best z-wave gear for ELK
- Thread starter signal15
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Call AO or another distributor but I think the Leviton VR-COP is a favorite of many. I have been dabling with some Zwave but I think UPB is so much easier to set up.
Yeah, my options were:
- Centralite Jetstream - hasn't been updated for awhile, single manufacturer, proprietary communication protocol (not Zigbee HA profile)
- UPB - I like it, but not really that mainstream
- Zwave - multiple manufacturers, will be supported out of the box with the HomeSeer HomeTroller this summer, you can pick up some things at local big box stores
So this one? http://www.automatedoutlet.com/Home/Plug-In-Modules/LEV-VRC0P-1LW
Yes that is the one I meant. Wait for a few more responses as well as talk to a distributors tech support (my opinion)
The VRC0P is what ELK recommends as well, but keep in mind it doesn't support 'beaming' (so it won't work with any Z-Wave locks). Supposedly Leviton is working on a new version which will also be upgradeable, but won't be released for another few months. I am in the same boat, and not sure what to do now.
ddennerline
Active Member
I have been running a M1XSP/VRC0P for eight months with 9 Vizia+ switches/dimmers. Even though Z-Wave class/command sets are supposed to be standardized, the secondary controller has to have code to understand all the different types of devices. There is no such thing as “minimum profile” because the Z-Wave class/command protocol is so large.
I ordered a 2-Gig Thermostat tonight for $80, and basically I am praying that it works with M1XSP/VRCOP. The Elk Vizia+ firmware indicates that Z-Wave thermostats are supported, but it doesn’t indicate which ones support every Elk Thermostat Feature (fan, heat change-over, setpoints, and hold). I have not seen an Elk M1XSP/VRC0P a “Z-Wave compatibility devices,” document.
There are few shortcomings of the M1XSP/VRC0P.
Overall I am very happy with Vizia+ switches and Elk integration. I hope that Elk will correct the these problems in a VRC0P firmware update.
I ordered a 2-Gig Thermostat tonight for $80, and basically I am praying that it works with M1XSP/VRCOP. The Elk Vizia+ firmware indicates that Z-Wave thermostats are supported, but it doesn’t indicate which ones support every Elk Thermostat Feature (fan, heat change-over, setpoints, and hold). I have not seen an Elk M1XSP/VRC0P a “Z-Wave compatibility devices,” document.
There are few shortcomings of the M1XSP/VRC0P.
- I am pretty certain the M1XSP does not support Z-Wave scenes directly. The VRC0P can be programmed to send ASCII text string over the serial port. The VRC0P scene command is different than the group command.
- Any group command initiated by M1 will not update the M1G lighting status. There’s a work-around that requires sending a custom string (group update) to serial_port0. It does not work 100% correctly even with the work-around. I asked Elk how fast can M1XSP process lighting commands. For each load/light in your network will send a one line update. If you have 12 downstairs lights, then a group update will result in all 12 lights sending their status.
- No intermittent polling. If the ElkM1 becomes desynchronized, the only way to correct problem is toggling individual switches. Due to wireless nature of Z-Wave, it’s possible that notifications and commands can be lost.
Overall I am very happy with Vizia+ switches and Elk integration. I hope that Elk will correct the these problems in a VRC0P firmware update.
Hopefully UDI will make an ISY for Zwave after they finish the UPB version. They can probably address the concerns.
I didn't put Insteon on the list because of all of the negative reviews of both the quality, and the customer service. I have some friends that have a couple of switches each, but nothing major. I don't know what it would take at this point for me to consider them again. Their switch problems in the past were a disaster, and it was made even worse by some of the customer support stories. Also, it seems to me that some component was replaced AFTER they obtained a UL listing, and I seem to remember someone saying that it burned up on occasion. Does the UL allow you to use different components without having the device recertified? I don't want my house burning down because of some dimmer switch.
Also, it's my understanding that the ELK cannot determine the status of Z-wave devices. What kinds of devices CAN it determine the status of?
Insteon devices that are Listed are Listed by ETL (a competitor of UL) using UL Standards. If ETL determined that a component is critical to meet the UL Standard (or NEC etc) then they would hold SH to that component and the product retested if they wanted to change it. If it was not critical it may need to meet a minimum specification if its described at all by UL or ETL (any agency can miss something). UL and ETL do not publish their reports on products they list but they do audit with unannounced visits every quarter to verify compliance. These audits do NOT cover 100% of the products each quarter (its a random spot check).
My "opinion" is use a product you feel comfortable with. You want to be able to sleep at night.
Well, I can't correct you in regards to 2way communication with zwave? What I will say about Insteon is I have installed it in my home, and in several homes along with a ISY99, and a Elk M1 Gold. The system is as solid as a brick and I do have 2 way communication. You should feel comfortable with any decision you make but the quality in the past 2 years with Insteon has been great. All in all, in the past 2 years, I have put in nearly 500 Insteon Switches in several homes and have not had one failed yet. Good luck in your decision.
Well I can add the the Leviton switches to support 2-way communication. This includes there VRCOP. However, the 2-way communication is not part of the z-wave standard but is unique to Leviton. The Leviton zwave switches will work in a standard zwave environment but if you want the 2-way communication you have to use Leviton equipment or the equipment of one of their partners. For example, HAI supports the Leviton 2-way communication. There is documentation on the Leviton Web site Leviton Docs that explains.
Insteon's "history" (some recent) has been bad. It will take time for them to regain the confidence with some people. I dont remember of any case where an Insteon product caused a fire etc. but its still a lot of money to lose if SH screws up.
Failures All Over the Place SH Forums
The Original Flicker/Flutter Failures (SH did it again more recently) This started happening again last year but I could not find the thread (maybe SH deleted) but possibly someone else can.
Lamplincs failing
In the end you have to be willing to accept the probablity of a failure based on their track record until they have time to prove the products work long term (because they last a year or so is better then months but lets see in 5 or 10 years).
Failures All Over the Place SH Forums
The Original Flicker/Flutter Failures (SH did it again more recently) This started happening again last year but I could not find the thread (maybe SH deleted) but possibly someone else can.
Lamplincs failing
In the end you have to be willing to accept the probablity of a failure based on their track record until they have time to prove the products work long term (because they last a year or so is better then months but lets see in 5 or 10 years).
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