Worthington’s Z-Wave Bonanza: Wireless Lights, Thermostats, Shades, Remotes, More

Worthington Distribution is one of those rare distributors that helps dealers create affordable integrated solutions by mixing and matching products from a variety of vendors.

At CEDIA 2008, the company will highlight several new products that communicate using two-way RF mesh networking technology from Z-Wave.

Worthington demonstrates how low-cost remotes and touchscreens can be used to operate lights, thermostats, motorized drapes and other wireless devices in the home.

IES Touch Screen

Z-Wave RF mesh networking technology runs throughout Worthington's display.

Controlling much of the Z-Wave gear is a new two-way interactive touchscreen, the EasyTouch-S Touch Screen from IES. Worthington has customized the touchscreen in-house with a graphical interface designed to make programming a snap, according to Barry Hampe of Worthington Distribution's technical support group.

The installer simply names devices, rooms, scenes and schedules, and then types in the Z-Wave node for each device. The interface is created automatically.

"By eliminating the need for dealers to draw each button and test the interface navigation we are able to offer them a product that is easy to set up, great looking, and provides consistent results," says Hampe.

The diminutive 3.6-inch IES screen is designed to control Z-Wave lighting, window treatments, and thermostats. The low-cost interface is available in tabletop and in-wall versions.

A new Centralite version is also being shown at CEDIA. The unit is designed to control Jetstream, LiteJet, Elite and Elegance lighting control systems.

The touchscreen retails for about $600.

Leviton Vizia RF+

Worthington has already worked wonders with the first generation of Leviton's Vizia RF Z-Wave-enabled lighting control system. Now the distributor is showcasing the second-generation Vizia RF+.

With the new product, which is compatible with earlier versions, ramp rates have been expanded from 7 to 49 possible combinations.

But perhaps the big news is the new industrial design of the dimmers. The paddles are wider, and the outer frame is narrower providing a larger surface for the customer to press. LEDs on the scene controllers were moved to the middle. Worthington CTO Tom Morgan says the new dimmers "look great with a horizontal display."

The Vizia RF+ line been expanded to include a three-speed fan control, an electronic low voltage dimmer, and a 5-amp two-wire quiet incandescent switch.

At the Worthington booth, the Vizia RF+ devices are being controlled through HAI and the IES touchscreen, as well as Philips Pronto and UEI Nevo remote controls, all of which provide two-way communications.


Z-Wave-enabled shades from Techniku, touchscreen from IES, Vizia RF+ from Leviton

Techniku Shades

Motorized shades have always been a big attraction at Worthington. At CEDIA, the distributor will showcase products from Techniku, developer of the first Z-Wave-enabled motors.

The HAI, IES and Nevo touchscreen solutions can all control the shade up and down, but that's the easy stuff.

"What is really impressive is that each system can send direct level commands as well as include shade positions in scenes just like a standard dimmer," says John Zitzelman, coordinator for Worthington's window treatment program. "Techniku has finally made shade control easy for the integrator. The Techniku shade, drape or blind motors learn into any Z-Wave network just like a dimmer."

Wayne Dalton Thermostat

The Nevo remote and IES touchscreens at the Worthington booth will also be controlling a Z-Wave thermostat from Wayne Dalton.

The thermostat provides heat/cool settings as well as settings for energy savings. Via Z-Wave commands, temperatures can be read and setpoints can be adjusted.