Re: Z-Wave RF range

["Steve" <nobody@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

"Dave Houston" <nobody@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:4582b787.2915171@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> "Steve" <nobody@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
>>I have some of the new Leviton units on order and the HS  controller as
>>well.  I intend to do range checks in several residences and will be glad
>>to
>>publish the results when I get a chance to do some structured testing.  A
>>key point for me will be the ability to reach outbuildings as well as
>>around
>>a large home.  I should have them this month.
>>
>>Has anyone else here with Z-wave devices done range checks?
>
> The only ones I recall were by a dealer, Brian Dye (free air), a user of
> Charmed Quark referenced by Dean Roddey (free air) and the one in the UK
> that I referenced (free air). Zensys claims 100' in free air and that's
> consistent with other radio modules subject to the same FCC power limits.
> My
> experience is that translates to 20-25' indoors for reliable links. Other
> manufacturers using transceivers subject to the same FCC power limits say
> ~25'. Manufacturers and dealers tend to be more optimistic than users.
>
> There was also a white paper by Echelon (competitor of Z-Wave, Insteon, et
> al) that, despite being from a competitor, used excellent methodology and
> was done by a couple of engineers with good reputations. I would take all
> those things into account when reading it.

I've read the white paper, but have been so badly burned by Smarthome in the
past, I am skeptical of anything on their letterhead.  Then again, the
methodology looked robust.


> Real world measurements under real world conditions (e.g. wall dimmers in
> metal boxes) by an end user would be welcomed by anyone trying to decide
> on
> which of the new technologies to buy.

My home is nearly new, so there are no metal boxes.  2500 sqft rancher, more
or less square.  It won't be particularly challenging.  I'll publish here
what I find including methodology for "peer review".  Range for me will mean
less hops.  I have no doubt Z-wave can cover the house.  The soon to be
built outbuilding will be more of a challenge.


> The fact that Zensys feels it necessary to deliberately misrepresent
> things
> vis-a-vis ZigBee in their FAQ is just one more reason to be wary.

Marketers...they all take the most advantageous case and cite it as the
general/default.  They can't help themselves, its genetic and its not
limited to Zensys.