Fibaro HC2 Update and User Experience

I recently updated my Fibaro Home Center 2 to the latest beta version, 4.021, and I must say, it’s been a mixed bag of experiences. On one hand, the update process was smoother than I anticipated, with the system guiding me through each step. The pre-update confirmation feature is a nice touch, ensuring that users are aware of the changes before proceeding. However, I did encounter a few hiccups along the way, particularly with the reconfiguration of my Z-Wave network. The progress window was helpful, but it took significantly longer than previous updates, which was a bit concerning.

One of the standout improvements I noticed is the enhanced support for Horstmann thermostats, specifically the HRT4-ZW model. Previously, I had issues with incorrect association values and battery life, but the latest update seems to have addressed these concerns. The thermostat now functions as expected, and the battery life has improved noticeably.

On the downside, I faced a few compatibility issues with some of my custom plugins. The update process removed them, and while I had backed up my source code, reinstalling and reconfiguring everything was time-consuming. Additionally, the lack of remote access in this beta version is a bit of a setback for me, as I rely on remote monitoring for my smart home setup.

Overall, I’m cautiously optimistic about this update. The improvements to the Z-Wave engine and device support are commendable, and the user interface feels more responsive. However, I would recommend users to thoroughly review their backups and ensure that all critical plugins are accounted for before proceeding with the update. It’s also worth noting that the update might not be ideal for those who heavily rely on remote access features at this stage.

If anyone has tips or tricks for a smoother update experience, or if you’ve encountered similar issues, I’d love to hear about them! Let’s continue to support each other in making the most out of our smart home setups. :rocket: