I’m seeing a number of zigbee bulb offerings now (GE , Cree Connected, Philips) that offer built-in networking and dimming. These are VERY attractive at $15, since a zwave dimmer swtich is about $40 and the dimmable LED bulb another $10-20.
But I can’t find any zwave offerings. I called CREE and they said they sell exclusively through Home Depot, and only support Wink and other Zigbee hubs. Does anyone know of any zwave competitors offering at $15 solution like this? I ordered a Wink and plan to use the veralite wint ap, but that’s a pretty ugly solution.
It’s hard to believe that Zigbee suppliers would be ahead of zwave suppliers, since to me their controllers are inferior.
I don’t think the Linear bulbs make sense as a general bulb replacement, due to the price. I would also not expect to see a Z-Wave bulb, or any Z-Wave device, for much under $40.
Link bulbs are a great buy at $15, assuming that the light/bulb is as good as the $17 Philips or the $19 Cree. I’ve yet to test the Link bulb.
I don’t get the whole appeal for the connectivity built into the bulbs, I guess it’s for folks who are scared to replace a switch. The connected bulbs mean you have to use an app on your phone for control.
It just seems to make more logical sense to change the switch to something that can work standalone or with a central controller (like any Z-wave switch will do). That way you can constantly upgrade/change your bulb quality/type without throwing away a big investment.
[quote=“TC1, post:3, topic:186172”]I don’t get the whole appeal for the connectivity built into the bulbs, I guess it’s for folks who are scared to replace a switch. The connected bulbs mean you have to use an app on your phone for control.
It just seems to make more logical sense to change the switch to something that can work standalone or with a central controller (like any Z-wave switch will do). That way you can constantly upgrade/change your bulb quality/type without throwing away a big investment.
Or am I missing something here ???[/quote]
I think the only thing you are missing is the price. Assuming the lifetime rating of these bulbs, i can almost get three for the price of one lamp module.
As such, I’ve been watching over the wink plugin as a possible solution.
I have two of the LinearLinc bulbs. I am not as comfortable replacing a switch as a light bulb. Both bulbs light up entryways to our house, turn on at sunset, dim at 11:00 PM and go off at sunrise. There is no need to manually turn them on and off. As far as the price, all of the dimmable z-wave switches seem to be at least as much or more than the price of a LinearLinc bulb, or am I looking at the wrong products?
If one shops carefully, I can get Linear or GE/Jasco dimmers for about $35 or less, the regular binary switches even cheaper. By putting the load control in the switch instead of the bulb, one can then use any type of the bulb technology they want and also have local control right at the wall-plate.
[quote=“TC1, post:3, topic:186172”]I don’t get the whole appeal for the connectivity built into the bulbs, I guess it’s for folks who are scared to replace a switch. The connected bulbs mean you have to use an app on your phone for control.
It just seems to make more logical sense to change the switch to something that can work standalone or with a central controller (like any Z-wave switch will do). That way you can constantly upgrade/change your bulb quality/type without throwing away a big investment.
Or am I missing something here ???[/quote]
I’d assumed, perhaps na?vely, that an entire Z-Wave dimmer and dimmable bulb would all be built into the bulb. So I’d expected it to work ideitically to a z-wave wall dimmer and dimmable bulb. As far as investment- at $15, the investment is not much different than the bulb alone?
[quote=“TC1, post:6, topic:186172”]If one shops carefully, I can get Linear or GE/Jasco dimmers for about $35 or less, the regular binary switches even cheaper. By putting the load control in the switch instead of the bulb, one can then use any type of the bulb technology they want and also have local control right at the wall-plate.[/quote]I paid under $35 for the LinearLinc bulbs. As far as using any kind of bulb with a wall switch that is true, although LED seems to be the go to technology for the foreseeable future. My biggest concern in spending that kind of money on a light bulb is that the z-wave technology will be outdated long before the bulb dies, but that would be true of a switch as well.
I’m curious now that I think about it. I wonder if the bulb is dimmable if placed in a dimming outlet, bypassing the z-wave part. I don’t have any dimmable outlets to test it.
[quote=“Imageek2, post:8, topic:186172”][quote=“TC1, post:6, topic:186172”]If one shops carefully, I can get Linear or GE/Jasco dimmers for about $35 or less, the regular binary switches even cheaper. By putting the load control in the switch instead of the bulb, one can then use any type of the bulb technology they want and also have local control right at the wall-plate.[/quote]I paid under $35 for the LinearLinc bulbs. As far as using any kind of bulb with a wall switch that is true, although LED seems to be the go to technology for the foreseeable future. My biggest concern in spending that kind of money on a light bulb is that the z-wave technology will be outdated long before the bulb dies, but that would be true of a switch as well.
