The product to be covered in this review is interesting given the rather powerful abilities it fits into a very compact device. The NodOn Z-Wave Soft Remote (model CRC-3US-6) is a rubbery little device with four buttons that can be used in one of two ways with your other Z-Wave devices. It can serve as the primary controller for up to 16 Z-Wave devices, meaning you don't need to invest in a standalone hub that interfaces with a phone app. Considering the NodOn Soft Remote is $49.95 at The Smartest House, this might be a cost effective way to ease yourself in to the home automation scene. Additionally, the device can be configured to work as a gateway to communicate with other Z-Wave controllers, while still allowing you to control 16 different devices/scenes. You can either add it to your established network as a convenient way to control your devices, or if you do start out with the Soft Remote as your controller, you can later pick a full fledged hub to expand your network while keeping the Soft Remote as a means to control your devices.



The NodOn Soft Remote is shown in the promotional image above. It is a compact square of rubberized plastic with just four buttons that are able to control up to sixteen devices. Before taking a look at the sample provided for review, let's cover some information about the manufacturer, and this product. From their blog...

NodOn® is a French new brand in automation giving a full range of devices for Home Automation (lighting control, heating, electrical appliances) using low wireless protocols as Z-Wave® et EnOcean®. Our dream, give Home Automation for everyone with great design and affordable prices.

And from the official product page for the Z-Wave Soft Remote...

Specifications:

» Power supply: CR2032 battery â€" 1.5 to 2 years lifetime
» 4 buttons
» Embedded magnet for metallic surface sticking
» Spill and shock resistant Operational temperature â€" 0°C to 40°C - Altitude â€" 2.000m
» Radio protocol Z-Wave®: 868.4MHz â€" 500 Series â€" Compliant Z-Wave Plus® SDK 06.51.06 *
» Range: 40m indoor / 80m outdoor
» Dimensions: 56*56*20mm
» Warranty: 2 years

* For the US, the 908.42 MHz frequency is implemented in the Z-Wave Smart Remote.