Thanks! So can/should I switch to ZWJS before I get too far along? Is there a way to check if the dimmers I've ordered support ZWJS? Sorry for the elementary questions.
EDIT: to add: Is it possible to run both protocols in parallel?
No, it's one or the other - And it's not really a protocol choice, it's a SW library that sits on top of the SiRadio chip (which also has different FW versions, but that's another story). And I agree I would just start on ZwaveJS, and generally ignore ZIP if your just starting out.
ZIP was the SW interface to the radio that was required by SiLabs (the folks that make the actual radio on a chip, recently purchased by Ti) - And ZIP was required, SiLabs has moved past ZIP and it's now abandoned-ware, with no patches or updates - But it's what HE used to use to talk to the Z-Wave radio.
As others have mention, HE has moved to the ZwaveJS library, which is open source, and is really what HE is actively working on, and where all future development will take place, so if you just starting, start with the "horse that has some legs, versus the one put out to pasture".
JMHO.
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Yup... Do the switch from the Z-Wave details page via the Switch to Z-waveJS button. Your hub will reboot and you can first confirm things are working normally for those devices you already installed.
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Can you switch to JS on C-8, thought it was just C-8 pro? I tried asking chatbot but it only ever tells me search the community
You can only enable Z-WaveJS on a C8 via an endpoint...but not recommended. Once enabled you can return to ZipGateway via a button that will appear if Z-WaveJS has been enabled:
@HarmonicaMan clarified that he has two C8-Pros.
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ah, sorry I missed that
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$10 is unusually low for a z-wave switch. Probably because they're clearing out their old inventory. Everything new is LR.
Not that I think you are here, but don't get too bent out of shape about this whole LR thing...
The latest ZW chips are 800 (past chip series included 700 and 500). Although most 800-series devices are LR-capable, they don't have to be.
And LR-capable devices are not required to be paired LR - that's likely its default pairing option, but if you want to pair it mesh instead, you totally can.
My own ZW setup is about half mesh and half LR.
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It looks like that device model number is related to Eaton Zwave Plus 500 switches. I certainly wouldn't get anything older then Zwave 500 devices at this point.
I would suggest getting the "SmartStart Manager" app from @jtp10181. It is a great tool for managing Smartstart pairing information. That said being these are zwave 500 dimmer devices Smartstart may not work well with them. Don't be afraid of S2 security.
Something i would suggest is you condider Zooz zwave switches. With the quantity you bought they would probably be able to give you a bulk purchase deal on newer zwave 700 or 800 switches. They also have very full featured drivers maintained by @jtp10181
Why two hub instead of a single C8 Pro.
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I would recommend you add the devices slowly and not have a "device adding session". Add one or two and let things settle in for 1/2 hour. My last experience was replacing 700 series with 800 series devices. I removed 18 leak sensors and re-added them back and several ghosted on me. Later I had to do a similar group of switches and adding a few at at time went without incident.
I get the wash-rinse-repeat rhythm but not so much for ZW sometimes....at least my experience.
- Don
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To be fair, JS is much better at removing ghosts.
I'm sure. I been reading about all the great successes with JS. I am still on a C-8 and I think I need a C-8 Pro?
Trying to hold out for next hardware release. I have two hubs now and new configuration will be 4 hubs.
- Don
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Thanks! I'll look into those. Two hubs were needed because the barn is about 1,000' from the house and is metal-clad.
I'll just chime in once more.
It takes a fair amount of effort to put in 24 switches, never mind troubleshooting stuff that doesn't work quite right.
I think you'd want to put them in once and have them be good for a number of years, ie, compatible with new stuff coming out, as well as robust.
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Ok, that makes sense. You may still want to get the c8 pro for the main structure.
Along with twice as much ram the overall SOC is much more robust.
I think it is important with either of them to be patient with the zwave Radio everyone has their own unique experience. I had to completely rebuild my zwave radio configuration a while back. I used Smartstart Manager. What i found was I could enable up to 4 devices to be added at once, then reset them so the add process would work. It worked well but did require patience. That was aggressive and the limit i found before the radio would just lock up and fail to do anything. Ofcourse that was on Zipgateway prior to ZwaveJS and on a C8 Pro.
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He has 2 C-8 Pro hubs
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LOL...hub model confusion keeps happening. @HarmonicaMan - maybe edit your OP to state you have two C8-Pros so people won't keep telling you you should get C8-Pros... 
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Well...I decided to go ahead with the dimmers I have. I just installed the basement units (7 of them), and each of them paired quickly on the first try. From what I can tell, everything is working great. If I'm understanding correctly, I should let those settle for a few hours before adding more, so I'll plan to add a few more tomorrow.
One question - the instructions come with the Device Configuration Parameters in the attached photo. I'm sure I'm being dense here, but I don't see those available in Device Info. Where would one set those parameters?
Edited as suggested. Good call.
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Is that a system device driver?
edit: Did you look in Preferences?
