Error Sending switch command

[NBM]

Hi.

Im new to Domiticz.

I have a problem with sending commands to my sensors.

I have made 1 with one relay and 1 with 4 relay and a scenecontroller.

All of them is refreshing "last seen" when im turning the sensor on and off

Regads Nikolaj

[sundberg84]

Hi! Is it a standard MySensors relay you got?
When i reboot Domoticz for some reason i need to present the relays again or i get this message.

[NBM]

@sundberg84 Yes standard relay. Present=reset (turn on and off.)?

[sundberg84]

Yea reset.

[NBM]

@sundberg84 No change. Still samme massage.

[sundberg84]

@NBM What Domoticz version do you run? The lastes beta feel more stable than the stable version... or atleast mysensors was pretty new in that version so it might be a good idea to upgrade.

[NBM]

@sundberg84 My version on domoticz and i have newst version on mysensor.

[sundberg84]

Ok sorry then im out of ideas - do you have any logs we can look at?

[NBM]

@sundberg84 Where du i find the logs on domoticz?

[sundberg84]

The log in Domoticz is by default quite little info, but Setup -> Log
But if you se anything in the gw when you trigger perhaps?

[NBM]

It shows everytime when im reset the sensor.

[sundberg84]

And when you switch it looks like this:

But what about the gateway?

[NBM]

Only this is showing when i switch the sensor.

Where do i find the log on gateway? GW log?

[sundberg84]

Yea, the serial log from your arduino - connect the gateway to your computer and open the serial monitor in the arduino IDE.
Another thing that you can try is to remove the device completley from domoticz, reset the node and add it again in Domoticz.

[hugo_pn]

@sundberg84 said:

Another thing that you can try is to remove the device completely from domoticz, reset the node and add it again in Domoticz.

Hi,

I'm having exactly the same problems as NBM.

I've tried doing as suggested by soundberg84.

It worked for one Node(relay) but another one does not seam to get up and working. Using the serial gateway it's working.

I find odd that (Motion Sensor) Nodes are always good and working. It seems to be something concerning relays. Because when the problem occurs it affects all the relays simultaneously.

My setup is a Raspberry Pi with a serial Gateway. I've had the same problem with the stable version and the beta version.

Another thing that I've noticed, if there are two Raspberry Pi with the same setup, and with out having the " Accept new Hardware Devices Allow for 5 Minutes " turned on, without resetting the a (Motion Sensor), Domoticz recognizes them on the devices panel.

Cheers
Hugo

[sundberg84]

@hugo_pn If you are using the default relay sketch you need ack back from the gw to switch it. Is the problem in Domoticz (Error sending switch command) or it doesnt get switched?

[hugo_pn]

Hi,

I am using the default relay sketch with button.
Ack back = acknowledge?

The message I receive from Domoticz is (Error sending switch command...)
when the message doesn't appear it switches.

[sundberg84]

In new Domoticz beta there is so you can enable/disable ack. Havent tried that myself but maybe you can try to change that.
Also what does your gw serial log say? Maybe we can find some clues there...

[jlaraujo]

I'm having the same issue, running Version: 2.3530 Build Hash: 9eef872

The sensor is number 1, and as soon as i try to change the state i get the "Error sending switch command, check device/hardware !"

This is what the domoticz is sending:
0;0;3;0;9;send: 0-0-1-1 s=35,c=1,t=2,pt=0,l=1,sg=0,st=fail:1

It seems that the problems is that the sensor does not reply correctly, how do i parse the message and reply?

Thanks

[fets]

@jlaraujo said:

0;0;3;0;9;send: 0-0-1-1 s=35,c=1,t=2,pt=0,l=1,sg=0,st=fail:

st=fail means that the message was not received. So this is a hardware issue

[macieiks]

Hello guys,

I had the same problem with st=fail, also with this output: "Error sending command, check your hardware/device (blablabla :D)". I can give you here my hints, maybe they will help you. First of all I am using the latest beta domoticz and beta mysensors library v1.6.

I am using two types of nrf24L01+ (with built-in antenna and external). For built-in antenna I am using #define RF24_PA_LEVEL_GW RF24_PA_HIGH in my sketches, BUT for external I need to lower the power because Arduino cannot provide enought current for it (even with attached capacitor): define RF24_PA_LEVEL_GW RF24_PA_LOW. I had this st=fail when I was using HIGH settings for nrf with external antenna, but now it is fixed. Also make sure that you have enough coverage.

