Fast Forward to Razberry

[christian]

Hi,
the Razberry board will not be available before February, but there is a very simple way to get started now with testing the JSON API and even write code - Z-Cloud! Just login into the Z-Cloud platform and download the connector.
What is then needed is a simple off-the-shelf USB Stick such as Aeon Labs Z-Stick or the Vision Security Stick.

1. Log into Z-Cloud
2. Download Connector (link on the left side when logged in
3. Pick the file for your OS and run the connector (choose the right serial interface)
4. Start using the Demo UI
5. Now you can write your own UI using the JSON server in the Z-Cloud

There is only difference between Z-Cloud and Razberry - the automation engine. The automation engine on Z-Cloud is based on the concept of rules, schedules and scripts. Scripts can contain direct control of Z-wave devices and customized scripts written in Python. The automation engine of Razberry will be based on Server Side Java script.

The way the network and the devices are controlled and the data from the network is called from the JSON server is similar.

[pz1]

Looks interesting. Just for my understanding of the concept, what are the essential functional differences between Razberry, and e.g. the Zwave.me Zwave stick?

[PoltoS]

There are no big difference, except four major:
1) RaZberry will contain totally refactored firmware that have better queue management (Z-Stick will also have this feature from February)
2) RaZberry f/w can be updated from Raspberry PI OS (Z-Stick will also have this feature from February)
3) RaZberry form factor is designed to fit into most Raspberry Pi enclosures - no external devices, no USB occupied
4) Z-Way for Raspberry will work only with RaZberry dongle

[pz1]

Thanks for the clarification. This new Z-controller looks indeed an interesting device. Would it make communication with Danfoss DLC more reliable? If we only could get this Pi + DLC working properly it would make a very interesting energy saving solution by retrofitting traditional mechanical thermostats!

W.r.t. the new Z-stick, would this allow to run the Z-Way that comes with Pi on other platforms like my Synology DS212+, or does it need to be compiled for all different platforms?

[PoltoS]

Not sure about DLC, we have not tested it yet. But I don't expect big changes. May be a bit less battery consumption due to another implementation of thermostat CC, but this is to be proofed.

No, you can not use Z-Way for Raspberry Pi on other platforms, since it is optimized to be fast an memory efficient and relies on a specific ARM processor archtecture. May be we will make some business with Synology in future

[pz1]

On the picture of the Pi I see that the connector that holds the Zwave module does expose some unused pins. Can those pins be used for other puposes?
The application I have in mind is to control my sunshades which are now controlled by a built in Somfy interface. I do have an extra Somfy remote which has three buttons: Up, Stop, Down. So I would need a few digital outputs that can connect via some additional homebrew harware. The hardware I can deal with. My knowledge of Pi is insuficient to judge from the specifications if there are any programmable digital outputs to do this. Would be nice if managed through Pi. The alternative I consider is an OpenPicus Flyport.
Any users out there to enlighten me?

[pz1]

"The automation engine on Z-Cloud is based on the concept of rules, schedules and scripts"
Does this Razberry provide a WEB interface to scenes, rules, schedules as there is in Z-Cloud? Similar, is there also a WEB interface for managing devices as in Z-Cloud? Some documentation seems to suggest there is, other places seem to say there is not.

[PoltoS]

No scenes, no rules in Z-Way for RaZberry. But scripts are and they are in JavaScript!

We will introduct a completely new way to do automation in this project.

And yes, the UI to control and manage devices is same and fully compatible with Z-Cloud.

[PoltoS]

We are working on the API description. Will be posted soon

[pz1]

I understand. Good to hear that the Device Manager will be available.