Having read the appropriate (I think) pages in the wiki, I still am not sure what grouping does, and if grouping is the right tool for what I want to do. I was thinking that if 2 dimmers were put into the same group, there would be a virtual link such that when one was turned on, the other would follow suit. I tried to configure two GE dimmers into the same group, with each making reference to the other, but there seemed no reciprocal action when either was switched; leading me to believe that this is not what grouping is for.
Yes, I know that I could accomplish the virtual pairing of the two switches with scenes, but I would like to understand groups in case they have purpose that I can use.
Also, the admonishment that devices need to be automatically configured for this feature to work could be more clear. Is there any difference between ‘use default behaviour’ and ‘yes’?
Thanks, Brian
The feature that you seek (groups) is actually called Z-Wave associations.
When two or more devices are associated, such as your dimmers, then pressing one dimmer would also simultaneously control the second dimmer. This is done directly from one node to another and does not require or pass through a controller. So Vera could be Off and the associated switches would still work as a single unit(group).
The controlling/sending Z-Wave device must support associations in order to turn on another device. The GE/Jasco switches do not support associations. Leviton Vizia RF+ switches do.
Is there a way to configure this from the controller? So I don’t have to run around and set up groups via the switches?
Can I use a group(2 switches) from a scene ?
//Niklas
[quote=“nlarzon, post:3, topic:186846”]Is there a way to configure this from the controller? So I don’t have to run around and set up groups via the switches?
Can I use a group(2 switches) from a scene ?
//Niklas[/quote]
If your switch supports association, you can configure it from Vera. This is done on the sending device’s Device Options tab. First add the required Group ID by entering it in the text box and clicking the Add group button. The documentation for your switch should tell you which Group ID number to use - typically 1,2 or 3.
Now click the Set button for the new Group ID and check the box for the target device(s). Click on Back to ZWave options at the bottom. The association will be configured during the next Luup Restart or you can force it by using the Configure node right now button. On UI5, this is on the device’s Settings tab. On UI7, this is on the device’s Advanced tab under Commands.
If you want bidirectional association between two devices, you need to set-up two associations - one on each sending device.
Association only works when the sending device is operated by its local switch so it has no effect on Vera scenes.