Fibaro Dimmer 2 and light goes off after less than 1 asecond

[Alex 32]

I have one problem:
I tried to install the new dimmer 2.

Everything worked fine so far (inclusion, automatic detection).

I have two momentary switches. If I use one of them controlling light works fine.

I am having two light in a row (two lamps at different positions).

 

The dimmer 2 module is connected to L, N. The output of switch 1 is connected to S1 (the other switch is connected to the first switch via

Light 1 is connected to O, than to the second light and back to neutral.

(So phase is connected to L of the module and input to the switches, neutral lead to N and end of second light, output of switch is connected to S1 and this "O" from the module is connected to the first light)

 

 

Now the problem:

If I switch on the lights via app or web page it goes on to the dimming value I want.  but only for very short time (less than a second).

So it switches off directly.

If I repeat this it happens again. But after the third or fourth time the light stays on.

After switching it off again and waiting for a minute (I have not measured this) I can reproduce this behaviour.

 

 

What have I done wrong?

Any more details needed?

[petergebruers 1,268]

(...)I’m able to measure some possibility’s(...)

I sure welcome someone that wants to know the "why" of this.

Please login or register to see this image.

/emoticons/default_icon_smile.gif" alt=":-)" /> I don't know your background so I risk insulting you... but you really need an oscilloscope to do that. And that will pose grounding issues, unless you use a scope designed for that purpose (mine is a Fluke 124). Or use some of the "dangerous, not recommended" workarounds. Also bear in mind the S1 input is high impedance. Loading it with a meter will distort what you see. Also, the input circuitry is unknown, so you'll have to do some reverse engineering! And finally this: Fibaro, like most other companies, does not like to see that kind of reverse engineering information published.

[Guest JBP]

Hi,

I have the same issue with long wires as many here.

On most of my Dimmer 2 I have the following setup: the module is situated behind a dual momentary switch. One switch is connected to S1, the other one to S2. Now in most cases, I have several additional momentary switches connected to S1 using long wires. On S2, there are no additional switches connected, just the one next to the module (very short wire).

In this constellation, I have the "1 second issue" when using the app or web interface to control the Dimmer.

Now I tried changing parameter 29 from 0 to 1 (switch functionality S1 and S2).

As soon as I change it, the 1 second issue is gone.

However, now I obviously can't use all my light switches the way I want, as only the single switch next to the module is acting as "light switch", while the others need to be programmed thru scene activation.

This poses the following question: is this problem related to the physical S1 or is it related to both S1 and S2? In my case, having the long wires on physical S1 but logical S2 (parameter 29 = 1) is removing the issue.

If it is related only to the physical S1 but not the physical S2, one solution might by to connect the long wired switches to S2, use parameter 29 = 1, and keep wires on the physical S1 short.

Has anyone tried that?

All my modules were installed be an electrician, so I hesitate to change the cabling by myself now. However, if the solution above would work, then I would have the electrician change the wiring.

In case anyone has tried this or would be willing to try, please let me know.

In addition I am obviously also in contact with Fibaro tech support. But their ideas so far are only to change certain parameters (which didn't resolve the issue), or send in the modules...

Thanks,

Jochen

[petergebruers 1,268]

This poses the following question: is this problem related to the physical S1 or is it related to both S1 and S2? In my case, having the long wires on physical S1 but logical S2 (parameter 29 = 1) is removing the issue.

(...)

Has anyone tried that?

It's clever thinking but both inputs are equally sensitive to long wires. I can't remember who tried that, but I'm certain that it doesn't help.

[Guest JBP]

Thanks, Peter!

Well, I guess then I need to hope for an improved Dimmer module from Fibaro one day, or indeed look into adding a relay if there is space left...

Thanks again for all your support,

Jochen

[CoopR 2]

I also had similar problems with one of my V2 dimmers where i have 2 momentary switches to control the lights.

 

As I would switch the light on with one of the momentary switches, the lights (4x35w GU10 halogen) would go on for a second and then immediately turn off again. The HC2 reported that there was an voltage drop or drift.

 

I did a soft configuration, a complete reconfiguration but nothing seem to work.