I’m curious now that I think about it. I wonder if the bulb is dimmable if placed in a dimming outlet, bypassing the z-wave part. I don’t have any dimmable outlets to test it.[/quote]
I haven’t tested it but I would think not or at least you wouldn’t want to. When you dim the bulb you are also dimming the energy going to the Z-Wave module; it would have a negative impact on your Z-Wave network as that node would shrink, grow and sometimes disappear making the network unstable.
I have two Z-Wave bulbs in my house paired with d/w sensors as triggers in closets where there was no switch just a pull chain. IMHO Z-Wave bulbs are for applications where there is no switch.
[quote=“Imageek2, post:8, topic:186172”][quote=“TC1, post:6, topic:186172”]If one shops carefully, I can get Linear or GE/Jasco dimmers for about $35 or less, the regular binary switches even cheaper. By putting the load control in the switch instead of the bulb, one can then use any type of the bulb technology they want and also have local control right at the wall-plate.[/quote]I paid under $35 for the LinearLinc bulbs. As far as using any kind of bulb with a wall switch that is true, although LED seems to be the go to technology for the foreseeable future. My biggest concern in spending that kind of money on a light bulb is that the z-wave technology will be outdated long before the bulb dies, but that would be true of a switch as well.
I’m curious now that I think about it. I wonder if the bulb is dimmable if placed in a dimming outlet, bypassing the z-wave part. I don’t have any dimmable outlets to test it.[/quote]
Nope, can’t do it. Another strike against these types of bulbs.
[quote=“Marc Shenker, post:9, topic:186172”][quote=“Imageek2, post:8, topic:186172”][quote=“TC1, post:6, topic:186172”]If one shops carefully, I can get Linear or GE/Jasco dimmers for about $35 or less, the regular binary switches even cheaper. By putting the load control in the switch instead of the bulb, one can then use any type of the bulb technology they want and also have local control right at the wall-plate.[/quote]I paid under $35 for the LinearLinc bulbs. As far as using any kind of bulb with a wall switch that is true, although LED seems to be the go to technology for the foreseeable future. My biggest concern in spending that kind of money on a light bulb is that the z-wave technology will be outdated long before the bulb dies, but that would be true of a switch as well.
I’m curious now that I think about it. I wonder if the bulb is dimmable if placed in a dimming outlet, bypassing the z-wave part. I don’t have any dimmable outlets to test it.[/quote]
I haven’t tested it but I would think not or at least you wouldn’t want to. When you dim the bulb you are also dimming the energy going to the Z-Wave module; it would have a negative impact on your Z-Wave network as that node would shrink, grow and sometimes disappear making the network unstable.
I have two Z-Wave bulbs in my house paired with d/w sensors as triggers in closets where there was no switch just a pull chain. IMHO Z-Wave bulbs are for applications where there is no switch.[/quote]
Bingo, that’s where these get cost effective. But unless you can do a direct association from the d/w sensor to the bulb, then if your controller goes down, you have no lighting in that instance.
Seriously folks, keeping the automation/communication in the wall device makes the most sense. In all cases you can still operate lights even if you have no functioning controller.
My thought was that should z-wave go the way of other technologies and just disappear would the bulb still be usable as a dimmable light. I wouldn’t care at that point whether power to the z-wave part is less because there is no longer a z-wave network.
Right now I can still operate the lights with my existing switch. Switch goes off, light goes off. Switch goes on, light goes on. I just can’t dim it, and these lights for my purpose are too bright.
Anyway, if and when I have to switch out these lights for something else I will have gotten what I feel is a very good return on investment.
I also vote for the z-wave switch vs. a bulb. But maybe a single table lamp that has no switch might be ok. I actually have only one table lamp in the house and I put a 35.00 z-wave outlet there and PLEG so when the ceiling fan it turned on/off/on it turns on the table lamp.
My ceiling fans also have 4 blubs in each one. The rest of the rooms have can lights witch have 4-6 bulbs in each. The garage or outside lights all are atleast 2 pairs. With Lowe’s GE switches at 35.00 plus 10.00 off 50.00 coupon your getting them around 30.00 a switch. 2 bulbs gonna cost that.
Also there is a Plugin for the WINK so you can use those bulbs with VERA.
[quote=“integlikewhoa, post:13, topic:186172”]I also vote for the z-wave switch vs. a bulb. But maybe a single table lamp that has no switch might be ok. I actually have only one table lamp in the house and I put a 35.00 z-wave outlet there and PLEG so when the ceiling fan it turned on/off/on it turns on the table lamp.