I have Arduino Mega2560 installed 1 week ago with 16 channel 12v relay board together. I had the the same problem like you "Error sending command, check your hardware/device". Two days ago I realized that maybe there is a problem with my powering my gateway. I have RFXtrx433, APCups and Ethernet Arduino Uno gateway connected to Raspberry Pi USB. I connected my MySensors gateway separately via 5V charge to the wall socket and this error problem is gone. Conclusion was this that my Raspberry couldnt supply enough current for all attached devices. Now I am planning to install PiHut USB hub with external power supply and move all connected USB interfaces to it and then just with one connection cable to my raspberry (maybe RFX will work better we will see).

Update us if these two hints helped you ;D.

Cheers
Maciek

[hugo_pn]

@sundberg84 said:

In new Domoticz beta there is so you can enable/disable ack. Havent tried that myself but maybe you can try to change that.
Also what does your gw serial log say? Maybe we can find some clues there...

Sorry for not replying but the error hasn't been appearing, só I cant show the log. From what I've read there is no log file in Domoticz.

Haven't tried to enable/disable ack.

[hugo_pn]

@macieiks said:

Hello guys,

"
I am using two types of nrf24L01+ (with built-in antenna and external). For built-in antenna I am using #define RF24_PA_LEVEL_GW RF24_PA_HIGH in my sketches, BUT for external I need to lower the power because Arduino cannot provide enought current for it (even with attached capacitor): define RF24_PA_LEVEL_GW RF24_PA_LOW. I had this st=fail when I was using HIGH settings for nrf with external antenna, but now it is fixed. Also make sure that you have enough coverage."

This may come into a great help, I have two external antennas that I thought where damaged since arrival, maybe this is the problem. I'm going to try this next week.

Although, this still makes me thinking of distance, the error appears with the hardware separated by +- 3m with no obstacles .

Cheers

[jlaraujo]

@macieiks Could't find what my problem was. I've tried changing the gateway code to the sensor, same issue, change the radios, the same thing.

I ended up downloading again the Mysensors library, the same issue, i then changed the baud rate for the debug and serial gateway to 19200 and that seemed to solve the issue, i can now issue commands to the nodes, thanks for the help.

My sensor and gateway are all Pro mini, 8v 8Mhz, i remember now that i've read something in the forum, but can't find it now.

[NBM]

@hugo_pn Is's possible to see the sketch? Im insecure where to alter the sketch.

[hugo_pn]

@NBM

Hi,

I'm trying to find it. As soon as I do and if I do I'll tell.

Chears

[hugo_pn]

@macieiks said:

Hello guys,

I had the same problem with st=fail, also with this output: "Error sending command, check your hardware/device (blablabla :D)". I can give you here my hints, maybe they will help you. First of all I am using the latest beta domoticz and beta mysensors library v1.6.

I am using two types of nrf24L01+ (with built-in antenna and external). For built-in antenna I am using #define RF24_PA_LEVEL_GW RF24_PA_HIGH in my sketches, BUT for external I need to lower the power because Arduino cannot provide enought current for it (even with attached capacitor): define RF24_PA_LEVEL_GW RF24_PA_LOW. I had this st=fail when I was using HIGH settings for nrf with external antenna, but now it is fixed. Also make sure that you have enough coverage.

Hi,

Can't find the specific line. The most similar one is in the MyConfig.h line 115

#define RF24_PA_LEVEL_GW RF24_PA_LOW

Going with the GitHub file I don't even find it...

Where exactly did you change the mentioned above?

Thanks

Hugo

P.S. I can't find the V 1.6 library for my sensors. That's why I mentioned github

[hek]

1.6 is the default branch when you go to the github project.

[NBM]

This is what im getting when im trying to turn on the light.

0;0;3;0;9;send: 0-0-1-1 s=1,c=1,t=2,pt=0,l=1,sg=0,st=fail:1

[sundberg84]

st=fail means the gw radio doesnt reach the node.
It can be a power issue (search the forum) which can be fixed with caps and/or other power.
It can be a range issue and then you need a repeater.

[NBM]

@sundberg84 The node is 2 meters from the gateway.
It most be an power problem. Is it with the gateway or node?

