Using a Leviton VRCZ4-M0Z to trigger a trigger

I am down to replacing my last Insteon device and converting completely to Z-Wave. At this point I am trying to use the Leviton VRCZ4-M0Z 4-button scene controller in place of the 6- and 8-button Insteon scene controllers.

The VRCZ4-M0Z added to the Z-Wave network just fine. The strange thing is, every time I press a button I get 4 scene events showing up in the event log. I suspect this triggers my trigger 4 times in rapid succession. Unfortunately this is causing a problem with a device receiving commands too rapidly.

What I would like to do is to de-bounce the scene signal. I want to basically trigger on the first event and discard the next 3. Any suggestions?

OK, here is more data about the problem. It is now looking fairly strange.

WRT the VRCZ4-M0Z, every time I press button one I see the following in the log:

May 9, 2018 at 7:46:59 AM
Z-Wave received "080 - Scene Controller (RZCS4)" scene 1
Z-Wave received "080 - Scene Controller (RZCS4)" scene 1
Z-Wave received "080 - Scene Controller (RZCS4)" scene 1
Z-Wave received "080 - Scene Controller (RZCS4)" scene 1

So I asked for a packet dump. Here is where I pressed button one twice:

8.2 seconds ago from 080 - Scene Controller (RZCS4):
0x01 0x09 0x00 0x04 0x08 0x50 0x03 0x20 0x01 0x00 0x88

8.2 seconds ago from 080 - Scene Controller (RZCS4):
0x01 0x09 0x00 0x04 0x08 0x50 0x03 0x20 0x01 0x00 0x88

8.2 seconds ago from 080 - Scene Controller (RZCS4):
0x01 0x09 0x00 0x04 0x08 0x50 0x03 0x20 0x01 0x00 0x88

8.1 seconds ago from 080 - Scene Controller (RZCS4):
0x01 0x09 0x00 0x04 0x00 0x50 0x03 0x20 0x01 0x00 0x80

6.4 seconds ago from 080 - Scene Controller (RZCS4):
0x01 0x0A 0x00 0x04 0x08 0x50 0x04 0x2B 0x01 0x01 0xFF 0x79

6.4 seconds ago from 080 - Scene Controller (RZCS4):
0x01 0x0A 0x00 0x04 0x08 0x50 0x04 0x2B 0x01 0x01 0xFF 0x79

6.4 seconds ago from 080 - Scene Controller (RZCS4):
0x01 0x0A 0x00 0x04 0x08 0x50 0x04 0x2B 0x01 0x01 0xFF 0x79

6.3 seconds ago from 080 - Scene Controller (RZCS4):
0x01 0x0A 0x00 0x04 0x00 0x50 0x04 0x2B 0x01 0x01 0xFF 0x71

1.2 seconds ago from 080 - Scene Controller (RZCS4):
0x01 0x09 0x00 0x04 0x00 0x50 0x03 0x2C 0x02 0x00 0x8F

I did a resync of the VRCZ4 and got this:

May 9, 2018 at 7:49:10 AM
Z-Wave Syncing - started for "080 - Scene Controller (RZCS4)"
Z-Wave Syncing - retrieved module neighbors list: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 25, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36, 37, 39, 40, 42, 49, 50, 51, 54, 59, 65, 66, 68, 74
Z-Wave Syncing - retrieved manufacture and model names: Leviton - 001D, Scene Controller (RZCS4) - 08010206
Z-Wave Syncing - retrieved protocol version 2.06, app version 0.02
Z-Wave Syncing - retrieved class hierarchy: Static Controller : Static Controller : Static Scene Controller (02 : 02 : 02, base 00)
Z-Wave Syncing - retrieved command classes: 20v1 82v1 85v1 86v1 2Bv1 2Dv1 91v1 72v1 77v1
Z-Wave Syncing - retrieved encrypt commands: - none -
Z-Wave Syncing - retrieved capabilities: - none -
Z-Wave Syncing - retrieved group 1 associations: [1]
Z-Wave Syncing - retrieved group 2 associations: [1]
Z-Wave Syncing - retrieved group 3 associations: [1]
Z-Wave Syncing - retrieved group 4 associations: [1]
Z-Wave Syncing - group 1 association to interface already exists (skipping)
Z-Wave Syncing - group 2 association to interface already exists (skipping)
Z-Wave Syncing - group 3 association to interface already exists (skipping)
Z-Wave Syncing - group 4 association to interface already exists (skipping)
Z-Wave Syncing - complete

