is it possible to use my harmony 659 to control z-wave home automation components? I realize the harmony is IR and z-wave is RF, but is there an RF/IR converter that can be used and if so, is it listed in the Logitech harmony hardware database?

As I understand it, because of FCC issues, a company can't make an RF transmitter that will control another company's device.

I've never heard of any device of the kind. However, if you can get anything that will send/recieve an IR signal - you can teach the signals to your Harmony.

well, I thought perhaps some products existed that would allow this IR/RF control via a programmable remote. the Z-wave alliance has a consortium of over 125 companies -- including Honeywell, Leviton, Intermatic, Motorola, Intel, etc. their mandate is to become the defacto suppliers for home automation control devices thus suplanting x10 technology.

I guess z-wave is still in its infancy since the participating companies only have about 50 combined products currently available. I hope this technology gains some speed -- from everyhing I've read (at the very least) it is much more reliable than x10.

X-10 has a IR to RF transceiver which works with harmony remotes.. I know you are looking for something Z-wave compatible but at least this shows that IR to RF transceivers are possible.

[Link: x10.com]

That device has nothing to do with RF remote controls. It simply sends X10 commands to X10 modules based on IR inputs.

From what I have heard and read, there is no converter for Z-Wave (IR to RF). The latest automation product is InsteOn which also uses 2 way RF but also offers 2 way X10 compatibility. Then you could use a IR543 to convert IR to X10 PLC commands.

Martin :-)