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Z-Wave Dimmer Control

post #1 of 9
9/27/10 at 6:30am
Thread Starter 
Does anyone have any suggestions regarding a comprehensive Universal Remote that will control Z-Wave dimmers? Harmony 1100 will not work..and I plan on returning it..890 & 890 Pro are discontinued! I like the Harmony line of remotes, however the ability to control my multiple RF based dimmers is a must.!
I am not opposed to looking at other remotes..like monster etc..Thanks for your Help...
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post #2 of 9
9/27/10 at 8:00am
The Monster remote will work with Z-wave, but I assume it is or will be discontinued soon. You can also use the Nevo Q50 remote.

I dumped my Harmony 890 and now have a URC MX-980/MRF-350. I now have my HTPC receiving IR using a USB-UIRT from the 350 and Homeseer triggers the proper Z-wave command through a USB Z-wave transmitter. I basically created an IR to Z-wave interface so I'm not tied to any particular remote for Z-wave control. I just grabbed some random IR commands out of the database (I think I used VCR number 1-9 codes) and programmed Homeseer to trigger Z-wave On, Off, dim +/-, and scenes.
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post #3 of 9
9/27/10 at 10:31am
Thread Starter 
Bryansj,

Thanks for the response..I spoke with harmony support as well regarding the support of Z-wave components..It's clear that they do not have a real 890 /890 pro replacement strategy for Z-Wave. It was mentioned that obtaining an 890 or 890 pro would be the way to go according to Logitech. If I could find one that is new in the box..(highly unlikely)..I am actually disappointed that after choosing what I thought was a great lighting control capability i.e. Z-wave, now I am struggling somewhat to find a suitable a universal remote. According to their website compatibility matrix..they are supported devices under the Harmony 1100..Oh well..

I will have to evaluate the other ones you listed.. Now I find myself wondering whether i should look at an IPAD and setup an IP to IR / RF capability and control everything with a really great looking remote..The hard part is obviously the RF portion..

If you have any other suggestions I would appreciate them..

thanks!
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post #4 of 9
9/27/10 at 1:17pm
I wouldn't rely on the 890 even if you can get one new in the box. When it breaks (not if) you will be back to where you are now. After my third 890 RMA replacement I just sold it (the last one was actually replaced with a 900 which gave me more resell value).

I looked all over for solutions to my Z-wave lighting and using my HTPC was the best and cheapest solution. If I didn't already have a PC that I could dedicate to the task and leave on 24/7 then I'd probably just replace the dimmers.

If you replace the dimmers then make sure what you replace them with has some sort of IR input. Even if they are RF controlled, make sure they have an IR to whatever protocol converter available. You can always use an emitter from the remote's RF base to transmit the IR to the converter.

I don't want to be tied into a select few remotes just because of my dimmer technology. With IR input for lighting you can use any universal remote.
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post #5 of 9
9/30/10 at 11:32am
Quote:
Originally Posted by bryansj View Post

I looked all over for solutions to my Z-wave lighting and using my HTPC was the best and cheapest solution. If I didn't already have a PC that I could dedicate to the task and leave on 24/7 then I'd probably just replace the dimmers.

If you replace the dimmers then make sure what you replace them with has some sort of IR input. Even if they are RF controlled, make sure they have an IR to whatever protocol converter available. You can always use an emitter from the remote's RF base to transmit the IR to the converter.

I don't want to be tied into a select few remotes just because of my dimmer technology. With IR input for lighting you can use any universal remote.

bryansj do you think this will work?

ZCS101
HomePro Z-Wave RS232 Serial Interface Transceiver / Controller
http://www.smarthomeusa.com/ShopByMa...o/Item/ZCS101/
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post #6 of 9
9/30/10 at 2:59pm
That is an old model and my have compatibility issues with newer Z-wave devices. Does your computer even have a serial port? It is a difficult question to answer because it depends on a lot of items working together. If you get it make sure you can return it.

I'd get something like the Aeon Z-Stick which is USB, allows firmware updates, and can learn devices from the unit itself.
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post #7 of 9
9/30/10 at 7:55pm
Yeah I have the Z Stick. Now I just need to get it to work.
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post #8 of 9
10/1/10 at 5:50am
Quote:
Originally Posted by curtis104 View Post

Yeah I have the Z Stick. Now I just need to get it to work.

Do you have something like Homeseer?
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post #9 of 9
10/1/10 at 12:31pm
We've talked before in another thread. I've tried the trial of Homeseer and tried to set it up similar to yours. I was also trying MControl. Whenever I get a chance to play with it again I will send you a PM. In the process of reformatting my MediaCenter PC and Window Home Server with a SSD drive.
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