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Re: Wil I be able to use a Z-Wave controller



>>Some thoughts:
>> - Every network must have a master controller.  Its a hand held in
>> many cases, though there are several serial ones out there that
>> can be master
>> - Once setup, the lights will work with the master powered down,
>> but without some sort of command device (handheld, computer, etc)
>> how are you going to initiate actions?
>
> Does this imply that you need to either carry a remote around or
> that you need a remote in each room?

No.  You use the handheld during setup.  You can use it as a remote
but it's not needed for routine operation.

> How much do remotes cost?

It varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.

>>- The routing algorithm in the master "knows" all devices and
>>provides some level of routing optimization.  How "smart" the
>>routing actually is seems to vary, and most vendors are a little
>>cagy on it.  This also means that unlike X-10 you can not add and
>>remove without updating all the controllers in the network.  You
>>also must have devices join the network in their intended
physical location.
>
> How difficult is it to update all the controllers after changes?

If you can navigate the instructions without calling the engineers
who wrote it incompetent amateurs you can handle it.  If not you may
have trouble.

> What happens when a device "removes" itself through failure?

You replace it.

> How long does it take for the master to find a new route from
> A->B->C->D if one of the nodes in the routing is not responding?
> The marketing hype implies this occurs seamlessly, on-the-fly.

It happens seemlessly, on the fly.

> Can a user fiddle with the master routing table to manually improve
> (or not) on its optimization?

That's unnecessary.

>>- I've done both better and worse than 25ft between modules.
>>However, I am yet to see a home where I could not get things to
>>work properly.
>
> So my suggested "20-25ft for reliability" is reasonable?

No.  Your suggestion was based on supposition without experience.  In
real world applications a 30' spread has been found to be reliable.
As in all things RF, there are cases where a particular unit cannot
reach another particular unit at the rated distance.  However, most
applications provide multiple paths so the signal is simply rerouted.
One of the strengths of Z-Wave is this ability to reroute as needed.
Say for example, after the system is working normally you install a
new appliance with a large, metal surface which blocks or cancels the
signal.  Affected Z-Wave devices will find another route.

> How many nodes is typical in your installations?

The above was directed at Dan.  I don't install any more.  I sell
home automation systems online.  What we're seeing is people
initially experiment with one to four modules.  Later they buy
between 10 and 20 units.  Ocasionally someone will order 30, 40 or
more lighting controls.

I don't know what you consider an average home.  My place has 3800 sf
under A/C and 2200 sf of enclosed lanai plus the garage.  When I
become well enough to climb around in my attic I'll be installing the
ELK-M1G in my home.  I have over 40 light switches and dimmers, 8
fans, 2 HVAC systems, a swimming pool / spa controller.

> Do you have a rule of thumb for the number of nodes needed for
> small, medium & large residences?

If the nodes are within 30 feet of another and it doesn't take more
than 4 or 8 hops (depending on which system you're using) you'll be
fine.

> What's the typical cost for various sized residences?

That's like asking how much does a car cost.  There are too many
variables to give a concise answer.

Dave has complained a few times about the price of the Z-Wave SDK.
He seems to believe that unless a product line can be developed by a
garage operation inexpensively the technology is doomed for HA.  I
disagree.  There are very few people in this world who might like to
develop a home-brew version of Z-Wave.  While we enjoy working in
this field, the HA market on the whole does not hinge on our
interests.  What most HA end users want is simplicity and control at
a reasonable cost.  Companies with the wherewithal to develop and
market Z-Wave don't bat an eye at the SDK's cost.  OTOH, if Zensys
decided to make their SDK cheap enough that folks like Dave could buy
it, they would then have to deal with many fold more tech support
issues (not trying to denigrate Dave; it's just a fact of life that
the more people working independently on something the more will
require help).

Whether one agrees or disagrees with the above, there is another
option for folks wanting to develop Z-Wave stuff on a shoestring
budget.  Control Think offers an SDK for under $150.  Here's a link:
http://www.controlthink.com/zwavesdk.htm

I have no connection with Control Think so I can't speak for the
product but for those interested in doing some experimentation, the
price seems reasonable.

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

=============================>
Bass Home Electronics
941-925-8650
4883 Fallcrest Circle
Sarasota · Florida · 34233
http://www.bassburglaralarms.com
=============================>



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