Hi all,
Looking at the Evolve LRM-AS (LRM-15) and GE45606 dimmer switches.
Is either one superior to the other? The Evolve is about $50 vs. About $30 for the GE. Given the number of switches I’ll need to buy, a $20 difference on each one will add up pretty quickly. But if the Evolve is clearly a better switch, I would strongly consider it.
Thanks.
[quote=“foghat, post:1, topic:169269”]Hi all,
Looking at the Evolve LRM-AS (LRM-15) and GE45606 dimmer switches.
Is either one superior to the other? The Evolve is about $50 vs. About $30 for the GE. Given the number of switches I’ll need to buy, a $20 difference on each one will add up pretty quickly. But if the Evolve is clearly a better switch, I would strongly consider it.
Thanks.[/quote]
Looking for input from others on the Evolve but I can give input on the GE…
I like the physical way the GE switches work in that there seems to be a distinct on and off postion versus a toggle. There is an led that can be programmed to be on when the switch is on or off and you can program the ramp and step rates of both manual dimming and zwave controlled dimming. The BIG down side is that does not support direct associations. This means that you cannot program the switch to talk directly to another device (eliminating any potential lag from Vera) and it will not immediately update Vera on its status. It has to be polled to know its state.
I am not sure I understand (zwave is brand new to me). The GE manual says the switch will act as a repeater to ensure insure that commands intended for another device in the network are received, thereby extending the range of the wireless controller.
I take it the ‘repeater’ functionality is different the ‘direct association’ you mention? Can you give a real world example of a direct association?
Thanks.
I am not sure I understand (zwave is brand new to me). The GE manual says the switch will act as a repeater to ensure insure that commands intended for another device in the network are received, thereby extending the range of the wireless controller.
I take it the ‘repeater’ functionality is different the ‘direct association’ you mention? Can you give a real world example of a direct association?
Thanks.[/quote]
The repeater function is for the mesh part of a zwave network and anything that is zwave does this except most battery operated things. The direct associations on switches like Leviton and others allow direct control (not just passing along routing information) of another device. i.e. the zwave switch will tell another device directly to turn on or off verus the GE you will have to create a scene that will check when the the switch is turned on then activate another device. In my example at home I have a plug in module in a room (floor lamp) with an overhead light. The ge switch is attached to the overhead light. If I want the floor lamp plugged into the plug-in module to turn on when I turn on the overhead light I have to have Vera ‘notice’ (via polling the state of the switch) that I turned on the light then Vera (via a scene) will turn on the plug-in module. With direct association you would be able to have the switch turn on the overhead light and ‘directly’ tell the plug-in module to turn on as well bypassing Vera and any delays associated with Vera polling. Also the switch with hail command support (not the GE’s) will be able to tell Vera that it has been turned on or off verus Vera ‘noticing’ (via polling) that the switch was turned on or off.
got it. thanks.
Obviously having the direct association would be faster, but are using scenes and thus the extra communication with vera slow? I would imagine there shouldn’t be too much of a delay?
The more devices in the network the longer it can take vera to poll all the devices. If you want direct associations, you might want to look into leviton. They are more expensive, but quality devices.
A direct association means that the action always occurs, when the ‘master’ switch is hit, correct? If so, right now I can’t think of any direct associations I’d want.
Plus at about 3 times the price of the GE, the leviton is getting too rich for my blood.
[quote=“garrettwp, post:6, topic:169269”]The more devices in the network the longer it can take vera to poll all the devices. If you want direct associations, you might want to look into leviton. They are more expensive, but quality devices.
For much cheaper (and commensurate quality) ACT switches have direct associations also.
The ability to do associations is an important feature of Z-Wave - an example of an easy association is a motion sensor and light switch - If the sensor sees motion the light switch turns on when there is no motion the light turns off 8)
[quote=“michaelk, post:8, topic:169269”][quote=“garrettwp, post:6, topic:169269”]The more devices in the network the longer it can take vera to poll all the devices. If you want direct associations, you might want to look into leviton. They are more expensive, but quality devices.
For much cheaper (and commensurate quality) ACT switches have direct associations also.[/quote]
Interesting. ACT is lesser quality than leviton. Understandable with the price difference. But are they decent quality? Work as advertised? Are ACT switches known to fail often?
Leviton devices are far better quality then the ACT switches - ACT devices have a 2 year warranty if you need warranty service you will be sending the devices back to the manufacturer. Leviton devices have a 5 year warranty if you have an issue with a device you call the distributor you got them from or Leviton and they will take care of it 8)
I put in 3 act switches several years ago. One died after about 3 years. Other 2 still kicking. (Replaced with another act which so far so good). Literally last week an aact wall wort of same vintage bit it.
Also had 1 of 2 intermatic switches die long term.
Have some newer ge and intermatic and act also that are fine but none that old to compare.
Newer generation of act stuff seems to be same oem as schlage (and also ge wall worts) and seems less of prototype and more of quality product. But time will tell.
To each his own but I’m just not a fan of the leviton design.
I know this is a pretty old post but has there been any advances in the GE technology? I just purchase a couple of the GE 45605 Z-Wave Wireless Lighting Control Duplex Receptacle but am second guessing myself b/c it seems like the current Evolve LOM-15 duplex receptacle is better from a distance standpoint and also supports security beaming.
The GE/Jasco 45605 supports beaming.
Better distance? Says who? Radio frequency(RF) range is affected by many factors including environmental ones. Though I lack empirical data, I VERY much doubt that there is any significant range difference between the two different brand’s receptacles.
I’d recommend not looking for trouble where none seems to exist. If you encounter range issues, handle it like every other Z-Wave range issue by adding intermediate nodes.
Is the GE a secured beam so that it could relay a call to my door locks?
From the SmartHome description of the GE 45605 “This device complies with the Z-Wave standard of open-air, line of sight transmission distances of 65 feet”. Then I found this on the automatedoutlet website describing the Evolve device “Range: ? Up to 100 feet line of sight between the Wireless Controller and /or the closest Z-Wave Device.”
A difference of 35ft is quite a bit… I was also surprised that there was a difference in distance, which is why I’m asking the question. 
Refs:
http://www.smarthome.com/59489/GE-45605-Z-Wave-Wireless-Lighting-Control-Duplex-Receptacle/p.aspx
A device supports beaming or it does not. There is no secured or unsecured beaming.
When routing Z-Wave data to encryption dependent nodes, like door locks, it is necessary that the last node in the route(the node that speaks directly to the lock) supports beaming. The GE/Jasco 45605 supports beaming and will work with current Z-Wave locks.
As previously stated RF range/distance is dependent on many factors and many of those factors are external to the device. I would put little credence in an range statements from manufacturers or retailers. Any range claim is going to be based on ideal conditions, clear line of sight, and no interference.
For planning purposes, assume a range of 50 feet. If, after implementation, you get more range then great. If you get less than 50 feet, a very real possibility, add intermediate nodes to provide the range necessary for your application.
Awesome!!! Thank you for the information.
I’ll install the GE plugs and see how they work :-).
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