How to Get Started with mServer
An extremely robust hardware platform, mServer is designed specifically for dedicated home and building automation (see figure 1). It comes with Embedded Automation’s mControl software that runs on Windows XP. mServer offers standard PC connections such as USB, [Read More]
Z-Wave Rock Star Contest Winner
The Z-Wave Rock Star contest has come to a close. As we read through all the entries we were struck by how many DIY enthusiasts have put a home control stake in the ground using Z-Wave-enabled products. We’d like to thank all the readers who participated. Although it [Read More]
Get Started! Z-Wave the Easy Way
Enjoy the Benefits of Z-Wave Living! Security. Comfort. Energy management. Control. It’s what everyone wants at home, and it’s easy to do. But how do you get started? ZWaveWorld technology editor, David Powell, has put together this easy-to-follow guide that [Read More]
How-to: Bridge Z-Wave and X10 Protocols with Elk M1G
In my last article “Bridge the Communication Gap Between Z-Wave and X10” I introduced you to the idea of using software or hardware to allow Z-Wave and X-10 devices to interact with each other. In this article I will demonstrate in more detail the steps required [Read More]
Bridge Z-Wave and X10 Protocols
One of the most valuable characteristics of building your own home automation system is the ability to personalize it by picking and choosing the devices that meet your needs. However, there are times when you require a product to perform a certain function and that product [Read More]
Stay Warm This Winter With Z-Wave Thermostats
You most likely want to stay warm this winter and one way to keep control of your thermostat is with some of the currently available Z-Wave enabled thermostats. There are, however, a few “gotchas” to look out for. Figure 1 The ACT ZTT000 is a thermostat that I [Read More]
How to Automate Your Holiday Lighting
The holiday seasons are approaching fast and what better way to celebrate than to decorate with lights. There are several Z-Wave products on the market today that will make automating your fall and winter festive decorations a piece of cake. Controllers First you are going [Read More]
Consolidate Control Using Logitech’s Harmony 890 Remote
Figure 1: The Harmony 890 with RF Controller The world of home automation offers several options for consolidating control of your electronic entertainment devices to one remote. Thanks to Z-Wave technology, Logitech is able to offer a total environment solution by [Read More]
Multi-Use Automated In-Wall Devices Offer Easy Controls
Last winter, ZWW reviewer Scott Lowe discovered the hidden talents of a Z-Wave Appliance module, which he used to automate his stand-alone propane heater. Since then Intermatic has released a few of its InTouch branded devices including an In-Wall Receptacle. Figure 1 The [Read More]
So You Installed a Z-Wave Network, Now What?
If your situation is anything like mine, once you get the whole Z-Wave setup working reliably and show it to your spouse, they’ll say something like: “That’s nice, but what was wrong with using the light switches and the $5 automatic timers with the floor [Read More]
Related Topics
Garage Door Control Options – an ADT Pulse Example
Say you have an ADT Pulse home alarm system and you want to use to open and close your garage door. What are your options? According to our resident expert, [Read More]
