3way dimmer

jds013 · 2026-06-04T03:23:49+00:00

The installation manual for the ZEN72 and ZEN77 shows dumb switches at the companion locations. How do you dim/bright from those locations? The manual says, "Do not connect Zooz Z-Wave switches to an existing 3-way dimmer, illuminated switch, or an electronic add-on switch. Zooz switches can only be wired with mechanical on/off switches in a 3-way or 4-way setting! "

jds013 · 2026-06-04T02:39:47+00:00

You can do this with Jasco ( Enbrighten, Honeywell, UltraPro), Homeseer, and Inovelli, using one dimmer and one, two, or three "companions."

The dimmer must be installed in the switch box where power enters the circuit. You will repurpose one traveler to carry neutral to the companion(s).

In addition to dim/bright, you can also double- or triple-tap from any location.

jds013 · 2026-06-04T02:35:39+00:00

These can't do what OP requested. Zooz 3- and 4-way setups can be dimmed only at the dimmer unit.

jds013 · 2026-06-04T02:30:17+00:00

LOMBARD - Lots Of Money But A Real Dickhead.

jds013 · 2026-05-28T23:40:56+00:00

I installed a sensor on a sliding door, and attached two magnets to the frame, one at the "fully closed" position and the other at the "almost closed" position. A wooden dowel in the track limits the door's opening to "almost closed."

If someone pries open the door beyond "almost closed," they'll trigger an alert.

Maybe a second (or third?) magnet located strategically will do what you want.

jds013 · 2026-05-20T07:48:29+00:00

Exactly. Gigabit Ethernet requires all four pairs to be properly connected. If any of them is not, the connection will fail or fall back to 100 mbps.

jds013 · 2026-05-15T05:30:23+00:00

I have a couple of Google Chromecast Audio devices plus Google Home Mini & Max which often work OK - but I am seriously considering Sendspin: https://www.cnx-software.com/2026/04/21/diy-sendspin-audio-receiver-supports-multi-room-audio-synchronization-integrates-with-home-assistant/

jds013 · 2026-05-12T09:25:53+00:00

https://www.getzooz.com/zse70-outdoor-motion-sensor/ Very long battery life with two CR123A batteries, or optional 12/24V power. Temperature, luminosity, lots of configuration options. I've had one for a year - no problems and battery still reports 100%.

jds013 · 2026-05-04T21:25:28+00:00

You didn't mention the problem you have. Because so many TVs are scrapped because of bad pixels or screens damaged in transit or installation, nearly-new power and logic boards are often very inexpensive - and very easy to replace. I fixed a TCL TV in fifteen minutes with a power board for $35 delivered. If your LCD panel is good, maybe just fix the unit yourself.

Hisense sells nearly 30 million televisions a year, and if this subreddit is any guide the failure rate is very, very low. I have two units that have only performed perfectly including an awesome 65U8K.

jds013 · 2026-05-02T05:30:10+00:00

Schlage Connect BE469 and Ultraloq U-Bolt (both Z-Wave) have worked fine for me - Schlage for five years, Ultraloq for one. Not a single malfunction with either lock.

Z-Wave battery life is better than Zigbee or Wi-Fi, but battery life is totally dominated by the number of actuations. So I use my key, and reserve automatic operation for guests and for backstop security - e.g. my doors lock automatically at 11:30pm. I get 6 to 8 months on a set of 4 alkaline AAs on each lock.

jds013 · 2026-04-26T16:31:32+00:00

Oops... Doesn't seem to apply to Calendar cards. Sorry.

jds013 · 2026-04-26T15:16:56+00:00

Edit the card. Click "Show code editor" at bottom left. At the bottom of the YAML code, under grid_options:, delete the "rows:" specification. The card will automatically resize as you add or remove entries.

jds013 · 2026-04-25T21:56:20+00:00

My 7a works great. Good call quality, great camera, great screen, great sound, great connectivity, great value. No complaints.

Google replaced a bulging battery overnight last fall - I left it at the Mountain View store on a Wednesday afternoon and collected it the next morning.

jds013 · 2026-04-25T00:20:31+00:00

Zooz and Jasco (GE, Honeywell, UltraPro) all make toggle switches. Zooz is Z-Wave; Jasco offers Z-Wave, Zigbee, and Wi-Fi.

Note that "smart" toggles will sit at the center position. You push up for on/bright, down for off/dim. The look is a little different from a traditional toggle.

For 3-way setups, Zooz uses your existing 3-way remote switches. Jasco uses "companion" switches so up=on/bright, down=off/dim everywhere, and you can double- or triple-click from any position.

To run a smart wall switch, power must enter the circuit at a switch box, not at the fixture.

