Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)This is an automation controller for the Z-Wave automation system. Z-Wave, like X-10, lets you automate your home, controlling everything from lights, appliances, thermostats, blinds, even to door locks.
This kit includes a USB controller, software, and an SDK.
The controller connects to your USB port and acts as another controller in your Z-Wave network. It is compatible with nearly all Z-Wave devices (thus far, the only one I've heard that's not compatible is the Schlage locks). It also includes an extension cable so optimal placement of the RF transmitter is easy.
It also includes an automation software package that allows you to create an automation plan via drag-and-drop. It will help you keep track of all of your modules, setup macros, etc. It's easy to setup scenes where a single remote press will set all of your lights to a preset dim level, turn on/off appliances, etc. This can be done without the software, but it's so much easier to use the software.
The final piece is the SDK. This optional piece allows you to use Visual Basic or C# to write completely custom automation scripts. If the above software can't do it, you can write your own with Microsoft Visual Studio Express. It includes the SDK, samples, and even a copy of VS Express. The API is relatively simple to use and if you have any programming experience (even just editing Macros in Microsoft Office), this should be pretty straight forward.
Both software packages are being actively developed and updated. New features and capabilities are being added all the time.
The only downside I've found is the USB controller doesn't seem to work with Windows Vista 64-bit. It works fine with Windows XP and Vista 32-bit.
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