Downloads

Description and features

Description

FIBARO RGBW Controller is a universal, Z-Wave compatible RGB/RGBW controller. FIBARO RGBW Controller uses PWM output signal, which enables it to control LED, RGB, RGBW strips, halogen lights and fans. Controlled devices may be powered by 12 or 24 VDC. In addition the device supports up to four, 0V – 10V analog sensors, such as temperature sensors, humidity sensors, wind sensors, air quality sensors, light sensors etc. All IN and OUT terminals may be user configured for LED control or 0V-10V signal readouts.

Back To Top

Features

  • Compatible with any Z-Wave Controller
  • Advanced microprocessor control
  • Different operating modes
  • Active power and energy metering functionality
  • Multiple colour presets
  • Active element: transistor
  • To be installed in standard wall switch boxes

This device may be used with all devices certified with Z-Wave certificate and should be compatible with such devices produced by other manufacturers.

Back To Top

Supported loads

FIBARO RGBW Controller may control:

  • 12 / 24VDC powered RGB strips
  • 12 / 24VDC powered RGBW strips
  • 12 / 24VDC powered LED strips, bulbs, etc.
  • 12 / 24VDC powered halogen lights
  • 12 / 24VDC powered low output power fans

 

Additional features:

  • 0-10V sensors signal readouts
  • 0-10V potentiometer signal readouts, and managing outputs accordingly
  • controlled by momentary or toggle switches

Back To Top

Technical data

Power supply: 12/24V DC
Rated output power: combined 12A (sum of all connected output channels)
6A for single output channel
PWM output frequency: 244Hz
Electricity consumption: 0.3W
Radio signal power: 1mW
For installation in boxes: Ø≥50 mm
Max load: at 12V – 144W combined
at 24V – 288W combined
EU directive compliance: RoHS 2011/65/EU
EMC 2004/108/EC
R&TTE 1999/5/EC
Radio protocol: Z-Wave
Radio frequency: 868.4 MHz EU
908.4 MHz US
921.4 MHz ANZ
869.0 MHz RU
Radio transmit power: up to -1 dBm (EIRP)
Range: up to 50m outdoors / up to 30m indoors
(depending on terrain and building structure)
Operational temperature: 0 – 40°C
Dimensions (L x W x H): 42 x 37 x 17 mm

 

Back To Top

Installation

Basic activation

  1. Before installation disconnect the voltage supply.
  2. Connect FIBARO RGBW Controller according to one of the wiring diagrams (first, connect outputs and/or inputs, then connect voltage supply).
  3. Arrange the antenna.
  4. Turn the voltage on.
  5. Add the device to the Z-Wave network.

Warnings:

  • FIBARO RGBW Controller is dedicated to operate in low voltage circuits of 12VDC or 24VDC. Connecting higher voltage load may result in FIBARO RGBW Controller damage.
  • FIBARO RGBW Controller must be powered by the same voltage as the connected light source. I.e. if controlling 12V LED strip, the module must be connected to 12V power supply. Similarly, if controlling 24V RGBW strip, FIBARO RGBW Controller must be powered by 24V voltage supply.
  • FIBARO RGBW Controller has 0-10V input. There is no 0-10V output. Output is controlled by PWM at 244Hz.
  • FIBARO RGBW Controller must be powered by 12VDC or 24 VDC stabilized power supply with outputs load capacity matched to loads voltage.
  • Sensors using 0-10V interface use wire connection to inputs I1 - I4. Maximum length of 0-10V connection line is 10 m. Observe sensor's manufacturer recommendations towards 0-10V line diameter.
  • In case of connecting long RGBW/RGB/LED strips voltage drops may occur, resulting in lower light brightness further from R/G/B/W outputs. To eliminate this effect it's recommended to connect few shorter strips in parallel connection instead of one long strip connected serially.
  • Maximum recommended wire length, used to connect R/G/B/W outputs with a RGBW/RGB/LED strip is 10 m. Observe connected loads manufacturer recommendations towards connection wire diameter.

Back To Top

Diagrams and connection

terminals

 

12/24VDC – power supply signal
GND – power supply ground signal
IN1 – potential free / 0-10V input 1
IN2 – potential free / 0-10V input 2
IN3 – potential free / 0-10V input 3
IN4 – potential free / 0-10V input 4
R – output assigned to IN1
G – output assigned to IN2
B – output assigned to IN3
W – output assigned to IN4

Note the device must be powered by a dedicated stabilized power adapter.

