Odd problem trying to pair Smart Zigbee MR16 Bulbs. ZHA

nairb · November 5, 2021, 3:32pm

I am trying to change my 12 volt front garden lighting to use colour changing Smart Bulbs, so I bought some Benexmart MR16 Zigbee Bulbs.

Initially I had big problems pairing them, even when I moved one to within 3 metres of the Coordinator. So I bought a couple of Smart Things plugs and can now connect to 3 of the 4 bulbs currently installed. The 4th I cannot get to connect for love nor money. I have tried a couple of different bulbs to ensure that they are not faulty, with no difference. The odd thing is that it is 1 meter nearer the Smart Things plug and than a light that is is working correctly, both less than 4 metres from the plug in direct, uninterrupted line of sight.

All the working bulbs have connected via the Smart Plug and themselves act as routers. I am using ZHA with a Conbee 2 on a 1 metre USB extension, the Zigbee network is small with 9 devices 3
of which are battery powered.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Jonah1970 · November 5, 2021, 10:18pm

I have not heard of this manufacturer before but have a couple of suggestions for you …

Have you checked that your lights are compatible with ZHA here: Database of Zigbee devices compatible with ZHA, Tasmota, Zigbee2MQTT, deCONZ, ZiGate and ioBroker
What is the quality of the 12V wiring like? If it is outside and old then the wiring could have degraded so have you measured the voltage at the lights when they are turned on to check that you don’t have volt drop issues?

nairb · November 6, 2021, 8:25am

Thanks Jonah,

On your first point, they are not on the Database, but 3 of the 4 connected as eWeLights and are working OK so I don’t think that that is the issue.

Excellent second point it gives me the excuse to get and learn to use a Multimeter. Pro-tem I will swap out another light fitting, when it stops raining.

nairb · November 12, 2021, 5:50pm

Just to wrap this up, after swapping out bulbs, light fittings, trying to pair multiple times I have now come to the conclusion that the probability is that 3 out of the 6 bulbs I ordered are faulty.