Recent content by ChrisWalker

For new construction, and for retrofits where you have the appropriate wiring for non-RF remote switches I would use the Vizia (non-RF) remote switches (paired with the Vizia RF master switches). RF virtual switches are pretty awesome but wired almost always wins over wireless for...

Hi manxam, Software and devices can use "full power inclusion mode". In this mode, the device will transmit its nodeinfo (announcement) signal at full strength and the computer interface will listen with full sensitivity. Historically this can work to add most devices in direct range...but...

Mike, From what I've read and what we've tested, the Vizia RF and Vizia RF + devices are fully interoperable. There should be an upgrade available soon for the Vizia RF remotes to setup the new devices if you can't do it already--and of course ThinkEssentials 2.1 will let you set up and...

As Dan (Electron) noted, the Vizia RF + products are now officially available. CocoonTech is even doing a giveaway... Announcement, availability, and contest details: http://www.cocoontech.com/index.php?showtopic=10636 Chris ControlThink

Stacy, it never ceases to amaze me what cool things you come up with. I hadn't even thought about using Robotics Studio for home automation. Now you have me thinking about ways to create portable robots which can turn the lights on when they enter rooms, etc. Chris

twilo123, the locks should in theory be using the cryptography features of Z-Wave. Chris

Rich, thanks for pitching in here. The ThinkStick comes with "installer" firmware as well--although you can use our ThinkStick Update tool to switch to the "static controller" firmware if you want to be able to receive messages from controllers. For most purposes, we highly recommend sticking...

...and it's USB (and USB powered)... and it has some other advanced features we haven't announced yet.

HighTest, how is it working for you in Vista x64? I'm running Vista x64 without issues--but feedback is very much appreciated. Chris

FYI, we've just released the first firmware upgrade for the ThinkStick (Z-Wave USB Adapter). This upgrades the ThinkStick to Z-Wave v4.25 which provides for "double-speed routing" with many recently-manufactured Z-Wave devices. This is in addition to the 4x Z-Wave support built in, bringing...

P.S. Is there any interest in serial drivers for the new ControlThink Z-Wave USB Adapter? Chris

Micah: David is correct--the upgradability refers to the ability to upgrade the Z-Wave firmware in this device. That said, you can use the adapter with Intermatic's device update utility (available on their website) to reflash your InTouch controllers... And because it supports 4x Z-Wave, it's...

Martin--that's pretty awesome. In a completely different vein, here's a hillarious video on home automation from CBS's "The Big Bang Theory": http://tinyurl.com/2zs3o4 (goes to cbs.com) The home automation part runs from the beginning (0m:00s) to 2m:05s. No representation of actual home...

Thanks for the enthusiasm! We're all pretty excited about the acquisition. It means great things for Leviton, ControlThink, and all of ControlThink's partners and customers. Chris

Not sure if any of these are right for you, but here's an "out of the box" solution that's not ceiling mounted: http://www.lighting.philips.com/microsite/living_colors/ And here's the source of many of the RGB LEDs (Philips): http://www.lumileds.com/ And some "mini-tubes"...