Controlling automation devices

Overview

The Auto page in ConnectAlarm lets users view and control connected automation devices.

Use this page when users need to:

• View automation devices by category.
• Check the current state of a device, such as locked, unlocked, on, off, open, or closed.
• Control supported devices from the app.
• Filter the device list by automation technology, such as Z-Wave, PowerG or Zigbee.
• Review device values, such as temperature, when supported.
• Change device mods, such as cool and heat, when supported.

This page helps users manage common automation devices, such as doorlocks, switches, lights, thermostats, and sensors, from one mobile screen.

Before you begin

Preconditions

• The user is signed in to the ConnectAlarm app.
• The selected security system is available.
• The app shows CONNECTED when the user wants to send device commands.
• At least one automation device is configured.

Dependencies

• Device availability depends on the connected security panel and system configuration.
• Device actions depend on the device type, technology, and current state.
• Device status updates require communication between the app, PowerManage server, the panel, and the automation device.

Limitations

warning

• Commands may fail if the panel is disconnected, or the device is offline.
• Use lock, switch, and automation controls only when the action is safe and authorized.

Page layout

Callout	UI element	Description	When to use
1	Device filters	Filters the automation device list.	Use to show all automation devices or narrow the list to a specific device technology.
2	Device row	Shows an automation device with an icon, device name, and current state or value.	Use to review device identity and current status before sending a command.
3	Device control	Controls the selected device when control is supported. The control icon changes by device type, such as lock, unlock, or power.	Use to lock or unlock, turn on or off, or control another supported automation state.

Device filters

The filter bar appears below the header. It uses radio-style options.

Visible options include:

• All: Shows all automation devices available to the user.
• Z-Wave: Shows Z-Wave automation devices.
• PowerG: Shows PowerG automation devices.
• Zigbee: Shows Zigbee automation devices.

The selected filter is marked with a filled radio indicator.

note

The full list of filters may vary by system configuration and supported device technologies.

Device group heading

The page shows a group heading named Z-WAVE DEVICES.

Use this heading to identify the technology group for the devices listed below it.

note

Other groups may appear when other automation technologies are configured.

Device state text

Device state text appears below or beside the device name.

Examples shown in the screenshot include:

• Unlocked
• Off
• Closed

A value can also appear on the right side of the row. The screenshot shows:

• 24.4 °C

Use the state or value to understand the current device condition before sending a command.

How to use this page

Open automation devices

1. Open the ConnectAlarm app.
2. Sign in to your account.
3. Sign in to your panel.
4. Select the Auto tab from the bottom navigation bar.

View all automation devices

1. Open the Auto tab.
2. Select the All filter.
3. Review the device list.

Filter Z-Wave devices

1. Open the Auto tab.
2. Select the Z-Wave filter.

Review a device state

1. Open the Auto tab.
2. Find the required device in the list.
3. Review the device name and state text.
4. Review any displayed value, such as temperature.

Control a lock device

1. Open the Auto tab.
2. Find the lock device to control.
3. Confirm the device name and current state.
4. Select the lock control on the right side of the row.
5. Wait for the device state to update.

warning

Before selecting a lock control, confirm that the selected device is the intended device. Lock actions may affect access to a room, door, or area.

Check temperature from a device

1. Open the Auto tab.
2. Find the temperature device.
3. Read the value shown on the right side of the row.

Tips

tip

1. Check the CONNECTED status before sending a command. Commands are more likely to complete when the security panel has an active connection.
2. Use filters to reduce the device list when many automation devices are configured.
3. Confirm the device name and state before selecting a control. Some device names may be similar.
4. Wait for the device state to update after selecting a control. Status updates may take a few seconds.
5. Use the displayed temperature value as status information only unless temperature adjustment controls are visible.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Possible cause	What to try
Automation devices do not appear	No automation devices are configured. A filter is hiding the devices.	Select the All filter. Confirm that the app shows CONNECTED. Confirm that automation devices are configured. Contact the administrator or installer if devices are still missing.
A device command does not work	The panel is disconnected. The device is offline or not responding. The system rejected the command.	Confirm that the app shows CONNECTED. Wait a few seconds and check whether the state updates. Confirm that the device supports remote control. Confirm that automation devices are configured. Contact the administrator or installer if the command continues to fail.
Device status does not update	The status update is delayed. The security panel connection is unstable. The device did not report the new state. The device is offline.	Confirm that the security panel is connected. Check the device directly, if it is safe and authorized. Wait for the device status to refresh. Contact the administrator or installer if the displayed state remains incorrect.

Related pages

See also

• Panel control interface layout
• Viewing connected cameras
• Managing devices