New zwave system

[mikek]

I am in the process of putting together a new zwave system and I have a few questions I know someone here has the answers to. I would like to use either the Vizia or In Touch dimmers and keypads with some of the less expensive Home Settings switches included. I also like the look of the Think essentials software and would like to use it in the system.

1. Will the vizia keypads control the Home Settings Switches? Will they control them when included in a scene?
2. If I go with the In Touch keypads and dimmers can I use Think Essentials as my "in touch server" or do I still need to purchase the CA5500 remote and base?
3. If I do have to purchase the remote and base, What would be the advantage to using Think Essentials in my system?
4. In an In Touch system what does one use for a companion switch in a 3-way system as it does not seem that have a slave switch.

I have quite a few dimmers and switches to buy and I am looking to save a few $ by including some Home Settings products in my purchase. In fact, I have about 15 switch locations that I have bundled in closets which will only be controlled remotely and will never really be seen. If I could save $20-30 with each of these switches it would be nice. I also like the In Touch keypads that have 6 scenes. But, I need to understand what works with what before I make a purchase. My understanding of zwave is that everything from different manufacturers works together. However, I read that In Touch needs to be run with their CA5500 server/remote, the home settings dimmers are not compatible with "scene class", etc. So, it does not seem on the surface that I can just buy any zwave devices and expect them to work together. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[HighTest]

Hmm, I've stuck only with a single vendor of Z-Wave (Leviton Vizia RF). However, this may soon change for me if Leviton doesn't release some inwall modules soon (15A relay power plugs) as I don't want to use appliance modules.

1. As for Z-wave devices, they'll all interoperate at a basic level meaning that outside of extended features, such as the 2-way status notifications for Vizia RF, you'll get the on/off/dimming control. You may want to contact Leviton’s Techline at 1-800-824-3005 or visit Leviton’s website at http://www.ViziaRF.com to be certain.

2. I'd been chatting with the developers on the ThinkEssentials and the current version will work fine with the Vizia RF product line (excluding the two-way status info) and that they are continually working on new features. I'm pretty certain that if you have a laptop, the remote and base you talk about is not needed, just use their USB controller. The exception is if you are wanting to use Vizia RF with the extended featureset. You have to setup with their remote to enable the two-way status communications, other remotes don't enable this feature. Hopefully this changes at some point so those that don't need a remote by the couch can save the $150.00 on that beasty.

3. Better visual interface for setup? Upgradable as they add new features, etc? Handheld remotes, unless upgradeable, tend to be pretty fixed function.

4. Don't know here, but in the Vizia RF product line you'd use one of their less expensive controllers the Vizia RF 1-Zone Dimming Controller/Matching Dimming Remote 3-way Controller. See http://www.leviton.com/OA_HTML/ibeCCtpItmD...p;section=15189 for more details. In the In Touch, I'm sure they also have a similar "zone" controller.

 

[AutomatedOutlet]

(excluding the two-way status info)

You mean it work keep 2-way status? That I think is very important.

 

[LightenUP]

The new InTouch is not backwards compatible with all Z-Wave. It is the same Z-Wave protocal but needs that remote to operate. then if you want automation you'll need a scheduler. Pretty expensive when you get down to it.

 

[twilo123]

a lot of what you'll need will depend on what you want out of the system.

1. basic control/monitoring of z-wave devices including thermostats + webserver + cellular service (monthly fee on cellular through crayon interface) - hawking appliance
2. nice gui on a windows computer running 24/7 - thinkessentials
3. all kinds of control not just z-wave; again on a pc running 24/7 - homeseer, mainlobby
4. garage door + z-wave lighting on a keychain - wayne dalton
5. mid to high end automation with audio/video distribution - lifeware, amx, crestron, etc.
6. handheld remote - act zth100 if you have a thermostat, intermatic for easy basic controls, leviton for full individual device supports (scalable), Nevo (possible full z-wave support of all command classes soon?)
7. light switches - vizia for functionality although i don't like the rocker decora switches. for dimmers though the side toggle can't be beat. cooper wiring? won't buy on principal of the ridiculous pricing but they may be what you are willing to pay for.
8. intermatic - scew in lamp module, outdoor appliance, appliance module - stay away from their lamp modules - i burned through 4 of them in 3 months on a single 75w lamp. use the levitons if possible.
9. ca9000 motion sensor - fine for auto lighting on/off a room (say a laundry room, basement, garage, etc.). use the a/c adapter if possible.
10. thermostat - rcs - i have only used the tz40 line and they work fine. keep in mind the z-wave bridge is connected down by your furnace so there may be some connectivity issues if this is far away from other modules.
11. in wall controllers - leviton - i like the toggle on the 4 zone controller better but you can't program it without a leviton remote whereas i hear you can program the 4 scene push button controllers with other remotes/software. single gang and have 4 controllable buttons for modules/scenes.
12. - door sensors - coming real soon i believe

hope this helps

 

[HighTest]

Looks like if you are interested in ControlThink's software, you may be a Leviton customer anyways.

http://www.cepro.com/article/leviton_to_ac...ation_software/

 

[mikek]

I do think the recent news will have an effect on my decision. To me, the advantage of zwave is that many manufacturers support the same thing. However in the case of In Touch, you need to have their remote and base to make the system work as advertised. I'm not a big fan of that. I would like to be able to use a software based solution to help run the system. I see the leviton/control think news as very welcome. There is a lot of potential to move things forward in a very positive way.