I just received my VeraEdge and have been very happy! I was able to setup my new Schlage deadbolt, Sonos system, and MyQ garage door opener. Now here’s my issue and I haven’t been able to find a definite answer through searching the forums. I could return the VeraEdge and pickup Smartthings, and save $40, but I really like the interface of the VeraEdge. And from what I’ve read about Smartthings, it would be too dumbed down for me.
I just picked up 6 GE Link LED bulbs because they were buy 1 get 1 50% off. Not realizing that they’re Zigbee and not Z-Wave. I’ve read that I can add either a Wink hub or HUE bridge to enable controlling these bulbs and other Zigbee devices (I think). I’ve found a few USB Zigbee sticks but haven’t found any information wether they’ll work with the VeraEdge or not.
So my question is, whats the best solution to add Zigbee to the VeraEdge?
thanks!
The GE bulbs will connect to and work with either the Hue bridge or the Wink Hub…
If you already have, or plan to get, a Hue system, it is as simple as pairing the bulbs through the Hue app… With the Hue plugin, the bulbs will be controllable by the Vera. The Hue bridge speaks Zigbee, although it is limited to the ZLL (Zigbee Light Link) specification… You can’t use it for sensors or switches/dimmers.
If you do not plan on getting a Hue system, you can get a Wink Hub. The Wink hub supports the full Zigbee specification, so can be used with many different Zigbee devices. It also has a Kidde radio and a Lutron Casetta radio, allowing you to add Casetta switches/dimmers and Kidde smoke detectors.
As for Zigbee sticks… they are not supported by the Vera at this time…
Thanks for that, that helps a lot! I think I’ll go the Wink route since I’ll get more functionality out of it.