The Wink home automation thread

[IndyColtsFan]

Could just wait for the inevitable smart refrigerator to along with your smart oven, smart microwave, and smart dishwasher.

I believe some have that functionality and don't think I haven't look. Problem is that the alcove where our refrigerator currently resides is too small for most of them.

 

[ddloeb]

I have all of the GE, Linear and Leviton Zwave switches and no problem triggering robots with any of them. I also have a Aeon in-wall module that's installed as a Leviton dimmer and it works to launch a robot. I just created a new one and it functions fine.

Unless you are using a beta release of the Wink App, I find it hard to believe that you are using Leviton z-wave switches as robot triggers. Also, the firmware is sufficiently different between Aeon and Leviton dimmers that I'm surprised you can install an Aeon dimmer as anything other than a generic z-wave dimmer (which incidentally does work).

In any event, beginning with beta release 3.7.0.2, the Wink App (Android) does permit Leviton switches to function as robot triggers - and it works well. Hopefully will be released soon enough.

 

[ddloeb]

Mine appear in the list of available trigger devices along with everything else. Unless they've changed something along the way since mine were paired related to how they are characterized in the database when paired, then yours should too.

Leviton z-wave devices have not been permitted as Wink robot triggers since day 1 because Quirky/Wink didn't have the appropriate licensing in place with Leviton (recall that Wink competes with Leviton's Vizia-RF). That limitation is not removed to this date, but will be removed soon - it has already been removed in beta releases of the Wink app.

 

[ddloeb]

Thanks, but that's not quite right for my situation. Do you know if any switches (non Leviton) can be used to trigger an action?

Yes - z-wave switches that are added as generic z-wave devices (eg. GE/Jasco, or Aeon Labs) work perfectly as Robot triggers. So do Lutron Casetas. The restrictions on Leviton z-wave products being used as Robot triggers will be removed soon - it has already been removed in beta releases of the Android app.

 

[ddloeb]

I want to unpair my Leviton switch and try it as a generic zwave device to see if I can get a robot trigger to work. I can't get Wink to "forget" the damn thing! Anyone know how to do this?

You can use z-wave exclusion mode to unpair the Leviton switch. However, even if you try adding it back as a generic z-wave device (or using z-wave inclusion mode), it will report itself as Leviton device during z-wave negotiation. Consequently, the switch cannot be used as a robot trigger. This inability has nothing to do with the switch - in fact, the restriction has been removed very recently in beta releases of the wink app.

You can potentially get them to function as a robot trigger if your hub is rooted. Perhaps that is how "Mike A." gets his Leviton z-wave devices to work as robot triggers.

 

[ddloeb]

BTW, someone here said that I cannot reveal information about beta releases because I'm restricted by signing Wink's NDA. I haven't signed any NDA.

Very recently, I bitched at Wink support at being unable to use Leviton z-wave switches as robot triggers. I kept getting bounced up the support ladder. Finally, someone at support sent me a download link to beta releases on Google Drive. That beta release seems to update itself every few days. And no where in the app can I find anything that says I cannot reveal the changes.

P.S. To be more accurate, I didn't do the bitching - my better half did.

 

[RodolfoDLV]

Also, I am using Wink app v.3.5.0.5 with hub firmware v.1.1.0

What versions are you using?

I recently installed Leviton switches and get the same prompt. Called Wink and this is a known issue for the Leviton switches, where they won't let you trigger a Robot, but they will let you get triggered.

 

[Mike A.]

Unless you are using a beta release of the Wink App, I find it hard to believe that you are using Leviton z-wave switches as robot triggers. Also, the firmware is sufficiently different between Aeon and Leviton dimmers that I'm surprised you can install an Aeon dimmer as anything other than a generic z-wave dimmer (which incidentally does work).

In any event, beginning with beta release 3.7.0.2, the Wink App (Android) does permit Leviton switches to function as robot triggers - and it works well. Hopefully will be released soon enough.

The difference appears to be as I'd guessed earlier between the Leviton binary switches and the dimmers. As reflected in this conversation with Wink, the dimmers do work as triggers which explains why I don't see the same restriction:

https://twitter.com/thewinkapp/status/570655991618007041

I also find some conversations complaining that the functionality was there and working for the binary switches at least at one point but apparently was removed. e.g.:

https://twitter.com/SheepdipUSA/status/632637777251823616

Not really surprising that the Aeon would work. I've also installed some of the GE/Jasco binary switches as "Levitons switches" at various times. Lots of Zwave-based systems work independent of knowing what specific vendor's switch it is (which is why I've ended up with a mix of various devices from over the years). The latter is more tied to Wink with its list of "approved" devices. Various aspects of firmware may differ between implementations in various devices by various vendors, but the core chip and basic command set remain the same. You may not get all functionality without more specific parameters, but basic functions will work. i.e., The "aprontest" commands sent for basic commands would be the same for that device class/type regardless of vendor. Which is why Wink's own generic Zwave setup works across a variety of devices from various vendors.