Then for giggles I tried "optimizing" routing for the VRCZ4 and got this:

May 9, 2018 at 7:48:29 AM
Z-Wave Optimizing - started network optimization for nodes: 80
Z-Wave Optimizing - starting "080 - Scene Controller (RZCS4)"
Z-Wave Optimizing - ping completed in 66 ms
Z-Wave Optimizing - finding neighbors
Z-Wave Optimizing - failed "080 - Scene Controller (RZCS4)"
Z-Wave Optimizing - complete
Z-Wave Error Optimizing - update failed: "080 - Scene Controller (RZCS4)"

So, what is going on here? Is this a Z-Wave problem or is this a VRCZ4 problem (and why does Indigo identify it a an RCZS4)? All I want to do is press one of the buttons and have it invoke a trigger. If the VRCZ4/RCZS4 is not the right unit to do this, what is?

Thanks!

[matt (support)]

I'm not sure if the problem is because the module itself is sending duplicates (because of a firmware buglet) or because of a routing or controller issue that is specific to your configuration. The Z-Stick is definitely reporting to Indigo that multiple commands are coming in though, so Indigo is just reporting/using what it gets.

The workaround is to add an additional action on to your Trigger that is of type Server Action->Disable Trigger. Have it target the Trigger (self), and enable the Auto-enable after N checkbox with a duration of just a couple of seconds.

Have a look at my Zwave Scene Controller plugin.

It allows you to ignore duplicates within x seconds, configurable by device.


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[matt (support)]

Great suggestion!

I'm not sure if the problem is because the module itself is sending duplicates (because of a firmware buglet) or because of a routing or controller issue that is specific to your configuration. The Z-Stick is definitely reporting to Indigo that multiple commands are coming in though, so Indigo is just reporting/using what it gets.

Is there any way to determine what the proper behavior is supposed to be? I would hate to be working on a workaround when I am just working around a hardware bug that doesn't exist in other units.

For that matter, looking on the Leviton website I see they aren't even listing the VRCZ4-M0Z anymore. Are there other scene controllers that will generate a single event when the button is pushed so I don't knock myself out trying to make a silk purse out of a VRCZ4's ear?

OK, more testing and now I am VERY confused and wondering if, perhaps, there is a deeper problem here.

So I know that Indigo is receiving 4 "scene 1" events every time button 1 on the VRCZ4 is pressed. I created a trigger for "scene 1". All it does is increment a variable. When I click on "Execute Actions Now" the variable increments. I then press button 1 on the VRCZ4. The event log shows 4 "scene 1" events. The variable does not increment, suggesting that my trigger is not being executed. WTFO?

Earlier I had that trigger invoking an action group which contained itself three actions. Only the first of the three actions was getting executed. I suspected that the action group was being executed 4 times in short succession, hence my simple trigger with the counter variable.

Oh, and did I mention that Insteon doesn't work anymore? It receives Insteon messages but no devices ever receive any commands from the modem. The buttons of the 6-button and 8-button controllers generate event messages in the event log but none of the triggers that are tied to those events ever execute. (This is part of why I decided to punt Insteon.)

Now I am thinking that maybe there is something wrong with triggers. Bit rot? Dunno, but is sure acts like it.

Should I reinstall Indigo? Color me confused.

[matt (support)]

Stop and restart the Indigo Server, then see if the problem(s) are reproducible. If they are, then copy/paste the Event Log window contents into a reply and detail the steps you performed.

Stop and restart the Indigo Server, then see if the problem(s) are reproducible. If they are, then copy/paste the Event Log window contents into a reply and detail the steps you performed.

OK. I have stopped and restarted the server several times but I have just done it again. Here is the log from restarting the server:

