Will I need to purchase the schlage starter kit or can i purchase the add-on for the vera system?
I’m brand new (one day in) with Vera (and z-wave), but an old timer with X10/homeseer. But I’m 99.99% sure that the only difference between the ‘starter kit’ and the basic lock kit is the z-wave controller, which you do not need with vera. Vera has the z-wave chip built in.
So, no, you wont need the starter kit version with Vera. Vera will communicate directly with the lock without the need for the starter interface.
There are two clearance schlage locks at my local Radio Shack that I’ve been debating on.
I needed the Bright Brass Schlage lock to match my front door hardware.
At that time (three weeks ago) the full starter kit was the same exact price as the deadbolt add-on kit.
I ordered the full starter kit cause it comes with a dimmer module also which the add-on kit doesn’t. I don’t use the schlage-bridge, it’s sitting in the Amazon box, but I do use the “free” dimmer module that came with the starter kit, and the deadbolt is the exact same no matter if you order the full starter kit or the add-on kit.
Free is good! ;D
Can I ask what you have now, and what you want to do ?
My two cents… I would consider a Kwikset, as you can lock/unlock/report remotely where as the Schlage only reports it requires someone to physically turn the deadbolt and/or lock. I’ve been using my Kwikset since Oct and love them, I considering buy a third one. Mike
You do not need the starter kit to operate the lock with Vera; just the lock suffices.
No, you don’t need the starter kit but as one person already pointed out, the starter kit contains the same lock as the just the lock by it self and it comes with a lamp module ( about a $9.00-$49.00) savings depending on where you get them. You can always Ebay the Schlage Link for about $20-30 and get your money back on the cost difference over just the lock alone.
If you have a local radio shack in your area, go by and see if they have any schlage locks, modules, controllers, IP cameras and thermostats. They are selling them far below cost at the moment and if your lucky and can get some, the saving are worth it.
Right now the Schlage stuff is priced as follows:
Door locks - $69.00 (this is same for entry or deadbolt) normally $199.00 each
Starter kits - $99.00 normally $299.00 each
Modules - $9.99 normally $49.00 each
Outdoor Modules - $9.99 normally $79.00 each
Scene controllers (handheld) - $9.99 normally $20.00 and up
Trane thermostats - $79.00 normally $148.00
GE Z-Wave® Dimmer Switch (3-Way Kit) - $9.99 normally $69.00
Wired IP camera - $24.00 normally $149.00
Wireless IP camera - $79.00 normally $179.00 (I would not get these however, for $10-20 more you can get a Foscam that has pan and tilt)
As you can see, the saving can be pretty good IF you can find them. If they don’t have any of the items listed, ask them to check the other stores for you. If close by you can go pick it up there. If it’s a bit further away, they will ship to your store at no cost. I have bought 3 entry door locks, about 7 modules, 2 outdoor modules, a scene controller, 5 GE Z-Wave® Dimmer Switch (3-Way Kit)s and 3 of the wired IP cameras (these can be re-flashed to work with vera) and half those items were shipped to my local store over a period of a month or so. If you miss out on the thermostat Amazon has them for about $83.00 + shipping.
Good luck