[sundberg84]

Hi!
Can be both (or even worse, faulty hardware/bad fake nrf radios).

I power my gateway through USBCharger and have a 4.7 + 47 uF cap paralell on VCC/Gnd.
On my nodes i use a single 4.7uF cap VCC/GND

In best case its just one of your radios thats bad or misswired... check wiring and/or change the radios if you have another one.

[NBM]

@sundberg84 On my gateway (nano) is an 4.7 uF og it is connected with USB to the domoticz. How can I do it different?

Im getting this from the node. It reads okay.

1;255;3;0;11;RELAY_BUTTON_JUL
0;0;3;0;9;read: 1-1-0 s=255,c=3,t=12,pt=0,l=3,sg=0:1.0
1;255;3;0;12;1.0
0;0;3;0;9;read: 1-1-0 s=1,c=0,t=3,pt=0,l=0,sg=0:
1;1;0;0;3;

[NBM]

I have made an temp node and it communicating okay.

0;0;3;0;9;read: 4-4-0 s=1,c=1,t=0,pt=7,l=5,sg=0:17.8
4;1;1;0;0;17.8
0;0;3;0;9;read: 4-4-0 s=0,c=1,t=1,pt=7,l=5,sg=0:45.2
4;0;1;0;1;45.2
0;0;3;0;9;read: 4-4-0 s=0,c=1,t=1,pt=7,l=5,sg=0:45.0
4;0;1;0;1;45.0
0;0;3;0;9;read: 4-4-0 s=0,c=1,t=1,pt=7,l=5,sg=0:45.3
4;0;1;0;1;45.3
0;0;3;0;9;read: 4-4-0 s=0,c=1,t=1,pt=7,l=5,sg=0:45.0
4;0;1;0;1;45.0

Read is not the problem. it is send comands

[sundberg84]

I had this problem due to range but 2m shouldnt be any problem... so strange you can recieve but not send.

Some things to consider if someone else doesnt know better than me:

• Change radios if possible
• Send commands without relays attached (to see if there is some spokes or disturabnce from relay)
• Connect MYSController to debug if possible

Whats your node ID on that node?
Im not good reading those serial lines but if they are beginning with 0 its like its sending to the gateway!?
In my case when i send: 103;1;1;1;2;1 where 103 is node ID, Child(Relay) 1, MsgType = 1 (Set), Ack = 1 (yes), 2 = V_LIGHT, 1 = On

[NBM]

My relay sensor

How can i Send commands without relays attached? Where i see log from the gatway?
I also tryed change radios. No change.

[sundberg84]

Sorry, Domoticz logs and hardware doesnt provide any info about the radio traffic. MySensors NodeID and Domoticz ID is not the same either.

If you disconnect the relay from your Arduino you should still be able to send the switch command and with this the relay disconnected it doesnt make any power spikes that could interfere with the radio.

Could you please post your sketch and logs from the gateway again... I cant seem to figure this out.

[NBM]

The sketch to the relay

/**
 * The MySensors Arduino library handles the wireless radio link and protocol
 * between your home built sensors/actuators and HA controller of choice.
 * The sensors forms a self healing radio network with optional repeaters. Each
 * repeater and gateway builds a routing tables in EEPROM which keeps track of the
 * network topology allowing messages to be routed to nodes.
 *
 * Created by Henrik Ekblad <henrik.ekblad@mysensors.org>
 * Copyright (C) 2013-2015 Sensnology AB
 * Full contributor list: https://github.com/mysensors/Arduino/graphs/contributors
 *
 * Documentation: http://www.mysensors.org
 * Support Forum: http://forum.mysensors.org
 *
 * This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or
 * modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License
 * version 2 as published by the Free Software Foundation.
 *
 *******************************
 *
 * REVISION HISTORY
 * Version 1.0 - Henrik Ekblad
 * 
 * DESCRIPTION
 * Example sketch for a "light switch" where you can control light or something 
 * else from both HA controller and a local physical button 
 * (connected between digital pin 3 and GND).
 * This node also works as a repeader for other nodes
 * http://www.mysensors.org/build/relay
 */ 

