Ask the Expert
<< Go back to Ask the Expert
INDEX
Updated July 19, 2010
I’d like to control about six ceiling lights, a washer and dryer, a TV and three appliances. If possible, I’d like to be able to access everything through the internet. What would I need to be able to do this without a complicated installation?
You have a lot of options in front of you depending on what you want to spend. Take a look at the Z-Wave section to get started. Here are two possibilities depending on your needs: The HomeSeer HSPRO Home Control Software and the Vera Z-Wave Home Automation Controller. Also, take a look at the comparison chart to see how different products stack up.
Is there a Z-Wave garage door system?
There are couple of solutions depending on on what your using for control of your environment: Option 1 is the Wayne Dalton conversion module/receiver, the keyless key chain controller, and the gateway. Option 2 is to wire one of these in parallel around each of your garage door push-button switches: HomePro ZRF113 Z-Wave Isolated Contact Fixture Module or HomePro ZRW113W Z-wave Relay Switch. Each is powered by 120v but has an isolated relay that can be used with HomeSeer to simulate a button push.
Now add a door sensor to each of your garage doors so that a controller can track the open/close status of the doors. When you arrive home, just use your existing garage door opener to open the door. The door sensor will alert the controller and you can trigger events, based on that. Also, you'll be able to monitor the status of the door remotely and control the door with the ACT devices.
I am thinking about purchasing a Schlage Link system. I also want to add a “door sensor” that alerts me when a door is open. Will the Home Manageables door sensor work on the sames ystem? Is there a compatable one?
Check out the Schlage Link system first. Also take a look at the compatability chart for the Link System. Currently there are no door and window sensors that work with the Link System. However, there are other options that interface with the Schlage Locks, including Homeseer and Vera.
________________________________________________________________________
I have four ceiling-mounted light fixtures in my basement. Does Z-Wave have receivers that can be installed between the light fixtures and the electical box? I don’t want to have to run conduit from each fixture to a wall switch. I found remote control for ceiling fans that operate both light and fan, but seems nothing does this same application for ceiling-mounted, pull chain light fixtures.
There are two options for you to look at: the first option is the HA05C Module. I use these in most of the closets throughout the house and also in the garage. Option 2 is the ZRF113 Isolated Contact module. But this might be overkill for your application.
Where can I buy Z-Wave products in Sri Lanka?
There are a number of sites that ship around the world including SmartHome products. If you check the Z-Wave section, you can search for the products you’re looking for.
I would like to use Z-Wave products. I am currently using X-10. I need to be able to write programs on a PC for Automation Control. Canned programs won’t work. Is there an API that we can use for development with the your USB controller?
If you are looking for an SDK check out the ControlThink stick. If you have a ControlThink stick you can download the beta version (1.3) of the SDK without an SDK license key. You can download the beta SDK from the forum free. This is not a full blown SDK but will give you a good start. If this is not good enough to get you started a full SDK can be purchased from the Alliance through DigiKey.
I need help to define what I should buy to control lights of my home theater. Currently the system of this room is composed of six tri-ways, controlling six different lights. I need to keep the same wiring and the same separation of lights to create the scenes that I like, but I want manual control and remote control for this system. Which system should I use? I have the remote control Logitech Harmony 1100. Can I use it to control the lights?
What you are attempting in your theater room can easily be accomplished with the Z-Wave technology. Depending on the type of lights you have in the theater room, you might want to start here. The Logitech Harmony 1100 remote is not Z-Wave compatible. There are a number of other remotes on the market that will control your Home Theater equipment and are also Z-Wave compatible, for example, the Nevo Q50 or S70.
What is the effective open air range of Z-Wave?
This is a difficult question to answer there are many variables that can affect the RF Range. There are manufacturer’s that state 300 ft. and others that state much less. I have found a good rule of thumb is 100 to 125 ft. but every environment is different.
Is there a universal Z-Wave module that has dry inputs that can be triggered to send z-wave information out to toggle the z wave module?
Depending on what you are trying to accomplish, you might want to take a look at the HM-DW001 Wireless Door/Window Sensor. If you take a look at the installation guide on page 2, you might find what you’re looking for.
______________________________________________________________________
I want to set up a SmartHome network using Z-Wave to control door locks and exterior lighting. I would also like to include sensor units for perimeter access warnings. I want to program and control all of the devices from a central wall panel. Can you provide any suggestions for the wall panel to program and control these devices?
