Re: Open Source

[GRHSTechnologies@xxxxxxxxx]

On Feb 13, 10:17=A0am, Karl Denninger <k...@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
> BATTERY operated devices eh?
>
> Ok, point taken. =A0How about all the LINE POWERED devices? =A0You know,
> like wall switches and outlets?

You do not understand - every Z-Wave node is a repeater for the
network, so the act of simply placing a Z-Wave node/device in the
path, you have thus extended the network range.  So if your dock was
over 100' away, you could place any Z-Wave device 60-70' away from the
house toward the dock, and now the devices (line powered switches and
outlets) in the dock area would be controllable.

> They certainly don't need to be restricted to THIRTY FEET of range in a ty=
pical home, right?

Right - the nominal range is 100', and your mileage will vary based
upon metal obstructions in the walls, etc.  In most homes, there are
zero or just a few nodes that cannot communicate directly with every
other node and must route through another one.  However, without
routing the round trip time is around 80ms compared to X-10's 666ms
for one way, so even if it routes and takes a little longer, it is
still by far better than most if not all powerline technologies.

> A Wifi Repeater at the dock for the explicit purpose of repeating ZWave?
> That's called a HACK.

Not if it is for an Ethernet Z-Wave interface.  If you wanted to use a
laptop computer with a WiFi adapter at the end of your dock, you might
have to install a WiFi repeater, and so this is no different.  In the
case of WiFi, you can often remove the external antenna from your
router or access point and replace it with a long-range one to get the
WiFi to reach the dock without a repeater.  Because Z-Wave devices are
switches, motion detectors, etc. and do not have external antennas,
you cannot do this.  So, if you have a wireless technology that can
reach the dock with a long range/high gain antenna, why not use it to
extend your control network that far?  Ethernet Z-Wave interfaces are
how you can control the Z-Wave devices in your vacation home on the
other side of the country using your remote controls and home
automation software back in your regular home.  Definitely not a hack
- it's called technology!