ControlThink Forums

Hello everyone,

This is my first post, even though I've been checking on things for a few months. You've got a nice community here, and I already got helpful tricks by reading various topics.

I've been considering jumping into the Z-Wave bandwagon by purchasing ThinkEssentials, possibly the SDK, and a few control units. I'm still a bit amazed that what looks like to be reliable technology is finally here, after all these years of wait.

The catch is, I'm having a bit of trouble figuring out exactly what is possible, especially in the apartment that I'll be moving in eventually. Turning a few lights on and off remotely will be fun for a few days, but I want to look further than that. Appliances modules are available for sale, but which appliances make sense to control with Z-Wave?

Ultimately, the question is: what can I really do with Z-Wave, and ThinkEssentials by extension?

I've seen some stuff mentioned, but I have no idea if the actual hardware is available. My imagination goes wild, but when I think about practical applications, I hit a wall.

Thanks to anyone who bothers to answer!

Hi Dr.,

I've been using z-wave in my home for about 2 years and have specified the product for clients in my lighting business.  Let me give you a few practical applications:

#1) Z-wave controllers (by TE & Intermatic) have astronomical timers that adjust with the changing times of the setting sun.  This 'sunset' feature is extremely helpful with all outdoor and most indoor lighting applications.  This saves $$ on your electric bill and saves time in maintaining multiple timers around the house.

#2) Z-wave controllers have 'scene' capabilities (my favorite) which allows you to preset the dim level on any light so that it automatically comes on to that "sexy-cool" light level that you like.  No more running around the house to individually set each dimmer or climb behind plants or entertainment centers to turn on plant lights or cabinet lights or even pool/spa lights.  Everything comes on exactly the way you set it and goes off any time you like.  TE software has unlimited on/off events and Intermatic #HA07 has 27 possible events for each day.  One controller can unify all the lights in your apartment or home.  Now, any light can become a night-light for safe access to the bathroom or kitchen.  The HA07 even has what I call the panic button or ALL ON button and an ALL OFF button to turn everything on if you hear an intruder or to shut the house down from your bedroom nightstand.  TE can automate this feature with the use of addressable z-wave motion sensors that you can place anywhere you like (not just next to the light fixture as with most motion products).  This feature can tie-in with your security system quite nicely.

#3) Leviton makes wall switch 4scene button controllers that you can program 'one touch scenes' from any convenient wall switch location.  This makes events such as "sunset," "dinner time," "tv time," "bed time," "etc." easily managed from a single wall switch (and/or pre-programmed using TE software, Leviton's controller, or the HA07 controller, to name a few).

#4) Home entertainment systems can now blend audio/video functions with dimmable lighting and/or drapery opening/closing at the touch of a button with the many remote controls available now (ie. iphone, Logitek Harmony, Monster, and more). 

I hope you can relate to some of these practical suggestions.

Teddy

I would also like to know what others are doing with the appliance modules. I've read about having coffee makers automatically coming on when you get in the shower, blah blah blah. The appliance module just gives the coffee maker power, but does that start it automatically? And if you have a clock on the front, it will never stay set. I'm sure somebody's found a clever use for them, is anyone willing to share?

On my end, after a series of power outages this week, I've realized that my TV set remembers it's state after being powered off. As such, I could plug it to an appliance mobule and use a Z-Wave remote to turn it on and off from a distance, or on a given schedule. The actual TV remote would still be required to change the channel and the volume, of course.

Still, I'm sure there are more clever uses out there... 

I use appliance modules for lamps with non-dimmable (CFL, etc.) bulbs.

Chris

Remote powering up (or emergency reboot) of computer equipment when on the road.

Scheduled controlling of car battery charger (yeah - they should manage that themselves ... but cheap ones aren't always good at that)

But major use is indeed what Chris mentioned. Actually, these days dimmers loose a little appeal considering that you do have to put quite energy hungry bulbs behind.

 

 

My uses are as follows:

Functional:

• I often leave home before sunrise and arrive after sunset. Having lighting scenes take care of themselves is superb. Ariving home to warm lighting is very reasuring and the pets like it too.
• It took a while to implement but my bedside lighs graduallyswitch on (10% increments) over 20 minutes on week day mornings. Effectively it adds to my alarm clock.
• I schedule season lighting and activate them depending on the time of the year.
• Security spotlights are powered on at sunset off at sunrise
  

Pure Indulgence

• I can have bedside lamps that are actually difficult to reach but dimming modules mean Ino longer struggle to reach for the bulb.
• I have my towel heater automatically turn on before I wake.