Halogen lighting connection:
halogen

0-10V sensors wiring diagram:
0-10

RGBW strip wiring diagram:
strip

RGBW strip with 0-10 V potentiometer wiring diagram:
potentiometer

Back To Top

Z-Wave network

Adding to the network

Adding (Inclusion) – Z-Wave device learning mode, allowing to add the device to existing Z-Wave network.

The device can be added to the network manually or using auto-inclusion function.

 

To add the device to the Z-Wave network using auto-inclusion:

  1. Disconnect power supply from the device
  2. Place the RGBW Controller within the direct range of your Z-Wave controller
  3. Set the main controller in add mode (see the controller’s manual)
  4. Connect power supply to the device to start auto-inclusion
  5. Wait for the adding process to end
  6. Successful adding will be confirmed by the Z-Wave controller’s message

To disable auto-inclusion mode press the B-button briefly, after connecting the power supply.

 

To add the device to the Z-Wave network manually:


  1. Connect power supply to the device
  2. Place the RGBW Controller within the direct range of your Z-Wave controller
  3. Set the main controller into the adding mode (see the controller’s manual).
  4. Quickly, three times press the B-button or switch connected to one of the inputs
  5. Wait for the adding process to end
  6. Successful adding will be confirmed by the Z-Wave controller’s message



  1. Connect power supply to the device
  2. Place the RGBW Controller within the direct range of your Z-Wave controller
  3. Log into Home Center configuration interface.
  4. In Devices section click Add or remove device.
  5. Click Add to start adding mode.
  6. Quickly, three times press the B-button or switch connected to one of the inputs
  7. Wait for the adding process to end
  8. Successful adding will be confirmed by the Z-Wave controller’s message



  1. Connect power supply to the device
  2. Place the RGBW Controller within the direct range of your Z-Wave controller
  3. Click the Plus (+) icon on the Home Screen.
  4. Select FIBARO and click on the device.
  5. Choose a hub you want to add your device to and click Next.
  6. Choose a room where the device will be placed and click Next.
  7. Quickly, three times press the B-button or switch connected to one of the inputs
  8. Wait for the adding process to end
  9. Successful adding will be confirmed by the Z-Wave controller’s message



  1. Connect power supply to the device
  2. Place the RGBW Controller within the direct range of your Z-Wave controller
  3. From your Vera's Dashboard, go to Devices > Add devices
  4. Choose a Generic Z-Wave device from the list.
  5. Follow the instructions on screen.
  6. Quickly, three times press the B-button or switch connected to one of the inputs
  7. Wait for the adding process to end
  8. Successful adding will be confirmed by the Z-Wave controller’s message

Click here for more detailed instructions for Vera gateways.


  1. Connect power supply to the device
  2. Place the RGBW Controller within the direct range of your Z-Wave controller
  3. In Homey app select Devices from the tab bar.
  4. Find your device's brand and click the [+] icon in the top right corner and search for FIBARO and tap the logo.
  5. Find your device on the list. Then click the device's icon. A dialog will appear that confirms if you want to continue. Click install.
  6. Follow the on-screen instructions.
  7. Quickly, three times press the B-button or switch connected to one of the inputs
  8. Wait for the adding process to end
  9. Successful adding will be confirmed by the Z-Wave controller’s message


Back To Top

Removing from the network

Removing (Exclusion) – Z-Wave device learning mode, allowing to remove the device from the existing Z-Wave network.

To remove the device from the Z-Wave network:


  1. Connect power supply to the device
  2. Place the RGBW Controller within the direct range of your Z-Wave controller
  3. Set the main controller in remove mode (see the controller's manual).
  4. Quickly, three times press the B-button or switch connected to one of the inputs
  5. Wait for the removing process to end
  6. Successful removing will be confirmed by the Z-Wave controller’s message


  1. Connect power supply to the device
  2. Place the RGBW Controller within the direct range of your Z-Wave controller
  3. Log into Home Center configuration interface.
  4. In Devices section click Add or remove device.
  5. Click Delete to start removing mode.
  6. Quickly, three times press the B-button or switch connected to one of the inputs
  7. Wait for the removing process to end
  8. Successful removing will be confirmed by the Z-Wave controller’s message


  1. Connect power supply to the device
  2. Place the RGBW Controller within the direct range of your Z-Wave controller
  3. On the Home Screen, select Menu icon and click Devices.
  4. Select More Options (three dots) icon and click Edit.
  5. Select the minus icon (-) next to the device.
  6. Click Delete to confirm.
  7. Quickly, three times press the B-button or switch connected to one of the inputs
  8. Wait for the removing process to end
  9. Successful removing will be confirmed by the Z-Wave controller’s message