May 9, 2018 at 6:14:48 PM
Starting Indigo Server version 7.1.1 (Mac OS X 10.13.4)
Loading attachments
"iTunes attachment.scpt" script loaded
"device target attachment.scpt" script loaded
"time stamp attachment.scpt" script loaded
"growl attachment.scpt" script loaded
"scenes attachment.scpt" script loaded
"group target attachment.scpt" script loaded
Loading database "/Library/Application Support/Perceptive Automation/Indigo 7/Databases/My House 1.indiDb"
Loading plugin "Cynical Behaviors 1.0.5"
Starting plugin "Cynical Behaviors 1.0.5" (pid 27210)
Loading plugin "Sony Bravia Network Remote Plugin 2.4.3"
Starting plugin "Sony Bravia Network Remote Plugin 2.4.3" (pid 27211)
Loading interface "Z-Wave 2.0.111"
Starting interface "Z-Wave 2.0.111" (pid 27212)
Loading interface "Virtual Devices 2.0.4"
Starting interface "Virtual Devices 2.0.4" (pid 27213)
Loading plugin "Z-Wave Lock Manager 1.0.49"
Starting plugin "Z-Wave Lock Manager 1.0.49" (pid 27214)
Loading plugin "Cynical Denon 1.7.2"
Starting plugin "Cynical Denon 1.7.2" (pid 27215)
Loading plugin "Cynical Network 1.8.0"
Starting plugin "Cynical Network 1.8.0" (pid 27216)
Loading plugin "Cynical Caché 1.7.2"
Starting plugin "Cynical Caché 1.7.2" (pid 27217)
Loading plugin "NOAA Weather 2.0.1"
Starting plugin "NOAA Weather 2.0.1" (pid 27218)
Loading interface "INSTEON Commands 2.0.10"
Starting interface "INSTEON Commands 2.0.10" (pid 27219)
Loading plugin "Action Collection 2.0.4"
Starting plugin "Action Collection 2.0.4" (pid 27220)
Found disabled plugin "DIRECTV DVR Control 1.1.1"
Found disabled plugin "Growl 2.0.2"
Found disabled plugin "Global Property Manager 2.0"
Found disabled plugin "Vera Bridge 1.0.10"
Found disabled plugin "Timers and Pesters 2.0.2"
Found disabled plugin "Airfoil Pro 1.0.9"
Found disabled plugin "SQL Logger 2.0.7"
Found disabled plugin "EasyDAQ Relay Card 2.0.3"
Found disabled plugin "Samsung TV 1.0"
Found disabled plugin "Airfoil 1.1.14"
Found disabled plugin "WeatherSnoop 2.1.3"
Found disabled plugin "iTunes 2.0.4"
Found disabled plugin "iCal Alarm Processor 2.0.1"
Found disabled plugin "Sharp TV Network Remote Plugin 1.4.19"
Bonjour registered "Indigo - My House 1"
Indigo Cocoa client connected
Cynical Behaviors API version 2.0
Cynical Behaviors Python version 2.7.10.final.0
Cynical Network API version 2.0
Cynical Network Python version 2.7.10.final.0
Started interface "Virtual Devices 2.0.4"
Started plugin "Cynical Behaviors 1.0.5"
Started plugin "NOAA Weather 2.0.1"
Started plugin "Action Collection 2.0.4"
Started interface "INSTEON Commands 2.0.10"
Cynical Denon API version 2.0
Cynical Denon Python version 2.7.10.final.0
Started plugin "Cynical Network 1.8.0"
Cynical Caché API version 2.0
Cynical Caché Python version 2.7.10.final.0
Started plugin "Z-Wave Lock Manager 1.0.49"
Started plugin "Cynical Denon 1.7.2"
Started plugin "Cynical Caché 1.7.2"
Started plugin "Sony Bravia Network Remote Plugin 2.4.3"
Sony Bravia Network Remote Plugin Checking for updates...
Started interface "Z-Wave 2.0.111"
Sony Bravia Network Remote Plugin No updates are available
WebServer client connected
WebServer started on port 8176 -- digest authentication enabled
Z-Wave connected to Z-Stick Plus (ZW090) interface on /dev/cu.usbmodem14231 (firmware 1.00)
Cynical Behaviors API version 2.0
Cynical Behaviors Python version 2.7.10.final.0
Cynical Network API version 2.0
Cynical Network Python version 2.7.10.final.0
Started interface "Virtual Devices 2.0.4"
Started plugin "Cynical Behaviors 1.0.5"
Started plugin "NOAA Weather 2.0.1"
Started plugin "Action Collection 2.0.4"
Started interface "INSTEON Commands 2.0.10"
Cynical Denon API version 2.0
Cynical Denon Python version 2.7.10.final.0
Started plugin "Cynical Network 1.8.0"
Cynical Caché API version 2.0
Cynical Caché Python version 2.7.10.final.0
Started plugin "Z-Wave Lock Manager 1.0.49"
Started plugin "Cynical Denon 1.7.2"
Started plugin "Cynical Caché 1.7.2"
Started plugin "Sony Bravia Network Remote Plugin 2.4.3"
Sony Bravia Network Remote Plugin Checking for updates...
Started interface "Z-Wave 2.0.111"
Sony Bravia Network Remote Plugin No updates are available
WebServer client connected
WebServer started on port 8176 -- digest authentication enabled
Z-Wave connected to Z-Stick Plus (ZW090) interface on /dev/cu.usbmodem14231 (firmware 1.00)
Trigger Set KBAZtempVariable

