Project Team
Feel free to tag any of us with questions. I’ll (Kaleb) be the go-to for overall project management, timeline, and anything other than firmware-related questions, whereas Eric M is the go-to for any firmware-related questions. Either way, we’re all here to help!
- Project Manager (Inovelli): @Kaleb_Inovelli
- Project Manager (Manufacturer): Steven
- Innovation Lead: @Kaleb_Inovelli
- Technical Lead: @EricM_Inovelli
Introduction
As per our tradition of working with you amazing people, here’s what this thread allows us to do as a community.
- Allows us to keep everyone updated on the project status, whether good or bad
- Allows you to participate and help us develop amazing products together
- Enjoy each other’s company and have fun talking home automation
How this initial post will be laid out is in five sections:
- Project Overview
- Initial Hardware & Software Requirements (edited to remain up-to-date)
- Timeline (edited to remain up-to-date)
- Pinned Ideas & Shout-Outs (edited to remain up-to-date)
- Weekly Recap
Housekeeping
- DATES & FUNCTIONS ARE NOT SET IN STONE: Just a reminder that all dates and functions are sometimes fluid. We have to make choices based on feasibility, opportunity costs, and the overall timeline. I will be as transparent as possible on these decisions, but just a heads up, they may not always be exciting.
- NO IDEA IS A BAD IDEA: Ok, some are, but honestly, throw out anything that you can think of. If we use your idea, we’ll credit you and send you a free device, so take that shot!
- VERSION 1 VS VERSION 2: Some ideas may be fantastic, but may not make the cut for the first version of the product. Once the product is locked in from a function standpoint, we’ll keep a tally of V2 ideas and then, once the product is produced, we’ll move the ideas over to a suggestions/wishlist section.
Ok, let’s get this party started!
Project Overview
Project Name - Cheryl
We’re continuing the Cheryl name that we used for the Blue Series and White Series Fan/Light Canopy Modules.
I’ll let Eric explain where the name originally came from:
“I chose the name Cheryl to dedicate this to my mom, who passed away in 2019 of cancer. She was an incredible person who instilled in me a solid work ethic and a stubbornness to never give up.”
We’re proud to continue that name with the Red Series version of the Fan/Light Canopy Module.
Cheryl - Hardware Requirements
The Red Series Fan/Light Canopy Module will follow the same overall concept as our other canopy modules, with the primary difference being that this version will use Z-Wave.
Hardware - Controller (Look / Feel)
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Heat Dissipating Cutouts: There should be multiple cutouts allowing for heat dissipation
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5 Wires: In order to control both the fan and light, the module will need five labeled wires
- Hot/Line x1 (Black): Connect to 120V to power the module
- Neutral x2 (White): Connect to neutral wires
- Light x1 (Blue): Connect to the light on the fan
- Fan Motor x1 (Red): Connect to the fan motor
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Slim Design: Should be smaller than our previous version due to space constraints within some fan canopies
- Target Width: 2.1"
- Target Height: 3.0"
- Target Depth: 1.0"
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Z-Wave Antenna: Antenna needs to be strong enough, and positioned appropriately, to maintain communication through or around metal fan canopies
Hardware - Features & Capabilities
The look and feel will be different from the previous canopy module in that we’re targeting a smaller design, but the overall installation concept will remain the same.
These features should allow us to be versatile across a wide range of installation settings while taking some of the intimidation out of installing a canopy module.
- Z-Wave: Red Series connectivity
- Power Monitoring: Module should measure power consumption
- Leading / Trailing Edge Dimming: Light controller should be able to switch between leading and trailing edge dimming for greater bulb compatibility
Cheryl - Software Requirements
- Z-Wave Associations / Multi-Channel Control: Fan and light should be independently addressable so compatible switches or controllers can control each channel separately
- OTA Ready: Ability to update firmware via OTA
- Smart Bulb & Fan Mode: Ability to control smart bulbs and fans by keeping power locked on to the appropriate load
Timeline
Pre-Initial Timeline Milestones:
- Present PRD: Completed
- R&D Analyzation: Completed
- Initial Timeline Released: Completed
Timeline (Estimated)
The initial timeline is shown below and will be updated as the project progresses:
PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE TIMES ARE ESTIMATES AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
-
Firmware Development and Design
Timeline: September 28, 2026 – October 28, 2026 -
Hardware Design and Beta Sample Build
Timeline: September 28, 2026 – October 31, 2026 -
Testing of 15 Beta Samples
Timeline: November 1, 2026 – December 20, 2026 -
Packaging Material Design
Timeline: December 10, 2026 – December 30, 2026 -
Certifications
Details: Z-Wave, FCC/IC, ETL
Timeline: December 10, 2026 – February 1, 2027 -
Production Material Preparation
Timeline: January 20, 2027 – March 15, 2027 -
Start of Mass Production
Timeline: March 20, 2027
Weekly Recap
Every week (roughly), I’ll provide a recap as well as edit the sections above so we can all keep track. If you have any specific questions you’d like me to ask, feel free to tag me and let me know so I can ask the manufacturer as well.
Updates will be linked here as they are posted.