Hi All. I have been told that Vera doesn’t require an internet connection. What do I do with the ethernet cable that comes with the Vera Edge? Thanks
You’ll need the ethernet cable to connect Vera to your home network or directlyto your PC, at least for initial setup.
It is possible to configure Vera as a WiFi client device, in which case you would not need the ethernet cable after setup. However, unless you must run as a WiFi client, I would recommend that you try to stay wired via ethernet. There will be less opportunities for problems when hard wired.
Edit: Be sure to check out the documentation at http://support.getvera.com/ it will answer a lot of basic questions, like what to do with the ethernet cable.
Thank you. My problem is, I don’t have a Vera yet. I have a client who is bedridden. She asked me to try and set up her door lock so she can lock and unlock it from her bed. The problem is, she doesn’t have a computer. Is this still possible with Vera or should I look at something else all together?
Thanks.
Vera will do that.
Once configured you really do not require an Internet connection either.
This is one of the OEM target markets age care etc
Your client will need something to control the door lock with. Be it a remote control, smart phone or tablet. Vera by itself is just a controller. If smart phone or tablet, a WiFi router would be needed to provide a local LAN for Vera and the phone or tablet to be able to communicate on. Perhaps also add an IP cam so the client can see the door on eg teh tablet or phone and know who is coming.
I have the lock and a smart phone. So if I get a Vera controller and a WiFi router I should be all set. I was thinking about other things like a light or a camera but I think I will take a piece at a time to ease her learning curve. It is a curve for me; I can only imagine what it would be like for her. She is from an earlier generation.
If I had it set up to run the lock and then want to add something later on, would it need internet to do that?
Thanks for your help.
Anything particular I should be looking for in a WiFi router? A quick look on the internet I see anything from $35 to $120.
I’m trying to decide if this is the way to go, hence the many questions. What happens if the power goes out? Is there a battery backup or won’t she be able to let anyone in the house (or lock anyone out!?)
If the only reason for setting this up is to remotely control a door lock, why not just install a door lock that can be controlled directly with a key fob? Far more reliable with fewer components to set up and maintain, no dependence on power, no need for your client to figure out how to use a smartphone or tablet just to control a door lock.
Any halfway decent WiFi router will do. If you plan on adding an Wireless IP camera later on, select one that has Wireless N capability as that has better throughput than G. If your client is in a location with lots of other devices using the 2.4Ghz band, you may want to invest in a more expensive AC capable router than can also handle the 5GHz band. However, you would need a smart phone or tablet that also supports that band.
I would definitely put Vera and the WiFi router on a UPS in case of power failure as this seems to be your clients lifeline.
If the lock is a z-wave one, do make sure some trusted individual that is close by has a PIN to the keypad as a backup in case of a power failure that lasts longer than the UPS battery capacity
You do realize that your client can only lock and unlock the door. If someone leaves and doesn’t close the door your clients will not be able to lock it properly.
Have you considered a simple wired electric lock that you can run a wire to a button next to your clients bed? A push on the button unlocks the door. Then when it closes again it auto locks. Still susceptible to power failure but a very flat learning curve. Bell rings, press button to unlock door and let in the person. I know, 80’s tech but it does work.
eg http://www.amazon.com/Electric-Mechanism-Security-Intercom-Systems/dp/B00164SFFQ
A key FOB won’t work because she has to be able to reach the lock in order to use it.
I like the idea of the wired control idea. First thing I did was calling a locksmith. He told me to go ZWave because the wired way would cost thousands of dollars. Now I see the control for $50.
Thanks
I was referring to use of a wireless remote key fob. That would allow remote locking and unlocking of the door just as a Z-Wave setup would.
I was referring to use of a wireless remote key fob. That would allow remote locking and unlocking of the door just as a Z-Wave setup would.[/quote]This would be a better solution. However, I am not aware of any such locks. Can you point him to a specific product? I found this SimpliciKey SRCED-SN-2 Remote Control Electronic Deadbolt Door Lock, but I’ve never heard of it before so I don’t have a lot of trust.
I had thought that a Z-Wave lock with a Minimote would be perfect, but I don’t think that the Minimote can control locks directly.
Wired lock catches have been around for ages. I used one in the 80’s in a split level dwelling where I could see the door but had to go down a flight of stairs to open it. A quick push on the button, released the catch and buzzed the lock so the visitor could open it. As my door was flush with the jamb it was easy to mount the lock on top of the door and jamb so no drilling or sawing was needed. The only other thing needed is power to the lock and a wire from it to the push button. Most seem to use 12V. Probably the installation of a transformer and running the wiring is what the locksmith say it’ll be $$$$$. If you can do that yourself, it should not be more than a $150 to $200 at most in materials.
A ZWave lock needs a controller that supports the encrypted style zwave signal. Most hand controllers, like eg a minimote I don’t think support that signal. So you’ll need a controller that does, like EG Vera or Wink or SmartThings or Iris to name but a few available in the USA.
I would look at the LockState RF lock. Similar to the SimpliciKey but a little better known brand.
Works to about 30 feet though is all… not sure if that is sufficient.