Quick Start
This wireless Z-Wave remote controller operates in two modes, activated by the first configuration action after factory default:
- Secondary Controller Mode: Pressing Button 1 for one second (red/green blink) adds the KFOB to an existing Z-Wave network as a secondary controller. The four buttons can activate up to four different scenes (Central Scene Command) via a Z-Wave control center.
- Primary Controller Mode: Pressing Button 3 for one second (green blink) puts the KFOB into inclusion status, allowing it to become the primary controller of a new Z-Wave network and add a Z-Wave actuator device. The connected device can be controlled using Buttons 1 (up/on/open) and 3 (down/off/closed).
Management mode, activated by pressing all four buttons simultaneously for one second (slow green blink), allows further management (add/remove devices, wakeup, reset) and configuration.
The device is battery-operated and can be mounted on any flat, dry surface.
Product Description
The KFOB remote controller is a 4-button Z-Wave device capable of acting as either a primary or secondary controller. Its buttons can directly control other Z-Wave devices such as switches, dimmers, and door locks. Various options, configurable via Z-Wave commands, define the actions and commands used for control. It supports controlling devices in groups (e.g., one button for ON/open/up, another for OFF/closed/down) or controlling four individual device groups. The KFOB can also trigger scenes in a central controller and offers special modes like 'all on/off' or controlling nearby Z-Wave devices.
The device supports secure communication when included with an enhanced security option and when communicating with a similarly equipped device. Otherwise, it defaults to normal communication for backward compatibility.
Installation Guidelines
The device comes with a battery pre-installed. For battery replacement, remove the three small screws on the back. Use a screwdriver to gently push out the battery. During reassembly, ensure the white rubber and silver buttons align correctly with the rubber nipples.
The device operates in two modes, activated by the first configuration action after factory default:
- Secondary Controller Mode: Pressing Button 1 for one second (red/green blink) adds the KFOB to an existing Z-Wave network as a secondary controller. The four buttons can activate up to four different scenes (Central Scene Command) via a Z-Wave control center.
- Primary Controller Mode: Pressing Button 3 for one second (green blink) puts the KFOB into inclusion status, allowing it to become the primary controller of a new Z-Wave network and add a Z-Wave actuator device. The connected device can be controlled using Buttons 1 (up/on/open) and 3 (down/off/closed).
Diagram illustrating button functions: Button 1 (Add as secondary controller), Button 3 (Add new device to controller).
When the KFOB is the primary controller, the first device included is automatically assigned to button group A (buttons 1 and 3), and the command set adjusts accordingly. Other devices must be manually assigned to button groups.
Management Mode
Activate management mode by pressing all four buttons for one second (slow green blink). Button functions differ based on controller mode:
When in Secondary Controller Mode:
- Button 1: Start Learn Mode (allows removal or re-addition from/to a network).
- Button 2: Manually wake up the device and issue a 'Node Information Frame' (NIF).
- Button 3 followed by Button 4 (5 seconds): Reset to Factory Defaults.
When in Primary Controller Mode:
- Button 2: Manually wake up the device and issue a 'Node Information Frame' (NIF).
- Button 3: Activate Primary controller mode. Subsequent short clicks on buttons perform actions:
- Button 1: Start inclusion of a Z-Wave device.
- Button 2: Start forced-unsecure inclusion.
- Button 3: Start exclusion of a Z-Wave device.
- Button 4: Start handover of primary controller role to a different controller.
- Button 4 (5 seconds): Reset to factory defaults.
- Pushing Button 4: Assign wireless actuators to button control groups (Group A: buttons 1/3, Group B: buttons 2/4). After selecting a group, issue a NIF of the device to be controlled.
* Removing a device via exclusion returns it to factory default status and removes it from its previous network.
Primary Controller Network Behavior: The first device added to a button group sets the commands for that group. Door locks use value=7, dimmers/motors use value=1 (Multilevel Switch Control), and others use value=2 (Basic Control). These can be reconfigured.
Shift Primary Role
The device can transfer its primary controller role to another controller. Enter management mode (all four buttons for 1 sec), press Button 3 (faster green blink), then Button 4 (primary shift mode). Follow the new primary controller's manual for the shift process.
Advanced Configuration
Configuration parameters (1 & 2) adjust control group numbers. Parameters 11-14 define commands sent on button press, allowing scene triggers or direct device control. Parameter value 5 supports older gateways.
Note: A reset to factory default is recommended if configuration changes are unclear.
Button Modes
The device supports different button modes configurable via parameters 1 and 2:
4 Groups Controlled with Single Button (Parameter 1/2 = 0)
Buttons 1, 2, 3, and 4 control individual groups A, B, C, and D respectively. Single click turns devices ON, double click turns them OFF. Click and hold is used for dimming.
2 Groups Controlled with Two Buttons (Parameter 1/2 = 1)
Buttons 1 and 3 control Group A (1=ON, 3=OFF). Buttons 2 and 4 control Group B (2=ON, 4=OFF). For dimmers, holding the button dims up/down; releasing stops dimming.
