RTI ecosystem sees huge increase in the number of Z-Wave products

Remote Technologies Incorporated (RTI) is a leading control system company serving the professional installation market. Its products include handheld and in-wall universal controllers, central processors and audio distribution systems. The company’s Director of Market Brett Stokke spoke with SMAhome about the Z-Wave Technology.

How long has RTI adopted the Z-Wave protocol? Why did RTI choose to work with the Z-Wave protocol?

Our ZW-9 Z-Wave interface module and lighting solutions for North America were released in December 2016. We chose to incorporate Z-Wave to enable our dealers to easily integrate the extensive range of automation solutions utilizing the protocol in their control systems.

ZW-9 connects Z-Wave devices with what kinds of RTI systems?

The ZW-9 extends RTI control systems via our line of XP series control processors, which communicate two-way control and feedback to our line of wireless remotes, in-wall controls, and the RTiPanel app running on smart devices. In this way, the module eliminates the need for separate apps for each Z-Wave device, providing users with unified control and monitoring over them all directly on their RTI interface of choice.

In RTI's experience, what's the best way to implement Z-Wave enabled smart homes?

RTI control systems are programmed using our Integration Designer programming software, which allows integrators to define and configure Z-Wave devices. The software then automatically develops “driver” modules for each device, allowing the RTI control system to communicate with them. It’s a simple way for our dealers to implement a wide variety of Z-Wave devices.

Have you ever considered using similar wireless standards like Zigbee? Why or why not?

Yes, we have. In fact, all RTI remote controls utilize Zigbee to provide two-way control and feedback via our proprietary Zigbee network. Currently, however, we do not offer direct control of devices via Zigbee.

What other Z-Wave-enabled devices do RTI offer? What are their distinguishing features?

RTI offers a line of Z-Wave lighting control solutions for the North American market. These solutions offer intuitive control from an in-wall smart switch, RTI user interface, smart phone, tablet, or PC. With these products integrated into the RTI ecosystem, customers can enjoy the security and energy savings of automated lighting and event-based control with no user interaction at all.

Is there any improvement that you would like to see in the Z-Wave technology?

We are pleased with the ease and reliability of the Z-Wave ecosystem and amazed at the growth we are seeing in the number of devices that our dealers can incorporate into the RTI ecosystem.