Shutter Switch H2 (Matter): Why is calibration required for basic relay control?

[DEBikal]

Hello all,

I am using the Shutter Switch H2 via Matter over Thread and have a question regarding its behavior.

Why is the switch not able to operate as a basic shutter relay before calibration is completed?
With other shutter controllers for example Eve and several other Matter-compatible devices, calibration is only required for position tracking (0–100%). Even without calibration, the relays can still be controlled normally for Up, Down, and Stop. With the Switch calibration is mandatory before normal operation is possible, which reduces flexibility, especially for users who only want simple open/close control through Matter and do not need percentage positioning. According to Aqara’s documentation, percentage control requires calibration, but basic motor control should still be possible without it. I’m currently using the two other buttons and created an automation for it to work. But that seems a bit odd.

One of the main goals of Matter is interoperability without vendor-specific apps. Requiring Aqara-specific calibration steps for basic operation feels contrary to that philosophy. Why can’t the H2 simply expose Open/Close/Stop functions immediately and make calibration optional for position reporting only?

Or is it just me who has not figured it out?

Thanks in advance.

[Raman.V]

Hello @DEBikal
If you give the “Lower” command when the blind is already closed, the motor will continue to attempt movement, which will lead to overheating and rapid failure. Calibration teaches the relay to disconnect power in a timely manner. Without calibration, the switch will not be able to accurately communicate the blind’s status to other systems for scenarios and automation. Here are several reasons why I believe calibration is mandatory.

[DEBikal]

I totally get that. But why is it possible for other vendors to do it without calibrating I have many h2 and eve shutter switches. No issues with the eves for many years. Not one calibration was needed.

I had „dumb“ switches as well and I often just left the lower switch or the open switch pressed in until I needed the other, sometimes even for the whole day/night, no issues accrued either.

[JohnD]

Hi. Where exactly is the problem with the calibration?

You can perform a calibration directly on the device. There’s no need to do it in a vendor-specific app. Either the “Smart Calibration” or the manual / passive calibration — see the manual:

Images Source: Shutter SwitchH2 EU User Manual