  1. Connect power supply to the device
  2. Place the RGBW Controller within the direct range of your Z-Wave controller
  3. From your Vera's Dashboard, go to Devices.
  4. Choose the device you want to remove and click the arrow next to it.
  5. Go to the bottom of the page and click Delete Device.
  6. Click Unpair.
  7. Quickly, three times press the B-button or switch connected to one of the inputs
  8. Wait for the removing process to end
  9. Successful removing will be confirmed by the Z-Wave controller’s message


  1. Connect power supply to the device
  2. Place the RGBW Controller within the direct range of your Z-Wave controller
  3. In Homey app select Devices from the tab bar.
  4. Click and hold the device you want to remove.
  5. Click in the gear icon in the top right corner.
  6. Click Remove device.
  7. Confirm that you want to remove this device - click OK.
  8. Quickly, three times press the B-button or switch connected to one of the inputs
  9. Wait for the removing process to end
  10. Successful removing will be confirmed by the Z-Wave controller’s message

Back To Top

Operating the device

Power and energy consumption

FIBARO RGBW Controller allows for the active power and energy consumption monitoring. Data is sent to the main Z-Wave controller, e.g. Home Center. Measuring is carried out by the most advanced micro-controller technology, assuring maximum accuracy and precision.

Electric active power – power that energy receiver is changing into a work or a heat. The unit of active power is Watt [W].

Electric energy – energy consumed by a device through a time period. Consumers of electricity in households are billed by suppliers on the basis of active power used in given unit of time. Most commonly measured in kilowatt-hour [kWh]. One kilowatt-hour is equal to one kilowatt of power consumed over period of one hour, 1kWh = 1000Wh.

Resetting consumption memory:
RGBW Controller allows to erase stored consumption data in two ways:

  1. By resetting the device
  2. By choosing reset consumption memory option in the interface of the Z-Wave controller

Back To Top

Reset

Reset procedure erases memory of the device, including all information on energy consumption, user-defined colour presets, the Z-Wave network and the main controller.

Resetting the device is not the recommended way of removing the device from the Z-Wave network. Use reset procedure only if the primary controller is missing or inoperable. Certain device removal can be achieved by the procedure of removing.

Resetting the RGBW Controller:

  1. Disconect the power supply from the device
  2. Press and hold the B-button
  3. Connect the power supply to the device while still holding the B-button
  4. Release the B-button
  5. B-channel (blue) will switch on
  6. Disconect the power supply from the device

Back To Top

Operating modes

Select operating mode

FIBARO RGBW Controller offers fully configurable operating modes. Operating mode is set during first configuration in Home Center 2 interface. Other main controllers require dedicated setting of parameter 14.

FIBARO RGBW Controller’s operating modes:

  1. RGB/RGBW – controlling RGBW/RGB/LED strips or Halogen lights based on signals from switches connected to I1-I4 inputs. User may precisely set illumination colour.
  2. IN/OUT – All inputs I1 – I4 and outputs R, G, B, W may be independently configured by the user. Depending on configuration the device will be presented in Home Center 2 interface as sensors or dimmers. User defines sensor type and its operating range. If a given channel operates in OUT mode, user may control e.g. LED or Halogen lamp brightness.

The device may be controlled by momentary or toggle switches.

FIBARO RGBW Controller may serve as 0-10V input module and operate with any 0-10V sensor, e.g. temperature sensors, wind speed/direction sensors, air quality sensors, light sensors, etc.

Back To Top

RGB/RGBW operating mode

FIBARO RGBW Controller has 4 controllable inputs I1-I4, configured by default to work with push buttons. Each input controls designated channel, i.e.:

– I1 controls R channel.
– I2 controls G channel.
– I3 controls B channel.
– I4 controls W channel.

Controlling I1-I4 inputs is achieved by connecting ground wire (GND) to specified channel.

Further, parameter’s 14 settings allow for following type of manual control:

  1. NORMAL mode – controlling output assigned to given input terminal. In this setting outputs will be controlled independently from one another, e.g. allowing for free adjusting each colours saturation. Double click will set a given channel’s saturation to 100%. This operating mode works with momentary and toggle switches.
  2. BRIGHTNESS mode – all outputs are controlled together, i.e. one switch controls brightness of all channels at the same time. This operating mode works with momentary and toggle switches.
  3. RAINBOW mode – all outputs are controlled together giving a transition of full colours spectrum. RAINBOW mode works with momentary switches only.

Back To Top

IN/OUT mode

FIBARO RGBW Controller has 4 controllable, analog inputs I1 – I4, allowing for 0-10V analog signal interpretation. This functionality may be used in operation with analog sensors and potentiometers. What’s more, in IN/OUT mode all inputs and outputs may be configured independently, e.g. I1 may be configured as 0-10V sensor input and I2-I4 may control LED strip or Halogen lamps.

