The Wink home automation thread

[bozack]

So I haven't had any issues with the Hub disconnecting from my network, but tonight I did notice that with heavy network load things just stop working, hoping it comes back once I stop moving big files.

Wondering if anyone has tried the Lutron Smart bridge or Logitech harmony...I have an older harmony remote where I can get $100 off the new setup.

Wink seems ok but I would really prefer a cached mode or something.

I am also now looking at replacing at least two of my incandescent recessed can lights with some flavor of dimmable LED as I find the lutron caseta dimmer takes away a bit of light at the top end, not sure if I should go the retrofit route from Cree or just cheap it out with some screw in Sylvanias.

 

[shift3r]

Hey Everyone -

New here, registered just for this thread as im anxious to start building my smart home. I already have the hub and quite a few accessories (MyQ, Nest Thermostat, Plug in dimmers).

I was hoping some of you guys with in wall dimmers/switches that work with Wink could help me out. Im working with pretty small switch boxes in my walls due to the age of my house and having a concrete block house which limits my options. I've looked at the Lutron and Leviton switches/dimmer options and they all seem pretty big, but I hate to spend the money without knowing which is 'smallest'

Can anyone give me the actual dimensions of the switch box (not the full switch plus plate) for any of the lutron, leviton - or even the new quirky tapt switches?

 

[shift3r]

So I haven't had any issues with the Hub disconnecting from my network, but tonight I did notice that with heavy network load things just stop working, hoping it comes back once I stop moving big files.

Wondering if anyone has tried the Lutron Smart bridge or Logitech harmony...I have an older harmony remote where I can get $100 off the new setup.

Wink seems ok but I would really prefer a cached mode or something.

I am also now looking at replacing at least two of my incandescent recessed can lights with some flavor of dimmable LED as I find the lutron caseta dimmer takes away a bit of light at the top end, not sure if I should go the retrofit route from Cree or just cheap it out with some screw in Sylvanias.

I've been running some of the Cree units in my house lately with poor luck - a number of them have crapped out less than a few months after install. The sylvania and ecosmart LED bulbs im running have been solid though.

 

[MjnMixael]

Several of my GE Link bulbs just crapped out last week. I'm starting to be suspicious of the really cheap connected bulb options like GE and Cree... I've seen more than a few reports of them failing.

shift3r, I don't know the dimensions of the Lutrons off the top, but I do know they fit in standard light boxes which is 3in x 2in. Depth of the Lutrons I think is somewhere in the 1.5in range, but I can't be sure till I get home to measure one. I can tell you that I thought some of the boxes in my home were small, but they fit even with a few extra wires in some of them. Lutrons, by the way, don't require a neutral wire in the switch box which is ideal for older homes.

 

[lsd]

Hey Everyone -


Can anyone give me the actual dimensions of the switch box (not the full switch plus plate) for any of the lutron, leviton - or even the new quirky tapt switches?

The lutron cassetta box is 1 3/16" deep and 1 15/16" wide. This is the area behind the mounting plate. It also has wires sticking out the back so extra depth will be needed for the wiring behind it.

 

[Exigence]

Can anyone give me the actual dimensions of the switch box (not the full switch plus plate) for any of the lutron, leviton - or even the new quirky tapt switches?

Welcome! You may want to check the high end trim on the switch. There's advanced info to check it or adjust it here http://www.casetawireless.com/Documents/0301710a_Caseta Advanced Inst.pdf Basically these switches can set an artificially lower "full on" level (and the same for the low end).

Here's a page with the dimensions of the dimmer: http://www.lutron.com/TechnicalDocumentLibrary/369831_ENG.pdf

Lastly, one benefit of the Pico switches is that they sit at the front of the box. I had a 3 way switch where one of the boxes was crammed full of wires. I put the Caseta on the other box, which allowed me to easily install the thin Pico on the full box. If you don't know what I'm talking about, search for PICO-WBX-ADAPT. That's an adapter plate that a Pico switch goes into - no device inside the box needed.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Several of my GE Link bulbs just crapped out last week. I'm starting to be suspicious of the really cheap connected bulb options like GE and Cree... I've seen more than a few reports of them failing.

Ouch, how long had you used the GE bulbs? I have four (only 2 are currently in service) and have not gone forward with more yet as I want to play with other things like the new Spotter (if it is EVER released).

 

[nyvram]

I saw this as a deal on Amazon, wonder if it will works with the Wink hub? Reviews say it works with SmartThings. I've read that Wink works with other Aeon products. Anyone know? This is the 1st gen, so it says it works with a battery only.

