The Wink home automation thread

[IndyColtsFan]

Yes, more half-baked functionality. I also see the suggestion of future 'Apple Watch' support. I'd suggest that Wink figure out how to make my light bulb operate (on / off) on a more than 60% success ratio first.

I have a new hub and 6 GE Link bulbs. The bulbs all seem to take turns on who is going to 'ignore' the daily schedule. You cant imagine the thrill when i get a successful 24-hour schedule.

We need local support. The reliance is diluted as the 'commands' bounce all over the internet before doing their jobs.

Definitely agree. Local support should be a priority and should be released within weeks, not months, IMO. Like I mentioned a couple of posts up, I have 2 Lutron Casetas powering lights in my bar. When I flip the outside switch before going into the bar, it turns the lights on the interior wall on and then a robot is supposed to power the exterior wall lights on. There is a 2-4 second delay there. I REALLY hope that if Wink implements local control, schedules and robots are included. If not, it is a fail in my opinion.

Otherwise, I'd say my schedules generally work 90%+ of the time. The one problem I had recently dealt with my office lights. Every week day morning, I have two lights turn on in my office. For a period of 3 or 4 days, only one light was turning on and then it worked fine again. Not sure what happened.

Also, I would like a light sensor. Anyone have recommendations on one? I'm wondering if Spotter v2 isn't going to be produced any longer as I can't seem to find it anywhere. I was glad to see Trippers back in stock on Amazon, however.

 

[MjnMixael]

There seems to still be active development on Spotters internally, but that's about all I know.

And yes on Trippers. They are compatible with other Zigbee hubs and they are a really sleek design compared to other door sensors like GoControl's.

 

[NewTron]

There seems to still be active development on Spotters internally, but that's about all I know.

And yes on Trippers. They are compatible with other Zigbee hubs and they are a really sleek design compared to other door sensors like GoControl's.

Hi:

First post...

I just received a confirmation email from Wink that my Gen 2 Spotter shipped! I've been waiting a long time. I also had ordered a Spotter UNIQ but Quirky is not going to be fulfilling any orders for that product, so I was refunded.

 

[Sn1PeR]

The latest update has shortcuts showing up in the Android Wear app for a brief moment before the app crashes (an improvement over just crashing, and then working, but not showing any shortcuts?). This app hasn't worked in weeks for me. I used to use it nightly to turn all of the lights off after I got in bed (phone charges across the room).

 

[Mike A.]

...Also, I would like a light sensor. Anyone have recommendations on one? I'm wondering if Spotter v2 isn't going to be produced any longer as I can't seem to find it anywhere. I was glad to see Trippers back in stock on Amazon, however.

I was going to ask the same about a light sensor. I can confirm that the Aeon multi-sensor does NOT work.

I tried improvising something using an Aeon Z-wave module plugged into a cheap 'dumb' dusk-to-dawn outlet thing but the timing isn't right for the on/off to be detected on the Z-wave side.

The old Spotter doesn't work well for my purposes. In the rare occasion that the very finicky light sensor does decide to work, it requires a greater and immediate difference in light level than a dusk/dawn change. Haven't tried the 2nd version. Looks like the Uniq that I'd ordered way back in November isn't ever coming now so I guess that's off the list of possibilities.

 

[MjnMixael]

I'm also quite interested in some of the Aeon tech that's coming out soon. I'll post a suggestion to the devs on those devices for us.

 

[Mike A.]

I'm also quite interested in some of the Aeon tech that's coming out soon. I'll post a suggestion to the devs on those devices for us.

The Aeon devices themselves work fine in the cases above.

In the case of the multi-sensor, Wink doesn't understand and distinguish the multiple sensors so they aren't picked up.

In the second case, the Aeon module works fine normally as a generic binary device with Wink. What my thinking was that since it has a hard/physical switch and it will come on/off as that is set when powered up, that I could have the dusk/dawn switch turn it on and pick up the state to act on from there. But, best that I can determine playing around with it, in the case that you power it on like that, there's no Z-wave state change sent to pick up on. You'd need Wink to poll it to detect state and that doesn't appear to happen. After it's powered on and I switch it manually, it's picked up and works as expected.

I have some other Aeon stuff and that all has worked fine. Some of the in-wall modules and the touch panels. I'm waiting for the battery operated touch panels. Those would be nice to use as general button-type triggers for various events.

 

[Blanky]

Yes, more half-baked functionality. I also see the suggestion of future 'Apple Watch' support. I'd suggest that Wink figure out how to make my light bulb operate (on / off) on a more than 60% success ratio first.

I have a new hub and 6 GE Link bulbs. The bulbs all seem to take turns on who is going to 'ignore' the daily schedule. You cant imagine the thrill when i get a successful 24-hour schedule.

