THIS PROJECT CAN BE FOUND AND BACKED ON INDIEGOGO: mmWave Smart Switch with Presence Sensing Radar | Indiegogo
NOTE: This is a product pitch to Linus Tech Tips following his issues with a competitors motion switches. The back story is that we were his #2 pick for outfitting his new house and the only reason he didn’t choose us was bc we didn’t have a motion switch. Given the issues he had and the frustration with Home Automation in general, we wanted to show him HA can be fun with the right product and right community backing it.
THIS IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT BY LTT.
Linus Tech Tips Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkAiXzKOTNY&t=1791s
Project Team
Feel free to tag any of us with questions. Myself (Eric H) & Darwyn are the go-to’s for overall project management and timeline questions, Eric M is the go-to for any firmware related questions and I’m (Eric H) the go-to for anything else. Either way, we’re all here to help!
- Project Manager (Inovelli): @Eric_Inovelli
- Project Manager (Manufacturer): @Darwyn_Inovelli
- Innovation Lead: @Eric_Inovelli
- Technical Lead: @EricM_Inovelli
Introduction
As per our tradition of working with you amazing people, here’s what this thread allows us to do as a community.
- Allows us to keep everyone updated on the project status (either good or bad)
- Allows you to participate and help us develop amazing products together
- Enjoy each other’s company and have fun talking home automation
How this initial post will be laid out is in five sections:
- Project Overview
- Initial Hardware & Software Requirements (edited to remain up-to-date)
- Timeline (edited to remain up-to-date)
- Pinned Ideas & Shout-outs (edited to remain up-to-date)
- Weekly Recap
Housekeeping
- DATES & FUNCTIONS ARE NOT SET IN STONE: Just a reminder that all dates and functions are sometimes fluid. We have to make choices based on feasibility, opportunity costs, and overall timeline. I will be as transparent as possible on these decisions, but just a heads up, they may not always be exciting.
- NO IDEA IS A BAD IDEA: Ok, some are, but honestly throw out anything that you can think of. If we use your idea, we’ll credit you and send you a free device, so take that shot!
- VERSION 1 VS VERSION 2: Some ideas may be fantastic, but may not make the cut for the first version of the product. Once the product is locked in from a function standpoint, we’ll keep a tally of V2 ideas and then once the product is produced, we’ll move the ideas over to a suggestions/wishlist section.
Ok, let’s get this party started!
Project Overview
The purpose of this project is to expand upon our Blue Series (this will also reach our Red Series line) as well as show Linus and team what the power of a community can do when it comes to creating products and automating our houses.
In addition, there has been a huge market for motion switches and a large B2B client reached out to us for a WiFi/BT version that we are in the process of securing the contract.
We’re excited to finally get some publicity and recognition for our innovative products and I’m personally excited to work on another project with the community as you all are the secret weapon.
Project Name - Linus
We chose the name Linus bc I felt that it could be a rallying cry around what Home Automation can do given the right platform and products. We were excited to be considered on his channel and, while ultimately he went with a competitor, the reasoning is because he wanted a motion switch which we currently didn’t have. Upon hearing some of the challenges he had, frustration with Home Automation in general, and many of our customers reaching out to let us know we should make something for him, we decided to see if we could fast track this project.
So, we’d like to name this project after him and his channel as a way to show him and his audience what the Inovelli community can do and show that it can be night and day in terms of what he experienced with another product.
My goal is to come up with a truly inspiring motion switch with you guys that, regardless of which route he and his team choose, will have an impact across North America as our other switches have.
Linus - Hardware Requirements
We will be using our current 2-1 Switch hardware with a few modifications.
Hardware
NOTE: Subject to change as R&D has not kicked off. The switch shown has a lux sensor built in which may or may not be included.
Hardware - Dimmer Switch (Look / Feel)
- Responsive Paddle: rests in a neutral state (tap up = on // tap down = off & hold up = dim up // hold down = dim down)
- Config / Favorite Button: button should be used for configuration of the switch as well as scene control.