Aeon Labs DSB09104-ZWUS - Z-Wave Smart Energy Meter

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ag=dealnewscom

just read up on the v1 and v2 HEM (home energy monitors) by Aeotec. Very cool! I see this as a fantastic add to the WINK product if they'll do it.

I'm trying to stay on the wink bandwagon, but i'm about to jump and go to smartthings if they won't start getting more involved with their customers.

All it would take is a legit discussion group (the quirky forums are a complete JOKE) with some active participation by the dev team to create some buzz & synergy around this thing.

c'mon quirky. i know you're reading this thread. Please poke your head out of the sand and communicate with us. the frustration would be much lower for bugs & problems if you'd just acknowledge them & say you're working on them or you're not.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

just read up on the v1 and v2 HEM (home energy monitors) by Aeotec. Very cool! I see this as a fantastic add to the WINK product if they'll do it.

I'm trying to stay on the wink bandwagon, but i'm about to jump and go to smartthings if they won't start getting more involved with their customers.

All it would take is a legit discussion group (the quirky forums are a complete JOKE) with some active participation by the dev team to create some buzz & synergy around this thing.

c'mon quirky. i know you're reading this thread. Please poke your head out of the sand and communicate with us. the frustration would be much lower for bugs & problems if you'd just acknowledge them & say you're working on them or you're not.

One thing that frustrates me is lack of support for a large number of products out there. Maybe it is the state of home automation in general, but if something is z-wave compatible, why isn't it supported or working with Wink? There are some cool z-wave products out there but Wink doesn't seem to support many of them.

 

[MjnMixael]

One thing that frustrates me is lack of support for a large number of products out there. Maybe it is the state of home automation in general, but if something is z-wave compatible, why isn't it supported or working with Wink? There are some cool z-wave products out there but Wink doesn't seem to support many of them.

This is a little ironic given the discussion I recently read on Wink's beta board. Many of the beta testers are asking Wink to hold off adding new products until they get their app and server kinks worked out!

Yeah, Z-Wave could have generic support... It seems like Wink is going to a less tinkery solution. They don't want people to have to configure expressions and options and stuff. That said, Wink does have generic Z-Wave support for binary devices (on/off, open/close). It takes extra work to support the many ways of sensing things or otherwise returning info to the Wink hub (as opposed to just sending out a binary command). I'm sure it will come eventually.

 

[lsd]

One thing that frustrates me is lack of support for a large number of products out there. Maybe it is the state of home automation in general, but if something is z-wave compatible, why isn't it supported or working with Wink? There are some cool z-wave products out there but Wink doesn't seem to support many of them.

Because they want you to buy their product or their partners products.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Because they want you to buy their product or their partners products.

Yeah, I know, but it sucks especially given the less-than-stellar reviews of their products.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

This is a little ironic given the discussion I recently read on Wink's beta board. Many of the beta testers are asking Wink to hold off adding new products until they get their app and server kinks worked out!

Yeah, Z-Wave could have generic support... It seems like Wink is going to a less tinkery solution. They don't want people to have to configure expressions and options and stuff. That said, Wink does have generic Z-Wave support for binary devices (on/off, open/close). It takes extra work to support the many ways of sensing things or otherwise returning info to the Wink hub (as opposed to just sending out a binary command). I'm sure it will come eventually.

Yeah, I hope so. I like some of these third-party z-wave devices I've been seeing but have been afraid to pull the trigger. Like, for example, I have a portable AC unit in my office because of all the computer equipment there and the central air doesn't cool it enough. There is a z-wave device with a temp sensor AND IR emitters which will control portable AC units, but I'm sure Wink doesn't support it.

 

[lsd]

It's expected because they are practically giving the hub away. I do not expect any more Z wave support from wink than they already have right now. The only reason I'm keeping it is I think someone will eventually put out a dd-wrt style rom so we actually use the thing to it's full potential.

 

[MjnMixael]

It's expected because they are practically giving the hub away. I do not expect any more Z wave support from wink than they already have right now. The only reason I'm keeping it is I think someone will eventually put out a dd-wrt style rom so we actually use the thing to it's full potential.

You do know that their major partner, Home Depot, officially stated that they intend to get all their products supported by Wink? I'm betting that includes any of the many Z-Wave stuff and eventually Wemo as well.

