- So far in this thread we have covered how to create a virtual device in Post #1
- We covered the Configuration and Advanced tabs in Post #2
- We began to cover the Status Graphics tab touching on Value and Status pairs in Post #3
- Then in Part 2 of Status Graphics we covered Status and Value pairs in Part 2 and how Control and Status could be separated in Post #4
- In Part 3 of Status Graphics we explored control methods and button placement in Post #5
- In Part 4 of Status Graphics we looked at more complex devices with multiple values and value ranges in Post #6
- In Part 5 of Status Graphics we continued withtwo additional control types for value ranges and looked at how to assign graphics to values in Post #7
- There are some special use devices described in Post #8
To create a virtual device the first step is to click the sign at the top of the device manager.
In most cases this will launch the Device Editing page like this, where you can enter the name of your new device.
Under some circumstances you will not get redirected to the editing page, but the device will be created. The two locations of the new device will always both default to "Unknown" so all you need to do is to filter your device manager for those locations.
After filtering you will see your new device in the device manager. You can simply click on the name "New Device" to get to the device properties page.
The first thing you want to do is to name your device. Click on the Device Name: name and you will get a popup as shown above, where you can enter a new name for your device. Enter the new name and click "Submit"
It is also a good time to edit the Locations of the device. Here I chose "Utility" and "Controls" for the two locations. You can use locations you have already created or you can create new ones.
This will create a basic device with standard controls and graphics. It will have two controllable status' of Off and On with values of 0 and 100 respectively. In the following posts we will get into the great versatility and configuration flexibility of Virtual Devices.
This would be a good time to visit the two locations available for HomeSeer devices. You will note in the screenshot above there are arrows to "Floor" and "Room" showing the names used in HomeSeer setup. If you go to Tools>Setup>Custom at the top of the HomeSeer web management page you can see the assigned names.
In this screen you can change those names to suit your organizational structure. You might want to change them to names more appropriate for your system to make it easier to identify and filter your devices. Here I changed them to "Function/Room" and "Group".
Now when you look at the new device in the Device Manager, the device belongs to the "Utility" Group and the "Controls" function.
This will give you the ability to create a basic Virtual Device. These can be useful as Conditions in Events and can be the subject of Actions within Events. Through the use of normal Event Actions, simple scripting or plug-ins they can also be used as persistent Global Variables for use in Events. Virtual Devices are very useful, massively configurable and powerful tools to use wihin HomeSeer. In the following posts we will "dive into the weeds" of these devices and explore how they can be modified, expanded and controlled, tailoring them to your own specific needs.
Comment