New: Vizia RF + Scene Capable Split Duplex Receptacle

Leviton has expanded it Z-Wave compatible Vizia RF + product line with a much-anticipated Scene Capable Split Duplex Receptacle!

The Leviton Vizia RF + Scene Capable Receptacle fits into a standard wallbox and replaces a regular receptacle (where a neutral is present) to provide local and remote ON/OFF switching of table lamps, floor lamps, holiday lighting and fans. It responds to commands sent from Leviton Vizia RF + Controllers or other Z-Wave compatible controllers or programmers. Controlled devices can react through scene commands individually or as part of a scene or zone grouping of lights to provide an elegant and convenient “one-touch” lighting experience.

• Wireless RF technology creates a mesh network for command and control interoperability
• Controlled side can be used for wireless ON/OFF control of plugged-in electrical loads up to 15 amps, such as lamps, appliances and electronics
• Non-controlled side is a tamper-resistant receptacle that provides constant power
• 2-way status updates
• Green locator LED illuminates when load is ON
• High-gloss finish complements a wide variety of décors
• Superior versatility provides three product options in one box: 3 changeable faceplates and single pole switch capability
• More info …

Have a 3-Way Circuit for Less!

I’ve received several calls from customers who have done remodeling, had obstructions in front of an existing light switch, or  just wanted to control a light switch from a more convenient location, like from their couch.  The addition of a second switch, without having to run any new wiring, is all that they wanted.

Well, we do have powerline products that use the X10 or UPB protocol, and even products that use ZWave RF technology, and though these three lighting control systems can create that virtual 3-way switching circuit that the customers are looking for, there is a certain amount of know-how to install the products, and of course, there is the price to consider.  Keep in mind that the total cost of installing these products will be far less than the bill for having an electrician show up to run new wires and install a new switch, and for the drywaller/painter to cover up the access holes made by the electrician. Getting back to the price of the products, the least expensive X10 route will set you back a little on the south side of a hundred bucks. 

So, is there something even less expensive than using X10 and that is easy to do?  As a matter of fact there is, and that would be to install a wireless wall switch kit from manufacturer Heath-Zenith or Leviton. Both switch kits operate on the same principle.  You replace the existing wall switch with an RF receiver switch from the kit, and you attach a second switch from the kit, this one a battery-operated RF transmitter where ever you wish (within operating range of the receiver, of course), and you’re done.  No code wheels to mess with, no UPB UPStart programming, no issues with powerline noise or signal coupling, no expensive programming remote required, just add the batteries ( you have to provide them) and you’ll be 3-way’ing in no time at all.

The part number for the Heath-Zenith kit is HZBL6133, and LV6696 for the Leviton kit.  If you need the classic flip-type, toggle switch, use the HZBL6133. If you need the flat rocker, decora-style switch, go with the LV6696. Load requirement for the HZBL6133 is 500 watts incandescent, and 300 watts incandescent for the LV6696. 

One of the more creative uses for these switches that I’ve recently heard?  A customer stuck the transmitter under his living room coffee table, out of sight,  to control a floor lamp plugged into a switched outlet.  Nice!

Control Your Z-Wave Home With An iPhone or iPod Touch

There are a lot of cool iPhone Apps surfacing in the home automation industry. We found this neat little gadget, specifically for Z-Wave systems.

ZWave Commander is a FREE Z-Wave Controller Client for the iPhone and iPod touch and is a native iPhone application that allows you to control your Z-Wave devices anywhere in the world. Ever wanted to lock the front door while lying in your bed? How about turn the outdoor floodlights on but didn’t feel like walking back downstairs to turn them on? Now you can! All you need is an ControlThink USB ThinkStick device connected to your PC and ZWave Commander will allow you to control all your Z-Wave devices. ZWave Commander consists of two pieces…a server piece which runs on your PC and the client piece which runs on your iPhone or iPod touch.

Why use ZWave Commander iPhone Client? The purpose of this program is simple: to allow control of your Z-Wave devices from your iPhone/iPod touch with the touch of a finger.

• Control your Z-Wave devices, scenes, zones from your iPhone/iPod touch anywhere in the world
• No special expensive Z-Wave remote needed.
• You are already using Z-Wave Devices and already own an iPod or iPhone so now you can take it to the next level.
• Costs less than 1 Z-Wave Module or Appliance!

Requirements

• iPhone/iPod touch OS 2.2 or Higher
• WI-FI/3G/Edge Internet Connection
• Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 or higher
• ControlThink USB ThinkStick hardware device hooked up to your PC. (Click here to get your copy from Home Controls!)
• ZWave Commander Server running.

More info …

• Z-Wave Commander iPhone App
• Z-Wave Products and Devices (from Leviton)
• Z-Wave Products and Devices (from Wayne Dalton)
• ControlThink USB ThinkStick

RCS All-in-one Thermostat

If you are familiar with the RCTZ16 and the RCTZ40 Z-Wave Thermostats from RCS, you are aware that these thermostats come as a two part design, the Wall Display Unit and the Thermostat Control Unit.

RCS is now introducing their new RCTZ43 Z-Wave Thermostat, a one piece design unit.

The features of this new thermostat includes:

• Z-Wave compatible
• Standard or Heat Pump HVAC Systems
• 128×64 Backlit Graphical Display
• 6 Buttons with On Screen Labels
• Remote Control of All Thermostat Functions
• Optional Remote Sensors
• Wall mount or mounts on single-gang junction box

Find more Technical specs and features on this new item here: RCTZ43