I really, really don't think Wink is just going to stop supporting Z-Wave as that damages their brand pretty heavily. Their brand is built on trying to work with everything. I will also note that I know, straight from the mouths of Wink employees, that all of the sudden support of new Quirky products came from their higher-ups at Quirky. Quirky sent it down the line that they've got such and such product (Tripper, Spotter 2, etc) and they need to get app support ASAP.

What I'm trying to say is that spewing unconfirmed corporate greediness as a reason that something isn't happening yet is not helpful... especially given that this thread has become a major source of Wink related info on the web.

I suspect the Wink staff is overwhelmed. They have Quirky and GE sending them products to get online. They have a large amount of support to do for customers with things not working right. I'm sure there are things they thought they fixed that turned out to need additional work. (I work in IT, that happens all the time and it's awful...) They have new product partners they want to add. All the while they are trying to manage an image and brand. Doing that all is not easy. I'm willing to extend an olive branch for as long as progress continues to be made (and it definitely has been made).

 

[lsd]

You do know that their major partner, Home Depot, officially stated that they intend to get all their products supported by Wink? I'm betting that includes any of the many Z-Wave stuff and eventually Wemo as well.

I really, really don't think Wink is just going to stop supporting Z-Wave as that damages their brand pretty heavily. Their brand is built on trying to work with everything. I will also note that I know, straight from the mouths of Wink employees, that all of the sudden support of new Quirky products came from their higher-ups at Quirky. Quirky sent it down the line that they've got such and such product (Tripper, Spotter 2, etc) and they need to get app support ASAP.

What I'm trying to say is that spewing unconfirmed corporate greediness as a reason that something isn't happening yet is not helpful... especially given that this thread has become a major source of Wink related info on the web.

I suspect the Wink staff is overwhelmed. They have Quirky and GE sending them products to get online. They have a large amount of support to do for customers with things not working right. I'm sure there are things they thought they fixed that turned out to need additional work. (I work in IT, that happens all the time and it's awful...) They have new product partners they want to add. All the while they are trying to manage an image and brand. Doing that all is not easy. I'm willing to extend an olive branch for as long as progress continues to be made (and it definitely has been made).

A little touchy aren't we? All I said was I don't expect any more Z wave support than we have right now. Which means we will have it but it won't get any better.
NOT "ZWAVE SUPPORT WILL END".
BTW can you explain why the wink relay does not include Zwave?

 

[ieee_raider]

Hey Everyone -

New here, registered just for this thread as im anxious to start building my smart home. I already have the hub and quite a few accessories (MyQ, Nest Thermostat, Plug in dimmers).

I was hoping some of you guys with in wall dimmers/switches that work with Wink could help me out. Im working with pretty small switch boxes in my walls due to the age of my house and having a concrete block house which limits my options. I've looked at the Lutron and Leviton switches/dimmer options and they all seem pretty big, but I hate to spend the money without knowing which is 'smallest'

Can anyone give me the actual dimensions of the switch box (not the full switch plus plate) for any of the lutron, leviton - or even the new quirky tapt switches?

I know the Linear WD500z have wires coming out that you have to terminate with wire nuts, so they take up a good bit of space. But the leviton's that I got have terminals instead of pigtails so that might work better for you: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-...ite-Ivory-Lite-Almond-R02-DZR15-1LZ/205298666

 

[MjnMixael]

lsd... dude, I'm not going to get caught in some sort of internet forum fight with you as if I have something to prove. I'm simply saying that generic negative statements aren't going to help anyone find the information they want. If you don't care, don't want to, or generally don't understand.. then just ignore me and go on your merry way doing whatever you want. Calling one 'touchy' or generally being derogatory isn't going to help all these new people learn about Wink and what it can/can't do. I'm still going to continue to try and be helpful and informative.

I know for a fact that they are working on getting ViziaRF+ (Leviton) status working correctly. Those are Z-Wave.

As for Relay not having Z-Wave? I don't know, I didn't design it. But it is already $300... Another radio pushes the price even higher. When designing these things, you have to pick and choose which sacrifices to make. Given that they are currently pushing those GE Link bulbs (Zigbee), I'm not surprised that they went with Zigbee right now. Assuming those GE Link bulbs work as intended long-term, then that would be a really sweet deal! There certainly isn't a Z-Wave bulb for $15 out there. (Unless that upcoming Cree one is Z-Wave.. I'm unsure about that.) Zigbee is also an open standard while Z-Wave is not. I don't know if that was a factor, but it is a key difference to think about when designing products. Who's to say they don't release something else down the line that acts as a Z-Wave hub?

 

[CSI007]

Hello everyone,

Great discussion.

