Blinking dongle

Community Playground General Discussions
1

The Vera dongle that came with my purchase blinks all the time when it is plugged into the Vera unit. Is this normal operation?

I’ve submitted several trouble tickets because my unit has not worked one bit with any of my devices since I purchased it last week. The dongle never remains lit for ~3 seconds and my devices never reset or pair with the Vera. Tech Support has not yet answered any of my Tech Support requests nor has a senior/global moderator replied to any of the forums topics I’ve posted requesting help syncing this device.

Any ideas? Does your dongle’s light blink all the time when its plugged in? How can I tell if my dongle is broke and if it is broke how can I get a new one?

2

Mine blinks when connected to Vera. That can be the normal behavior depending on the firmware in the dongle. There is an updater to update the dongle’s firmware. I haven’t done, so but reports are that after updating the dongle it the LED stays on solid when connected to Vera.

3

Mine blinks all the time. Maybe all your devices are paired with your old controller still?

4

I can feel your pain as I have been through this with support as well and I am really glad that you found this user group. Couple of Support people replying and resolving hundreds of cases (my guestimate) are heroes though and I have full sympathy for you and for them as well.

Allow me to add my 2c as a solution and it may help you

  1. Upgrade/Check your Firmware Version first of all:
    a. Open vera page
    b. Goto Setup-> Advanced – Downloads
    c. Check if your Running Version is 1.0.979 if not follow the directions below else skip to #2
    Upgrade Procedure is explained HERE (http://wiki.micasaverde.com/index.php/Vera_Luup_Releases)
    Copy this URL and paste it at the bottom of the page under Firmware URL: http://download.controlmyhouse.net/betafirmware/ftp/wl500gP_Luup-1.0.979.trx
    And follow the directions.

  2. This (upgrade) will change the blinking of Dongle, when attched to MCV/Vera Box. The blue light will be stable and will blink only for access or transmit – I guess.

  3. While you’re on upgrade spree, do take few minutes to check and upgrade, if required, your dongle as well. Procedure is explained HERE (http://wiki.micasaverde.com/index.php/ZWave_Dongle)

  4. Since you don’t have devices added to MCV, may I suggest, to do a reset of box (I “had to” do it in order to make things normal after an upgrade).
    a. How To Reset: Double click “Black Button” (fast) on the back of MCV
    b. Please do read: http://wiki.micasaverde.com/index.php/Factory_Reset

  5. Believe at this time you should be ready to add devices.

MCV is an amazing box supported by very nice user community. Once you pass this hurdle, I am sure, you will start loving what you have created.

All the best with hope that you’ll enjoy your box for a very long time
(and no I don’t have any commertial interest in Vera – just another newbie user)

  • Keeper
5

@keeper,

Thank yo very, (vera) much for your response. It does make me feel better, however I have ran through the update process (running 1.0.979) and my dongle still blinks when plugged into the Vera. I have not tried updating the dongle itself but I will try this tonight. I have tried double tapping the “reset” button, that saved me - I was getting “Couldn’t load database” errors. It loads up ok to the new version now. I’ve actually reset it back to defaults a couple times thinking that would help.

Another member suggested that maybe MCF sent me the EU version, I wonder how I can tell? The unit never resets any of my devices and the majority of my devices are brand new, never paired with any other controller. Even so, the old controller (WDHA-12) never pairs with the Vera either. Hopefully the update will work as I can not get responses from Tech Support.

I sincerely thank you for taking the time to respond. I have to decide this week if I’m shipping the unit back for refund. I don’t want to, I’d rather use it and contribute to the wiki/forum/community… I even have a Vera Voice Command app waiting to finish testing - but I can’t get my Vera to do anything more than blink.

6

My Stick is Model: DSA02203-ZWEU (868,42MHz).

I have no doubt it is a EU version. :slight_smile:

It is the firmware upgrade, that changes it from blinking to non-blinking led.

Regards
Morten

7

@MHN

Indeed you have an EU version. This is what it says on the back of the Dongle (US Version)

Aeon Z-Stick Z-wave USB Adapter-S2
Model: DSA02203-ZWUS (908.42 MHz) <<=== notice the frequency

So having compared the suffix it seems simple to decode the location along with the frequency being used (obviously) that may cause problems with devices operating at different frequencies - my opinion.

@BigConsumer

Please check the Model number on the back if this is EU version. Additionally check the version of Firmware for your Dongle as well. I upgraded last weekend and running at 2.78 L:1.
(Pardon me case you already know that)
How to Tell: Setup-> Devices → Zwave - >More Z-wave Options

If nothing works, you may want to opt to work from home for a day to have physical access to Vera Box and call support directly. From MC’s Website

You can reach us at:
U.S. Toll-Free: (866) 966-casa (866-966-2272)
International: +1 (702) 487-9770 (U.S.)

Hope this helps.

regards

  • Keeper
    PS: Looking fwd to your Vera Voice Plugin (Desperately) :slight_smile:
8

@keeper, a thousand thanks. You are an observant fellow. That indeed appears to be my problem with connecting z-wave devices through the dongle. My model is “DSA02203-ZWEU”. Odd only because I ordered through a company in New Jersey and sent it to my address in Michigan. Either way, I guess I need to get a new one and start from there.

I’ll go for the dongle update once I get the right one!

Thanks so much

9

A small problem with unknown cause is a disaster
A Big problem with known issue is no problem at all

(Still working on the wording - lols)

regards

Keeper