[HC2/HCL] What are scenes?

In this article you can find out about:

  • What are scenes and when to use them?
  • What are differences between scenes and associations?

Description – what are scenes and when to use it?

Scenes function lets the user create powerful scenarios making home automation even smarter. They can integrate multiple devices included in your system and may be activated by weather conditions, a series of intuitive timers or various sensor/module states.

There are three types of scenes to create in Home Center interface:

  • Magic Scenes are based on one trigger, one action scheme (if trigger appears, then action occurs) and are most intuitive to build. This scene type allows only for basic scenarios.
  • Block Scenes are more powerful than magic scenes and still easy to build. Using number of available customizable blocks complex scenes can be visually created. It is not possible to implement all functionalities of the FIBARO System with Block Scenes, but are the best way for a basic user to enhance home automation.
  • Lua Scenes are most advanced, but allow user to fully utilize all FIBARO System capabilities. Such scenes are based on the Lua programming language and require basic programming skills (available exclusively in Home Center 2).

What are differences between scenes and associations?

Controlling your Z-Wave network devices with scenes and associations could seem very similar. But those are two different ways of using your home automation devices. Even though both scenes and associations connect z-Wave devices and make them work together, they do it in completely different way.

Scenes require all of the devices to communicate with the main controller (Home Center Lite or Home Center 2). Main controller sends message to devices (which are involved in scene) about actions they should perform. Scenes can also control more advanced actions than associations which send only two types of information to linked devices (turn on/off, set level of a slave device or alarm frame). With scenes you can set events to happen at exact time, and with associations they are happening at real time.

When it comes to associations, the main controller is used only to set them up. After installation there is no need to be in range of the controller because devices are communicating directly with each-other. You can even place your devices out of the main controller working area.

Remember: association can only control Z-Wave devices and are triggered only by physical status of the device (pushing button, flood detected), not when operated via user interface.

 

With FIBARO Home System setting associations is as easy as creating new scenes. It’s up to you in which way you’ll operate the system.

March 23, 2017   7693    Getting Started    
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