Fibaro Universal Dimmer and VERA Lite Controller

Other Devices & Integrations Lighting & Load Control
1

Hi All,

I am new to the home automation scene, and looking at installing Z-Wave into my house for lighting control. The Fibaro Universal Dimmers seem to be the nicest kit, as they have plenty of features and also seem the most versatile (being able to dim, or at least switch, most types of lights including LED).

Two questions regarding these dimmers:

(i) Can anyone comment on the quality and reliability of these dimmers? They look fairly good quality, so I am interested in the opinion of people who have been using them for a while.

(ii) I notice that the dimmers have quite a few configurable options (see the Configuration section in the manual - http://materialy.fibaro.com/instrukcje/dimmer%20FGD211%20v14%20-%20v18%20ENG.pdf). However, the manual only discusses configuring the dimmer using the Fibaro HC controller. If I use a VERA Lite controller instead will I still be able to use the full features of the dimmer and configure all the options?

Any other thoughts/opinions on the Fibaro Universal Dimmer’s would also be appreciated.

Thanks!

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If I use a VERA Lite controller instead will I still be able to use the full features of the dimmer and configure all the options?
Yes. You can use all of the Fibaro configuration parameters from Vera Lite.

On the unit’s Device Options tab, click Add configuration settings and enter the required parameter number in Variable. Data size will default to monitor only which allows you to see the current setting. Change Data size to 1 byte dec (usually) and enter your Desired value. You can add as many configuration settings as you like. Finally, on the Settings tab, click Configure node right now. Monitored or new settings will not show until you click Vera’s SAVE/RELOAD button and refresh your browser page.

I can’t vouch for their long-term reliability but they are very flexible and can be configured for most requirements. If your lighting circuits are two-wire, see tips.

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Thanks for your reply Rex. I am actually building a new house, and are in the advantageous position to get the house wired from scratch. I have just posted another thread on this topic (http://forum.micasaverde.com/index.php/topic,16225.0.html) and if you have any thoughts I would certainly welcome your advice!

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I have a large number of Fibaro devices, see footer. All highly reliable over the nine months I’ve had them. For me, the ONLY choice for Z-Wave lighting.

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Thanks akbooer. Good to hear positive feedback.

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Hi,

The Fibaro Dimmer is one of the most popular dimmers, they are very reliable and versatile.

On our site we have a lot of information on how to use the, plus Rex has some nice posts on this forum showing how to use them.

Configuring them in VERA is also very easy, this guide and video shows how to do i - http://www.vesternet.com/resources/application-notes/apnt-3.

You’ll see many guides in our application notes section showing how to use the Fibaro dimmers and relays - http://www.vesternet.com/resources/application-notes

Any help, just ask.

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Thanks monions. I found your site today with the fantastic guides - they are certainly very helpful for new people towards the technical aspects of automation :slight_smile:

I’ve posted another thread (linked in a previous reply) and would certainly appreciate your thoughts/advice on my proposed setup. I am keen to get it right from the start.