USB Z-Wave®Adapter Basics
The Wayne-Dalton USB Z-Wave®Adapter with ThinkEssentials® software allows you to use your PC to create, manage and automate your Z-Wave®home control system.
The USB Z-Wave®Adapter, WDUSB-10R, using ThinkEssentials® software is designed to work with your Z-Wave®network as either a primary or secondary controller and requires that you have one or more Z-Wave®modules. With your controller you can create scenes for controlling multiple Z-Wave®modules including lighting devices, thermostats, window coverings and appliances.
Some of the features of the ThinkEssentials® software are:
•Set up and control up to 230 Z-Wave®devices
•Draw a basic floor plan of your home with ease and see the state of all your devices
•Activate mood lighting (scenes) in your home or turn on/off zones of devices
•Schedules – activate scenes or zones at specific times of day, including sunrise/sunset
•Schedules can be set for every day, individual days of the week, or multiple days of the week
•Turn all devices on or off with the push of one button
•Optimize and repair your network of Z-Wave®devices
To begin using Z-Wave®Home Control technology it is helpful to understand that each Z-Wave®module, including the USB Z-Wave®Adapter, communicate with each other using a low power radio transmitter and receiver. Large metal objects, house wiring, walls, furniture, refrigerators, microwaves and similar items can interfere with communication between the modules to reduce the range or even prevent communication. Therefore, placement of the USB Z-Wave®Adapter and Z-Wave®modules is very important. A USB adapter stand is included to allow for optimum placement of the USB Z-Wave®Adapter.
A Z-Wave®network is a collection of Z-Wave®modules in a mesh type of network. Therefore, each Z-Wave®module, regardless of manufacturer, communicates with all the other modules within its range to route and repeat the signals from one device to the next, thus creating a highly robust transmission throughout the home.
A Z-Wave®network can have only one primary controller. The primary controller establishes the network security to ensure your network will not operate your neighbors network and vice-versa. It is a good practice to label and protect your primary controller since it is the only Z-Wave®controller that can add modules to or remove modules from your network. It is easy to add secondary controllers as your network grows.
For more tips and great ideas on how to use and expand your network please visit our website, www.wayne-dalton.com/access.