We need local support. The reliance is diluted as the 'commands' bounce all over the internet before doing their jobs.

It's not the internet's fault. Sending a signal to the hub--a simple command--and making sure it sends that to the device and gets confirmation should be outstandingly easy, but simply the hub is too stupid to do it properly.

If you need to rely on a schedule double up the events. I did that in the past and it seemed to help; repeat the exact same thing a few minutes later. Still, when you look in the history of what happened when it never matches up as it should.

My lights are working pretty well though for sunset on and off, and today's release with the robot to turn one of my lights off when it's left on for more than (in my case) 90 min is nice--if that ends up working properly.

 

[MARTINJD]

I am new to wink. I added the hub and a bunch of GE bulbs. If someone turns off a standard wall light switch then I obviously can't turn the light on from the app until the switch is flipped back on.

Is there a device that replaces the standard wall switch enabling someone to turn off the light but that would then close the circuit again so the lights can be controlled by the app again?

Thanks in advance.

James

 

[jlslate]

I am new to wink. I added the hub and a bunch of GE bulbs. If someone turns off a standard wall light switch then I obviously can't turn the light on from the app until the switch is flipped back on.

Is there a device that replaces the standard wall switch enabling someone to turn off the light but that would then close the circuit again so the lights can be controlled by the app again?

Thanks in advance.

James

I think you went the wrong way with the bulbs. I think you should have used Lutron Caseta switches, or something similar, and regular led dimmable bulbs. This gives you the automation but still allows a physical switch to turn off/on/dim your lights. They also easily replace 3-way switches. More expensive, but definitely handier to live with, as you don't need to use a phone to adjust your lights.

 

[CAL7]

Kaido- I recall you had a preference for toggle switches (vs. the flat decora style). After living with the Lutron for a few months, I appreciate the functionality and Wink-integration, but would really prefer the human factor of a protruding toggle. I recall I had some X10 switches that were toggles that controlled dimming. Any luck finding Z-Wave or Zigbee toggles?

 

[Mike A.]

Kaido- I recall you had a preference for toggle switches (vs. the flat decora style). After living with the Lutron for a few months, I appreciate the functionality and Wink-integration, but would really prefer the human factor of a protruding toggle. I recall I had some X10 switches that were toggles that controlled dimming. Any luck finding Z-Wave or Zigbee toggles?

GE/Jasco make some.

http://www.amazon.com/GE-12729-Wireless-Lighting-Control/dp/B00PYMGS3C#Ask

They do require neutral. I've not tried their toggle-type dimmers. The binary switches (also with neutral) work pretty well. The older Decora-style dimmers without didn't work as well with LEDs. The newer version is OK. I'd think that these probably are the same just with a different toggle but don't know that for fact.

 

[MARTINJD]

Thanks for the replies. I ended up purchasing the Quirky + GE Tapt 15 amp switch. It was $60 at Home Depot and does exactly what I am looking for. The connected LED lights in my area are about the same as the regular dimmable lights so I'm not really out much with the connected vs non-connected. The switch will not work with 3-way configurations and requires a neutral wire.

http://t.homedepot.com/p/Quirky-Tapt-15-Amp-Smart-Wall-Switch-PTAPT-WH02/205803734

 

[bigverm24]

Thanks for the replies. I ended up purchasing the Quirky + GE Tapt 15 amp switch. It was $60 at Home Depot and does exactly what I am looking for. The connected LED lights in my area are about the same as the regular dimmable lights so I'm not really out much with the connected vs non-connected. The switch will not work with 3-way configurations and requires a neutral wire.

http://t.homedepot.com/p/Quirky-Tapt-15-Amp-Smart-Wall-Switch-PTAPT-WH02/205803734

Hmmm...you may have made a mistake here...not too many users speak highly of the Tapt. I would have recommended Leviton switches first, then Lutron.

 

[MARTINJD]

I wasn't aware of another switch that provided power to the bulbs for remote activation even when the switch is manually turned off. Could you provide a model number for comparison? Thanks

 

[bigverm24]

I wasn't aware of another switch that provided power to the bulbs for remote activation even when the switch is manually turned off. Could you provide a model number for comparison? Thanks

both Leviton and Lutron make zwave switches, which when turned off, the Wink app will poll for status and the app can you be used to remotely turn them on/off.

you should consider using GE bulbs in places that are not controlled directly by a light switch, for example a plugged-in lamp and put standard dumb LEDs in all other lights.

 

[NewTron]

Just a quick follow-up to my previous Post.

