Why is it so hard to find a switch that also has scene controller buttons?

Other Devices & Integrations Lighting & Load Control
#1

So I currently have a single dumb switch that controls a bank of several Phillips Hue bulbs. Elsewhere in the house, I’ve had room to move switch spaces around to fit in scene controllers (without load capability) to change lighting modes which works great.

All I want is a switch that will handle on/off but also have at least 1 scene button, but 2 would be nice to toggle modes. The only thing close to that seems to be the LV-VRCS4-MRZ, but it is hard to find, but worse… it seems it is no longer supported by vera according to several posts.

You would think that people wanting a switch that also handled scenes would be a very common thing… yet I’m really having a hard time figuring out what to do here. Any ideas? I can’t be the only one.

#2

It sounds like you’re looking for the Leviton VRCS2-MRZ Vizia RF + 2-Button Scene Controller with Switches. I’m not sure why they aren’t currently available.

Leviton may be phasing them out. They’re not nearly as popular as you think they should be. They weren’t cheap either. The last one I bought was ~$125.

#3

The Homeseer [url=https://shop.homeseer.com/collections/lighting/products/homeseer-hs-ws100-z-wave-plus-scene-capable-wall-switch]https://shop.homeseer.com/collections/lighting/products/homeseer-hs-ws100-z-wave-plus-scene-capable-wall-switch[/url] essentially does what you want via multiple taps - the problem is that Vera doesn’t (maybe now it does?) support it.

#4

I have some 7 button scene controllers in locations where I had a double gang box. I moved the two switches that were there to a double switch in a single gang such as this

I then used a dual load micro switch from enerwave behind that double switch such as this. It allowed me to have two z-wave controlled switches in a single gang location.

In one location where I had a single gang and one load but I wanted to add a control button as well, I used the same dual switch and dual relay but had no load hooked to the second relay, just the switch to fire it and a capped off wire where the load should go. I scripted my scene so that when that second relay went active it would trigger what I wanted it to do and would also turn the relay back off. the next time I flipped the switch it (the other way this time) it would turn the relay back on due to my action and programming would take over to run my scene and turn the relay back off.

#5

Thanks for the suggestions and innovative ideas. It’s kind of proving the point that a switch + scene controller that works with vera is some sort of unicorn, and I cant understand why we are being failed so miserably on this front.

How against code would it be to just straight wire my lights (they are all hue lights anyways, bypassing a switch entirely, and putting a non load bearing scene controller in place?

#6

[quote=“cbutters, post:5, topic:196651”]Thanks for the suggestions and innovative ideas. It’s kind of proving the point that a switch + scene controller that works with vera is some sort of unicorn, and I cant understand why we are being failed so miserably on this front.

How against code would it be to just straight wire my lights (they are all hue lights anyways, bypassing a switch entirely, and putting a non load bearing scene controller in place?[/quote]

In my area, a hardwired light with no switch is not against code, provided:
-that they are still on an appropriately sized and installed breaker
-all taps and splices are contained within an approved wallbox or enclosure

Considering Vera’s occasional unplanned vacations, I’d never put a light in that I couldnt turn off some other way. the Hue lights can be controlled by an alternative means though, right?

I am looking forward to trying out a z-uno at some point soon so I can build whatever I damned well please for a z-wave controlled device. One of the first things on my list is a 2 load, 4 button device. 2 of the buttons directly controlling a load, the other two being scene control… that is, if it all works out.

#7

Bypassing the switch is fine so long as all connections are made properly. Many ceiling fans are wired direct in exactly that manner.

#8

@cbutters just note that almost all hardwired scene controllers are problematic and don’t work well with Vera, don’t know of one that easy to install and keep working correctly. So you are likely to be frustrated.
The main problem is that hardwired scene controller are essentially mini controllers with lots of smarts built in and are really designed to only work with the system they were designed for not Vera. Research carefully on this forum before buying.

#9

It is possible, I have already built a 4 channel relay controlled by switches, this for for fan control but can easily be used for your purpose. Z-Uno will open up many different devices.

#10

I suspect that it didn’t gain much popularity because it would require deep gangs or something to accommodate the additional switching and electronics, and then just sort of fell by the wayside.

Have you considered something like this instead? WallMote Quad – Aeotec

Looks like it’s super flexible. And if the battery life is anything like the Door/Window Sensor 6 product, you’ll only recharge it a few times per year.