4 Groups Controlled with Two Buttons and Double Click (Parameter 1/2 = 2)
This mode extends the previous one, allowing control of Groups C and D via double clicks. The device supports 8 operating modes for direct device control or scene activation.
Operating Modes for Direct Device Control:
- Basic Set/Switch Multilevel (param 11-14 = 1): Controls devices with On/Off/Dim commands.
- Basic Set Only (param 11-14 = 2): Controls devices with On/Off commands.
- Switch-All (param 11-14 = 3): Sends Switch-All commands to neighboring devices.
- Proximity Control (param 11-14 = 6): Controls devices within 50-100 cm. Caution: may affect multiple devices.
- Door Lock Control (param 11-14 = 7): Direct open/close control for electronic door locks using secure communication.
Operating Modes for Scene Activation:
- Preconfigured Scenes (param 11-14 = 5): Controls associated devices via 'Scene Controller Configuration' commands. Use 'separate' button mode for unique scene IDs per button.
- IP Gateway Scenes (param 11-14 = 4): Triggers scenes in a gateway. Scene number is a combination of group and action. Possible actions: 1=On, 2=Off, 3=Dim Up Start, 4=Dim Down Start, 5=Dim Up Stop, 6=Dim Down Stop.
- Central Scenes (param 11-14 = 8): Z-Wave Plus standard for scene activation, reacting to button push and release. Requires a Z-Wave Plus compatible gateway.
Note: For legacy controllers like VERA, reconfiguration may be needed. Visit www.z-wave.info/service for tutorials.
Factory Reset
Resets the device to factory defaults without exclusion:
- Enter management mode.
- Click Button 3.
- Hold Button 4 for 5 seconds (LED blinks green, then long-red/short-green).
Use this procedure if the primary controller is missing or inoperable.
Behavior within the Z-Wave Network
On factory default, the device is not part of any Z-Wave network. It requires 'Inclusion' to join a network and 'Exclusion' to leave. These processes are initiated by the primary controller. If the device is already in a network, it must be excluded before inclusion. Including a device into a network where the controller was primary requires the controller to be reset first.
Child Protection
Enables a child protection mode that disables local operation. This mode must be activated wirelessly. It can be temporarily unlocked for local operation by pressing any button within 5 seconds.
Wake Up Intervals
The device is battery-operated and enters deep sleep to conserve power. Communication is limited and requires a static controller in the network to maintain a mailbox for commands. The device periodically sends a 'Wake Up Notification' to allow the controller to retrieve stored commands. The wake-up interval is a balance between battery life and responsiveness. Manually waking the device is possible via Button 2 in management mode. A minimum interval of 240s is recommended. Configuration parameter #25 disables periodic wake-up to save battery. Sending Wake Up Notifications to node ID 0 disables periodic wake-up. Node ID 255 sends notifications as a broadcast.
Node Information Frame (NIF)
The NIF is a Z-Wave device's 'business card', containing its type and capabilities. It's sent during inclusion/exclusion and for network operations. Button 2 in management mode issues a NIF.
LED Control
Indicates device status:
- Confirmation: Green, 1 second.
- Failure: Red, 1 second.
- Button Press: Green, 1/4 second.
- Waiting for Network Management Mode: Slow green blinks.
- Waiting for Group Selection (Association Set Mode): Green fast blink.
- Waiting for Primary Controller Function Selection: Green fast blink.
- Waiting for NIF (Association Set Mode): Green-red-off blink.
Associations
Z-Wave devices can control other devices through associations. These are managed via association groups, linked to events like button presses. When an event occurs, all devices in the associated group receive a command.
Association Groups:
Group | Description |
---|---|
1 | Lifeline (max. 10 nodes) |
2 | Control Group A (Button 1 or single clicks of 1 & 3) (max. 10 nodes) |
3 | Control Group B (Button 2 or single clicks of 2 & 4) (max. 10 nodes) |
4 | Control Group C (Button 3 or double clicks of 1 & 3) (max. 10 nodes) |
5 | Control Group D (Button 4 or double clicks of 2 & 4) (max. 10 nodes) |
Set and Unset Associations to Actuators
Associations can be managed via Z-Wave commands or the device itself. To control a device, its node ID must be assigned to an association group:
- Enter management mode and press Button 4 within 10 seconds (LED blinks green).
- Within 10 seconds, press the button for the desired Z-Wave actuator. Single click adds to the group; double click removes the node.
- Locate the Z-Wave actuator and issue a Node Information Frame (NIF) within 20 seconds (e.g., by pressing a control button once or thrice). Consult the actuator's manual for NIF procedure. Any KFOB button press at this stage terminates the process.
Configuration Parameters
Z-Wave products offer default functionality, but configuration parameters allow customization and enhanced features.