My generation 2 spotter has arrived! And while the spotter UNIQ maybe dead, don't tell the packaging or the inserts. The box it shipped in had UNIQ embossed on the top. The inserts are also labeled UNIQ. This may change but the early production runs are utilizing these boxes.
The unit itself feels very solid, and well made. it's approximately two and three-quarter inches in diameter and one inch high. It weighs 2.4 ounces. It ships with an AC adapter and a USB A to micro USB Power cable that's approximately 6 feet long. The back is removable, but there is no battery power option, it's a AC only.
Set up is relatively painless. It no longer uses the flashing LED System for discovery. After you plug it in, you choose its Wi-Fi signal on your phone, and then relaunch the app, and choose your home wi-Fi set up. If you're lucky, and I was, it's quickly discovered, and can be used.
The first tap on the spotter icon Took a while for the sensors to load, like two minutes, but after that everything works fine. The generation 2 spotter can sense 4 different things, temperature, brightness, vibration, and motion. The motion detector uses passive infrared. The temperature sensor reports temperature in near Real Time. The vibration sensor works well but the threshold seems to be set high. The spotter no longer detects sound. If you need sound detection you'll have to purchase a generation one spotter.

Currently the Wink products page shows the spotter Gen 2 as unavailable. But there is a trick to getting one in your cart. Quickly reload the page and click on add before it says it's unavailable. It worked for me.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Just a quick follow-up to my previous Post.

My generation 2 spotter has arrived! And while the spotter UNIQ maybe dead, don't tell the packaging or the inserts. The box it shipped in had UNIQ embossed on the top. The inserts are also labeled UNIQ. This may change but the early production runs are utilizing these boxes.
The unit itself feels very solid, and well made. it's approximately two and three-quarter inches in diameter and one inch high. It weighs 2.4 ounces. It ships with an AC adapter and a USB A to micro USB Power cable that's approximately 6 feet long. The back is removable, but there is no battery power option, it's a AC only.
Set up is relatively painless. It no longer uses the flashing LED System for discovery. After you plug it in, you choose its Wi-Fi signal on your phone, and then relaunch the app, and choose your home wi-Fi set up. If you're lucky, and I was, it's quickly discovered, and can be used.
The first tap on the spotter icon Took a while for the sensors to load, like two minutes, but after that everything works fine. The generation 2 spotter can sense 4 different things, temperature, brightness, vibration, and motion. The motion detector uses passive infrared. The temperature sensor reports temperature in near Real Time. The vibration sensor works well but the threshold seems to be set high. The spotter no longer detects sound. If you need sound detection you'll have to purchase a generation one spotter.

Currently the Wink products page shows the spotter Gen 2 as unavailable. But there is a trick to getting one in your cart. Quickly reload the page and click on add before it says it's unavailable. It worked for me.

How long did it take you to receive it? I was able to add it to my cart using your trick but not sure I want to wait months and have to deal with Wink giving a refund, etc.

 

[NewTron]

How long did it take you to receive it? I was able to add it to my cart using your trick but not sure I want to wait months and have to deal with Wink giving a refund, etc.

Placed the order on 6/14/15, received today...

 

[Mike A.]

Just a quick follow-up to my previous Post.

My generation 2 spotter has arrived! ...

How does the light sensor work?

Are there any sensitivity adjustments or other option settings?

 

[bigverm24]

not sure if anyone noticed, but Echo now control all Wink HA devices...linked it up to my Wink account this morning!

Also, Wink is allowing for reverse compatibility, in their next app update you can add the Echo as a device, presumably similar to adding a Nest or Philips Hue.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

not sure if anyone noticed, but Echo now control all Wink HA devices...linked it up to my Wink account this morning!

Also, Wink is allowing for reverse compatibility, in their next app update you can add the Echo as a device, presumably similar to adding a Nest or Philips Hue.

Yeah, I guess I better finally set my Echo up and play with it.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Placed the order on 6/14/15, received today...

Anxious to hear how it works. I'd like one but was waiting for feedback from users before I try to score one. Too bad Wink seems to be bailing on components like this one.

 

[bigverm24]

Yeah, I guess I better finally set my Echo up and play with it.

UPDATE: it only seems to control lights, in my case, GE link, Hue, and Leviton switches...but works flawlessly

Guessing other connected device control (Garage door, locks, etc) is not far away.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

UPDATE: it only seems to control lights, in my case, GE link, Hue, and Leviton switches...but works flawlessly

Guessing other connected device control (Garage door, locks, etc) is not far away.

Yeah, lights are all I really care about at this stage. I've got Wink-controlled GE Link bulbs in my office and Lutron Caseta's in my bar, but the Echo will be located in my office. I'm hoping that in a future iteration, Amazon will release wireless speaker/mic combos so you can speak to Echo from any room in the house.