Reviewed by JCL Automation (www.jclautomation.com)

Control4® Wireless 3-Button Keypad

The Control4 Wireless 3-Button Keypad is fully programmable and works seemlessly within a Control4 system.

Overall Rating: 9.1 out of 10

Features

The Control4® Wireless Keypad can control anything in a house, from a group of lights to music volume to a customized series of security events. The keypads also come in 2- and 6-Button configurations with custom engraved key caps available for each configuration.

These keypads are fully programmable and normally used to invoke frequently used functions of the system from places that are not convenient to any other user interface device installed in the home. For example a 3-Button Keypad could provide 3-way control for a closeby lighting load, invoke the "Good Night" scene, and launch a music playlist in the closest bedroom.

In a retrofit installation these keypads can replace wall switches controlling outlets or extra switches controlling the same lighting load in an n-way configuration making it easy to invoke special features when entering or leaving a nearby room. One button can provide the n-way lighting control or lamp control when coupled with an outlet switch, while the extra buttons can be programmed to launch desired system features.

A unique feature is the on/off LEDs located at the top of each button on the keypad. The color of these LEDs can be programmed to match the home decor. For example one consistent color throughout the home can be used for the "on" state, while a room matching color can be used for the "off" state of the button.

Communication with these keypads is intelligent, reliable, wireless connectivity using the 802.15.4 mesh networking (ZigBee) standard, which means there is no additional wiring involved other than the line voltage wiring already present in an existing wall box.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10

Ease of Installation

This 3-Button Keypad can be installed by a knowledgeable homeowner or an Electrician in addition to Control4 Dealers. This unit connects to standard 120 VAC 60 Hz house wiring. In a new home the Electrical subcontractor can install this unit in wall boxes specified on the floor plans. In a retrofit the Dealer will likely recommend the best resource to replace the existing device with this unit. In all cases the Dealer will add this unit to the Control4 configuration and add desirable programming for each button on the keypad.

The Dealer can re-program any button on these keypads to invoke a different function or set of actions at any time. The engraved key cap be easily replaced with a new cap.

The Dealer is backed-up by a capable technical support staff at Control4 who can access the Control4 system remotely via the Internet to assist the Dealer in troubleshooting.

Rating: 9.0 out of 10

Reliability

We have yet to experience a field failure of this 3-Button Keypad, as all installed are working well beyond the warranty period.

In 2007 Control4 increased it's warranty coverage to 2 years for all products based on reliability improvements achieved via an in-house quality program.

Rating: 9.0 out of 10