I’m really keen on getting into the Home Automation space and Vera3 Lite is what I want to go with. However, I’m in NZ which is on the same frequency as Australia.
I understand that when entering a country with any radio signalling product, it has to be certified/approved etc with lots of hoops to jump though, hence the CE certified AU/NZ version of the Vera Lite.
The problem is the market for AU/NZ frequency Z-Wave devices is very small (less options available), and very expensive in comparison to the US.
Most of the devices I want to utilize are not even available in the certified frequency.
So my question is, what is stopping me from purchasing a US version and purchasing US frequency devices?
It will still work, provided I use only US Z-Wave frequency devices. Its like running Wireless/WiFi outside of the “designated” WiFi channels/frequencies right?
Are there any AU/NZ lads out there doing just that?
One is the law, which you are free to flout provided you are prepared to wear the consequences. There may not be any consequences at all.
I recall a discussion (it might’ve been on this forum) that there was some overlap between Z-Wave US frequencies and Australian 3G phone frequencies. Don’t know if the same thing applies across the Tasman. But it would be annoying if your Z-Wave devices stopped responding when you were on the phone. It’s entirely possible that I misremember this discussion, so don’t just take my word for it.
The biggest risk with US Z-Wave devices is that they tend to be tested only up to 120 volts AC. If you plan to use mains-powered, or mains-switching devices, you might want to think about going European instead. Not quite as cheap, but also not going to explode.
Some people link two Vera units, one on the US frequency, and one on their local frequency. Whether this is cheaper than sticking with your native frequency depends on how much you are planning to spend on devices.
Many thanks for the reply guys, that’s some VERY good info to know, really appreciate that.
I’m almost certain the Vodafone 3G in NZ mirrors AU frequencies so you’re spot on, it would not be a good mix.
Any recommendations of AU suppliers for Z-Wave products?
I’ve seen a few with varying products and prices but any recommendations add a lot of weight/kudos. Alas the NZ ones I’ve found are all installers rather than shop-fronts so you can’t simply purchase the device yourself, rather its a whole home consultant service.
What I usually do is find an online retailer through Google, and check their reputation by searching threads on Whirlpool. This recent thread was quite memorable: http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/2249480
I have my HA project in mainland China. After a lot of running around myself, I just buck up and order all my stuff through a UK seller. I pay crazy shipping costs plus 17% duty. I have to chock this all up to the cost of doing business in China.
@bucko - I’ve said it before, but your situation is just crazy! The product is made in China, shipped to the U.K. for retail sale. You buy it retail form the U.K. to ship it back to China and pay more shipping and duty.
It’s crazy, the products are probably being made in the next city from you.
I really need to defend what is available in Australia, apart from the Smarthome scam (distributor) what are the products you seek that are NOT available in Australia?
(I feel some bad karma heading my way for some reason…)
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