Smart Home Blog

Recently HomeSeer released a new software - Z-Tool. It offers a quick and easy way to set up Z-Wave home networks and then transfer the USB interface to any Z-Wave enabled automation system for total home control. Z-Tool can be on on any PC with Windows OS. It supports popular Z-Wave USB interfaces including those from Cooper Wiring Devices, Intermatic and Wayne-Dalton.

The HomeSeer Advanced Z-Wave Installation Tool is tagged at just $29.95. So, it shouldn’t be a big deal to buy to make your life much easier.

[via eHomeUpgrade]

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Taiwanese company Everspring Industry started to produce Z-Wave modules for UK and Europe. It’s going to offer “low-cost home automation” and the initial products include a plugin dimmer and on/off switch, a PIR plus magnetic door and window sensors.

This is a good news for all who would like to build home automation with power modern wireless technology. But IMHO the Everspring Industry products look ugly a bit. Especially if you compare them with INNOVUS units, for example. Since Z-Wave chip is too small it’d be nice to have more compact modules.

[via Automated Home]

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Home Automation, Inc (HAI) has added a new thermostat - Omnistat-Z. Its salt is a built-in Z-Wave transceivers. “When used with an HAI home automation controller the Omnistat-Z communicates wirelessly for the coordination of temperatures with other household functions, such as security settings, time of day, or room occupancy.”

Five models compatible with different types of HVAC systems are available. Each provide remote access, either through the web or via a phone call. All models are fully interactive with all HAI home control systems as well as most others (and this is a good news!).

[via Electric House]

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Recently INNOVUS have announced a complete home control product family based on the Z-Wave standard for Europe. As you may know Z-Wave is one of popular modern technology for wireless home automation.

The INNOVUS products include:

• MYHOME - GUI which can easily configure any of the Z-Wave devices and control of processes via PC or laptop;
• House Control - the heart of the smart home. Information is sent continuously from wall switches, light dimmers and sensors etc. to the INNOVUS House Control, which reacts according to your settings or if something out of the ordinary occurs;
• RAone Smart Dimmer - a dimmer which includes finger touch panel supporting many different light scenarios;
• SmoothRemote - remote control which offer easy control all INNOVUS devices as well as other Z-Wave devices offered by third-party vendors;
• Smart Switch - multi-functional controller offers a compact mini distribution center for the home;
• SmartPower - an on/off switch, designed to reduce consumption in devices consuming energy in standby mode and features a finger touch panel for local control.

The good advantage of Smart Switch and RAone Smart Dimmer is built-in a power meter, enabling measurement of energy consumption. So, you’ll see how many energy you use. All INNOVUS products look very attractive and can be part of your modern home design.

All INNOVUS devices are compatible with products of other companies within the Z-Wave Alliance including Merten, Danfoss, Logitech, or ACT who use the Z-Wave standard within their solutions. They will be available from September 2007 with price €199.

[via AutomatedHome]

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According to AutomatedHome the third generation Z-Wave ZW0301 Single Chip is available in production. Its features include the ability to support battery-to-battery networks, lower power consumption, and full interoperability with previous Z-Wave products. Depending on the volume, the ZW0301 has 15 to 30 percent lower cost than the 200-series generation of Z-Wave chips. This means that dimmers, switches, sensors etc which are based on Z-Wave technology will be also cheaper and more efficient.

Taking in account of Z-Wave initiative to combine TCP/IP and Z-Wave I can guess that Z-Wave will be at least one of dominate wireless technologies in the home automation area.

P. S. You can buy Sylvania Z-Wave Deluxe Starter Kit, included one remote control and two #2000Z plug-in lamp modules, for $99.99. Good opportunity to start automation of your home with leading technology!

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