New Z-Wave Products Options

[Rob]

Thought we might keep a list of what's on the horizon as well as new stuff coming out.

hit the specs tab for the z-wave info
http://actiontec.com/products/broadband/zcontrol/
http://www.ehomeupgrade.com/entry/4585/act...oduces_zcontrol

[img]http://actiontec.com/products/broadband/zcontrol/images/zControl.jpg[/img]

[Genesis]

Rob, see the HomeDaemon source code..... 'tis all in there.

I'm running on batteries, have the PIRs reporting battery level (yes, they can and will if you ask them to) and have consumed from 1-5% of the batteries in the four units that I have online at present over the space of about two to three weeks.

I'm using "low self-discharge" NiMH batteries in them as well, which means that I'm seeing some of the battery's self-discharge curve. If I get six months between trips to the charger I'll be happy, and it appears that this will be no problem.

[garylm]

My HRDS1 arrived from Hawking Tech today.

The box says: System Requirements - HomeRemote (Z-Wave) Gateway

But the manual says: Requires - HomeRemote Pro Gateway or HomeRemote Gateway, or Door Sensor Compatible Z-Wave controller

I used the Z-Tool and HA22 to add it to my network, and then I switched over to the RZC0P for some fun and games. So far I've only tried sending SE48 and SE132 messages, and so far it behaves just like the InTouch PIR. Tomorrow I'll have more time, and I'll try associations and battery level.

I took the thing apart and snapped some photos if anybody is interested.

The "program" switch is a micro switch that protrudes through a hole in the back. The program switch is just sensitive enough that you can press the whole box when the box is flush mounted.

Here's another question about mounting door sensors. I'm going to have to chisel out a place for the sensor in the molding around the door. The sensor's magnet is much smaller than the sensor itself, and I'm wondering if it would be OK to mount the sensor upside down on the door and mount the magnet on the door frame. The sensor does have screw terminals for connecting external power, but if I'm running off batteries, shouldn't it be OK for the sensor to swing with the door? Or is that tacky?

And I want to paint it black - not because I'm a Rolling Stones fan, but because all of my hardware, switches, outlets, and light cans are black.

[David Powell]

Sweet. You should start another thread to post your photos and keep track of all your programming findings. I think these would be great in medicine cabinets and other drawers that you don't want your kids getting into. For instance my 2 year old daughter got into our pencil and pens drawer and found a Sharpie. Thankfully, I had a bottle of Toluene and Isopropyl alcohol mixture which takes marker of anthing really easy. She had our new dining room table covered.

[garylm]

I was thumbing through the Portus Home brochure from C.E.S. and noticed that they mention a few other new devices in addition to their power-monitoring appliance modules. They also mention smoke and "safety" sensors. I don't know what they mean by safety sensors. Perhaps they sense that a GFCI has tripped or maybe a gas leak. The brochure also mentions security strobes, sirens, and environment sensors.