We got a hub and three GE bulbs about a month ago or so. Once the setup was complete and I moved the hub away from my very strong WAP the system, in general, has worked very well. I only have the three bulbs setup to dim at 10pm and then turn off at midnight completely in my bedroom but it seems to work every time.

I am new to home automation and have a quick question.

I would like to purchase a switch (or switches) that will turn off and on incandescent bulbs in regular fixtures. I want the wink app to know (if it can) when the switch is off or on so that it can turn them off if they are left on. But my main concern is that the switch can turn the lights off and on by hand but the wink app will still be able to turn the lights off and on even if they have been manually turned off or on if you know what I mean.

I also plan to get the garage door opener soon so that my kids can get into the house if the doors are locked (with their smart phones)

 

[AAShepAA]

I am new to the forum. Happy to see someone take the initiative to get a forum up and running for Wink and it's compatible products and accessories.

I am currently running the Wink hub with 6 GE 60 Watt bulbs, with various shortcuts, schedules and robots. I have the Quirky garage door opener on order and today I installed the Lutron Caseta in wall dimmer with Pico remote for my kitchen lights. I am a happy camper so far.

NOTE: My kitchen lights we on 3-way switches with the typical black, white, red, and ground. The instructions that came with the kit said to start with the secondary switch first. It also said to disconnect all the wires on that switch (after cutting the breaker off of course). Then wire the ground back in ( or disconnect it as I did), and lastly to take the remaining 3 wires and with not them together!!!!! If those were all black wires perhaps, but mine had the white wire (neutral) in the mix. That would have caused a direct short to the breaker. I wire nutted the white wire off by itself and wired the black (hot) and red (lights) together. Did the same for the main dimmer switch and I was good to go.

You will notice that I do not have my Pico Remote mounted correctly, as I had to order the little mounting backing plate. I will take care of that when it comes in.

I have a short video on YouTube if you are interested http://youtu.be/nPfrQ8RHglo

 

[bozack]

Anyone running the Wink Relay yet, its a bit expensive at $300 but looks cool, not ready to bite that bullet yet here but wondering if there are any early adopters and what you think

Thanks

 

[ieee_raider]

Hello everyone,

Great discussion.

We got a hub and three GE bulbs about a month ago or so. Once the setup was complete and I moved the hub away from my very strong WAP the system, in general, has worked very well. I only have the three bulbs setup to dim at 10pm and then turn off at midnight completely in my bedroom but it seems to work every time.

I am new to home automation and have a quick question.

I would like to purchase a switch (or switches) that will turn off and on incandescent bulbs in regular fixtures. I want the wink app to know (if it can) when the switch is off or on so that it can turn them off if they are left on. But my main concern is that the switch can turn the lights off and on by hand but the wink app will still be able to turn the lights off and on even if they have been manually turned off or on if you know what I mean.

I also plan to get the garage door opener soon so that my kids can get into the house if the doors are locked (with their smart phones)

I think that works (status reporting) with the Lutron switches, but it does not work with the Z-Wave. As a matter of fact, it's worse.
Say I turn a switch on with the app. I might look 5 minutes later and the app now says it's off... or vice versa. You never know.
They are supposedly working on a fix (using polling) but as of today, it does not work at all.

 

[ieee_raider]

Anyone running the Wink Relay yet, its a bit expensive at $300 but looks cool, not ready to bite that bullet yet here but wondering if there are any early adopters and what you think

Thanks

No way I'd pay for that.
Buy a $100 android tablet (or phone) and stick it on the wall. Does Wink and so much more.
Mine is my wink interface, weather station, camera monitor, and harmony remote. Works great.

 

[shift3r]

The lutron cassetta box is 1 3/16" deep and 1 15/16" wide. This is the area behind the mounting plate. It also has wires sticking out the back so extra depth will be needed for the wiring behind it.

Thanks

 

[shift3r]

Several of my GE Link bulbs just crapped out last week. I'm starting to be suspicious of the really cheap connected bulb options like GE and Cree... I've seen more than a few reports of them failing.

shift3r, I don't know the dimensions of the Lutrons off the top, but I do know they fit in standard light boxes which is 3in x 2in. Depth of the Lutrons I think is somewhere in the 1.5in range, but I can't be sure till I get home to measure one. I can tell you that I thought some of the boxes in my home were small, but they fit even with a few extra wires in some of them. Lutrons, by the way, don't require a neutral wire in the switch box which is ideal for older homes.

Great note about the lutrons not needing a neutral - thats an issue for me in its self. Good thinking :biggrin: