Intermatic’s new line of InTouch™ wireless controls takes Z-wave™ technology to an even higher level of functionality with never-before-seen features and capabilities — thanks to the introduction of its patent-pending InTouch server technology.
Most traditional home control systems, including Z-Wave, are designed around the concept of a group of simple devices being controlled by a less simple device. They use commands that allow virtual interactions with the target device. Turning the device ON, OFF, or requesting its status as the result of the user’s action. This simple interaction makes creating simple control networks easy. However, for complicated tasks that need to occur network wide, a larger intelligence is needed. This added intelligence usually comes in the form of a PC, which brings with it the hassle of having to keep the PC running and connected to the network at all times.
Intermatic has changed all of this. Intermatic has built upon the Z-Wave view of the network, with its new InTouch system that allows the creation and use of network level applications. These InTouch Applications view the network as a whole, as a unified entity within the home. The InTouch Applications move networking commands beyond a script of individual instructions, into a network-wide information service and distributed processing system. Rather than having one PC that constantly needs to request and react to changes in a device’s or group of devices’ status, any device can ask the network to tell them when status has changed. InTouch Applications can merge scenes together into a new scene, collect trend data, tell the user when a device’s battery is low, that a door opened, today’s weather, stock quotes or whatever else they request.
With the InTouch network at the center of the home, the slave devices are given more responsibility and some of the burden is taken off of the controller. The network as a whole reacts to an input or command. Each device does its own part to execute the command or gather the information, with the controller responsible for compiling or directing that information. This reduces the processing power required in the controller to get the task done. Many simple slave devices have a large portion of their processors unutilized. This is because both the Z-Wave code requirements and the application code requirements are simpler for a slave than a controller. This unutilized space can be used for advancement of network level applications.
"The popular thought has been that a smart PC will control a simple home," says Michael Pelland, CEO of Visualize, a developer Z-wave Alliance member. "Intermatic sees it differently. With InTouch Applications at the center, the network becomes the home’s intelligence. Increasingly creative InTouch Applications will lead the home beyond smart to artificially intelligent."
"The Intermatic InTouch system helps homeowners ‘set the scene’ for entertaining, working or just relaxing after a long day," said Jeff Bovee, commercial marketing manager for Intermatic, Inc.
"Homeowners can now conveniently manage and monitor lighting, security systems and other electronics from anywhere in the world. With the special features InTouch incorporates, installers and homeowners will enjoy the peace of mind that their InTouch system is not an example of planned obsolescence, but rather a commitment by Intermatic to provide a framework for growth and support." Managing indoor and outdoor lighting, entry access, pool & spa functions, home theater systems, window treatments and heating & cooling are effortless with Intermatic’s InTouch control system.
The InTouch server provides full two-way, real-time status of every device in the network including legacy Z-wave devices. Additionally, it makes available a host of new-to-the-industry features to the homeowner and installer, including:
- Greater network range — doubling the number of “hops” a signal can take to get to its target from the Z-wave standard of 4 to 8
- In-field firmware upgrade capability — future-proofing an InTouch network from protocol changes.
- System text and graphics messaging — allowing streaming information such as sports scores, stock quotes, weather and news alerts as well as personal and system status messages.
- Centralized scene and status information — ability to remotely edit scenes from anywhere in the network.
- Full Z-wave compatibility — adding an InTouch Server to any manufacturer’s Z-wave product instantly upgrades their capabilities to share many of the InTouch features.
The InTouch system uses the Z-wave networking technology to create a reliable wireless control system. Several factors contribute to make Z-wave a breakthrough innovation, including:
- Mesh-network topology, meaning that every line-powered device within the network acts as a repeater to route signals from device to device.
- Z-wave networks operate in the 900 MHz band, providing a penetrating signal to deliver reliable communications among devices.
- Z-wave protocol uses advanced networking functions to overcome noisy RF environments.