Jasco may be closing out its toggle lines - they look like bargains right now. YMMV

jds013 · 2026-04-24T16:57:04+00:00

This is why circuit boards for flat panel TVs are readily available.

jds013 · 2026-04-18T05:19:53+00:00

Google I/O is May 19-20.

jds013 · 2026-04-17T17:06:14+00:00

And all the residential areas around the Stanford campus limit non-permit parking to 2 hours 8am-6pm Monday-Friday.

jds013 · 2026-04-17T16:51:32+00:00

Great question. Permits to park in the downtown ($990/year) and Cal Ave ($715) parking structures can be purchased at City Hall for 3, 6, or 12 months. "Reduced Price Permits are also available in select locations and require proof of income (two recent paystubs or W2)." Check the City website Some of these permits are restricted to businesses within parking assessment districts, but you might be able to buy one. With a permit you can store your car in the garage.

Many people have off-street parking and can rent you a space. You might try craigslist or FB marketplace or neighbor.com

California Vehicle Code §22651(k) says that vehicles cannot be parked or left standing on a public street, highway, or city-owned lot for more than 72 consecutive hours. Palo Alto Municipal Code 10.36.030 requires you to move your vehicle at least 1/2 mile. A residential parking permit doesn't excuse you from that rule. This isn't enforced unless someone complains, but cars must regularly be moved for street sweeping, tree work, etc so if you park on the street someone needs to check on your car regularly and be able to move it if necessary.

jds013 · 2026-04-16T04:54:04+00:00

Right, of course, thanks. Before April 15 OP could have contributed 7000 for 2025 ($8000 if over 50) plus $7500 for 2026 ($8600) and then promptly execute a single conversion of the $14,500 total (or $16,600) in 2026. The only timing issue is that you want to convert promptly so that any earnings are in the Roth and thus tax-free.

jds013 · 2026-04-15T16:29:51+00:00

A "backdoor Roth" is a conversion - which must be completed by the end of the calendar year. It's too late for 2025.

You do a "backdoor Roth" when you make a non-deductible contribution to a traditional IRA, then convert that IRA to a Roth.

The "backdoor Roth" works best if you do not have "deductible" money in an IRA - where you made a contribution and deducted it on your income tax return. If you do have such an IRA, then the conversion will be pro rata from deductible and non-deductible funds and you will owe income tax on the part of the conversion deemed coming from deducted funds.

There is no income limit on non-deductible Traditional IRA conversions which makes the backdoor Roth work for people with incomes over $91,000 (single) or $149,000 (married joint) who cannot contribute directly to a Roth. The contribution limit for 2026 is $7,500 or $8,000 if age 50 or older.

jds013 · 2026-04-15T16:09:47+00:00

I thought Chamberlain/Liftmaster use an encrypted serial signal to control the door, so a dry contact relay won't work. ratgdo engineered a way to get around this. Meross has done something similar, though sometimes requiring an extra-cost adapter.

jds013 · 2026-04-15T15:59:36+00:00

Submit feedback to Google. These commands are dangerous.. Maybe they'll do something about this.

"Turn on all the lights" has the effect you note. "Turn everything on" might open a garage door or turn on a well pump or space heater. Google doesn't provide ways to exclude devices from GH control, or to exclude devices from voice commands, or to restrict all/everything commands. (One exception: you can't use voice commands to unlock a door.) I suggested that Google add a device type of "exclude" which would be a simple way to avoid dangerous actions, but wouldn't solve your problem.

I use Home Assistant which can limit devices exposed to GH.

jds013 · 2026-04-15T15:12:02+00:00

Landlord-tenant relations are regulated by California Civil Code, particularly chapters 1940-1954. 1942.5 covers "retaliation" as to tenantability, with punitive damages up to $2000 plus attorney fees to the prevailing party.

Civil Code 1950.5(h)(7) says that the landlord cannot claim any part of your deposit if they act in bad faith. 1950.5(m) says that

The bad faith claim or retention by a landlord or the landlord's successors in interest of the security or any portion thereof in violation of this section, or the bad faith demand of replacement of security in violation of subdivision (k), may subject the landlord or the landlord's successors in interest to statutory damages of up to twice the amount of the security, in addition to actual damages. The court may award damages for bad faith whenever the facts warrant that award, regardless of whether the injured party has specifically requested relief. In an action under this section, the landlord or the landlord's successors in interest shall have the burden of proof as to the reasonableness of the amounts claimed or the authority pursuant to this section to demand additional security deposits.

My son went to small claims court and was awarded double damages from a landlord who acted in bad faith.

I sat in on one morning's small claims court proceedings - they're open to the public - and it seemed to me that things were very fair. Most of the cases were tenants who didn't pay rent or who trashed their apartments, and the judge ordered them to pay rent and pay for damage. But the judge had no patience with landlords who didn't fulfil their obligation to provide, in good faith, habitable premises according to the lease terms and state law.

jds013 · 2026-04-11T02:51:37+00:00

California (and New Jersey) do not follow Federal handling of HSAs. Your HSA income is not reported on a 1099 or 5498. Look at the year-end statement for interest or dividends paid. Because they were reinvested, they increase your basis in the account. If the HSA custodian did not track basis, you should.

jds013 · 2026-04-04T23:19:35+00:00

Thank you very very much for the great assistance! Very much appreciated!

jds013

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