I assume you will be using the Schlage Lock as you are looking to add motion sensors to the network. For this capability, you will need to look at either Homeseer or Vera. Each system has it pluses and minsuses I have been working with Z-Wave for over five years now and started out with HomeSeer as Vera was not available at that point.
HomeSeer is a much more robust program. The software has been available for over 12 years, whereas Vera has only been out for approximately two years. I have been using a touchscreen with HomeSeer for about 15 months now. The touchscreen software keeps getting better. You can access the system from any Windows mobile smartphone or the iPhone or iPad. (Work is being done for the Blackberry.)
In addition to reviewing the two systems, I suggest starting with a pad and pencil and listing what you want to do currently with automation and in the future. This is a very important step and will become very useful in accomplishing what you are looking to do.
I want to control two outdoor lights and two indoor lamps using the Logitech Harmony 890. What do I need other than the switches/plug modules to do this? Controller? Software?
Based on what you are asking — the 890 remote will be able to control the two outdoor lights and two lamp modules. The 890 can control up to 15 Z-Wave devices. One feature that is a little quirky with the 890 is its ability to have another remote in the network. It depends on which 890 you have or are getting. The 890 standard will not interface with an additional remote, but the 890Pro can interface with an another 890Pro.
I would like to use Z-Wave to learn 868MHz frequency codes so that I can control my garden lighting (which is on a Wise Box using 868MHz) via wi-fi (ultimately making use of an iPhone or iPad App).
Here is a good place to start. The Z-Wave controller that I would suggest is the Aeon Labs Z-Stick to use with your computer. The software I would look at based on your requirements would be HomeSeer. This software gives you the capability of designing a custom interface. The software can be accessed via any Windows CE client, the iPhone or iPod Touch, the new iPad and the Droid. Different screens can be developed for different users of the system. You can download the software for a 30-day trial and try it before you buy it.
I live in Sweden and I’m looking for a good way to start building a Z-Wave network. What devices do I need?
There are a several options available on the European market. Here’s a good place to start. I suggest you try the Aeon Labs Z-Stick Z-Wave controller to use with your computer. The software I would look at based on your requirements would be HomeSeer This software gives you the capability to design a custom interface. The software can be accessed via any Windows CE client, the iPhone or iPod Touch, the new iPad and the Droid — different screens can be developed for different users of the system — it is very flexible. You can download the software for a 30-day trial and try it before you buy it.
Where's the best place to start in planning Z-Wave technology for a custom home? Is there a guide or something geared toward a homeowner?
There are a multitude of devices that are available with Z-Wave. The best place to start is with a pad and a pencil, however. Think about what you want to automate — lighting, HVAC, appliances, ceiling fans, door locks, audio and video. Also consider this: do you want to control your lighting based on motion and or luminance (light levels)? How do you want to control your environment for temperature and/or humidity? Do you have ceiling fan that will be included? What about security and door locks? How do you want to interface with the automation system — internet, remote and local, from your iPhone or cell phone? And, are you looking to have touchscreens throughout the house? This is a good starting point as each house is different and each owner unique. Once you figure out what you want to automate, it’s easy to find the right solution.
Is there a way to allow two remotes to control a single lamp or relay module?
With the Z-Wave technology you need to have one primary controller/remote and can have multiple secondary controllers/remotes. The primary controller is to includes all the devices in the network. After adding new devices to the network you need to transfer them to the secondary remotes to be able to control the devices with the secondary controller. The only remote that I am aware of that cannot act as a secondary or have a secondary is the Harmony 890 remote.
I am developing a heat pump that has a PLC inside of it to control all functions. We use Modbus to communicate from the room temperature sensor, mode and fan control device (like a thermostat) but the PLC manages the functions. Is there a Z-Wave thermostat device that can communicate with or Modbus or to RS435?
For this particular application, you might want to take a look at the RCS ZWB485 - Z-Wave Adapter for Serial Thermostats.
I need a wireless extender for the Z-Wave controller I just purchased from Radio Shack. The outside light is plugged into the outdoor controller, but I need a little more distance capability. Any suggestions?
The Z-Wave technology builds a mesh network for communications. The old adage is the more devices the better the network. How many devices are use using? What is the distance between the controller an what you are trying to control? Just so you know, any device that is not battery-powered will act as a repeater in the network.
Can one Aeon Z-Stick work as a complete controller with software installed at the host computer?
Yes the Z-Stick can perform as the primary controller with software at the host computer.
What happens when you turn off the computer? Do the switches work independently from the controller?
