Q1 What is Stitchy?
A small, easy to install device that sits behind your light switches to enable voice control of your lights.
Q2 Why Stitchy and not Control 4, Fibaro or Brilliant?
Each system has its pros and cons. Stitchy stands out in its simplicity and flexibility. Being connected to a proprietary APP means no limit on control. Installation is easy.
Q3 What is the difference between a Connected Home, Home Automation and Smart Home Automation?
A connected home simply refers to the infrastructure installed in the home – a simple network to allow solid connectivity of Smart TVs and a good Wi-Fi network is an excellent example of a connected home, but the infrastructure can extend to allow media servers, home theatre PCs and simple media solutions.
Home automation is one that can be automated but is controlled only by the opening of a smart device and in some circumstances, the face of the home changes to accommodate the Home Automation platform.
A smart home is one that retains the basic infrastructure but then adds the ability to control the home via App, Voice or conventional light switch and is able to operate on multiple platforms with unlimited expansion, without changing the face of the home.
Q4. What is a Zigbee platform?
Zigbee is an IEEE 802.15.4-based specification for a suite of high-level communication protocols used to create personal area networks with small, low-power digital radios, such as for home automation, medical device data collection, and other low-power low-bandwidth needs, designed for small scale projects which need wireless connection. In short, Zigbee is a low-power, low data rate, and close proximity (i.e., personal area) wireless ad hoc network.
Q5 Why is Zigbee better than basic Wi-Fi or Bluetooth?
Simply put if you were to look on your phone or tablet you will see all local Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices however even if a Zigbee device was made discoverable you will never see it on your phone or tablet unless you have a Zigbee based controller set up on your phone or table and have it searching at the same time the devices are made discoverable. This makes it much safer.
Q6 Can I see Zigbee products on my smartphone if they are in discovery mode?
No, they are only visible to a Zigbee based controller or Hub similar to a Philips Hue Hub or Amazon Alexa Echo Plus
Q7 If I use the Stitchy Dimmer can I retain the existing dimmer?
No. because Stitchy will override the pot style dimmer. An example of this is if Stitchy has dimmed the lights to say 20% the pot dimmer will be able to take it up and down if Stitchy has the lights set to a 100% the pot dimmer will do nothing.
Q8 If I use an Amazon Alexa Echo Plus do I have to use a Philips Hue Hub?
No, you can use either, the Amazon Echo Plus has Zigbee built-in and can be used directly with Stitchy.
Q9 If I have an Alexa Echo Plus can I set it up on my iPhone if I don’t have an iPad?
Yes, it’s just a simple matter of downloading the Alexa APP, and away you go.
Q10 Can I set up an Alexa Echo Plus on my Android smartphone?
Yes, you go to the applicable APP Store download the Alexa APP, and away you go.
Q11 Why doesn’t M-Elec have their own App to control Stitchy?
With Stitchy designed to operate off the Zigbee platform, it will work of a multitude of different platforms the most common being Philips Hue which allows Alexa Echo Dot, Google Home, and Apple Home kit or you can go solo with an Amazon Alexa Echo Plus. With the availability of all these platforms who invest millions of dollars each year, M-elec is realistic in understanding we could not compete and develop the technology quick enough not to mention the privacy restraints.
Q12 If I lose power or Wi-Fi will I have to reprogram the entire system?
No Stitchy will remember the address given to it, the only way it can be changed is if it were to be reset.
Q13 Can I purchase and set Stitchy up in stages as we see the need?
Yes, you can that’s one of the key benefits of Stitchy it can grow as your needs grow.
Q14 What core components do I require to start my smart home?
To start your smart home all you require is one Stitchy device and either an Amazon Alexa Echo Plus or a Philips Hue hub and Wi-Fi in your home.
Q15 Is Stitchy purely for the domestic market?
No Stitchy is suitable where ever there is a switch, light or anything you would like to control. We have had queries from Builders to use Stitchy in residential units, commercial buildings, offices and retirement villages to make life more comfortable for residents.
Q16 Can I still use a Stitchy Dimmer with a Clipsal 750 Infrascan?
Yes, the Stitchy device will operate the light as normal dimming up and down, turning it on and off. When the Clipsal 750 Infrascan senses a person it will override Stitchy and take the light straight to 100% until it’s timed out, after which it will hand control back to Stitchy.
Q17 Can Stitchy control larger loads?
Yes, Stitchy can control larger loads on/off through the use of a relay or Contactor, Stitchy will control the coil of the Relay or Contactor.
Q18 If I am using a Philips Hue Hub with an Amazon Alexa Echo Dot do I put the devices in rooms on the Philips Hue?
No, the Philips Hue is to be used to locate the devices and then share them with the Alexa Echo Dot or Google Home it’s only then that you name the lights and place them in a room.
Q19 Does Stitchy work with momentary switches or bell press type switches?
No, the Stitchy devices require a set on/off action.
Q20 Can I set the minimum dimming level on a Stitchy Dimmer?
Yes, Dim to the lowest setting without any flicker and then push the ‘min. Set’ button on Stitchy till the light flashes
Q21 What are the 3 Main Functions of Smart Home Tech?
Applicable for all generations, Works on all major platforms, Easy to commission.
Q22 Will Stitchy work with Samsung SmartThings?
Unfortunately no, Samsung has locked SmartThings things to a particular strand of Zigbee. Samsung did say they were looking at releasing an API earlier this year but we are awaiting this release.