Considering changing from Z-Wave with Elk

[andygee]

I currently have a Z-Wave network setup using the RZC0P interface to the Elk. I don't have much invested in the modules yet and the ones I do have are very slow to respond. Almost to the point of thinking they aren't going to come on. I also had a Z-Wave thermostat but had so many problems with it working and responding that I changed that out for a wired RCS thermostat. Most of the modules that I have are Intermatic so I'm wondering if it's just those units or if the performance on them is typical.

Any suggestions or ideas? If I can't get some better performance out of it them I'm considering swapping to either UPB or Insteon. I don't think that I will ever replace the door locks to need to keep the Z-wave but I know it's "more open" and supported by many vendors.

Thanks,

Andy

 

[Del91574]

This might be of interest:
http://www.cocoontech.com/portal/articles/news/18-z-wave/438-updated-z-wave-firmware-bug

I can't comment on Zwave because we typically use other solutions.

 

[electron]

I haven't heard of too many success stories about this combo, but I am in process of trying this myself (just need to reboot the M1 when I have time, so it can scan for Z-Wave devices).

 

[andygee]

I haven't heard of too many success stories about this combo, but I am in process of trying this myself (just need to reboot the M1 when I have time, so it can scan for Z-Wave devices).

Are you running any other lighting controls currently with M1, insteon or upb?

Andy

 

[bphillips]

I haven't heard of too many success stories about this combo, but I am in process of trying this myself (just need to reboot the M1 when I have time, so it can scan for Z-Wave devices).

Dan, you don't need to reboot M1, only the M1XSP to get it to scan for devices.

 

[electron]

Are you running any other lighting controls currently with M1, insteon or upb?

Andy

I am running UPB. As long as the ID's don't overlap, I don't expect any real problems.

Dan, you don't need to reboot M1, only the M1XSP to get it to scan for devices.

I would have to use a screwdriver to undo 2 terminal screws in order to just power the XSP, which I would rather not do.

 

[Digger]

Dan, you don't need to reboot M1, only the M1XSP to get it to scan for devices.

I had tried rebooting the M1XSP and it did not work with the T-Stat I had set up (I could control the stat but not see the temp at the stat). I went over and over it with a Distributor Tech support and they had me reboot the panel and it saw the T-Stat temp in ELK-RMS. They had told me to reboot from the begining but I did not believe it would work. That was for the Intermatic Stat.

For the 2GIG stat I was never able to get the Stat temp to display in RMS. I might try again since I have a customer begging me to find a way to get that STAT to work.

 

[ddennerline]

Overall, I am very happy with Vizia+ switches and Elk VRC0P/M1XSP combination. The switches do cost considerably more than Intermatic Z-Wave products. Vizia+ has a large selection of switches, controllers, and plug-in modules. I’ve had ten switches installed for past 18 months. I am planning on installing six more along with a 4-button scene controller.

I haven’t experienced any of the slow response – especially if I use a group command.

I do like the paddle design, five year warranty, replaceable faceplates, and overall durability. I don’t like the dimmer action or that status light is placed on bottom. For lights that are not located near the switch, I have to bobble my head sideways to determine if light is on.

I tried to get the 2Gig thermostat installed, but I could not get ControlThink to include the thermostat. I purchase OmniStat2 instead and installed (returned the 2Gig thermostat).