Exploring Zigbee Bulb Customization for Seamless Automation
Hello everyone,
I’ve been diving into the world of Zigbee bulbs and their integration with smart home systems, and I wanted to share my experiences and insights with you. While I’ve managed to set up some impressive automation rules using my Xiaomi Aqara Light Switches and Alexa, there’s one aspect that’s been on my mind—customizing the power-on behavior of my bulbs.
My Current Setup
For my table lamps, which are always powered on, I’ve created a virtual switch in Hubitat that triggers a Dim On or Dim Off rule. This works beautifully with my Xiaomi switches and Alexa. However, ceiling lights pose a bit of a challenge. The power switches for these lights immediately cut or supply power to the bulbs, making it trickier to implement the same smooth dimming effect.
I’ve managed to set up similar Dim On and Dim Off rules for my ceiling lights, but they only work when controlled via Alexa. For instance, when I turn off the lights using Alexa, the bulbs dim to 0% before the mains switch cuts the power. However, when I physically toggle the wall switch, the lights come on at full brightness without any dimming. This inconsistency has been a bit of a frustration.
The Ideal Scenario
My goal is to have all my Zigbee bulbs power on at the lowest brightness level and then instantly brighten to 100% when turned on. This would create a seamless experience, especially in areas where I want the lights to come on gradually without the harsh transition from off to full brightness.
What I’ve Discovered
I’ve found that some Zigbee bulbs, like the INNR Gen 2, remember their last brightness setting by default. This means if they were set to 5% before being turned off, they’ll start at that level when powered on again. While this is a step in the right direction, it’s not quite the automatic, consistent behavior I’m aiming for across all my bulbs.
Seeking Solutions
I’m curious if there’s a way to configure this behavior universally for all Zigbee bulbs or if it’s a feature that’s brand or firmware-specific. For example, I know that Osram Smart+ Zigbee bulbs allow configuring the default state at power-on through their Lightify Gateway, but this functionality doesn’t carry over when paired with other hubs. This makes me wonder if there’s a workaround or a setting I’m missing that could achieve this across different brands.
A Call for Collaboration
If anyone out there has tackled this challenge or has insights into how different Zigbee bulbs handle power-on states, I’d love to hear from you! Whether it’s through specific firmware updates, third-party apps, or clever rule configurations, I’m all ears. Let’s collaborate to find a solution that works for everyone!
Looking forward to your thoughts and experiences!
Best regards,
Mark