This may be simple, but I’m still sort of new to OH2. How do make a group of lights? Does that have to be done within an items file? Or can you create a group color or other light from within the Paper UI or Habmin?
Yes,groups are in the items file…
This may not be what you want to hear: I suggest you install the demo, and then start reading the Wikki, and try to understand how the demo works… sorry, this is tough love; but you will end up asking endless questions until you get to colour switching you seem to be after – not understanding a thing.
If it helps to relate, I am still a newbie in OH; and spent so far maybe 40+ hours reading this forum… OH is a monster IMHO, but once you get the hang of it, it is magic
If you do not want to put in the effort in to learn, I bluntly say OH is not for you.
There are a couple options depending on the level of grouping required.
Here is another discussion on the same topic:
Thanks guys. I’ll keep playing around. In past experiments, currently I am using a Rule to control a number of Hue RGB bulbs together as a group like this.
Items file
Color FamilyColorGroup "Family Room" (GF_Family)
Color Light_Family_Left "Family Left" (GF_Family) {channel="hue::00178824e7e9:10:color"}
Color Light_Family_Right "Family Right" (GF_Family) {channel="hue::00178824e7e9:11:color"}
Color Light_CeilingFan_1 "Ceiling Fan 1" (GF_Family) {channel="hue::00178824e7e9:13:color"}
Color Light_CeilingFan_2 "Ceiling Fan 2" (GF_Family) {channel="hue::00178824e7e9:14:color"}
Color Light_CeilingFan_3 "Ceiling Fan 3" (GF_Family) {channel="hue::00178824e7e9:15:color"}
Color Light_CeilingFan_4 "Ceiling Fan 4" (GF_Family) {channel="hue::00178824e7e9:16:color"}
And the rule
rule "Set RGBW Value of Family Room"
when
Item FamilyColorGroup received update
then
var color_value = FamilyColorGroup.state as HSBType
sendCommand(Light_Family_Left,color_value)
sendCommand(Light_Family_Right,color_value)
sendCommand(Light_CeilingFan_1,color_value)
sendCommand(Light_CeilingFan_2,color_value)
sendCommand(Light_CeilingFan_3,color_value)
sendCommand(Light_CeilingFan_4,color_value)
end
This works fairly well and is pretty responsive. And I had remember that group option there in the past in trying out OH2. I’ll start experimenting with using the Location field soon as well.