handler that has switch and contact as well as valve capabilities that is what i do

i use it for both dome and gopher valves

github.com

lgkahn/hubitat/blob/master/evb105watervalue.groovey

/**
 *  Copyright 2015 lgkahn v2.0
 *
 *  Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License"); you may not use this file except
 *  in compliance with the License. You may obtain a copy of the License at:
 *
 *      http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
 *
 *  Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software distributed under the License is distributed
 *  on an "AS IS" BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied. See the License
 *  for the specific language governing permissions and limitations under the License.
 *
 *  Econet ebv105 water valve .. as modified from standard smartthings switch device type.
 *  under door control instead of switches as the states more closely match a valve..
 * so for smartapps youd use doors to close and open , also needs valve capability so it can
 * be selected and closed from smart home monitor, and finally needs contact sensor capability
 * which other drivers were lacking so you can check state and do your own alerts from 
 * notify me when smart app. Also correct signature to map to eBV105
 * tested by me for both notify when app, and also leak detection shut-off in smart home monitor.
 *

This file has been truncated. show original

Crunch · October 31, 2020, 2:45am

Thanks Kahn, I added the above as a new driver.
Changed the 'type' in one of my Neo Coolcam Power Plug to 'Econet EBV105 Water Valve'.
The "Neo Coolcam Power Plug" accepted the new type. I plugged in valve and have a functioning valve. Both open/close and on/off control switch and therefore the valve.
Tested a water sensor. Water shut off and sent notification received.
Not sure if was supposed to be that easy, but pleased it was.
Thanks so much.