- Should be able to be held (for config)
- Should be able to be tapped (for scene control)
- RGB LED Bar: should measure the % of how much the switch is dimmed
- LED’s should be RGB (artificial white included)
- LED’s should also be able to be dimmed
- Colors: dimmer switch will be offered in white (matching Lutron Claro wallplates), but the paddle should be able to be replaced to change colors (almond, brown, red, black, grey, etc)
- Slim Design: depth of switch should be as slim as possible so that it can fit into metal boxes.
- Motion Sensor (and
potentiallyLux) – motion detectioneitherviaPIR ormmWave with built in lux(if possible and based on costs) - Air Gap: UL requirement
- No heat-sink tabs: remove heat sink tabs for easier installation (note: may have to sacrifice max wattage)
Hardware - Features & Capabilities
Should follow 2-1 Switch tooling and capabilities if possible.
- ZigBee 3.0: use the latest ZigBee chipset (should be the same one that will be used for CHIP and compatible with Philips Hue + Amazon Echo Plus)
- 3-Way / 4-Way Ready: should work in multiple different settings in a 3 & 4 Way setting
- Should work with an auxiliary switch (like GE’s does)
- Should work with an existing dumb switch
- Should work with another smart switch (if wired to another smart switch, it should be able to detect this)
- Power Monitoring: switch should measure the power consumption
- ZigBee Distance Estimator: should be able to estimate the signal strength of the ZigBee signal and notify via the LED bar
- Instant On: when tapped 1x (and scenes aren’t used), switch should turn the bulb on instantly (no delay)
- Configurable delay in 100ms increments (see tech doc)
- CFL & LED Compatibility: minimum buzz and flickering
- Neutral & Non-Neutral Compatibility: switch should be able to work with a neutral wire or without a neutral wire
- Should auto-detect which setting it’s in (neutral/non-neutral, aux/dumb) and if it can’t, then there should be a manual override.
- Auto-Detect Neutral/Non-Neutral: Switch should detect whether or not it’s connected to a neutral wire or not
- mmWave 24Ghz: Prefer 24GHz mmWave sensor
- Lux Sensor (Optional): Detect light brightness
Linus - Software Requirements
Will follow the 2-1 Switch firmware, but adds in motion/lux parameters
- On/Off or Dimmer: Switch should be able to be either an on/off or dimmer depending on what the user sets it as
- ZigBee Scene Control: Multi-taps to activate various scenes
- RGBW Bar Config: Bar should be able to change colors and dimmed to the customer’s favorite level
- LED bar will also be fully addressable (thanks for the call out @suzakutk!)
- Animations that mimic our 2-1 & Fan + the addition of weather animations
- Auto Timer: Switch should have a timer that shuts the switch off after a certain amount of time
- Easy Config: Switch should be able to be configured via the config / favorite button.
- There should be infinite customization via parameters in the firmware, but also set customizations for HUB’s that do not allow parameter changes (ie: Wink)
- Internal Relay Disable: Internal relay should be able to be disabled locally and via ZigBee
- Minimum dim level / Maximum dim level
- Ramp rate configuration: Ability to change how fast/slow light turns on
- Ramp rate & instant on/off separated
- Default Dim Level: Ability to set the default dim level
- OTA Ready: Ability to update firmware via OTA
- Zigbee Bindings (Individual & Group)
- Smart Bulb Mode
- mmWave: Zone settings and calibration
- Lux calibration (if applicable): Ability to adjust lux reading if something is off
- Leading/Trailing Edge: Switch should have both leading and trailing edge algorithms for greater bulb compatibility
Timeline
NOTE: This project is also not officially kicked off – a lot hinges on Linus promoting it as well as the B2B customer order. We also are very cognizant of the other projects that are being worked on and/or stalled and are working on timelines for everything.
THIS PROJECT IS FULLY FUNDED AND WE’RE TARGETING DECEMBER 2023 FOR A RELEASE.
Ah, everyone’s favorite part. When is this flippin thing going to be released? Great question – here’s the high-level of what happens leading up to the first release of the timeline:
- We present a PRD (Project Request Document) that has all of the above info in it (see above section for the pdf)
- R&D (manufacturer) analyzes the PRD and we go back and forth until we can align on 90% of the product
- Initial Timeline is released and remaining 10% of product features are added/cut along the way
Again, just want to throw this out there – I don’t have a crystal ball so I can’t predict things that come up along the way. Trust me when I say we’re trying our best to get things launched on time.