Button 1 and 3 Pair Mode (Parameter Number 1, Size 1)
Value | Description |
---|---|
0 | Separately |
1 | In pair without double clicks (default) |
2 | In pair with double clicks |
In separate mode: Button 1 controls Group A, Button 3 controls Group C. Click=ON, Hold=Dim UP, Double click=OFF, Click-Hold=Dim DOWN. In pair mode (1/3): Buttons act as UP/DOWN. Click=ON/OFF, Hold=Dim UP/DOWN. Single clicks work with Group A, double clicks with Group C.
Button 2 and 4 Pair Mode (Parameter Number 2, Size 1)
Value | Description |
---|---|
0 | Separately |
1 | In pair without double clicks (default) |
2 | In pair with double clicks |
In separate mode: Button 2 controls Group B, Button 4 controls Group D. Click=ON, Hold=Dim UP, Double click=OFF, Click-Hold=Dim DOWN. In pair mode (2/4): Buttons act as UP/DOWN. Click=ON/OFF, Hold=Dim UP/DOWN. Single clicks work with Group B, double clicks with Group D.
Command to Control Group A (Parameter Number 11, Size 1)
Value | Description |
---|---|
0 | Disable |
1 | Switch on/off and Dim (send Basic Set and Switch Multilevel) |
2 | Switch on/off only (send Basic Set) |
3 | Switch all |
4 | Send scenes |
5 | Send preconfigured scenes |
6 | Control devices in proximity |
7 | Control door lock |
8 | Central scene to gateway (default) |
Command to Control Group B (Parameter Number 12, Size 1)
Value | Description |
---|---|
0 | Disable |
1 | Switch on/off and Dim (send Basic Set and Switch Multilevel) |
2 | Switch on/off only (send Basic Set) |
3 | Switch all |
4 | Send scenes |
5 | Send preconfigured scenes |
6 | Control devices in proximity |
7 | Control door lock |
8 | Central scene to gateway (default) |
Command to Control Group C (Parameter Number 13, Size 1)
Value | Description |
---|---|
0 | Disable |
1 | Switch on/off and Dim (send Basic Set and Switch Multilevel) |
2 | Switch on/off only (send Basic Set) |
3 | Switch all |
4 | Send scenes |
5 | Send preconfigured scenes |
6 | Control devices in proximity |
7 | Control door lock |
8 | Central scene to gateway (default) |
Command to Control Group D (Parameter Number 14, Size 1)
Value | Description |
---|---|
0 | Disable |
1 | Switch on/off and Dim (send Basic Set and Switch Multilevel) |
2 | Switch on/off only (send Basic Set) |
3 | Switch all |
4 | Send scenes |
5 | Send preconfigured scenes |
6 | Control devices in proximity |
7 | Control door lock |
8 | Central scene to gateway (default) |
Send Switch All Commands (Parameter Number 21, Size 1)
Value | Description |
---|---|
1 | Switch off only (default) |
2 | Switch on only |
255 | Switch all on and off |
Invert Buttons (Parameter Number 22, Size 1)
Value | Description |
---|---|
0 | No (default) |
1 | Yes |
Blocks Wake Up (Parameter Number 25, Size 1)
If the KFOB wakes up and no controller is nearby, communication attempts drain the battery.
Value | Description |
---|---|
0 | Wake up is blocked (default) |
1 | Wake up is possible if configured accordingly |
Send Unsolicited Battery Report on Wake Up (Parameter Number 30, Size 1)
If the KFOB wakes up and no controller is nearby, communication attempts drain the battery.
Value | Description |
---|---|
0 | No |
1 | To same node as Wake Up Notification (default) |
2 | Broadcast to neighbors |
Technical Data
Specification | Value |
---|---|
IP Rating | IP 20 |
Battery Type | 1 * CR2032 |
Frequency | 868.42 MHz |
Wireless Range | Up to 100 m outside, on average up to 20 m inside buildings |
Explorer Frame Support | Yes |
Device Type | Portable Controller |
Routing | No |
FLiRS | No |
Firmware Version | 1.3 |
Battery Life | > 2 years |
Explanation of Z-Wave Specific Terms
- Controller: A Z-Wave device that manages the network (gateways, remote controls, wall controllers).
- Slave: A Z-Wave device without network management capabilities (sensors, actuators, remote controls).
- Primary Controller: The central organizer of a Z-Wave network; only one can exist.
- Inclusion: The process of adding new Z-Wave devices to a network.
- Exclusion: The process of removing Z-Wave devices from a network.
- Association: A control relationship between a controlling device and a controlled device.
- Wake Up Notification: A wireless message announcing a device is ready to communicate.
- Node Information Frame (NIF): A wireless message announcing a device's capabilities and functions.
Disposal Guidelines
The product contains batteries. Remove batteries before disposal. Do not dispose of electrical appliances as unsorted municipal waste. Use separate collection facilities and contact your local government for information. Improper disposal can lead to hazardous substances leaking into the environment.
Support
For assistance, please contact POPP & Co. before returning the product. Many Z-Wave questions can be answered at www.z-wave.info. For further support, visit www.popp.eu/support or email info@popp.eu.