For network engineers, automation enthusiasts, and IT professionals, genuine wireless control capabilities are no longer just a luxury—they are a core component of modern infrastructure. Integrating intelligent nodes into a distributed topology allows for greater operational flexibility and reduced wiring overhead. z-Point Products is pleased to announce it is taking orders for a comprehensive Wireless Control experimenters kit that contains everything needed to setup a robust, reliable ZigBee mesh network connected directly to a PC. Whether you are aiming to prototype an industrial monitoring system or streamline residential building automation, this integrated solution provides a solid foundational layer.

This kit should be of immense interest to everyone who is curious about ZigBee wireless controls, enterprise IoT environments, and reliable remote automation. It goes beyond standard connectivity to offer:

• A complete solution that works out of the box with zero complex configuration
• A wide variety of I/O interfaces including digital, analog, relay, temperature, and light sensors
• Included sample programs that let you use the devices immediately
• No programming necessary to achieve functional automation
• Included source-code for the sample software, for developers who want to build their own custom applications
• Hardware robust enough to be used for real, commercial applications
• Fully RoHS compliant (lead-free) manufacturing
• Genuine ZigBee certified status! (This is not merely "ZigBee Ready" ... this is the real, certified protocol)

The Origins of the Combo Platter Board

"We developed the Combo Platter almost a year ago for environmental controls in Spas and Greenhouses," reports Brian Empey, CEO of Techsol. This real-world application pedigree means the hardware has been thoroughly field-tested under demanding, moisture-rich, and temperature-variable conditions.

"But through word-of-mouth we find that many people want a simple, flexible, wireless control box such as this, but with genuine ZigBee mesh-networking. So we decided to make it available to everyone."

"We're excited to see companies such as zPoint Products working to make ZigBee technology more accessible to the masses, including people who aren't electrical engineers," said Bob Heile, Chairman of the ZigBee Alliance.

What is Included in the Wireless Control Set?

The ZigBee Wireless Control Experimenter's Kit comes as a highly integrated set of 4 wireless devices plus comprehensive software for Windows or Linux computers. It provides an immediate pathway into enterprise wireless networking. It includes:

• Two ZigBee "Combo Platter" boards, featuring a wide variety of I/O, with 4 each of Analog Inputs, Relay Outputs, and Digital I/O, plus precise light and temperature sensors
• One ZigBee USB Dongle that securely plugs into a standard PC port
• One ZigBee Coordinator that conveniently plugs into a standard AC outlet for continuous power and network routing
• Essential USB and Serial cables are included, plus 2 high-quality AC adapters for the I/O boards
• A CD is also included, which contains fully functional JAVA and Windows programs, along with their open source-code for deep modifications

Pricing and Availability details

This kit—utilizing the exact same revolutionary ZigBee Dongle that was demonstrated at Light Fair 2006 in May and hailed by the ZigBee Alliance as the world's first true Zigbee product—is normally priced at $695. However, for the first 500 customers who order a kit in July, this complete hardware and software bundle is available for only $495, providing a significant saving of $200 USD.

z-Point Products is taking orders now for deliveries starting in August. This is the optimal time to elevate your wireless networking infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What exactly does the ZigBee Experimenter's Kit include?

The kit includes two ZigBee Combo Platter boards with various I/O capabilities, one ZigBee USB Dongle for PC connectivity, and one ZigBee Coordinator that plugs into an AC outlet. It also comes with necessary cables, adapters, and a CD containing sample software and source code.

Do I need to be an electrical engineer to use this wireless control kit?

Not at all. This ZigBee kit is designed specifically to be accessible for everyone. It includes ready-to-use sample programs that require no programming knowledge, making it a true out-of-the-box solution.

Is this kit officially ZigBee certified?

Yes, this product is fully ZigBee certified, which means it offers genuine mesh-networking capabilities and adheres to strict interoperability standards, unlike many products that are merely labeled as ZigBee Ready.

Conclusion

The implementation of true mesh-networked wireless controls used to require specialized engineering teams, proprietary protocols, and expensive custom hardware fabrication. By utilizing the new ZigBee Experimenter's Kit, hobbyists, small business owners, and enterprise IT departments can easily deploy a robust, secure, and infinitely scalable wireless control architecture today. As the Internet of Things (IoT) landscape continues to expand, standardizing on a certified, globally recognized mesh protocol guarantees future interoperability and lowers long-term maintenance costs. Don't settle for unreliable, localized point-to-point wireless bridges when you can leverage the full self-healing, multi-node routing power of a certified ZigBee mesh network.