Pre-Initial Timeline Milestones:
- Present PRD: Completed
- R&D Analyzation: Completed
- Initial Timeline Released: Completed
Timeline (Estimated)
The initial timeline will be shown below once released and will be updated monthly (if needed).
Phase 1 - ID Design
Design & Render Based on Samples and STP File
Est Completion Date: Aug. 19, 2023
Status: COMPLETED
Structure Design
Est Completion Date: Oct. 12, 2023
Status: COMPLETED
3D Modeling
Est Completion Date: Sep. 30, 2023
Status: COMPLETED
3D Print Housing for Prototype Sample Assembly
Est Completion Date: Oct. 12, 2023
Status: IN PROGRESS
First mmWave Radar Type Election Test
Est Completion Date: Sep. 09, 2023
Status: COMPLETED
First Testing Environment
Ceiling Installation, Wall Installation (Open Area), Facing Door, Facing Window, Near Fan & AC Unit
Est Completion Date: Sep. 09, 2023
Status: COMPLETED
First Test Different Human Status Indoors
Motion, Micro-Motion, Stationary Status
Est Completion Date: Sep. 09, 2023
Status: COMPLETED
Second mmWave Radar Type Election Test
Est Completion Date: Oct. 24, 2023
Status: COMPLETED
Second Testing Environment
Ceiling Installation, Wall Installation (Open Area), Facing Door, Facing Window, Near Fan & AC Unit
Est Completion Date: Oct. 24, 2023
Status: COMPLETED
Second Test Different Human Status Indoors
Motion, Micro-Motion, Stationary Status
Est Completion Date: Oct. 09, 2023
Status: COMPLETED
Submit Report on mmWave Testing Specific to Avoiding False Positives
Est Completion Date: Oct. 26, 2023
Status: COMPLETED
Submit Details of Default mmWave Configuration for Customer Feedback
Est Completion Date: Nov. 01, 2023
Status: IN PROGRESS
PCB Layout Design & PCBA Making
Est Completion Date: Oct. 12, 2023
Status: IN PROGRESS
Schematic Diagram Design
Est Completion Date: Sep. 30, 2023
Status: COMPLETED
Power Board Schematic Diagram
Est Completion Date: Sep. 30, 2023
Status: COMPLETED
Wireless Board Schematic Diagram
Est Completion Date: Sep. 30, 2023
Status: COMPLETED
Firmware Design & Test
Est Completion Date: Nov. 20, 2023
Status: IN PROGRESS
Phase 2 - Detailed Design
Hand Sample Making
Est Completion Date: Nov. 15, 2023
Status: NOT STARTED
Hand Sample Testing & Verification
Est Completion Date: Nov. 20, 2023
Status: NOT STARTED
Tooling Build Out & Testing
Est Completion Date: Dec. 20, 2023
Status: NOT STARTED
Packing Design (Functional Card, Inner Tray, etc)
Est Completion Date: Dec. 06, 2023
Status: NOT STARTED
Phase 3 - Beta Testing
Create Beta Units
Est Completion Date: Dec. 15, 2023
Status: NOT STARTED
Round 1 Firmware Test
Est Completion Date: Dec. 29, 2023
Status: NOT STARTED
Round 2 Firmware Test
Est Completion Date: Jan. 08, 2024
Status: NOT STARTED
Round 3 Firmware Test
Est Completion Date: Jan. 18, 2024
Status: NOT STARTED
Final Firmware Test
Est Completion Date: Jan. 28, 2024
Status: NOT STARTED
Marketing Material
Manual Creation
Est Completion Date: Jan. 15, 2024
Status: IN PROGRESS
Box Design
Est Completion Date: Jan. 15, 2024
Status: IN PROGRESS
Insert, Wiring Guide, etc
Est Completion Date: Jan. 15, 2024
Status: IN PROGRESS
Certifications
Zigbee/CSA
Est Completion Date: Feb. 15, 2024
Status: NOT STARTED
FCC/IC
Est Completion Date: Feb. 15, 2024
Status: NOT STARTED
ETL
Est Completion Date: Feb. 15, 2024
Status: NOT STARTED
Mass Production
Mass Production
Est Completion Date: Mar. 25, 2024
Status: NOT STARTED
Pinned Ideas & Shout-Outs
Here are the ideas from the community. We sincerely appreciate them, we love them, and we couldn’t create the products we do without them. So, thank you for your input and let’s continue to innovate together and change the home automation category for the better (NOTE: if an idea is crossed out, it’s not because it wasn’t valid, nor was it something we didn’t consider – we’ve discussed it internally or with the manufacturer and unfortunately it was not feasible).
