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 - Momentum
I came up with the name Momentum because that’s exactly what this project represents.
We’ve been building momentum toward getting the Red Series lineup caught up with the rest of our Blue Series products, and the Red Series Fan Switch is one of the final pieces needed to make that happen.
With Momentum, we’re bringing another important part of the Blue Series lineup over to Z-Wave and getting the Red Series one step closer to being fully up to speed.
Momentum - Hardware Requirements
Hardware - Fan Switch (Look / Feel)
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Responsive Paddle: Rests in a neutral state
- Tap up = On
- Tap down = Off
- Hold up = Increase fan speed
- Hold down = Decrease fan speed
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Config / Favorite Button: Button should be used for configuration of the switch as well as scene control
- Should be able to be held for configuration
- Should be able to be tapped for scene control
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RGB LED Bar: Should measure the percentage of the current fan speed
- LEDs should be RGB, including artificial white
- LEDs should also be able to be dimmed
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Colors: Switch will be offered in white, matching Lutron Claro wallplates, but the paddle should be replaceable to allow for other colors such as almond, brown, red, black, grey, etc.
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Slim Design: Depth of the switch should be as slim as possible so that it can fit into metal boxes
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Air Gap: UL requirement
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No Heat-Sink Tabs: Remove heat-sink tabs for easier installation, understanding that this may affect maximum wattage/amperage
Hardware - Features & Capabilities
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Z-Wave 800 Series: Use the latest Z-Wave platform used across our Red Series products
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3-Way / 4-Way Ready: Switch should auto-detect compatible multi-way configurations
- Should work with an auxiliary switch
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Z-Wave Distance Estimator: Should be able to estimate the strength of the Z-Wave connection and provide feedback through the LED bar
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Instant On: When tapped 1x and scenes aren’t being used, the switch should turn the fan on instantly with no delay
- Configurable delay in 100ms increments
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2.5A Fan Load: Target the same 2.5A fan load specification
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Neutral / Non-Neutral Operation: Latest project requirements indicate that a neutral wire should not be required
- When operating without a neutral, high speed may not be available, leaving low and medium fan speeds
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Auto-Detect Line / Load: If possible, the switch should detect where Line and Load are connected to simplify installation
Momentum - Software Requirements
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Z-Wave Scene Control: Multi-taps should be available to activate scenes and automations
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RGBW Bar Configuration: LED bar should be able to change colors and be dimmed to the customer’s preferred level
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Auto Timer: Switch should have a timer that shuts the fan off after a certain amount of time
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Easy Config: Switch should be configurable via the Config / Favorite button
- Extensive customization should also be available through Z-Wave configuration parameters
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Local Protection Mode / Internal Relay Disable: Internal control should be able to be disabled locally and via Z-Wave
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Minimum Fan Level / Maximum Fan Level
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Ramp Rate Configuration: Ability to change how fast or slow the fan transitions between levels
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Ramp Rate & Instant On/Off Separated
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Default Fan Level: Ability to set the default fan level
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OTA Ready: Ability to update firmware via OTA
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Z-Wave Associations
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Smart Fan Mode: Ability to keep power locked on for compatible smart fan applications
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.