#include <MySensor.h>
#include <SPI.h>
#include <Bounce2.h>

#define RELAY_PIN  4  // Arduino Digital I/O pin number for relay 
#define BUTTON_PIN  3  // Arduino Digital I/O pin number for button 
#define CHILD_ID 1   // Id of the sensor child
#define RELAY_ON 0
#define RELAY_OFF 1

Bounce debouncer = Bounce(); 
int oldValue=0;
bool state;
MySensor gw;
MyMessage msg(CHILD_ID,V_LIGHT);

void setup()  
{  
  gw.begin(incomingMessage, AUTO, true);

  // Send the sketch version information to the gateway and Controller
  gw.sendSketchInfo("RELAY_BUTTON_JUL", "1.0");

 // Setup the button
  pinMode(BUTTON_PIN,INPUT);
  // Activate internal pull-up
  digitalWrite(BUTTON_PIN,HIGH);
  
  // After setting up the button, setup debouncer
  debouncer.attach(BUTTON_PIN);
  debouncer.interval(5);

  // Register all sensors to gw (they will be created as child devices)
  gw.present(CHILD_ID, S_LIGHT);

  // Make sure relays are off when starting up
  digitalWrite(RELAY_PIN, RELAY_OFF);
  // Then set relay pins in output mode
  pinMode(RELAY_PIN, OUTPUT);   
      
  // Set relay to last known state (using eeprom storage) 
  state = gw.loadState(CHILD_ID);
  digitalWrite(RELAY_PIN, state?RELAY_ON:RELAY_OFF);
}


/*
*  Example on how to asynchronously check for new messages from gw
*/
void loop() 
{
  gw.process();
  debouncer.update();
  // Get the update value
  int value = debouncer.read();
  if (value != oldValue && value==0) {
      gw.send(msg.set(state?false:true), true); // Send new state and request ack back
  }
  oldValue = value;
} 
 
void incomingMessage(const MyMessage &message) {
  // We only expect one type of message from controller. But we better check anyway.
  if (message.isAck()) {
     Serial.println("This is an ack from gateway");
  }

  if (message.type == V_LIGHT) {
     // Change relay state
     state = message.getBool();
     digitalWrite(RELAY_PIN, state?RELAY_ON:RELAY_OFF);
     // Store state in eeprom
     gw.saveState(CHILD_ID, state);
    
     // Write some debug info
     Serial.print("Incoming change for sensor:");
     Serial.print(message.sensor);
     Serial.print(", New status: ");
     Serial.println(message.getBool());
   } 
}

Log from gateway:
1;255;3;0;11;RELAY_BUTTON_JUL
0;0;3;0;9;read: 1-1-0 s=255,c=3,t=12,pt=0,l=3,sg=0:1.0
1;255;3;0;12;1.0
0;0;3;0;9;read: 1-1-0 s=1,c=0,t=3,pt=0,l=0,sg=0:
1;1;0;0;3;
0;0;3;0;9;send: 0-0-1-1 s=1,c=1,t=2,pt=0,l=1,sg=0,st=fail:1
0;0;3;0;9;read: 4-4-0 s=1,c=1,t=0,pt=7,l=5,sg=0:17.9
4;1;1;0;0;17.9

0;0;3;0;9;read: 4-4-0 s=0,c=1,t=1,pt=7,l=5,sg=0:44.4
4;0;1;0;1;44.4

Without relay:
0;0;3;0;9;send: 0-0-1-1 s=1,c=1,t=2,pt=0,l=1,sg=0,st=ok:1
0;0;3;0;9;read: 1-1-0 s=1,c=1,t=2,pt=0,l=1,sg=0:1
1;1;1;1;2;1

But in domoticz it still gives me hardware error.

Gateway version 1.5.

[NBM]

How do i change the node number?
It select node 2 all the time with new nodes?

In the sketch they are set to AUTO.

Im using standard sketch from the libery.

[sundberg84]

Change: gw.begin(incomingMessage, AUTO, true);
To: gw.begin(incomingMessage, 3, true); (If you want 3 as node id)

[hugo_pn]

Made a test (with the external antenna on Gateway) the other day and this is what happens.

I put the nrf24 with the external antenna attached to the Nano and Upload the Serial Gateway Scetch onto it.

Ran The Serial Monitor and get this

0;0;3;0;9;gateway started, id=0, parent=0, distance=0

0;0;3;0;14;Gateway startup complete.

