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Updated July 16, 2007 08:00 PDT
I'm looking to integrate my spa controls into my Z-Wave
network. The spa has an RS-232 interface. I've not found
any Z-Wave RS-232 slave interfaces available. Do you know
of any?
The only RS-232 interface on the market today is the Lagotek
HIP200. There are others in the works but they are not expected
before the end of this year.
Is there a Z-Wave irrigation controller on the horizon?
These are under development at a few different Z-Wave OEMs.
As of the time of your letter there have been no product
release dates given.
I would like to control my fluorescent bias lighting
behind a plasma TV with a Harmony 890. Is there a split
Z-Wave receptacle I can purchase to do this? This receptacle
(one outlet for the plasma and one for the fluorescent light)
will get its power from a Monster power conditioner/surge
protector. Is this a problem? (I understand it would be
for an X10 outlet.) Is there anything else I would need,
or should know for this application?
Cooper
Wiring Devices and Intermatic
both offer duplex receptacles with one socket unswitched
and one switched via Z-Wave. These will work just fine even
if fed via a Monster
power conditioner. Z-Wave control works via radio frequency
and is not affected by the power condoner/surge protector
like power-liner carrier systems such as X10, Insteon, UPB,
and LON.
Is everything controlled by one remote
control, or do the different devices have their own?
There are many different types of Z-Wave controllers and
a device or a group of devices may be controlled by many
different controllers. That is to say you may have many
different remote controls for a single Z-Wave device.
Is Z-Wave available in Europe? If not, when will it
be?
Z-Wave products are available in Europe where they operate
on the 868MHz frequency. European products are available
from Monster,
Logitech,
and Danfoss
already shipping. Products from Merten, ACT, Hawking, and
others are coming in the next few months.
Can I access the programming of the Z-Wave system if
I'm an end user (I'm a software engineer)?
Your best bet would be to use one of the existing leading
home control platforms such as BuLogics,
Superna,
Embedded
Automation, HomeSeer,
Elk
Products, HAI
as these have already tied Z-Wave end points to alarm and
multimedia control systems. If you want to grow your own
solution you should check out the PCSDK and .NetMicroFramework
SDK's from ControlThink.
Mark Walters, our resident Z-Wave expert, is vice president
of the Z-Wave Alliance.