Hardware
Software
- @suzakutk: It would be neat if this could become local configuration parameters (adaptive_bightness=on/off, adaptive_brightness_weight=numerical value that would be multiplied with the current lux value to determine brightness percentage when turning on the switch) - idea here: Zigbee / Matter Motion Switch | Project Linus (Blue Series) - #17 by suzakutk - Projects & Roadmaps - Inovelli Community
- @JimK: It would be nice if you could trigger the light bar on the switch to activate based on motion to assist a user with finding the light switch at night.
- @Eric_Inovelli: Ability to customize sensitivity based on time of day (or just have some sort of control over sensitivity)
- @Eric_Inovelli: Zones/Regions: Ability to set/save zones (exclusion)
- @Eric_Inovelli: LED Bar illuminate at night when walking toward it (optional setting)
- @rohan: Binding Group for mmWave sensor
Bi-Weekly Recap
Every other Thursday morning, we have a meeting with our manufacturer to go over the various projects (status, issues, timeline, etc) and below I’ll provide a recap as well as edit the sections above so we can all keep track. If you have any specific questions you’d like me to ask, feel free to tag me and let me know so I can ask them as well. The bi-weekly cadence for updates will be Thursday mornings (or afternoons depending on when we have the meeting).
December 6, 2022: We should be receiving some modified beta units next week that have a couple different versions of mmWave in it. We’ll quickly test those to see which version works better and then provide the feedback to move forward with the final design beta units, hopefully by the end of the year. Realistically, it will likely be the first couple weeks of January as the firmware team is working on our Z-Wave 2-1 switch. More to come!
March 31, 2023: After some roadblocks with the beta units, we decided to start fresh and fund this from Indiegogo. If you missed it, Linus talked about this switch on the WAN show tonight and we’re super excited to get this switch project started. We’d love your support: mmWave Smart Switch with Presence Sensing Radar | Indiegogo
April 27, 2023: The Indiegogo was a success (fully funded in just over 24hrs) and we have raised the proper funds to start this project! Thanks everyone for your contribution and let’s build this thing 
May 23, 2023: We’re waiting for the funds to transfer from Indiegogo as there seems to be some red tape – once they are, we can make the down-payments required to put this in motion. In the meantime, I want to share a video with everyone that shows the speed of mmWave as I know that has been a concern (the Aqara FP1 being the culprit of criticism).
In the video, you’ll see me poke around the corner as I just wanted to share what the setup looked like and the proximity it was to me. Then I walk through at a normal pace.
As you can see, the lights are near instant. There is a slight delay, but I’m attributing that to the fact that I have the sensor connected to Home Assistant and the bulbs are connected to the Hue gateway, so there is some jumps the signal has to go through. Still, very fast – faster then I could reach over to the light switch to turn the light on.
July 7, 2023: Update posted here: Zigbee / Matter Motion Switch | Project Linus (Blue Series) - #348 by Eric_Inovelli - Projects & Roadmaps - Inovelli Community
August 30, 2023: Update posted here: Zigbee / Matter Motion Switch | Project Linus (Blue Series) - #357 by Eric_Inovelli - Projects & Roadmaps - Inovelli Community
Nov 3, 2023: Update posted here: Zigbee / Matter Motion Switch | Project Linus (Blue Series) - #380 by Eric_Inovelli - Projects & Roadmaps - Inovelli Community