I remove it from the PC, attach it to the Raspberry Pi I give two switch commands that work, then at the third attempt the message comes to life "Error sending switch command, check device/hardware !"

2016-01-06 01:04:25.708 MySensors: Using serial port: /dev/ttyUSB0

2016-01-06 01:04:27.186 MySensors: Gateway Ready...

2016-01-06 01:04:27.262 MySensors: Gateway Version: 1.5

2016-01-06 01:04:28.329 Hardware Monitor: Fetching data (System sensors)

2016-01-06 01:04:56.024 User: admin initiated a switch command

2016-01-06 01:04:58.436 Hardware Monitor: Fetching data (System sensors)

2016-01-06 01:05:05.599 User: admin initiated a switch command

2016-01-06 01:05:28.560 Hardware Monitor: Fetching data (System sensors)

Back to PC this is what I get.

0;0;3;0;9;radio init fail

After a few minutes It's OK again like the beginning.

Thanks

[sundberg84]

It (radio init fail) means that when you power it up (connecting it back to PC) it cant initialise radio.
Mostly this is = check wires and/or power issues.

Actions:
Check wires, check wires and check wires
Try powering your nano without the relay attached if possible (and see if you get Radio Init fails)
If not - power your relay seperatly if possible (relay often create interferance with radio).

[hugo_pn]

@sundberg84

Thanks for the reply, the thing is that I'm powering the Nano via USB from the raspberry Pi (serial Gateway with the external antenna).
The wires I don't think are the problem because it works with the integrated antenna.

Can I power Up the Nano with the Raspbery Pi USB and a 5V Transformer with out burning everything?

From what I remember, parallel tension doesn't sum up, but the current does. Wright?

Will I damage everything, including the Raspberry?

Thanks

[sundberg84]

Sorry i missunderstood you, you are talking about the gateway, not the node with the relay right?
If so, you dont need to power it seperetaly....

Start with checking your wires...

[jloc]

Hello friends:
Happens to me the same error " Error sending command switch , check device / hardware ! " when I update the device status from the application. HOWEVER from the device button it works well.
I tested with serial GW (internal GPIO ) and GW LAN , with the same results.
The traces of the device and the GW are:

Device type: light node: 3 child: 6

Command Msg GW Msg Device
On button 3; 6; 1; 0; 2; 1; send 3-3-2-0 s=6,c=1,t=2,pt=2,l=2,sg=0,st=ok:1
read: 0-2-3 s=6,c=1,t=2,pt=2,l=2,sg=0:1
This is an ack from gateway
Incoming change for sensor:6 , New status: 1
On Domoticz 3; 6; 1; 1; 2; 1; read: 0-2-3 s=6,c=1,t=2,pt=0,l=2,sg=0:1
send 3-3-2-0 s=6,c=1,t=2,pt=0,l=2,sg=0,st=ok:1
This is an ack from gateway
Incoming change for sensor:6 , New status: 1
Off button 3; 6; 1; 0; 2; 0; send 3-3-2-0 s=6,c=1,t=2,pt=2,l=2,sg=0,st=ok:0
read: 0-2-3 s=6,c=1,t=2,pt=2,l=2,sg=0:0
This is an ack from gateway
Incoming change for sensor:6 , New status: 0
Off Domoticz 3; 6; 1; 1; 2; 0; read: 0-2-3 s=6,c=1,t=2,pt=0,l=2,sg=0:0
send 3-3-2-0 s=6,c=1,t=2,pt=0,l=2,sg=0,st=ok:0
This is an ack from gateway
Incoming change for sensor:6 , New status: 0

A Someone comes up with an idea?

[sundberg84]

This might be useful: http://www.domoticz.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=8910&p=61791&hilit=switch#p61791

[NBM]

I have solved the problem. I changes power supply and now it works.

Can someone recommend some power supply?

[hugo_pn]

@sundberg84 Thanks for the reply.

@NBM

That's great news for all of US with this issue. With how many Amp's are you feeding the Arduino now?

Regarding the power supply, as @sundberg84 has said " Here is a great discussion: http://forum.mysensors.org/topic/1607/safe-in-wall-ac-to-dc-transformers"

Chears

[PostaanErik]

I have similar issues with the Relay Actuator and Domoticz

I’m using MySensors 1.5, Serial gateway and domoticz on a windows machine.
Currently latest version: domoticz-win32-2_4078
Working with the standard provided arduino examples.

