Customer Reviews

GE 45601 Z-Wave Technology Wireless Lighting Deluxe LCD Remote Control

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I first bought an Intermatic HA09C remote but after being unimpressed I got this GE 45601. The GE remote is WELL worth the extra $18 and is currently now the primary z-wave controller in my house.

Pros:

1) Can individually control 18 devices with a shift key and 9 rocker switches

2) Can control 9 timed events (on + off are 1 event), which means it has an internal clock/calender, timed events can be enabled/disabled, events can trigger groups/scenes/individual devices

3) Can create groups and scenes, which I don't believe have to be the same as the 18 direct rocker controlled devices (you can add devices not assigned directly to a rocker)

4) Has a small text lcd to help in programming and labels (programmable) for devices.

5) Can set custom device options, like dim ramp rate (you need to know the technical details of the option, like set device option 1 to a value of 2)

6) Controls thermostats

7) Instructions are WAY better than Intermatic HA09C manual

Cons:

1) lcd is not backlit

2) No details when error occurs, for example I tried to program a scene for a non-scene capable device and it just would say "fail"

3) Can't query state of device and display on lcd

First, the display is not backlit (-1 star), nor are any of the buttons. Forget working this device in the dark. Second, the remote has a quirk that may make you think that the remote (or a device) is not working! It's not really broke, though, so hold off on returning it ...

Here it is - how I 'fixed' my remote:
If the remote does not recognize a module, "removing" the module on the remote WILL NOT WORK. You need to "DELETE" the module. "Delete" and "Remove" are NOT the same. "Reset" will NOT work. I was about to return the remote and the module that I bought, totally convinced that one or the other was broke! Follow the directions for "deleting" a device, and then try adding the device again.

A second tip - holding down the button on a module/device will NOT do anything positive. Press it once, and release it immediately. Do not think that "maybe a really good press will help".

Now that I have "fixed" my remote, I like the product. The remote can be used to set up timed events - like turning lights on or off automagically at specific days and times. The remote and z-wave network are really very sophisticated. Each module can function as a repeater to extend the range of the network. A Z-wave network is a real timesaver, but it is not for idiots. I almost did not make the cut for "smart enough", and I'm plenty bright. Good luck for the average Joe who'se VCR still blinks "12:00"!

I will eventually buy at least two more lighting controls. I am looking forward to installing Z-wave power strips and controls throughout my apartment.

EDIT 10/28/2010:
If you program "events", the range for timed events is different than the range for the buttons (my experience). The buttons have a really good range. I can use the remote buttons to turn lights on or off from the sidewalk. Timed events only seem to work reliably when I leave the remote within two feet of a module. This could be due to interference, but I do not know.

Despite its basic appearance, the GE 45601 easily controls my Trane thermostat (interactively - shows you the current setpoint and mode, and lets you alter them), and it's capable of doing transfers to a secondary controller, such as a PC based Z-wave controller.

Setup was very intuitive. I didn't need to look at the instructions.

The only negative is that it's not backlit. Fortunately, it's pretty easy to turn the lights on if I need to read the display. :)

Updated my home controls from an old X-10 system. I found the controller and modules from GE to work just fine, at least so far. The handheld controller is somewhat difficult to program since there are only buttons and scrolling available for the programming. Also, I haven't found a way to review the programming. But I got everything working, and with florescent (CFL) lights (which gave the X10 modules fits). I'll probably get a computer based programmer, or net based gateway/programmer sometime in the future as more Z Wave choices become available.

This device is reliable, easy to set up and easy to use. The feature which allows copying the settings from one device to a second device as a backup is very useful.
All of the users of this device have been satified with its performance.

I have a total of 2 of these now. These are wonderful, very easy to setup and use. I have 5 GE recepticals, 2 GE on / off switches as well as 9 GE Z-wave dimmer switches connected back to these remotes. I have individual keys, scences, and groups programmed into these remotes. They work great. They will also work with other Z-Wave devices that I have long term plans for installing. The only con is that you can only program 18 seperate items to individual keys. No I have not maxed out the 18 on a single remote yet, but I can see that being a problem in the future. I will be installing more Z-Wave devices in the future and program them to one or both of these remotes.

I purchased this remote almost a year ago, and it is great! I use it to control my landscape lighting, water feature, and other lights and appliances around the house. It is very adaptable and mostly easy to program after I figured it out. I continue to add to my z-wave network with more modules as needed...

The LCD works but you cannot add any devices?... As others have mentioned, before you return use the DELETE option on the switches first. Then you can ADD. The options RESET, RECOVER, REMOVE etc are NOT a replacement for this step.

This is exactly what I needed. I have two switches at the entry to the bedroom and they control down lights over the bed for reading. I had them wired separately so I could have mine on and my wife could have her's off. I initially bought IR switches but IR is one frequency (light) only so the remotes that came with the lights controlled both lights so they were either both on or off. It took a long time to find something like this that wasn't an arm and a leg in pricing. This works great and is easy to program to the RC switches.

This remote along with a GE Z-wave off-on switch works well. It works in a location where Insteon products could not. The speed of the response is also quicker than Insteon products I have used. I have used Insteon a lot for home automatin. If you are deciding on what system protocol to use for home automation, choose Z-wave. It works better and several manufacturers make Z-wave products. I wish I would have started out with Z-wave.