In-wall light switch question

Developer's Corner General Dev Discussions
1

Good day!

I have a question about a Duwi in-wall light switch([url=http://manuals.zwaveeurope.com/make.php?lang=en&type=&sku=DUW_054313]http://manuals.zwaveeurope.com/make.php?lang=en&type=&sku=DUW_054313[/url]). Is it possibile to see whenever the pushbutton is activated?

I want to control a secondary appliance from the wall switch. When I push the up button once, turn on the lights, when I push the up button a second time, turn on my appliance. The same in reverse.

Thank you in advance!

2

My understanding is that if it supports “instant status”, you’re in luck. Do a search on “instant status” and read up. I believe you can work around it either way but I’m not sure. Seems only the expensive switches report instant status though…

3

Thanks! That was very informative.

Instant Status is where the switch actually initiates the status report to the controller without the need for it to be polled. Unfortunately not all switches come with instant status due to a Patent number US 5905442 A by Lutron Electronics.

“The transmitter/receiver receives the radio frequency signal via the antenna and transmits a status radio frequency signal with information regarding the status of the electrical device”

That is a “Good Old USA Patents” for you!

The good news is this Patent is due to expire in 2016.


From https://www.zwaveoutlet.com/pages/instant-status-vs-polling

“The good news is this Patent is due to expire in 2016.” - Does this mean that after 2016 the instant status will be available for all devices?

4

Maybe. All it takes is one of the less expensive switches to have it and they’ll all have it. I’m not sure it’s that important for my uses… I could probably find a use for it though.

5

The Dragon Tech line of Dimmers and Switches did jump on expiration of the patent immediately with their devices which are branded under the Homeseer label. They do not have in-wall switches. But I believe both Aeon and Fibaro in-wall switches support instant status already (but is not enabled by default you have to turn on the appropriate parameter).