 

But the following procedure solved the problem for me:

 

- Completely Delete device from HC2.

- Leave dimmer connected on the wiring and turn off the supply voltage.

- Wait a few seconds and turn on the supply voltage again.

- The automatic light configuration of the Dimmer V2 should start now (if it not starts make sure you delete the device properly form your HC2).

- Wait until the automatic light configuration starts (Blinking lights) and completes.

- Include the dimmer module back into your HC2 and test functionality.

 

I think that in my case there was a problem with the automatic light configuration when first time powering up the module so it had wrong parameters that caused this strange behaviour.

Is there also a way to restart this automatic light configuration procedure without removing the device from hc2 and disconnect and reconnect the power?

[Alex 32]

You can start the automatic light configuration be setting parameter 13 to 1 or 2.

But this did not help me in my case.

[Guest azevenhuizen]

After replacing my dimmer 1's for dimmer 2's, because of led's, it is the same problem here.

 

I wonder if a shielded or twisted pair would help, but i do not have room to add those anyway.

Maybe add a capacitor between the lines?
 

I tested with a big-ass relay and this works flawless.

Looks like I'll be on the chase for some smaller relays at Conrad next week....

[petergebruers 1,268]

After replacing my dimmer 1's for dimmer 2's, because of led's, it is the same problem here.

 

I wonder if a shielded or twisted pair would help, but i do not have room to add those anyway.

Maybe add a capacitor between the lines?

 

I tested with a big-ass relay and this works flawless.

Looks like I'll be on the chase for some smaller relays at Conrad next week....

The problem is capacitive coupling induced voltage on S1, so indeed theoretically a shielded cable could work (twisted pair exists in shielded variants). The cable must be rated for 250 VAC. A coaxial cable, like a RG58 (flexible) or TV coax might work. Or maybe a LiYCY control cable 2 x 0,5 mm2 (PVC insulated). I've never tested it because those cables are thick and expensive. And the solid core coax types are difficult to bend. A small capacitor across S1-Sx can help. Try anything between 1 nF and 22 nF. Capacitors must also be rated for 250 V AC for safety reasons. This has been tested by a few other users and me, it doesn't work for everyone. Please work safely, for instance, make sure the leads of the capacitor are isolated. At the moment, judging from user's feedback, the relay solutions works best (though size is an issue).

[yoyo 0]

 

I also had similar problems with one of my V2 dimmers where i have 2 momentary switches to control the lights.

 

As I would switch the light on with one of the momentary switches, the lights (4x35w GU10 halogen) would go on for a second and then immediately turn off again. The HC2 reported that there was an voltage drop or drift.

 

I did a soft configuration, a complete reconfiguration but nothing seem to work.

 

But the following procedure solved the problem for me:

 

- Completely Delete device from HC2.

- Leave dimmer connected on the wiring and turn off the supply voltage.

- Wait a few seconds and turn on the supply voltage again.

- The automatic light configuration of the Dimmer V2 should start now (if it not starts make sure you delete the device properly form your HC2).

- Wait until the automatic light configuration starts (Blinking lights) and completes.

- Include the dimmer module back into your HC2 and test functionality.

 

I think that in my case there was a problem with the automatic light configuration when first time powering up the module so it had wrong parameters that caused this strange behaviour.

Is there also a way to restart this automatic light configuration procedure without removing the device from hc2 and disconnect and reconnect the power?

 

I have succeeded with your procedure as well.

Thanks a lot

[dhendo 2]

I've just got my 2x modules back from a RMA at Fibaro (Switching off <1s - each button connected to 2x momentary switches, 3 wire ~ 8m each wire).

 

They came back marked "Software problem. Fixed". The modules have a replaced sticker on them showing they've been flashed with v3.4

 

I can't fit them right now - will report back when I have.

[dhendo 2]

I've fitted the modules now, and they've been running for a week or so. I don't think I've seen the issue occur once. 

 

Try contacting Fibaro to get your module re-flashed, or ask them when the OTA update functionality that was advertised when the modules were first sold is going to make an appearance.

[CoopR 2]

Today i noticed an other problem with my Dimmer 2's (V3.3).

