How To: Install a Device Handler (SmartThings)

How To: Install a Device Handler (SmartThings)

Overview

Sometimes a third party Device Handler (DTH) is required to "unlock" special features on a device when paired to SmartThings. When originally paired, a device will be auto-assigned to a SmartThings specific device type and normally these built in handlers are basic in what they can do and do not provide the extra features most of our devices come with.

For example, if you pair a Z-Wave On/Off switch, SmartThings will recognize that switch as a, "Z-Wave Switch" and provide the capability to turn on and off remotely as that's the basic function of a smart switch. However, if you want to access scene control, notifications, etc, you'll have to tell SmartThings that your device has these functions. To do that, you'll install a custom handler. This article will walk you through how to do that.

Prerequisites

  1. Samsung IDE Account (Free): https://account.smartthings.com/
  2. Inovelli Device Handler (Search for your Model): SmartThings Device Handlers
  3. Laptop or Computer (it's easier this way)

Installation & Setup

Please follow the directions below for installing a Device Handler

Installing the Code

  1. Open up IDE and go to "My Device Handlers"
  2. Then click on, "Create New Device Handler"
  3. Next click on, "From Code"
  4. Open up the SmartThings Device Handlers page and find your make/model - then click on the link to be taken to the Raw Code
  5. Select all code and copy it
  6. Go back to the IDE tab (where you're at the, "For Code" tab) and paste the code into the white box
  7. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click, "Create"
  8. Then on the next page, click, "Save"
  9. Finally, click on, "Publish" and "For Me" and you're all set
NOTE: If you haven't paired your device yet, feel free to install/pair it and the device should automatically detect the device handler. If you already paired your device, you'll have to associate the new handler to the device. To do this, follow the directions below.

Applying the Code (Optional)

You'll only need to do this step if you already paired your device. To do this do the following: 
  1. In IDE, click on, "My Devices"
  2. Locate your Inovelli device and click on it
  3. Scroll to the bottom and click, "Edit"
  4. Scroll down about halfway where it says, "Type" and click on it (a dropdown will appear)
  5. In the dropdown, scroll down until you find the device handler name that you just installed and select it
  6. Click, "Update" and you should be all set

Checking For Success

If successful, you should see the new settings in your app. Confirm this by doing the following:
  1. Open up your SmartThings app
  2. Locate your Inovelli device and click on it
  3. Click on the three dots at the top right and select, "Settings"
  4. You should see a ton of options available to you now