Z-Wave Getting Started

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Usage Information

So you decided to expand your LMCE system and add some Home Automation to the mix? Well the goal for this page is to let you know what you are going to need to start with and give you ideas and options to expand on in the future.

For information about how to set up the ZWave devices in LMCE, see Z-Wave.

Interface

You are going to need some kind of method for LMCE to control your Z-Wave installation. There are currently 2 different types of interfaces, both of which us a USB stick that plugs into the LMCE Core.

Here are the Choices:

Supported

USB Interface without Controller

This type of z-wave USB stick acts as an interface into the Z-Wave system only. It allows LMCE to have full control. A master controller(remote) can be used in addition to LMCE to control Z-Wave devices. A separate controller may be required for some of these interfaces(those that don't support SIS mode).

Some examples of these devices are:

Make sure to check out each options individual page to see about any issues or problems you might have with the respective USB stick

USB Interface with Controller

This type of stick not only provides the interface to LMCE, it also acts as a Z-Wave master control. There is not a physical controller with buttons on the USB stick, but it is built in so an actual master controller is not needed.

Some examples of these sticks are:

Make sure to check out each options individual page to see about any issues or problems you might have with the respective USB stick

UNSUPPORTED

those don't work

Devices

These are some of the devices that you will use around the house with your z-wave installation or to replace current devices as you build a new Z-Wave system or grow a current one.

Keep in mind this page is for simple options someone new to Z-Wave can use for refence on how they want to proceed with their home setup. If you are not sure or need more clarification, it is always best to check with a trained professional.

Dimmers

Dimmers function similar to a light switch, however they are not simply on or off. They also cover everything in between for ultimate light control. Generally, they will only work with incandescent lights and will not function with fluorescent or compact fluorescent bulbs.

The Intermatic HA06C is an example of this.

Dimmer Switches can replace current dimmer switches in your house along with normal switches that control light fixtures.

Dimmer switches should not be used for replacing switches which control a ceiling fan, fluorescent bulbs or an outlet receptacle.

Switches

Switches are a simple switch that is either On or Off

The Wayne Dalton HA18WD is an example of this.

Switches can replace any current switch in your home. Because they only offer On and Off control, they are best used to control fluorescent light fixtures, fixtures that include a ceiling fan with lights operating on a single switch and switches that control an outlet receptacle.

For the best Z-Wave and LMCE experience, it is recommended to get a dimmer switch if replacing a fixture that support incandescent bulbs.

Receptacles

Receptacles are the outlets which you plug your stuff into.

Generally there is not a need to replace these but it can be useful for these needs:

  • Turn the Receptacle on or of at specific time to conserver power
  • If you do not have a permanent light fixture and a lamp is attached to this Receptacle.

If you currently have a switch controlling a Receptacle, it is not advised to replace the Receptacle with one of these unless you are eliminating the switch. Otherwise the switch will need to remain in the On position for the receptacle to operate correctly.

Door Locks

Heating\Cooling Control

PIR (Binary Sensor) support

Setting associations

The web interface allows you to create associations between devices (I believe this requires SIS mode, not sure). Click "Show device tree" then navigate to your z-wave device(under CORE) and select "Send command to device". A popup window will show and you can choose the "Set Association" command. Enter three parameters:

  • the zwave NodeID of the source device, the one that will send the command
  • the group in the source device that will trigger the send (typically the button number on a multi-paddle switch)
  • the NodeID(s) device(s)

Example: 5 / 2 / 7,8 would cause devices 7 and 8 to turn on when you press button 2 of device 5

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