[HC2/HCL] Adding a virtual device

Virtual devices are designed to control complex devices such as boilers, air conditioning units and home appliances (kitchen, audio and video appliances).

The FIBARO Home System makes it possible to import existing or create new virtual devices to be controlled by the Home Center interface.

Importing virtual devices

1. Open Devices section.



2. Click Add or remove device button located on the left hand side.



3. Use Import virtual device panel to import .vfib file from your hard drive.



4. Fill in the IP Address and TCP Port.



5. Use save icon to save the device configuration.

Creating virtual devices

1. Open Devices section.



2. Click Add or remove device button located on the left hand side.



3. Use Add button located in the Virtual device panel.



4. Go to Advanced tab to define design and button distribution in created virtual device.
5. Each button set can be added by clicking Add set and Save button.
   There are three types of virtual elements that can be used as an element of the virtual device:
   • Button – the basic button. Can be used as a trigger of the scene or as a trigger of sending the string command.
   • Label – dynamic text-based message. Can be used as dynamic feedback with devices states or any other network based text content.
   • Slider – used to adjust value.



6. After setting proper composition of the buttons please add proper setting for specific buttons. Each button can be configured separately. It is possible to configure the button only for sending the strings codes or implementing the LUA code.



If the device confirms communication receipt please choose Wait for device response option.

7. Moreover each button can be configured with following settings:
   • Label – description of the specific button (for ex. ON, OFF)
   • ID – unique ID for using in LUA codes
   • Empty – allows to hide particular button
   • Main – particular button will be visible in the Your house tab



8. The lower part of the window contains Main loop functionality.

   In main loop LUA code can be entered to be executed each second.



9. Managing virtual devices is performed with TCP/IP protocols – Target IP and TCP port must be defined.



10. Define a designated button, and communication to be sent after the button is used. The system supports string communicates (text data type).
    Another option is to create “value slider”.

    For example, turn ON command line for Toshiba projector will be as follows:
    GET /cgi-bin/webrc.cgi?P_ON=OK HTTP/1.10x0D0x0A0x0D0x0A

11. Save your virtual device by clicking the disc icon on the right panel.