Evolve Z-Wave Wall Mounted 5-Button LCD Controller, White (LCD-1-WH)

I'm extremely happy with my purchase of this controller -- but I had a specific use case and this is a niche product for that case. This is *not* a plug-and-play product.Note: This review is based on my installation experience of this product using a VeraPlus Z-wave hub, and the associated Vera plugin. ** I was unable to get this product working at all with other Z-wave hubs (Wink, a handheld remote). If you do not have, or are not willing to purchase, a Vera hub to use with this unit, it may not be usable for you. **I previously purchased a Wink Relay in the attempt to control multiple Z-wave devices in my living room. Unfortunately, I was unhappy with the Relay's limited functionality, frequent lock-ups/reboots, and poor tactile feel. However, I still needed a switch/controller which could replace a single switch in my living room (which went to two pairs of outlets that I didn't really want to toggle) that could still control more than once device. This product fit that use case perfectly.You will lose the "switch" functionality in the location where you install this. (I just added the "load" wire in with the "line" wire and this product's power lead while installing.) This may be desirable for some use cases (always-on smart light bulbs, or outlets you can switch independently downstream). While the product is as wide as a two-gang plate, it sits externally on the wall and is designed to fit in a single-gang opening. The instructions indicated availability of an adapter plate to mount it on a two-gang box if desired.Installation was easy and took less than 10 minutes. The product itself is powered by 12v DC, but ships with a power adapter cube that transforms your home AC wiring to this DC output. Simply connect the black and white leads to your home's line and neutral wiring. (No ground wire.) Then plug the DC wire into the back of the controller circuit board. A wall plate attaches it directly to your switchbox, and the controller snaps firmly onto the wall plate. (But wait to do this until you've paired it with your network.)For best results, add the Vera plugin before adding this switch to your Z-wave network. There is a much older (0.8 at the time of this review) version of the Evolve LCD1 plugin in the official plug-in store. Do not install this. Instead, use your favorite search engine and use the keywords "vera plugin evolve LCD1" and find the most recent version either on github or posted on a thread in the micasaverde forums. (1.22 at the time of this review). Download the zip file and upload its contents to your developer plugin library; then "create a device" in the developer section using the "GenGen Installer" device. Once you've got the plugin installed, add the device to your Z-wave network by selecting on the Vera dashboard to add a device, then holding down the top button on the Vera controller while you power it up; then use the menus to navigate to Zwave / Add to network. Once you've completed this step you can snap the controller into place (it holds quite firmly even without the lock screw on the bottom).Programming the LCD menus is simple and intuitive using the plugin. While there are many pre-programmed screens, they are mostly intended for hotel/hospitality applications. I found myself using three of the available six custom menus. Each one offers multiple functionality for each of the five buttons; a single momentary press to activate a scene; toggle functionality to either directly control a Zwave switch or activate two scenes (one for on, one for off); or multi- functionality to cycle through up to ten scenes (possible application for color changing or alternate dimming options). Alternately, you can program a button to open one of the other menus (custom or pre-programmed) allowing a drill-down capability. (For example, on my main screen I control 3 devices and have two buttons programmed for other menus. The "thermostat" menu switches the screen to offer home/away options, temperature control, or a "back" button (it's set to auto-revert to the main screen if idle 30 seconds), and my "fireplace" menu offers on/off toggle, or buttons to set scenes turning it on for 1 hr, 2 hrs, or 4 hrs. I still have 3 empty custom menus for future ideas... which I'm already planning for next year's holiday season...All-in-all, I'm very happy with this purchase and would buy it again (or install another one elsewhere in my house). Reviews elsewhere have pointed out that it's pricey and a true DIY-er can rig up a custom touchscreen mount for less; or use a competing smart-screen controller. While this may be the case, I find the elegant simplicty and tactile response of simple push-buttons and prefer this device to the finicky touch screen options.If you have a Vera controller, consider this as a capable, custom controller to augment your system. If you don't have a Vera controller... I would suggest looking elsewhere!

I was order 2pcs, arrived it without box, and in description says: NEW PRODUCT