I didn't want to pull the Aeon out of the wall to test it again now but I did test with another Evolve (Linear) dimmer module and I think I see better now what's happening.

Going through the "Add a Device" setup and selecting a Leviton dimmer module as what it is, the Evolve/Linear pairs just fine. Wink comes back and says "Your Leviton dimmer is connected to Wink!"

I believe that all that's happening when you go through the pairing via that route and picking a particular vendor/type of Zwave device is that it's just presenting you with what's effectively a Zwave setup for dummies which gives an easy list of products to pick from along with some hand-holding and pretty pictures to guide you. The back-end pairing process seems to be the same as that either under the "Generic Zwave" selections or going through the include/exclude under the hub. Regardless what it really is (assuming it's the same class of device at least), Wink doesn't really care at that point as long as it sees that it comes back as being successfully paired.

Where the difference comes in and what explains why the Leviton binary switches could be limited even as you say if you try to pair it as a generic device is that what's actually maintained in the database/reported for that device is completely separate from what you told Wink and what Wink says back when initially setting it up. That includes data for manufacturer ID, manufacturer device ID, manufacturer device model and whether it's binary or variable. All of that info appears to come from the device itself not what you picked when you paired it. I can tell that's the case since my GE/jasco switches say "ge jasco binary" and there's no way for me to enter them specified as GE/Jasco switches otherwise.

So despite picking Leviton and pairing it as above, the Evolve module shows as "null" for those parameters rather than as Leviton. Same in the case of the Aeon in-wall module. Assuming that they're keying on some form of the manufacture ID and whether binary or variable, that would permit them to restrict some given functionality for that device. Since mine don't say "Leviton" from the device itself, they work fine no matter that I indicated to Wink that they were Levitons when pairing them. I'm not sure that what you tell Wink when pairing is even maintained anywhere.

All kind of moot since the next update will fix it but looking at it did help me to better understand how that all seems to work.

 

[manofice]

Hey all, I'm thinking of switching from staples connect to Wink, can anyone tell me if my devices will all work with wink?

Ecolink door sensors
Schlage Camelot locks
Lowes iris siren
First Alert zcombo/zsmoke detectors
A few dlink camera but not a big deal as I mainly use their app
Lutron caseta switches
GE Link bulb

Thanks for the help all!

 

[MjnMixael]

Yes on...

Ecolink door sensors
Lutron Caseta Switches
GE Link Bulb
Shlage Camelot Locks

No on...

DLink Cameras
Lowes Iris Siren*
First Alert Smoke Detectors*

*Google search shows these to be Z-Wave, so Wink could add official support for them later on. You might have success pairing them to Wink as a generic Z-Wave device with varying degrees of success. I suspect the Siren might work that way, but not the smoke detectors because the Siren is almost a copy of the GoControl Siren that is officially supported.

 

[ppkk]

Does anyone have succesful experience with PAR bulbs that are wet-rated. The GEs are only damp-rated and I have to have these guys out in unprotected areas around my house. Thanks!

 

[RodolfoDLV]

Has anyone tried the NYCE sensors with Wink? The window/door sensors or the motion sensor, in particular?

Thanks for the info.

 

[MjnMixael]

Has anyone tried the NYCE sensors with Wink? The window/door sensors or the motion sensor, in particular?

Thanks for the info.

I'd expect at least basic functionality to work. But I can't say for sure.

Also... I, once again, am super pumped about the things Wink will be revealing in the future. They asked me today if I have seen good progress since I first started with Wink. Very much yes (I know Kaido remembers the early days)... and it just keeps getting better. Just you guys wait and see. :thumbsup:

 

[RodolfoDLV]

I'd expect at least basic functionality to work. But I can't say for sure.

Also... I, once again, am super pumped about the things Wink will be revealing in the future. They asked me today if I have seen good progress since I first started with Wink. Very much yes (I know Kaido remembers the early days)... and it just keeps getting better. Just you guys wait and see. :thumbsup:

Interesting to know. I'm sure hoping for some new devices because ever since the Quirky debacle, there's no water or temperature sensors, and Home Depot is running out of Trippers and stuff.
Plus, I'd really like some local processing of sorts that can improve the speed. My robots are take a really long time and my wife is starting to get pissed. I'm seriously considering switching to SmartThings if they don't make a change soon.

 

[Kaido]

I'd expect at least basic functionality to work. But I can't say for sure.

Also... I, once again, am super pumped about the things Wink will be revealing in the future. They asked me today if I have seen good progress since I first started with Wink. Very much yes (I know Kaido remembers the early days)... and it just keeps getting better. Just you guys wait and see. :thumbsup:

Yeah, definitely. Add local control & I will be a happy camper! They've come a long way for sure over the past year :thumbsup:

 

[Kaido]

Samsung's next-gen SmartThings home hub goes on sale:

http://www.engadget.com/2015/09/03/samsung-smarthings-now-avaialble/

Video:

https://vimeo.com/138101882

The next generation of SmartThings hardware is now available after a lengthy delay. Samsung purchased the home automation company just over a year ago, but was optimistic when it said the next-gen hardware would arrive in April. The hub, sensors and app (available on iOS and Android) are now good to go, however, along with developer tools to get other companies on board. The new hub improves on the last version in a couple of key ways. It no longer needs an internet cloud connection to function, and can run autonomously for 10 hours on a battery if the power is cut.

