Welcome to ThinkEssentials 2.1.
ThinkEssentials v2.1 is a free upgrade from all previous versions of ThinkEssentials. You will need a license key to use this software. This may be found in your order confirmation e-mail (for electronic delivery) or on the back of the software's CD jacket (for physical delivery).
Download the ThinkEssentials 2.1 installer here:
http://www.controlthink.com/downloads/thinkessentials/setup.exe
There are many new features in v2.1, including:
Energy Saving Thermostats
Basic support for energy-saving thermostats has been added to the software. Just click on the thermostat's icon to switch it from normal/comfort mode (red thermostat) to energy save mode (green thermostat).
Vizia RF/Vizia RF + Support
ThinkEssentials can now configure in-wall Vizia RF/Vizia RF + scene and zone controllers. Additionally, the Professional Edition can configure the Vizia RF + RS232 Interface, allowing integration of a Vizia RF + network with 3rd-party systems.
Network Backup and Restore (Professional Edition)
Backup and restore networks (and switch to old networks) with ease. Coupled with the latest ThinkStick firmware, this feature can recover a previously-saved Z-Wave network in seconds.
Network Map and Signal Strength Analysis (Professional Edition)
ThinkEssentials now optionally displays network map and signal strength data (for compatible devices). This feature is very useful to diagnose network issues, determine device placement and more.
Additionally, the following new features were added in v2.0:
New Skin
ThinkEssentials has a beautiful new "Carbon Blue" color theme. The interface has been almost completely revamped, and the Settings tab is now organized by category.
Professional Edition
A new Professional Edition is now offered, including advanced network management and diagnostics features.
Name Devices
You can now name devices. Right-click on them when the screen is unlocked and select "Rename Device..." from the pop-up menu; these device names will appear when you hover your mouse over the devices on your screen. Additionally, rooms' names are associated with the device automatically and also appear in the pop-up tooltips.
For unnamed devices, the Node ID will appear in square brackets when you hover your mouse over the devices.
Copy (Replicate) Scenes
You can replicate Z-Wave scenes and groups from your Primary controller to the software; these scenes and groups will appear in the scenes and zones tabs.
Backup and Restore
Backup and restore network settings and floor plan details with ease.
Optimize and Repair
For Primary and Inclusion controllers, there is a new "Optimize and Repair Network..." feature on the Settings tab. If your PC is Primary Controller, run this and you may get a speed boost...
Network Operations
You can now transfer the primary role from your Z-Wave USB Adapter to another controller.
Auto-restart
ThinkEssentials will now automatically restart when necessary. Also, if the Z-Wave USB adapter is unplugged, the software will no longer try to turn on/off a device indefinitely; instead, it will restart the software after about ten seconds and ask you to insert a Z-Wave USB Adapter.
Z-Wave Adapter Autodetect
When multiple Z-Wave USB Adapters or Z-Wave Ethernet Bridges are detected, the software will automatically prompt for which one to use. Additionally, if none are detected it will give you a link to manually configure a network connection.
New Device and Z-Wave Adapter Support
Support and icons for the new Intermatic InTouch devices, Cooper Aspire RF devices, Leviton Vizia RF devices and more have been added.
Z-Wave USB adapter support has been expanded to support the Wayne-Dalton, Intermatic InTouch, ControlThink, and Cooper Aspire RF USB adapters. Z-Wave Ethernet Bridge support has been added to support the Leviton Vizia RF + Foyer.
Location and Size Persistence
ThinkEssentials now remembers its position and size when closed, so that it always opens up at the same size.
Performance improvements
Activate scenes and zones (formerly groups) is now much quicker than before; additionally, devices sync their state more intelligently after scenes are activated or zones are turned on/off.
Bug Fixes
Misc. bugs have been fixed.
Use of this software requires acceptance of the terms of its license agreement. If you run into any issues with the software, please report them at http://bugs.controlthink.com.
Chris