Just learned about Vera2 & MiCasaVerde today while researching SchlageLink and Kwikset door locks. Looks like it may be the solution I need.
Problem is, my router and WAP are located outdoors. Is it possible to install Vera outdoors? The router is a standard D-Linc indoor unit installed in a waterproof protective housing along with the standard phone company supplied DSL modem. Both have performed well in this environment for a couple of years. I’m thinking I would do the same with Vera.
Alternatively, I would need to install Vera in client mode so it only connects wirelessly to my router. Reading a few posts here that seems to be difficult.
If your router is happy, then Vera should be able to survive in an weather-tite enclosure, but Z-Wave range may be the real issue. The range will be reduced in an enclosure and I’m not sure, is this location up against the house or set away from the house?
Z-Wave is meant to be a low-power radio so its signal doesn’t travel much further than your property. What is the distance to Vera going to be? You can run Vera in Client mode and link it wirelessly (WiFi) to the router, then Vera can live inside, but it has been posted that Firmware updates may not work consistently in client mode. You could always plug Vera in for Firmware updates.
I’ve been running in client mode on my Vera2 for a while now and it’s passed all firmware updates properly and remained in client mode, but, as with any wireless device, updating firmware over a wifi connection isn’t the smartest thing and can cause issues.
If you put Vera in some type of rubbermaid plastic container or hang it underneath the eves and make sure there is not any direct moisture on it and it’s protected from the elements I’m sure it will be fine. It’s best to locate vera in the middle of your network for best performance to all nodes from my experience.
Can I ask why your Router and DSL modem are outside?
Client mode works most of the time during updates. I have had Vera loose its client configuration during updates 3-4 times during the beta test cycle. I must have done 50 firmware upgrades though. MCV has told us they corrected this issue by adding a pause to give time to connect.
A strong user community is one big reason why I am going forward with Vera.
This is a vacation rental Townhome community that provides WiFi to the outside common area of all units. I’m the developer so can attach what I want to that. For now, I just need remote lock/unlock access to our model unit so I can let realtors and other guests enter and track who is stopping by based on unique codes I will assign them. Installing Vera inside the model unit will work for that. However, the WiFi signal is a bit weak inside the unit. If I install Vera outside, it gives me the option to extend front door lock/unlock/monitoring to other units as a service for owners/renters. (These units are purchased as 2nd/vacation homes and typically rented out by day/week. Check out http://www.commonsporta.com if you want more details - hope that’s not considered spam on this forum.)
For now I will try installing Vera inside my unit in client mode. Reading earlier posts on the forum it seemed that client mode was difficult to setup and unstable. Sounds like that’s no longer the case. I’m a real estate developer as my 2nd career - previously was in tech field so I’m not afraid to tinker with software setups until they work. Especially where there is a very responsive user community to get help from.
Just placed an order for Vera2 and 1 Kwikset deadbolt lock this morning. I’ll try to come back here with a success update once the units arrive and I have a chance to install.
I would consider using an external vertical gain wifi antenna on your router to boost wifi signal strength inside your model unit (and in turn all other units), then run Vera in client mode. I have wifi coverage on almost 25 acres of family property using a repeater, access points and bridges.
I doubt Vera’s signal will be strong enough to trigger devices in adjoining units, as z-wave uses low rf power so as not to overlap signals and interfere with other neighboring z-wave networks. Perhaps owners of other units will want a Vera of their own, once they are aware that it can remotely control access, monitor temp, control lighting, spas, monitor for water leaks, and just about anything else you can imagine. Good luck with your project.
We’ve already got a strong boost from an external antennae, plus I’m using an EnGenius 600MW WAP. They make the most powerful access points I could find and are made for outdoor marine environments. If you ever need very strong outdoor WiFi I highly recommend them.
But since our townhomes are on the Texas Coast, we wanted to engineer them to survive a hurricane. The walls are ICF - Insulating Concrete Forms - 12 inches thick with the middle 6 inches being rebar reinforced solid poured concrete. (Photos and video of construction at Redirecting...) It’s considered a green building technique and delivers exactly what we wanted. The units are very energy efficient, soundproof, and will withstand a 200mpg hurricane - that’s above the max of a CAT 4. Unfortunately, they also interfere with WiFi signals - partly due to the rebar - think faraday cage.
But I can get WiFi about 8-12 feet inside the front door. Figure if I install the Vera near the front window it will hopefully get a steady enough WiFi connection to run in client mode and will be near the door lock as well. And I’m pretty sure z-wave signals will not reach through the ICF walls so no signal bleed-over between units if anyone else wants to follow my lead.
Just reporting back on this. I installed the Vera2 and my Kwikset lock yesterday afternoon. Managed to successfully set up the Vera2 in client mode. Had some strange hiccup getting registered on the mios.com site but that was resolved this morning. (Support responded to my email in less than 12 hours, very satisfied with their response.)
I’m trying to get familiar with the Vera interface and learn what I can configure it to do. I have pretty basic needs. I have learned how to input different pin codes for multiple people. I haven’t figured out how to have the system log a report on lock open that shows which pin code was used to unlock. I get a log entry that shows lock/unlock status and time but not which pin code was used. Any helpful hints on that are appreciated.
But overall, I’m quite satisfied with the ease of setup and functionality.
one method is to setup a scene, under events choose your lock>a pin code is entered>enter the sequence number from the lock (in other words code# 1 or 2 or 3 etc) it will then send you a text and/or email depending on how you have your notifications setup, unfortunately you would have to setup an event for each code with this method, anyone know if there is a way to setup notification for ANY pin which ID’s the pin? The good thing about the “one at a time” method is you can give the event a text name that ID’s the code user
I don’t think there is. But it’s pretty quick to enter the additional events (i.e. PIN codes). And besides the customizable event name (the UserID and customizable UserName also show up in the notification), you get individual enable/disable control over the event.
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