When running software like ControlThink — which also works with the ThinkStick-EU, Vera or HomeSeer and are meant to run 24/7 — if you turn off the software, the switches will work independently but none of the programming that has been set up in the computer will function. If you use software and have to turn the computer off and still want to be able to control the lights, for example, you might want to look at a handheld remote like the Minimote or the ZTH200 as a secondary controller to the Z-Stick.
If the the Z-Stick is battery powered why can’t it continue to turn on/turn off the switches even if the computer is turned off?
The Z-Stick is the controller (the interface) between the Z-Wave devices and the computer software. If you turn off the computer the Z-Stick cannot interface with the software. The Minimote is a mini-remote control with limited functionality. If you want to look at a remote with more functionality the ZTH200 is the one to look at. Look at the section on associating motion sensors or the door sensors with lighting devices.
How do buildings with cement or clay brick walls and steel and cement columns affect Z-wave transmission?
The architecture of the structure can effect the RF transmission. I live in a 1960 concrete block stucco with plaster walls and metal electrical boxes in the walls and have no trouble with Z-Wave. Currently I have 62 devices including lights, thermostats and sensors (motion, illumination, temperature, humidity and water) operating in my house.
I want to be able to — from inside my home — turn ON/OFF 120v flood lights in the ceiling of a boat house approximately 200 feet away. Is there an affordable solution for this?
Please take a look at this short video. It gives a good description of Z-Wave technology and how it works.
Here are some products to consider for what you want to do:
HomePro ZTH100 Wireless Controller
HomePro ZRW103 Z-Wave 20-Amp 3-way Relay
HomePro ZDW103 Z-Wave 800-Watt 3-way Dimmer
The ZRW103 is a relay switch — on/off for fluorescent bulbs or CFL’s. The ZDW103 is a dimmer switch so you can dim your lights as desired. It will not work with CFL’s or fluorescents.
Is there Mac compatible software available that can control Z-Wave devices?
Yes, you have a couple of options. First, there is Houseport by Wayne-Dalton. The other option is to run something like Parallels or HomeSeer. I know a number of people that are doing this very successfully.
I am converting our HA technology from Insteon to Z-Wave and just installed an Intermatic Starter Kit (controller, two lamp plug-in modules). I was hoping to use one of the plug-in modules for a 110V outdoor light transformer (110v in, 12v supply side). It does not seem to want to associate with the controller and there is quite a bit of buzzing when it does turn on, so I’m assuming this is not the appropriate module for the job. Should I be looking at an appliance module instead (for example, Leviton RZP15-1LX)?
The lamp modules are just for lighting and are generally only rated for 300 watts. Appliance modules are on/off or relay devices and are rated at 15 amps or 1800 watts. For your outside appliances like your transformer I would look at the HomeSettings HA04C Z-Wave Outdoor Module, the ZRP110 Z-Wave Plug-in Exterior Appliance Module or a Z-Wave Receptacle. I have items set up both ways.
I am using Somfy brand motorized window shades with their radio transmitters and receivers. Is the Somfy system compatable with Z-Wave?
It depends on what model you are using. I hope these help:
http://www.somfysystems.com/resisystems/
http://www.somfysystems.com/integrator09/
http://www.somfysystems.com/interior09/
How can I bridge multiple Z-Wave networks in a building?
How many networks are you trying to bridge in what size building? How many devices are in each network? If the total number devices is less then 232, then it would be possible to set up a single network with multiple controllers.
Can Z-Wave work in the Middle East?
Yes Z-Wave will work in the Middle East. I have worked with people from Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Israel to name a few. As you are probably running 230 VAC here is good a place to start.
I have an unattached garage that is about 250 feet from my house. I want to operate a light switch that is located in the garage from my house. Will this system work for me and what would I need?
The maximum distance according to most manufacturer’s of Z-Wave devices is 300 feet. Here’s a great video about how Z-Wave works. Basically, Z-Wave builds a mesh network to communicate with. You might want ask yourself: is this the only device you want to control? And, is the light switch you want to control using an incandescent, CFL or Flourescent bulb?
The bulb being used will determine the switch to install If you are running CFL or flourescents these are the switches to use. If you are using incandescent bulbs and want to be able to dim the bulb/light these are the switches to use.
Jay Venner, our resident Z-Wave expert, is an experienced a home-automation consultant and the vice president of Smarthome-Products. Jay is well-versed in numerous home automation technologies including CEBus, Insteon, X10, Z-Wave, ZigBee, En-Ocean, and KNX.
