Can’t wait for the release of the very capable Blue series, and eventually this new one that hopefully supports HomeKit, Thread & Matter out of the box!
I pre-ordered a few Blue series dimmers to control lights for a renovation project, and can’t wait to test them out. I have a couple of questions, after seeing that this design was directly based on the upcoming Blue series with the SILabs ZigBee MG21 chip, and I assume most likely this one will use the newer MG24 with OTA firmware update capability.
- For the Blue series ZigBee dimmer switches, I understand that the firmware will be only upgradable via some hard-wired pin(s). Q: Will this be possible for the more tech-savvy switch owners via JTAG, or some other kind of flashing device?
- My reasons for asking:
- I’d like to approach future-proofing my home by upgrading to devices supporting Thread + Matter.
- From what I understand, this may depend on having Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE) support in the device already.
- I did see that it was recommended to wait until the MG24 chip was used in a newer design such as another Blue series revision, or perhaps this White series / project Jonagold.
- Open-Source firmware options are always a great way to breathe new life into older devices that might otherwise end up in the landfill, creating an e-waste problem.
- Right to Repair is important to me when considering which devices to purchase.
- I’d like to approach future-proofing my home by upgrading to devices supporting Thread + Matter.
- My reasons for asking:
- I read through the wiring diagrams for the Gen 2 switches, and this very helpful post about relay vs. mosfet switching & traveler wire communication to Aux smart switches. Q: When is 12-3 required, and when is it used for smart switch communication between devices?
- My reasons for asking:
- We’re at the electrical rough-in step of our home renovation project, and need to decide how to wire up the junction boxes.
- We have to make a choice for what wiring to use, and how to connect the boxes before the drywall goes up.
- Wire choices:
- Romex 12-2 (white/neutral, black/hot + bare/ground)
- OR Romex 12-3 (white/neutral, black/hot, red traveler/switched wire + bare/ground)
- Box Wiring choices:
- Single pole Dimming with Neutral
- 3-way Dimming with Neutral + 2nd “Dumb Switch”
- 3-way Dimming with Neutral + 2nd “Aux Switch”
- 3-way Dimming with Neutral + 2nd Inovelli Switch (probably also Blue series for now… but would prefer Thread & Matter support for both eventually)
- My reasons for asking:
For the 2nd question, I realize a picture is worth 1000 words… so here’s a photo of the boxes:
The two blue light boxes will each have a standard 120V AC dimmer compatible wall sconce. The two switches below will control each separately. The 3-way option will need two other switches wired up near the entryway to this room. So, wiring for those would go up and over (probably through the ceiling), either from each of the two top circular light boxes, OR from each of the two rectangular switch boxes.
I need to figure out which wiring to use, and how it’s going to be hooked up if we go with one of the 3-way switch options.