APNT-19 - Associating Devices in Z-Wave Controllers

This application note shows how to directly associate Z-Wave devices using the Fibaro Home Center 2, VERA or Zipato central controllers.

Z-Wave Association

In most Z-Wave applications we configure them so that the central controller handles all commands. So for example a motion detector would send a signal to the controller and as a second step the controller would send a command to a Z-Wave dimmer to turn on a light. However, this adds unnecessary steps which can make this communication take too long.

Associating the motion detector and dimmer enables the motion detector to send signals directly to the dimmer without involving the controller. This saves time, reduces the complexity of the communication and the amount of airtime taken. It also allows sensors to be used in networks without a static controller. Further information is available in Z-Wave Groups, Scenes & Associations.

Associating devices is straightforward, the steps below show how to associate them using the Fibaro HC2, VERA or ZipaBox central controllers.

VERA UI5

On the Z-Wave device you wish to associate with other devices click the 'wrench' and go to the DEVICE OPTIONS tab
In 'Associations' enter the group number to be used in 'Group ID' - check the device manual for the correct group (group 2 is often used for association)
Click 'Add Group'
Click 'Set'
Choose the device or devices you wish to associate it with
Click 'Back to ZWave options' (you will need to scroll down)
Close the DEVICE OPTIONS tab and click 'SAVE' in the main VERA Window
Wait for VERA to complete this save

Associating Z-Wave Devices in VERA

VERA UI7

On the Z-Wave device you wish to associate with other devices click the arrow icon and go to the Device Options tab
In 'Associations' enter the group number to be used in 'Group ID' - check the device manual for the correct group
Click 'Add Group'
Click 'Set'
Choose the device or devices you wish to associate it with - only "parent devices" will be available
- For multi-channel Association type the endpoint number, e.g. "2" for the Second channel of the Philio PAN04 Relay
- Note: for more information on Multi-Channel Associations take a look at KB-86.

Associations

Click 'Save Changes'
Click 'Back to ZWave options'
Wake up the device if it’s battery powered
Wait for VERA to finish setting the configurations

Associations

Fibaro Home Center V3

On the Z-Wave device icon, click the 'wrench' or choose the device from the left-hand sidebar in the Devices tab
Go to the Advanced tab
Scroll down to the 'Associations' section
Choose the correct Group ID - check the device manual for the correct group (group 2 is often used for association)
Click the 'Set Up' button and choose the device you wish to associate it with in the Devices List menu
Click the 'Add' button and close the Devices List menu
On the Right-Hand sidebar click the 'Save' button (file icon below up arrow)

Associating Z-Wave Devices in Fibaro Home Center 2

Fibaro Home Center V4

On the Z-Wave device icon, click the 'wrench' or choose the device from the left-hand sidebar in the Devices tab
Go to the ‘Advanced’ tab
Scroll down to the 'Associations' section
Click ‘Setting Association’
On the left side click on the Group number you wish to Associate - check the device manual for the correct group
On the right side check the device you want to Associate with
- Check the ‘S’ column for Single-Channel Association
- Check the ‘M’ column for Multi-Channel Association
- Note: for more information on Multi-Channel Associations take a look at KB-86.
Click the 'Save’ button and close the Devices List menu
On the Right-Hand sidebar click the 'Save' button (file icon below up arrow)