I cannot get Domoticz controlling the relay. The status is presented in domoticz when I use the RelayWithButtonActuator and press the button

Hardware is detected in Domoticz, devices are showing up (other devices like pressure/humidity are working fine).

I used multiple Arduino pro’s with different NRF’s + capacitator.
Disable Ack results in an error when trying to Switch via Domoticz

The serial output of the RelayWithButtonActuator looks like this:

send: 0-0-0-0 s=255,c=0,t=18,pt=0,l=5,sg=0,st=ok:1.5.1
send: 0-0-0-0 s=255,c=3,t=6,pt=1,l=1,sg=0,st=ok:0
repeater started, id=0, parent=0, distance=0
send: 0-0-0-0 s=255,c=3,t=11,pt=0,l=14,sg=0,st=ok:Relay & Button
send: 0-0-0-0 s=255,c=3,t=12,pt=0,l=3,sg=0,st=ok:1.0
send: 0-0-0-0 s=1,c=0,t=3,pt=0,l=0,sg=0,st=ok:

When I press the button attached to the arduino:

This is an ack from gateway
Incoming change for sensor:1, New status: 0
send: 0-0-0-0 s=1,c=1,t=2,pt=2,l=2,sg=0,st=ok:1
read: 0-0-0 s=1,c=1,t=2,pt=2,l=2,sg=0:1
This is an ack from gateway
Incoming change for sensor:1, New status: 1

Any help or a working arduino Sketch would be appreciated.

Thanks

Erik

[sundberg84]

The logs look ok, doesnt the relay switch when you get this?

Incoming change for sensor:1, New status: 0
send: 0-0-0-0 s=1,c=1,t=2,pt=2,l=2,sg=0,st=ok:1
read: 0-0-0 s=1,c=1,t=2,pt=2,l=2,sg=0:1
This is an ack from gateway
Incoming change for sensor:1, New status: 1

If not My guess its a power problem with the relay.

[PostaanErik]

Yes it is switching, but initiated from the attached button

[sundberg84]

But not working from Domoticz and you get "Error sending command to switch" ?
Then nothing in the logs i guess when you try to initiate the command from Domoticz?

Its a trend here.. dont know if that is domoticz or MySensors but if you dont see anything in GW log trying to initiate the command from Domoticz I would ask this question in the Domoticz forum because then its a issue there.

[Cliff Karlsson]

I am not very skilled at these things but I had the same problem for a long time and the only solution I found was to disable ack in domoticz.

select hardware in the hardware/devices tab find the mysensors gateway and click setup.

Try to find your node and deselect the ack box.

[PostaanErik]

Thanks for the input, but this is not working for me

[PostaanErik]

Small Update: seems that everything "sending" from domoticz is not received at the nodes.
When monitoring the serial from relay, dimmer, rgb....

when i tick devices in domoticz, a sensor is just not receiving:

send: 31-31-0-0 s=255,c=0,t=17,pt=0,l=5,sg=0,st=ok:1.5.1
send: 31-31-0-0 s=255,c=3,t=6,pt=1,l=1,sg=0,st=ok:0
sensor started, id=31, parent=0, distance=1
send: 31-31-0-0 s=255,c=3,t=11,pt=0,l=14,sg=0,st=ok:Relay & Button
send: 31-31-0-0 s=255,c=3,t=12,pt=0,l=3,sg=0,st=ok:1.0
send: 31-31-0-0 s=1,c=0,t=3,pt=0,l=0,sg=0,st=ok:

[hugo_pn]

Hi all,

After trying several things, I decided to try a downgrade on Domoticz going back to Domoticz V2.2563.

Seems to be flawless, Suddenly everything is working fine for the past 6 days.

What do you make of this?

Thanks

[flopp]

I read this post yesterday and today I solved it.
My GW was restarting as soon as I was sending a command to a MYS node with dimmer child.
I am using nRF PA-LNA, with extra power supply, PA_HIGH. Domoticz 3.8795, MYS 2.1.1. Nano as serial GW.
Tried PA_LOW, new nRF but that didn't help.
Today I found the solution, I disabled DEBUG in GW and now I can't reproduce any restarts.