 

I didn't noticed this before but for some reason my dimmers don't hold their setpoint, after a while they very slowly increase brightness.

It goes that slowly that you almost don't notice this behavior until you realize and remember that you put the light on a lower brightness.

 

Now that i know i have this problem I started monitoring the KW output of the dimmer modules and as expected they slowly increase the wattage?

 

I have normal GU10 45watt lights (no led!) and i have this problem for almost all of my dimmer 2 configuration, even the ones with just one momentary switch.

 

If you change the setpoint of the dimmer after a while (when he slowly increased brightness), you notice a strange behaviour.

The light first goes back to its original setpoint (so decreased brightness) and then goes to the new setpoint.

 

I tried to visualize this behavior in the following screenshot.

 

Please login or register to see this image.

 

Green line indicates the actual setpoint change from 30% to for example 20%

 

I do notice this behavior when dimming with wall switches and with the fibaro app.

 

Does anyone of you have the same problem??

[tinman 1,070]

yes, i had exact same situation with 40W halogen light. after update to 3.4 problem is gone.

[Igy 23]

I have the same. V 3.2

[Igy 23]

yes, i had exact same situation with 40W halogen light. after update to 3.4 problem is gone.

How did you update?

[CoopR 2]

Today i noticed an other problem with my Dimmer 2's (V3.3).

 

I didn't noticed this before but for some reason my dimmers don't hold their setpoint, after a while they very slowly increase brightness.

It goes that slowly that you almost don't notice this behavior until you realize and remember that you put the light on a lower brightness.

 

Now that i know i have this problem I started monitoring the KW output of the dimmer modules and as expected they slowly increase the wattage?

 

I have normal GU10 45watt lights (no led!) and i have this problem for almost all of my dimmer 2 configuration, even the ones with just one momentary switch.

 

If you change the setpoint of the dimmer after a while (when he slowly increased brightness), you notice a strange behaviour.

The light first goes back to its original setpoint (so decreased brightness) and then goes to the new setpoint.

 

I tried to visualize this behavior in the following screenshot.

 

Please login or register to see this image.

 

Green line indicates the actual setpoint change from 30% to for example 20%

 

I do notice this behavior when dimming with wall switches and with the fibaro app.

 

Does anyone of you have the same problem??

 

I can confirm that this problem is not solved in the new 3.4 version.

 

Anyone else with this problem on 3.4?

[theplayernll 0]

it's not fixed.

 

I have fix it by buying me some Qubino dimmers, they have not this problem. its a great bummer for Fibaro, they don't listen to there customers, they don't have any priority list, they don't test, they don't make tepmplates for many other products (like the Qubino Dimmer).... good product Fibaro has, but they didn't support it well and don't listen to there customers.... Shame...

I can confirm that this problem is not solved in the new 3.4 version.

 

Anyone else with this problem on 3.4?

[redball 0]

New user here - signed up just to say I have the same problems with a new 212 dimmer v3.4.

 

Installed in 2 wire setup, it simply does not work correctly.   Lights on for one second, then off.

 

Ive set this up on a test bed and tried in both 2 and 3 wire configurations.  Works fine in a 3 wire set up, but is useless in a 2 wire setup.  No amount of paramater setting or messing around with configuration will get it to work properly.  The device simply does not work correctly in a 2 wire setup.  Fibaro have done nothing to address this problem, and are pumping these out into the UK where houses are almost all 2 wire setups at the light switches.

 

Wired in 3 wire - works fine:

 

Please login or register to see this image.

 

 

 

Wired in 2 wire - lights on for one second and then off, will never work correctly:

 

[petergebruers 1,268]

@redball. The minimum load is 50 W (according to the manual). I have successfully used 2-wire setup with half of that. But if you get much lower, the dimmer shuts itself off, because the load (lamp) does not pass sufficient current and leave enough voltage for the dimmer to operate. That might explain your result. 3-wire setup does not have this requirement (though there is still a lower limit, but violating that would cause glowing or flickering with some LED or CFL lamps, not exactly what you describe). What kind of load did you use to test with? Can you please try with an incandescent lamp >= 25 Watt?

[redball 0]

The load in the test rig above is a 60w incandescent bulb.