How to create a Z-Wave network with the Leviton VRC0P-1LZ

How to create a Z-Wave network with the VRC0P

This article will outline how to set up a basic Z-Wave network with the Leviton VRC0P serial module. In addition to the Z-Wave setup we will also review the Vizia RF+ Installer software which is used to setup the network.

Requirements

• Leviton VRC0P-1LZ Serial Interface
• Leviton VRUSB-1LZ USB Stick
• Leviton Vizia RF + Installer software
• Can be downloaded at www.leviton.com/rfinstaller
• Z-Wave lighting, locks or thermostats
• Windows PC

Content

To begin a Vizia RF + installation, you will need to have all of the hardware listed above.  In this example we will be setting up a lighting system. So the first thing you will want to do is get the switches installed. Always follow local and state codes and if no code exists default back to the National Electric Code (NEC).

Once the light switches and dimmers are installed we can then bring the PC out and get the Leviton Vizia RF + Software running.  First insert the USB stick before starting the software.  Once you have the software open you will want to select File->New and create a new file for your project.   

Note: Keep in mind that you will want to add devices that are closest to the controller first and work your way out. Battery operated devices are commonly added last.

Once you have the software opened to a new file you can then start adding devices to the Z-Wave network. We will navigate to “Include Device” as shown below:

This will start the Z-Wave inclusion process. You will then follow the manufacturer’s process for including the device. Typically, for light switches, we just need to do either a single tap or a double tap on the switch itself to add it into a network. Once the device is acknowledged by the USB stick, it will give you a popup message to name your device (Shown below)

Once the switch is added and named you can actually control it through this interface to confirm that it is working. (Shown Below

We will continue the same process for all Z-Wave devices including light switches, dimmers, Leviton scene controllers, thermostats and locks. If you are planning on using the VRC0P controller with a Leviton Omni panel then you will want to make note of the ‘Node Numbers’ listed in the left side menu. (Shown below)

You will need that information when putting information into PC Access. (Future article)

Last we will want to add the VRC0P to the network. Keep in mind, the VRC0P will need to be the last device on the network at all times! If you need to add devices to your network it is common to remove the VRC0P, Add the new device, and then re-add the VRC0P to the network.

Once you’ve added all of your Z-Wave devices there is one thing we MUST DO is set the reverse associations. To do that we will drop down the ‘Diagnostics’ menu on the top of the screen and select ‘RS232 Setup’. (Shown below)

On that page we will want to select the VRC0P From the dropdown. (Shown below)

And then we will want to check the box by the Node ID #. Once that is all selected we will click on the button “Set Associations”.

This process sets up the Z-Wave network and tells the VRC0P how the network is laid out and how to communicate to all of the network devices.

Results

At this point, all of your controllable devices should be able to be controlled through the Vizia RF+ installer software and the reverse associations are done so that you may add it to a Leviton Omni panel or other control system. The process for this will be in a separate article.

This article was written by Joel DeYoung