Another option is to configure I1 as 0-10V input and connect 0-10V potentiometer to it, and connecting Halogen lamps to R output. At the same time, other inputs may work with 0-10V sensors.

Back To Top

Configuration

Associations

Association (linking devices) – direct control of other devices within the Z-Wave system network e.g. Dimmer, Relay Switch, Roller Shutter or scene (may be controlled only through a Z-Wave controller).

Association ensures direct transfer of control commands between devices, is performed without participation of the main controller and requires associated device to be in the direct range.

FIBARO RGBW Controller allows for the associations of five groups:
1st Association Group assigned to I1 input – sends control frame to associated devices each time the device state changes (ON / OFF).
2nd Association Group assigned to I2 input – sends control frame to associated devices each time the device state changes (ON / OFF).
3rd Association Group assigned to I3 input – sends control frame to associated devices each time the device state changes (ON / OFF).
4th Association Group assigned to I4 input – sends control frame to associated devices each time the device state changes (ON / OFF).
5th Association Group reports device status. Only one device may be assigned to this group, main controller by default. It is not recommended to modify this group’s settings.

FIBARO RGBW Controller allows for controlling 5 regular and 5 multichannel devices per an association group, out of which 1 field is reserved for the Z-Wave network main controller.

It is not recommended to associate more than 10 devices in general, as the response time to control commands depends on the number of associated devices. In extreme cases, system response may be delayed.

To add an association (using the Home Center controller):

  1. Go to device options by clicking the icon klucz_grey_kolko
  2. Select the „Advanced” tab
  3. Specify to which group and what devices are to be associated
  4. Wait for the configuration process to end. Sending relevant information to devices added to associated groups may take even a few minutes
  5. Wake up the device manually to speed up the configuration process

Back To Top

Advanced parameters

FIBARO RGBW Controller allows to customize its operation to user’s needs. The settings are available in the FIBARO interface as simple options that may be chosen by selecting the appropriate box.
In order to configure FIBARO RGBW Controller (using the Home Center controller):

  1. Go to the device options by clicking the icon: klucz_grey_kolko
  2. Select the „Advanced” tab.

 

Available settings:
0 – ALL ON inactive, ALL OFF inactive
1 – ALL ON inactive, ALL OFF active
2 – ALL ON active, ALL OFF inactive
255 – ALL ON active, ALL OFF active
Default setting: 255
Parameter size: 1 [byte]

Available settings:
0 – NORMAL (DIMMER) – BASIC SET/SWITCH_MULTILEVEL_START/STOP
1 – NORMAL (RGBW) – COLOR_CONTROL_SET/START/STOP_STATE_CHANGE
2 – NORMAL (RGBW) – COLOR_CONTROL_SET
3 – BRIGHTNESS – BASIC SET/SWITCH_MULTILEVEL_START/STOP
4 – RAINBOW (RGBW) – COLOR_CONTROL_SET
Default setting: 0
Parameter size: 1 [byte]

Available settings:
0 – MODE1 (related parameters: 9-step value, 10-time between steps)
1 – MODE2 (related parameters: 11-time to change value, relevant for RGB/RGBW)
Default setting: 0
Parameter size: 1 [byte]

Available settings: 1-255
Default setting: 1
Parameter size: 1 [byte]

Available settings:
0 – immediate change of state
1-60000 – (1-60000ms)
Default setting: 10 (10ms)
Parameter size: 2 [bytes]

Available settings:
0
– immediate change
1-63 – 20-126ms – value*20ms
65-127 – 1-63s – [value-64]*1s
129-191 – 10-630s – [value-128]*10s
193-255 – 1-63min – [value-192]*1min
Default setting: 67 (3s)
Parameter size: 1 [byte]

Available settings: 3-255
Default setting: 255
Parameter size: 1 [byte]

Maximum brightening level cannot be lower than Minimum dimmming level.

Available settings: 3-255
Default setting: 2
Parameter size: 1 [byte]

Minimum dimmming level cannot be higher than Maximum brightening level.

Parameter is relevant for main controllers other than Home Center only.

Each 4bit refers to given IN/OUT (channel) settings.

