Ask the Expert

<< Go back to Ask the Expert INDEX

Updated November 10, 2008 0600am EST

I was wondering if it is possible to turn on and off — at the exact same time — seven or eight outdoor Z-Wave modules? My family puts on a big Christmas display every year and we would like everything to be synchronized going on and off.

Seven or eight outdoor modules on their own network would respond almost instantly. When controlling multiple switches at the same time they are typically turned on one at a time. The exception to this rule is when the devices are set up to respond to an All On command. The All On command is broadcasted to all the switches simultaneously. The fewer devices you operate at the same time, the faster they will respond.

Can a single device (such as a light) belong to two separate networks – a Harmony 890 remote and Intermatic Home Settings remote?

A single device cannot belong to two separate networks. However, it can be controlled by two separate remotes. A Z-Wave network is setup using a Primary controller. There can only be one primary controller in a network. You can copy the information from the primary controller to a Secondary controller. The last time I checked the Harmony 890 does not play well with other remotes. So in your particular example setting up a primary and secondary remote may not work. There is a long running thread on our forums that talk about the issues with the Harmony 890.

I live out in the country and have several buildings around the property (some as far as 250 feet away from the house). How can I control the lights in these buildings? Currently I use X-10 but want something subject to less interference.

This question comes up a lot. Z-Wave is limited to about 100 feet line of sight between devices. It is, in theory, possible to include enough devices in your network and span long distances. A more reliable and probably equally cost-effective solution would be to use a distributed Home Automation application such as Charmed Quark with multiple PCs. You can then use long range WiFi or run CAT5e cable. With products such as CQC you can build multiple Z-Wave networks and control them from any PC in your home network. Small mini-ITX PCs can be purchased for only a few hundred dollars. This is probably more cost-effective and more reliable than purchasing a bunch of Z-Wave switches to form a mesh network large enough to span the distances between buildings.

After wasting a lot of time trying to get a X10 motion sensor to work reliably I gave up and am considering a Z-Wave system, using the Z-Wave USB ZU201 controller and the ACT ZIR010 motion sensor. However, I do not want an extra remote, I just want to set up everything through the HomeSeer HS 2.2 software I’m using. Is it possible to set up the motion sensor in this way or can it only be done with the remote?

No, it’s not possible to setup a PIR (ZIR000) through HomeSeer without a remote. HomeSeer has published a release notes paper on the subject. HomeSeer recommends using the Z-Troller or ZTH100, although any remote that supports the ZIR000 should work.

I just bought a house that has a single pole light switch in the living room that also has a fan on it. I’ve seen wireless switches that allow you to control the fan speeds, fan, and light separately on this kind of setup, but I was wondering if there are any Z-Wave products that can do this?

Unfortunately I do not know of a switch that is Z-Wave and will handle both a Fan and Light on the same switch. There are fan switches available from Leviton. There is also the HomeSeer Z-Wave Fixture Module, which is intended to be used with recessed lighting. You may be able to use it along with a fan speed controller to get a similar result.

I’d like to update the lighting and thermostat (no security) with timer controls in a medium-size 60-year-old stone block church. Should I use Z-Wave or WiFi?

The key to a reliable Z-Wave network is to use as many devices as possible. If you are able to place a Z-Wave device every 50 to 100 feet of another device then Z-Wave will work fine in a stone building. I suggest that you contact a professional and include detailed information about the building such as the square footage and room dimensions.

I’m looking for a solution to link a serial Z-Wave adapter to an application (PC program) that accepts only USB stick. Any advice?

Which application? In general I don't know of a device that will convert serial to USB and have it show up in the windows device manager as a USB device. I would suggest that you contact the software developer for more information.

Can I use the 15A appliance module to turn off/on a computer in my home theater system? If not, what product would work best for this? I'm using it with the Logitech 890 remote.

Most PCs use 250 or 300-Watt power supplies at 120 volts. A 300-Watt power supply draws 2.5 amps (300W / 120V = 2.5A). Your appliance module is rated for up to 15Amps. So you can use the 15Amp appliance module to control your home theater computer.

David Powell is ZWaveWorld's Technology Editor .