With a more powerful CPU, the new SmartThings Hub no longer needs cloud computing to handle video- and sensor-monitoring chores. That allowed Samsung to introduce a new "Smart Home Monitor" feature that will give users a continuous video livestream and trigger the system to record video following pre-programmed events. Those include things like the activation of motion sensors, or tripping of smoke, fire and leak detection devices. The Smart Home Monitor features will launch in beta, however.

To control the system and see video feeds, users will get updated iOS or Android apps. They've been redesigned to help you arrange sensors and devices by room, and program actions like turning on lights, unlocking doors and turning off alarms (or combinations of all those things). SmartThings now supports around 200 devices, including Amazon's Echo and its own SleepSense tracker, and has announced new partners including Honeywell, Yale, D-Link, Bose and others. It also supports devices that use the ZigBee and Z-Wave standards. The SmartThings Hub is now available from Samsung and Amazon for $99, with sensors priced from $30 to $55. UK residents can also nab the hub at Currys PC World for £99, or a starter kit including the hub and several sensors for £199.

 

[RodolfoDLV]

Samsung's next-gen SmartThings home hub goes on sale:

http://www.engadget.com/2015/09/03/samsung-smarthings-now-avaialble/

Video:

https://vimeo.com/138101882

Yep. Saw that earlier this morning. I follow the ST forums as well and it seems to be a good step forward. We'll see how it fares in the next few months.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Samsung's next-gen SmartThings home hub goes on sale:

http://www.engadget.com/2015/09/03/samsung-smarthings-now-avaialble/

Video:

https://vimeo.com/138101882

Checked my preorder this morning and it is in "backorder" status. I hope they're able to ship it soon.

EDIT: According to their FB page, preorders are shipping today and through the next week. Woot! I really needed a new toy to play with.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Interesting to know. I'm sure hoping for some new devices because ever since the Quirky debacle, there's no water or temperature sensors, and Home Depot is running out of Trippers and stuff.
Plus, I'd really like some local processing of sorts that can improve the speed. My robots are take a really long time and my wife is starting to get pissed. I'm seriously considering switching to SmartThings if they don't make a change soon.

Yeah, I wonder if I should stock up on Trippers while I can. I did manage to get a couple of Overflows but haven't deployed yet.

 

[MjnMixael]

Still don't understand why Smartthings refuses to do anything with Lutron... I see no upside to ignoring the standard.

 

[RodolfoDLV]

Yeah, I wonder if I should stock up on Trippers while I can. I did manage to get a couple of Overflows but haven't deployed yet.

If you're going to ST there's a code for the Trippers to work, although there complaints that it doesn't update as often as it should. Probably some Wink-specific code required.
When I was about to start this whole HA journey I had the overflow and the Spotter UNIQ in my Wink cart. Little did I know they were going to take them out of my cart when they announced Quirky's economic issues.

 

[RodolfoDLV]

Still don't understand why Smartthings refuses to do anything with Lutron... I see no upside to ignoring the standard.

Yeah, me too. And a lot of people in their community as well. Probably some Lutron proprietary related issue or Samsung just wanting to go their own way. I have GE witches, Leviton switches, Quirky Tapt and Lutron Caseta, and Lutron is by far the best for me. And it is SOOOOOOO easy to install. I don't know how they do it but it doesn't require a neutral, and the pico remotes work instantaneously.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

If you're going to ST there's a code for the Trippers to work, although there complaints that it doesn't update as often as it should. Probably some Wink-specific code required.
When I was about to start this whole HA journey I had the overflow and the Spotter UNIQ in my Wink cart. Little did I know they were going to take them out of my cart when they announced Quirky's economic issues.

Yeah, I've tried to buy things I knew would work with SmartThings as well, knowing Wink was having issues. I am a little disappointed in the lack of Lutron support but hopefully they'll come to their senses soon.

 

[MjnMixael]

At this point, I watch Smartthings just to know what the competition is up to. Competition is good for us consumers.

That said.. based on what I'm seeing internally, I'm not worried about Wink at all. I could be wrong, who knows. But things are progressing internally and I'm pretty excited by what I'm seeing.

 

[RodolfoDLV]

Yeah, I've tried to buy things I knew would work with SmartThings as well, knowing Wink was having issues. I am a little disappointed in the lack of Lutron support but hopefully they'll come to their senses soon.

Tried to do the same things, but Trippers are just so tiny, pretty, affordable and reliable, when compared to other door sensors. If it wasn't because ST doesn't have Lutron, I would've installed Lutron Casetas all over the house and just use Zigbee and Z-wave repeaters for the rest of things. I know they're more expensive, but darn if they're pretty, realiable and comfortable to use.