- Z-Wave’s 4.2 billion unique network identity codes provide a secure network with no fear of interference from neighboring systems.
In addition to fostering a progressive lifestyle at an affordable price, homeowners will appreciate the added value of Intermatic’s InTouch home controls through increased resale values, energy savings and the ability to easily modify the system as electronic needs change and grow.
Professional installers will benefit from fewer SKUs, meaning less inventory, easy installation, network setup and system programming, adaptability and the ability to earn back lost sales by offering customers the affordable, full-bodied system provided only by Intermatic’s InTouch series.
The InTouch™ System — The Centerpiece for Peaceful Living Innovation and forward thinking are hallmarks of Intermatic and are reflected in its products. Some of the new ideas Intermatic has on the drawing board to make life better include:
- Telephone Transponder (CA8500) —
Allows user to control any Z-wave enabled device from anywhere in the world using a Touch-Tone™ telephone.
- Outdoor PIR Sensor (CA9500)
Provides motion and remote ON/OFF switching for incandescent, fluorescent and magnetic low-voltage lighting loads.
- Dimming Fixture Module (CA3300)
Gives the user manual and remote ON/OFF switching and full range dimming for incandescent lighting loads.
- 220V Wall Receptacle (CA3550)
Local control of any light or appliance plugged into the controlled outlet by switching the load ON/OFF switch. Includes three interchangeable faceplates. Colors include white, ivory and light almond.
- 1000-Watt Incandescent Dimmer (CA1000)
Gives the user manual and remote ON/OFF switching and full range dimming for incandescent lighting loads. Includes three interchangeable faceplates. Colors include white, ivory and light almond.
- 600 & 1000-Watt Low Voltage Dimmers (CA600LV & CA1000LV)
Provides manual and remote ON/OFF switching and full range dimming for magnetic and electronic low voltage lighting loads. Includes three interchangeable faceplates. Colors include white, ivory and light almond.
Following is a review of the core components within the Intermatic InTouch series of wireless controls. Each product is 100% compatible with a growing number of Z-wave enabled products and is backed by a 10-year warranty.
In-Wall Master Control (Model CA7100)
Features include multiple scene functions, programming based on time, action or a combination of both, along with a full two-way control system. The maser control also features full graphical display for streaming text and graphical content. There is a built-in Astro clock, allowing lights to go on at sunset and off at sunrise and automatic daylight savings time adjustment means never having to reset the timer. Agency approval: FCC, CSA c/us. Voltage: 120 volts 50/60 Hz.
Wall Dimmer Switch (Model CA600)
Offers local and remote scene control, on/off/dim/bright features and LED feedback. The 3-way option allows consumers to control lights from multiple locations, and the routing slave mini-scenes allows a light switch to also trigger a small scene of up to five additional devices. Includes three interchangeable faceplates. Colors include white, ivory and light almond. Voltage: 120 volts 50/60 Hz. Rating: 600 Watt Tungsten. Agency approval: FCC, CSA c/us.
Wall Switch (Model CA3000)
Includes local and remote scene control, on/off, LED feedback, 3-way option and routing slave mini-scenes. Includes three interchangeable faceplates. Colors include white, ivory and light almond. Voltage: 120 volts 50/60 Hz. Rating: 1800 Watt 15 Amps Tungsten, 1800 Watt 15 Amp Resistive. Agency approval: FCC, CSA c/us.
Accessory Wall Controller (Model CA5100)
Features include remote scene control, LED feedback and routing slave mini-scenes. Includes three interchangeable faceplates. Colors included white, ivory and light almond. Voltage: 120 volts 50/60 Hz. Agency approval: FCC, CSA c/us.
Split-Duplex Receptacle (Model CA3500) — Features one controlled grounded receptacle, local control and LED feedback. Voltage: 125 volts 50/60 Hz. Rating: 15 Amps General Purpose. Includes three interchangeable faceplates. Colors include white, ivory and light almond. Agency approval: FCC, CSA c/us.
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