My ceiling fans also have 4 blubs in each one. The rest of the rooms have can lights witch have 4-6 bulbs in each. The garage or outside lights all are atleast 2 pairs. With Lowe’s GE switches at 35.00 plus 10.00 off 50.00 coupon your getting them around 30.00 a switch. 2 bulbs gonna cost that. [/quote]
Ah… your situation makes sense then. funny, i hate can lights, and use mostly lamps in my house… i like the ambience better. So much so that i rarely replace wall switches with Zwave versions … I’ve only really done this for hallways, etc.
So… with lamps… i need a dimmer module for each lamp. So, for example, in my family room, i have 4 lamps… at $40+ each… i’m looking at $160 or more. With the bulbs, could do it for $60.
[quote=“tomgru, post:14, topic:186172”][quote=“integlikewhoa, post:13, topic:186172”]I also vote for the z-wave switch vs. a bulb. But maybe a single table lamp that has no switch might be ok. I actually have only one table lamp in the house and I put a 35.00 z-wave outlet there and PLEG so when the ceiling fan it turned on/off/on it turns on the table lamp.
My ceiling fans also have 4 blubs in each one. The rest of the rooms have can lights witch have 4-6 bulbs in each. The garage or outside lights all are atleast 2 pairs. With Lowe’s GE switches at 35.00 plus 10.00 off 50.00 coupon your getting them around 30.00 a switch. 2 bulbs gonna cost that. [/quote]
Ah… your situation makes sense then. funny, i hate can lights, and use mostly lamps in my house… i like the ambience better. So much so that i rarely replace wall switches with Zwave versions … I’ve only really done this for hallways, etc.
So… with lamps… i need a dimmer module for each lamp. So, for example, in my family room, i have 4 lamps… at $40+ each… i’m looking at $160 or more. With the bulbs, could do it for $60.[/quote]
Here in California I would bet all new houses have Can lights, expect for maybe some bedrooms. Lamps here go with curtains and popcorn ceilings.
[quote=“integlikewhoa, post:15, topic:186172”][quote=“tomgru, post:14, topic:186172”][quote=“integlikewhoa, post:13, topic:186172”]I also vote for the z-wave switch vs. a bulb. But maybe a single table lamp that has no switch might be ok. I actually have only one table lamp in the house and I put a 35.00 z-wave outlet there and PLEG so when the ceiling fan it turned on/off/on it turns on the table lamp.
My ceiling fans also have 4 blubs in each one. The rest of the rooms have can lights witch have 4-6 bulbs in each. The garage or outside lights all are atleast 2 pairs. With Lowe’s GE switches at 35.00 plus 10.00 off 50.00 coupon your getting them around 30.00 a switch. 2 bulbs gonna cost that. [/quote]
Ah… your situation makes sense then. funny, i hate can lights, and use mostly lamps in my house… i like the ambience better. So much so that i rarely replace wall switches with Zwave versions … I’ve only really done this for hallways, etc.
So… with lamps… i need a dimmer module for each lamp. So, for example, in my family room, i have 4 lamps… at $40+ each… i’m looking at $160 or more. With the bulbs, could do it for $60.[/quote]
Here in California I would bet all new houses have Can lights, expect for maybe some bedrooms. Lamps here go with curtains and popcorn ceilings.[/quote]
[quote=“tomgru, post:14, topic:186172”][quote=“integlikewhoa, post:13, topic:186172”]I also vote for the z-wave switch vs. a bulb. But maybe a single table lamp that has no switch might be ok. I actually have only one table lamp in the house and I put a 35.00 z-wave outlet there and PLEG so when the ceiling fan it turned on/off/on it turns on the table lamp.
My ceiling fans also have 4 blubs in each one. The rest of the rooms have can lights witch have 4-6 bulbs in each. The garage or outside lights all are atleast 2 pairs. With Lowe’s GE switches at 35.00 plus 10.00 off 50.00 coupon your getting them around 30.00 a switch. 2 bulbs gonna cost that. [/quote]
Ah… your situation makes sense then. funny, i hate can lights, and use mostly lamps in my house… i like the ambience better. So much so that i rarely replace wall switches with Zwave versions … I’ve only really done this for hallways, etc.
So… with lamps… i need a dimmer module for each lamp. So, for example, in my family room, i have 4 lamps… at $40+ each… i’m looking at $160 or more. With the bulbs, could do it for $60.[/quote]
Same here. Our living room has 3 or 4 lamps, and using the bulbs is cheaper than using 3 or 4 lamp mods.
Other rooms I have a switch hitting multiple lights, and “smart bulbs” would be a terrible idea.