May 9, 2018 at 6:14:54 PM
Connected to PowerLinc 2413U interface on port usbserial-AL02YCKB
PowerLinc address 44.85.2E, firmware version 9.14

OK, now to try using the Insteon network to turn on a light connected to the 8-button controller. The result in the log is:

Error "Rear flood lights" on to 75; send failed (no acknowledgment)

Now if I press one of the buttons on that device I see:

May 9, 2018 at 6:29:57 PM
Received INSTEON "Rear flood lights" off (button 4)

BUT, the trigger associated with that event is not triggered.

Now it is interesting that it receives the signal from the 8-button controller but it can't send to it.

Now I do the same thing with VRCZ4 and I see:

May 9, 2018 at 6:31:45 PM
Z-Wave received "080 - Scene Controller (RZCS4)" scene 1
Z-Wave received "080 - Scene Controller (RZCS4)" scene 1
Z-Wave received "080 - Scene Controller (RZCS4)" scene 1
Z-Wave received "080 - Scene Controller (RZCS4)" scene 1

Again, I have a trigger associated with that event and it does not execute.

Other triggers seem to work OK. If I have a trigger associated with turning a device on or off, that seems to work just fine.

I am at a loss to understand what is going on here.

I can’t help with Insteon or why triggers are not running, but just to re-assure you that the multiple-press behaviour you’re seeing from scene controller is standard for Leviton.

I’ve been working with various other users on supporting Leviton but conversations dry up due to the long way we have to work out what Leviton is going, though I’ve just noticed I missed replying to the past response from Joel Snyder so that’s my fault.

(Matt, do you support 2B Scene activation and/or handle setting 2C groups now/yet? Was surprised to note you may be?)

Peter


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Thank you Peter. I think I need to figure out why triggers from these devices have stopped working. Something odd has happened. I have no idea if triggers not working has anything to do with Insteon not working but having two major changes in behavior suggests that something funny is going on.

Once I figure out why triggers don't work I will come back to try your plug-in.

Brian

I've got 4 of these in my house. I'm in the process of writing a plugin specifically for it. Theres a lot more to configuring them that meets the eye. Hoping to have something usable in a few weeks.

Brett

Theres a lot more to configuring them that meets the eye. Hoping to have something usable in a few weeks.

Too right!

Leviton and one of the others whose name escapes me stretch the bounds of the specs somewhat!


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[matt (support)]

I'm puzzled as to why the Triggers aren't firing given the incoming commands are showing in the Event Log. Are you positive the Triggers are defined correctly and are enabled? Also, what does the progress bar at the bottom-left of the Main Window show? Sometimes it will show progress text – is it stuck on showing something? Also is the progress bar itself empty or is it full of colored bars?

Lastly, you might try temporarily disabling all of your Indigo Plugins just to make sure it isn't an issue cause by one of them.

I'm puzzled as to why the Triggers aren't firing given the incoming commands are showing in the Event Log. Are you positive the Triggers are defined correctly and are enabled?

I think so. I have not defined these triggers differently from others. The triggers from the Insteon 8-button dimmer hasn't changed from before but that gets into the issue of why Insteon no longer works. The event log says it is receiving the event of the button press but triggers don't get executed. So I am dealing with two separate problems -- Insteon no longer working and events not properly triggering triggers. Since I see the same behavior from the Insteon 8-button controller and the VRCZ4, I am postulating a fault common to both. (And I freely accept that I may have screwed up somehow.)

Also, what does the progress bar at the bottom-left of the Main Window show? Sometimes it will show progress text – is it stuck on showing something? Also is the progress bar itself empty or is it full of colored bars?

The progress bar doesn't show any text and you can see outbound commands and inbound responses just fine. No delays or hang-ups except in the case of Insteon, of which I have almost none now. The only Insteon device left in my network is the 8-button dimmer which I have kept simply because I haven't found a good two (or more) button controller that also contains a dimmer and fits in a standard single-bay light switch box.

Lastly, you might try temporarily disabling all of your Indigo Plugins just to make sure it isn't an issue cause by one of them.

OK, I will. Neither Indigo nor any of the plugins were updated between the time things worked and when they stopped working so, while I considered that, I dismissed it. I have updated MacOS in that time tho'. Any chance that a MacOS update could corrupt something in Indigo?