SmartHomeUSA.com Home Automation

[moschops]

Okay, I really thought I was a smart guy with a degree in physics who studied electronics but... I'm having problems figuring out exactly what Z-Wave gizmos I need to buy to carry out the following two projects:

1. Replace a 4x100W tunsten dimmer plus allow it to be controled remotely from one other location (no existing 3-way control is in place).

2. Replace an existing non-dimmed 3-way switch (for about 600w) total to give a switch that is remotely controlled from three different places

I guess my biggest problem is understanding why if I have a zigbee light switch I need anything special to remotely turn it on-off - why does it need to be "three way" vs. "two way" because wont any switch have the capability to toggle its state remotely without any physically "common wire" connection if I set it up correctly? Or does a Zigbee device remotely controlling that siwtch only have the ability to turn it on or off but not "toggle" (i.e. 3-way) ???

Why are there special 3-way "companion" switches? Are they just dumb no-load control-only switches (as below).

And where are all the standalone "switches" that toggles a single remote light via Z-wave but no local load? ie. the only reason they are hooked to power is to avoid having a battery inside. Shouldn't those be cheap and common? It seems like most brands don't sell these - is it because they assume everyone just uses a hand-held remote or remote-control feature of an existing load-connected switch?

If there is some basic how to that answers these sorts of questions I'd bee most grateful to get a link because at the moment it is clear as mud. Or should I call the support number to figure out what to buy?

[Ian]

Hello,

A three way switch when you have two switch locations wired to the same load. This usually applies for existing three-way locations. It is also common to still wire a three-way circuit in a new installation because the companion switch is cheaper then a stand alone Z-wave wall transmitter.

For your situation with out three-way wiring you can use a In-Wall transmitter like the RZCS1 http://www.smarthomeusa.com/Shop/Lighting/ZWave/Leviton-zwave/Item/RZCS1-1LX/
to send a Z-wave command to a Vizia dimming switch http://www.smarthomeusa.com/Shop/Lighting/ZWave/Leviton-zwave/Item/RZI06-1LX/
and for non-dimming http://www.smarthomeusa.com/Shop/Lighting/ZWave/Leviton-zwave/Item/RZS15-1LX/

You can also use a multi-button wall controller to control more then one device from the same location. All Vizia switches have connections for a three-way companion you just don't have to use it. You must use that companies three-way companion to work with their master switch.

Also, please keep in mind that Zigbee and Z-Wave are two different lighting control systems that use different protocols.

I hope this clears things up. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

http://www.smarthomeusa.com/Shop/Lighting/ZWave/Leviton-zwave/

[moschops]

Thank you, that pretty much clears up my confusing about 2-Way and 3-Way, but I actually didn't realize that Z-Wave != ZigBee

I had assumed that Z-Wave was just the manufactures catchy name for stuff built on underlying ZigBee technology, like WiFi is the name for 802.11[abgn] related technologies. And based on what I'd read about Z-Wave being a mesh network that also sounded just like Zigbee. Doh.

When I look at the Zigbee.org members list I don't really see any familiar names that point to companies making residential use lighting control devices, but I do know Control4 are using it however they aren't even listed as a member of the Zigbee alliance. So appart from Control4 it looks like I shouldn't bother considering Zigbee at this point, Z-wave appears to dominate the wireless mesh home-automation space.

Do you know any significant advantage that waiting for Zigbee might bring?

[Ian]

As of right now the Zigbee product line is very limited especially in the residential market. One major advantage is the power requirements of Zigbee. This will allow for low-cost piezo Power generated transmitters and sensors to enter the market.

If you need a decent selection of wall switches and remotes right away I would go with Z-wave, however, I do like the idea of putting battery-less wall transmitters all over but I just guess it's a mater of time.

[moschops]

Oh so those are the ones where the energy from you throwing the switch is enough to send the message over ZigBee and tell the light to come on. Nice.

Well, maybe I should just go with a few cheapo X10 devices for now and upgrade everything in a few years. Sounds crazy but I do have a single loft space with very limited complexity of wiring so I keep thinking X10 or Universal Power Bus should work fine for me - and save a lot in costs.

[Ian]

A lot of people give X-10 a bad name because of the potential problems. In my basic lighting situation I have been using the same X-10 modules since 1999 with no problems. While my situation is very basic, room lamp with bed side controller, few table lamps and holiday lighting, it does work all the time. I have heard some nightmare stories as well like light can only be turned on between 2:30 and 3:00, however, usually any problem can be solved with some patience and X-10 Noise Filters (test equipment does help!).

I am in the process of putting in some UPB switches in additional locations but I have to run new romex because I do not have a neutral in the box. So that may be the deciding factor for you to choose X-10 of UPB. X-10 and Z-wave have 2-wire switches and UPB does not.

If you go with X-10 for now make sure you install a Coupler Repeater.
http://www.smarthomeusa.com/ShopByManufacturer/Leviton/Item/HCA02-10E/