I am getting ready to update my house from its current Power Control Systems (PCS) X-10 based solution to Z-Wave. My current configuration is based on eight PCS LM4L/S modules. Each PCS LM4L/S module can control up to four loads with a total of 2000 watts. Each load on the module can be configured as a switch or a dimmer such that the control software will see it as a switch or a dimmer properly. I have Incandescent and CFL's throughout the house, but not mixed on the same circuit, so some circuits configured as switch and others as dimmer.
The LM4L/S modules are housed in two PCS Lighting Control Panels (LCP) and I have one of the LCP located on each end of the house. All the lights are home run to the two LCP’s. The lighting is controlled in the house by using the PCS 6-button and 8-button wall controllers located throughout the house. The wall controllers are connected to AC by picking up the closest wall plug on the A or B branches near the switch plates. These modules and controllers have been installed for 10+ years without HW failure. We have had minor problems with signal suckers and noise over the years, nothing major. I have a couple of motives for updating, 1) address the few times that the X-10 wont communicate due to noise/suckers, 2) We plan to sell the house in the next couple years and I don’t want to deal with new buyers calling me with X-10 issues, 3) I want to learn a newer lighting technology.
I have an HAI OmniPro panel with an expansion board, an X-10 module, one serial port dedicated to communication to a Russound CAV6.6, the other serial ports are open, and many sensors/PIR/smoke/heat/thermostats/etc. I use the HAI Andriod plugin on my phones and tablets to control, see status, etc. of the HAI OmniPro. So I want to make sure I can see proper status of the light loads with the new technology just like I can with the current PCS X-10 solution.
So I am thinking about going RF based Z-Wave. Since I am planning to sell, I want to keep my cost down, but at the same time I don’t want to create new usage issues. I am looking at the GE/Jasco switches/dimmers for most of the loads, Cooper 5 button wall controllers, and Evolve LCD-1 wall controllers.
Questions:
[*]I have heard that the GE does not support Association. Do I need to I care if I am using Cooper wall controllers?
[*]I have heard the GE does not support scenes directly. Do I need to care if I am using the HAI or VeraLite as I could build scenes in them? We are not scene type people anyway, I have yet to ever use one that I have programmed, our house hold does not work that way, but am concerned for resale only.
[*]What other things do I need to think about or care about?
The LM4L/S modules are housed in two PCS Lighting Control Panels (LCP) and I have one of the LCP located on each end of the house. All the lights are home run to the two LCP’s. The lighting is controlled in the house by using the PCS 6-button and 8-button wall controllers located throughout the house. The wall controllers are connected to AC by picking up the closest wall plug on the A or B branches near the switch plates. These modules and controllers have been installed for 10+ years without HW failure. We have had minor problems with signal suckers and noise over the years, nothing major. I have a couple of motives for updating, 1) address the few times that the X-10 wont communicate due to noise/suckers, 2) We plan to sell the house in the next couple years and I don’t want to deal with new buyers calling me with X-10 issues, 3) I want to learn a newer lighting technology.
I have an HAI OmniPro panel with an expansion board, an X-10 module, one serial port dedicated to communication to a Russound CAV6.6, the other serial ports are open, and many sensors/PIR/smoke/heat/thermostats/etc. I use the HAI Andriod plugin on my phones and tablets to control, see status, etc. of the HAI OmniPro. So I want to make sure I can see proper status of the light loads with the new technology just like I can with the current PCS X-10 solution.
So I am thinking about going RF based Z-Wave. Since I am planning to sell, I want to keep my cost down, but at the same time I don’t want to create new usage issues. I am looking at the GE/Jasco switches/dimmers for most of the loads, Cooper 5 button wall controllers, and Evolve LCD-1 wall controllers.
Questions:
- Since I have the LPC’s and they are all metal, I assume they may not support mounting the Z-Wave switches/dimmers in the panel due to signal loss? Or will putting a repeater outside and right below the LPC panel address this issue? Otherwise I will have to rip the panels out and install multiple 4 gang plastic boxes (not a big deal, I am a jack of all trades).
- Next concern is the lack of “Instant Status” or “HAIL” in the GE switches. I am thinking this is non-issue because they are located in the LCP and controlled by Cooper Z-Wave wall controllers throughout the house. I believe the HAI OmniPro and VeraLite would know status without polling based on the Cooper wall controllers sending power state request to the GE switches. Is this a correct assessment?
I would think the only time this would be an issue is if I have 3 or 4 ways as the GE does not HAIL and would have to be polled to determine status if turned on/off from an AUX switch. The other solution would be to use dimmer/switch supporting HAIL (such as the Leviton RF+) for these couple of circuits, correct?
[*]I have heard that the GE does not support Association. Do I need to I care if I am using Cooper wall controllers?
[*]I have heard the GE does not support scenes directly. Do I need to care if I am using the HAI or VeraLite as I could build scenes in them? We are not scene type people anyway, I have yet to ever use one that I have programmed, our house hold does not work that way, but am concerned for resale only.
[*]What other things do I need to think about or care about?