Wall-switch labeling.. tips, ideas?

[dannybloe]

Hi folks,

I'm currently replacing many standard wall switches (for the lights) with z-wave switches that have multiple functions (switching lights, starting scenes, groups, single-click, double-click, dimming etc.). Now I have this problem that you can no longer predict what a switch does. Like some switch has a single-click function and a double-click function. I got called by my cleaning lady that she couldn't turn off the lights anymore coz she didn't know what to press. So... it's time for some labeling on the switch. But... how can you do this in a pretty fashion? I am curious what you guys/dolls have come up with on how to deal with this problem.

Tips are greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Danny

[dannybloe]

Just to reply to myself :
I saw these 'invisible' transparent label sheets that can be used with a laser printer. Perhaps you can stick that on the switches:

http://www.herma.nl/nl/productcatalogus ... -4680.html

Advantage is that with a proper laser printer you can print fine details like small text and icons.

[gizmocuz]

i would not install such an advanced button system..... but until everybody understands, maybe some post-it's on the wall ?

[JuanUil]

Hi Danny,

I have a Nodon Wallswitch which has a Enocean switch inside.
I am trying to make scenes with it but I don't find the proper way to do that because it is seen as a remote controll and I can only switch because I have included them in a group in Z-wave.
Do you have scenes in Lua?
If so could you post or PM them?
\
tnx in advance

Jan

[dannybloe]

i would not install such an advanced button system..... but until everybody understands, maybe some post-it's on the wall ?

Haha... nah.. that's too easy. But seriously... with some proper labeling, an icon or something it shouldn't be hard. It's all UI. Besides.. it would be a waste of the dimmer's capability not to use the additional buttons. It's kinda cool that with one button you can switch of all the lights in the living and switch on the lights upstairs when you go to bed. Just put something like 'Zzz' on the wall-switch and it's obvious.
/me wonders what a button with 'Xxx' on it would do....

[AngryMop]

First, don't cram all the possible clicks into switches. Hard to remember, too complicated. Been there, done that.

For labeling: laser printing on transparent foil is a very good idea, but you have to laminate it after printing. Easiest would be to stick aonther layer of transparent film on top after printing. The dry toner WILL scratch off the labels. Been there, done that. I have access top professional printing equipment, tried various finishes and laminating is the only way to achieve longevity on something that will be often touched by people.

[jessy1984]

there is an easy solution for this
why use the wall switches a lot of domotica systems dont even have wall switches anymore
mount an ipad /tablet on the wall
see that it has power and just use the switches on the ipad no labels needed you already named the switches in domoticz

[dannybloe]

You serious? Haha, do you expect me to hang (i)pads all around the house? I may put some on walls in some strategic places but certainly not everywhere.
I guess I'll go for the transparent sheets.

[dijkdj]

I use a Dymo labelwriter for labeling Kaku switches. (not the one connected to a computer, just the standalone) and it works ok.

Main advantage is that you don't have to cut out small pieces of paper from A4.

Disadvantage of labeling is that you don't see it in the dark, so many times I hit leftswitch up/down, rightswitch updown to see what happens.

[bbqkees]

I use a Dymo labelwriter for labeling Kaku switches. (not the one connected to a computer, just the standalone) and it works ok.

You probably mean a 'Dymo Letratag'.
They work just fine for this purpose and they are relatively cheap. Use transparant label tape and a small font size.

[dijkdj]

True

[dannybloe]

So I ordered some transparent sticker sheets that can be used in a laser printer and used that to print labels for the buttons. The labels are not entirely transparent (darkens the background a bit) but that is ok. So far it works well.

IMG_2687.JPG (53.99 KiB) Viewed 2893 times

IMG_2688.JPG (54.81 KiB) Viewed 2893 times

Screen Shot 2015-12-26 at 14.16.05.jpg (122.27 KiB) Viewed 2893 times

[nickgosling]

That's pretty cool.
I have gone down the keep it simple route and there is only one 'Scene' button in every room that toggles certain scenes and devices dependent on variables throughout the day. One example is on my landing between 5pm and 7pm ( bathtime for the kids ) if the button is pushed it will set a scene for the bedrooms and when pushed again set a story time scene if pushed again will reset the scene.

So my wife said ' How will I know what button to press to get the lights on'
to which I said ' Every button is exactly the same as it was ! But the scene buttons do extra stuff. Just push it and see what happens. If you don't like what happened press it again and it will reverse it'

This way anyone in the house isn't afraid of pushing a button just in case they make a mistake.

However. I love the transparent labels. At the moment i'm using grid modules and the scene buttons are a different colour. This is great for wall switches that have more than 2 modules because it is obvious but for the others a sticker might be helpful.