This topic is meant to give a step by step overview of my Z-wave experiences the last months. As it nears completion, I will wikify it for better accessibility. Anyone, please feel free to add information through this thread.
Basic info:
Z-Wave offers wireless control of devices such as lighting, thermostats and window screens. In the setting of LMCE, the core sends the messages through a serial or USB (far preferred!) interface. The Z-wave protocol offers feedback information, i.e. the core knows if a command was actually executed at the device.
Merten experiences:
A Merten Z-wave rig has one system Administration unit at all times. These should be a battery operated button (transmitter), don't ask me why another unit does not do this. The Administrator holds information about all other Z-wave transmitters or receivers in your setup.
Everything is connected and programmed through their CONNECT radio configuration tool, currently version 1.04. It recognizes Merten's USB Z-wave interface, dunno about other brands.
Units are added to a project by pushing the button three times within five seconds. The unit receives an address, which uniquely identifies it. This brings me to the major DON'T of Z-wave in general:
NEVER reset a Z-wave device before removing it from your project! You will have no way to ever remove it from the project again! The only way to get it out of the list of devices is your project is to start an ENTIRELY new project.
Starting a new project seems to be a simple matter, but I assure you it sucks if you have more than about 15 z-wave devices! All your device connections, scenes etc. have to be reprogrammed, easily takes a half hour and often a lot longer.
More to follow. Other comments and wisdom greatly appreciated.
