Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)The Vizia RZCPG-BSG and the RZCPG-SG are solid products. They serve first as programmers and then as remote controls. They are the same, except that the SG has timed-event programming and an AC supply so that it can stay on all the time. If you build a Leviton Vizia z-wave network, your RZCPG is your best friend.
Unfortunately, the documentation that comes with the RZCPG is simply incomplete. Use a Google search to find and download the HA10110701BH Vizia rf Systems Guide. Read pages 9 through 15. I recommend two additional one-pager downloads as well: HABH0665080 and HABH0624082. Then download the RZCPG manual, and it will make sense.
I need to warn you about a couple of "gotchas." First, not all Leviton Vizia products are z-wave. The z-wave switches and dimmers are called Vizia rf or Vizia rf +. If they don't say rf, don't buy. (The plus sign is for the newer versions, but old versions are good.) The second "gotcha" is that all Vizia rf products (and most z-wave products from other vendors) are not scene-capable. "Scene capability" is Vizia-speak for products that support the definition and control of "scenes" that have different combinations of light intensities. Instead of "scene," the word, "zone" is used to refer to pure off/on mode control. (Other vendors may use different terms.) Also, if you are going to control low-voltage lights (that go through a transformer) or fluorescent lights, you need a special dimmer that costs about double. Decide what you want and account for all your costs before buying the RZCPG, which may be only the tip of the cost iceberg.
I've tried mixing GE and Intermatic Home Settings devices with Leviton. My experience with those was limited to non-scene-capable devices, which were picked up successfully by the RZCPG. They functioned fine under zone control, but they would not function at all, even in on/off mode, in RZCPG scenes. See the Systems Guide for more info on compatibility. The RZCPG refused to pick up a Home Pro z-wave appliance switch at all. Bottom line: Leviton Vizia rf with scene capability is the safest, most robust, most versatile option.
Next, I want to offer you one user's opinion of the RZCPG and the networks it can help you create: they're amazing. Mounted on the wall at the entry to my home theatre is a four-button controller. With one touch, I can set relative intensities for 10 lights. I have scenes for eating and watching movies (lights brighter around the table), watching sports (lights brighter all around), and just watching movies (lights very dim). If, at any time, I want any light to be a little brighter or dimmer in one of these "scenes," I can modify the scene in about 20 seconds flat, and the modification persists when I invoke the scene again. If I have a scene set up and turned on, I can brighten or dim the entire scene from either the RZCPG or from the secondary controller on the wall with no persistent effect on the scene.
Installing the dimmers/switches in the wall is the same as for any two-way dimmer. Three-way switching can be different, so look at the documentation before buying. Installing the in-wall controllers is a simple matter of getting a hot (black), common (white) and ground to the controller. If this is familiar territory, go for it. Once things are installed properly, the above documentation should get you through the programming in good shape. I wish I had more space to offer more lessons learned. As it is, I hope this much will save you some time and money.
I also hope Leviton is paying attention. Dear Leviton, you sink millions into excellent product development and then make your products inaccessible through sloppy documentation management -- what are you thinking? Dear publishing world, where is the z-wave Missing Manual? This technology merits the effort to produce good documentation.
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Set up a Z-Wave automation network in your home, and you'll be able to control lighting and appliances remotely using RF technology. The Vizia RF Z-Wave Programmer/Controller is required for programming Leviton Vizia Z-Wave scenes and links, and it also f
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