cold or distance causing unreliable transmission from Vera Lite to GE module?

Other Devices & Integrations Lighting & Load Control
1

I’m just starting out with a Vera Lite and a GE outdoor module, the 45604. But transmission to it is not very reliable. It sometimes works, and sometimes not. So the question is what is making it unreliable? It’s cold today (in the 20’s F) and it’s not working at all. Is this switch not reliable in cold temps? Or does the transmission range decrease in cold temps? The distance from the controller to the switch module is about 36 feet. It is on the outside of the wall whereas the controller’s on the inside. Is the problem really that it’s just on the edge of the distance range?

The solution to the possibilities I mention is quite different, so I’d like to get your feedback on the most probable cause before I try something. Or is there a reason for this I haven’t mentioned? What’s the most likely problem?

thanks

2

I doubt temperature would cause a problem for outdoor modules, it’s probably the distance (or something else). Try to perform stress test on the device, and see what’s the results, or just move the module or Vera closer to each other to troubleshoot.

alternatively, there could be some radio interference (old cordless phones or baby monitors that use 800-900Mhz frequencies). Z-Wave becomes much more reliable when you have more nodes near each other.

3

I have two of these units and they work fine in sub-zero temps, exposed to rain, snow, etc.

As Capjay suggested, it’s probably RF related. I had a similar problem. I configured them inside but once I placed them outside, one of them wasn’t responsive despite what I thought was easy access to the MCV.

I added an Intermatic device inside to enhance the mesh network and it worked. However in retrospect I should have first attempted a Zwave repair because I moved the devices.