16
votes
How can I properly test my device's PCB antenna?
You can use a spectrum analyzer to make sure that:
The antenna is emitting at the correct frequency (range).
The output power is the expected (theoretically calculated) output power (or it is close ...
- 261
15
votes
Difference Between ZigBee and Z-Wave?
There are a few things that really distinguish Z-Wave and ZigBee from each other.
Frequency
The first (as Eirik M noted) is the frequency on which they operate. Z-Wave operates within the 915 MHz ...
- 251
11
votes
How can I properly test my device's PCB antenna?
There are two main approaches to characterising an antenna and its effectiveness in-system, free space and in-situ. The first will give you a best-case baseline, is less susceptible to measurement ...
- 10.5k
10
votes
Accepted
Difference Between ZigBee and Z-Wave?
I think there is mainly one thing you should care about: Is the ZigBee solution 2.4 GHz or 868/908 MHz? The 2.4 GHz penetrates less then ~900 MHz through walls, and the 2.4 GHz shares the spectrum ...
- 361
9
votes
How can I properly test my device's PCB antenna?
In order to properly test the antenna at minimum the following items are required
A source antenna with the known pattern and transmitter such as a RF signal generator create known signals
The test ...
- 1,550
8
votes
Use cases of the "Release Event" on a smart switch
The release event is more likely intended to be used as a pair with the press event, allowing you to indicate a duration. My dimmable lightwave-rf lamp control overloads up/down buttons as both on/off,...
- 10.5k
6
votes
Accepted
Z-Wave switches with 2-way switched lights?
You've explicitly rejected the factory recommended way to configure the circuit, which is to have only one switch controlling the load, and using remote-only signalling switches for the others. And ...
- 2,552
5
votes
Rearrange Z-Wave network
The rated range of Z-Wave devices in general is designed for indoor "perfect conditions" so if the max range of a device is 100 ft. that assumes no noise and no interference. If you have any other ...
- 806
5
votes
How does the Z-Wave certification process guarantee interoperability?
All certified Z-Wave products conform to their communication protocol. And that's what ensures interoperability.
In particular, a certified product must register with a Z-Wave network controller. The ...
5
votes
Difference Between ZigBee and Z-Wave?
As a software guy—and a protocol stack guy at that—I tend to look differently at this than you might.
To me, these protocols are "low level" stuff (layer 1 & 2 of the OSI 7 layer model).
I don't ...
- 3,112
5
votes
Accepted
What's the difference between Z-Wave and Z-Wave Plus?
The Z-Wave Alliance have a page explaining the differences pretty nicely:
Z-Wave Plus™ is a new certification program designed to help consumers identify products that take advantage of the recently ...
- 18.5k
5
votes
Ultra Low Energy point-to-point protocol choice
As is often the case, it depends. There are many factors to consider, and a lot of options available to cover the many different use cases around.
Range
DigiKey suggest that you can expect the ...
- 18.5k
5
votes
Zigbee and supporting devices - UK
From what I'm reading you need bridges for specific devices, unless they support Z-Wave or Zigbee (may well be wrong on this...).
In general, you need a "bridge" for everything - including Z-Wave and ...
- 136
4
votes
What's the Name for a load control switch that is hidden in the ceiling?
in the ceilling you need a relay with a controlling board of somekind. For the "remote" switches one microcontroller reading a momentary or latching switch. the remote MCU sends a message (MQTT for ...
- 81
4
votes
When is Z-Wave S2 Security Mandatory?
What's the real scoop on S2 security?
I studied a number of products and corresponding Z-Wave Protocol Implementation Conformance Statement issued to these products.
Products that feature S2 ...
- 2,620
3
votes
Z-Wave switches with 2-way switched lights?
In-line dimmers have to be dimmers rather than switches because they have no neutral return at the switch. This makes any multi-way arrangement nigh impossible.
The 'obvious' homebrew solution is a z-...
- 10.5k
3
votes
Can I use a US or UK SmartThings hub in Australia?
I know this is an older thread, but thought this may be helpful.
Technically, only the Z-WAVE portion of SmartThings is illegal in Australia.
The band used is unlicensed, but still managed under ...
3
votes
Ultra Low Energy point-to-point protocol choice
BLE will be the wiser choice.
Pros:
You will find many ready gateway in the market.
Range is variable, if you want it to be more then 20 m, you can use BLE-PA(Power Amplifier) modules, and then you ...
3
votes
Ultra Low Energy point-to-point protocol choice
Given your requirements of range, power and proven stack Z-Wave is likely suitable candidate.
Low Energy, battery powered
Send-and-sleep
Medium range (20-30m)
Ready-to-use or easily ...
- 2,620
2
votes
Accepted
Reducing the number of Hubs in a DIY Smart Home Automation project?
Unfortunately, it doesn't look like your goal of just one hub is achievable. According to the Arlo documentation:
When do I need a base station?
You need a base station to connect Arlo Wire-Free and ...
- 18.5k
2
votes
Accepted
Can I use a US or UK SmartThings hub in Australia?
No – it's illegal to operate a UK or US SmartThings Hub in Australia (or any US/UK Z-Wave device).
US Z-Wave devices operate at 908.42 MHz, and UK devices at 868.42 MHz. Both of these frequencies are ...
- 18.5k
2
votes
Accepted
z wave and zigbee development boards
If you have done anything on the ESP8266 with MQTT, and are interested in controlling devices at home, you might want to look at zigbee2mqtt. Development is pretty active on that project.
I've been ...
- 481
1
vote
Accepted
aeotec aërQ temp/rh sensor or zwave-js not reporting state change
Perhaps there is an error in the software, and the resolution is not 0.1, but it is 1.0.
Setting the threshold to 1 may reveal such an error.
- 325
1
vote
z wave and zigbee development boards
Some additional resources on the net how to connect arduino&co with xbee.
ForceTronics blog:
Part 1: http://forcetronic.blogspot.com/2014/01/building-wireless-temperature-sensor.html
Part 2: ...
- 137
1
vote
Accepted
Z-Wave Plus Backwards Compatibility
Vesternet claim that:
The main consideration is the Z-Wave controller - if the controller is not Z-Wave Plus enabled then all devices added to that controller's network will default to acting as Z-...
- 18.5k
Only top scored, non community-wiki answers of a minimum length are eligible