Available settings: 0-65535
Default setting: 4369 (controlled device: RGBW, toggle switch inputs – NORMAL MODE)
Parameter size: 2 [bytes]
 
Parameter 14 value calculator:


Available settings:
0 – the device does not save the state before a power failure and turns off the load
1 – the device restores its state before power failure
Default setting: 1
Parameter size: 1 [byte]

Available settigs:
0 – INACTIVE – the device doesn’t respond to alarm frames
1 – ALARM ON – the device turns on once alarm is detected (all channels set to 99%)
2 – ALARM OFF – the device turns off once alarm is detected (all channels set to 0%)
3 – ALARM PROGRAM – alarm sequence turns on (program selected in parameter 38)
Default setting: 0
Parameter size: 1 [byte]

Available settings: 1-10 (alarm program number)
Default setting: 10
Parameter size: 1 [byte]

Available settings: 1-65534 (1-65534s)
Default setting: 600
Parameter size: 2 [bytes]

Available settings:
0 – reporting as a result of inputs and controllers actions (SWITCH MULTILEVEL)
1 – reporting as a result inputs actions (SWITCH MULTILEVEL)
2 – reporting as a result of inputs actions (COLOR CONTROL)
Default setting: 0
Parameter size: 1 [byte]

Parameter defines a value by which input voltage must change in order to be reported to the main controller. New value is calculated based on last reported value.

Available settings: 1-100 – (0.1-10V)
Default setting: 5 (0.5V)
Parameter size: 1 [bytes]

Reports will be sent if last reported value differs from the current value or in case of polling.

Available settings: 0-65534 (1 – 65534 seconds; 0 = reports are not sent – reports will only be sent in case of polling or at turning OFF the device)
Default setting: 30 (30s)
Parameter size: 2 [bytes]

New, reported energy value is calculated based on last reported value.

Available settings: 1-254 (0.01kWh – 2.54kWh)
Default setting: 10 (0.1kWh)
Parameter size: 1 [byte]

Available settings:
0 – illumination colour set to white (all channels controlled together)
1 – last set colour is memorized
Default setting: 1
Parameter size: 1 [byte]

Parameter is relevant for main controllers other than Home Center only.

Available settings: 1-10 (animation program number)
Default setting: 1
Parameter size: 1 [byte]

Available settings:
0 – NODE INFO control frame is sent,
1 – starting favourite program
Default setting: 0
Parameter size: 1 [byte]

 

Back To Top

Support

FAQ


FIBARO RGBW Controller is a universal, Z-Wave compatible RGB/RGBW controller. FIBARO RGBW Controller uses PWM output signal, which enables it to control LED, RGB, RGBW strips, low voltage halogen lights and fans. Controlled devices may be powered by 12 or 24 VDC. In addition the device supports up to four, 0V – 10V analog sensors. All IN and OUT terminals can be user configured for LED control or 0V-10V signal readouts.

Temperature sensors, humidity sensors, wind sensors, air quality sensors, pressure sensors, light sensors, etc.

The maximum combined rated output power is 12A (sum of all connected output channels) and 6A for single output channel.

The total limitation of RGBW controller is 144W at 12V DC (or 288W at 24V DC). The maximum length depends on how many watts per meter the LED strip requires, so please consult the manufacturers data sheets for information on this.

No. The device runs on 12-24V DC and requires an external transformer. Connecting it directly to the mains will cause it to catastrophically fail.

Yes, this works as an input. Make sure the light switch/button is connected to the GND channel according to the diagram in the “Installation” Lesson of this course.

No, you need to use an external transformer.

No, it is not possible. When you configure module as RGBW it automatically configures inputs to control the outputs.

Yes, you should configure each channel as an “output” and then select the switch type in the configuration (momentary, toggle). With the next push (or state change for toggle) the output state will change so you can use it as a trigger in your scene. Nevertheless it is just a single click (state change) that you can use.

No, this is a 1-wire digital sensor, compatible only with Universal Binary Sensor and Door/Window Sensor.

Our module has a resolution up to 0,01V, but due to constrains of the of the Z-Wave communication protocol the resolution is limited to 0.1V.

It is possible, but you can’t use RGBW devices in the sprinklers panel so you’d have to write some custom scenes to make this work. You must input 24V and change “Controlled device” for “Output / Input”. After this you can control 4 devices (sprinklers).

You must set association to all 4 groups. This would only work with a directly connected switch to the RGBW controller. You can also achieve synchronisation using scenes.

This functionality is limited to Lua only at this time.

No, if you sum red, green and blue, you will get white illumination. However the additional white channel does give you a more comprehensive range of colour options.

No, RGBW has 0-10V inputs only. You cannot use it to control 0-10v light fittings for example.

Yes, every RGBW channel is separated, so you can connect any light source to each of them. The only requirement is they operate on the same voltage, for example 12V.

You have to set parameter 30 – by default it’s inactive. The RGBW Controller can turn on or off once an alarm is detected or trigger a pre-programmed alarm sequence.

Back To Top