Finally got my veralite setup and working with my NEST and a few lights. Next project is turning on/off fireplace using VERA - this doesn’t seem as easy. The fireplace has a remote control. What are my options? Here is the PDF on the fireplace if that helps. http://www.worldmkting.com/sites/default/files/FBD3211R.pdf
You actually need the electrical schematic for the unit … to see what options you have.
I was hoping you weren’t going to say that.
There is no way to interface with the remote control. E.g. is there a product that can learn the signal the RC uses and then be triggered via z-wave?
I am not sure it would work, but you could try looking into the SQ Blaster, which has a mios plugin.
You may be able to interact with the device simulating the remote control, but this depends on the communications technology used by the remote control.
The manual shows that the remote control for that fireplace is a separate (optional) unit. Someone with a little knowledge could figure out what that unit does. Perhaps it only applies power when on and removes it when off, or perhaps there are separate contacts for the gas valve and the ignition, but in both cases it might be feasible to replace the control box in the fireplace with a Fibary relay + power supply.
As long as opening the gas valve doesn’t release gas without a flame or ignition 
Don’t attempt unless you really know what you’re doing! Oh, and you might want to check if screwing with this unit affects your homeowner’s insurance.
To control my gas fireplace, I use a evole On/Off switch that control a relay. The relay is just to make the contact between two pins under the fireplace to ignite the fire. When you break the contact, the flame stop.
I try it before doing this with a small wire only and the flame came up.
By doing it this way, I can still use the thermostat on my wall to turn it on automatic, but can overide the request with Vera.
I also make a scene with my sonos so I ear a warning that the fireplace is on everytime the flame start.
More than likely its just an RF remote which connects to a base that plugs into the toggle on/off on the fireplace control panel.
If am looking to do this myself and will post anything I find. It shouldnt be too difficult.
jwb
I’d tread carefully here. Remote control of a gas appliance has some risk perhaps not worth taking. If you override the thermostat such that a hard ON keeps the burner always running you could defeat the safety mechanism of a thermostat control loop. Even if you leave a thermostat in operation its is still potentially an unattended gas device being used outside of its intended operating mode (attended on and off). What if the portable remote is in another room? The burner may run 100% yet not be seen by the remote. What if the remotes batteries are dead and you’ve turned on the burner? Unless you understand all the possible modes of operation (not just the typical case, the unintended ones) then I’d automate something else.