I’m owner of Vera system, bought it 4 months ago, but still can’t start to use it. The reason is very simple - disrespect and ignoring from the MiCasaVerde support staff.
Here is full story:
I ordered European version of Vera. It is stated in my list on Google Checkout “Vera - [Z-Wave option:European Z-Wave]”. Unfortunately, I received US version (both: AC/DC adapter and Z-Wave USB stick). OK, any company can make mistake when processing order, so I wrote request through Google checkout and was contacted by Anna Woodard, she promised to send to me European version of Z-Wave stick. I received this new parcel pretty soon, but inside I found again US-version of Z-Wave stick!!! I just wonder - am I so “lucky” that this happen twice with me?
Well, I tried to contact Anna and MiCasaVerde again by emails and by requests through Google Checkout, but got no reply. They simply ignore my emails and requests.
Now I have two pcs of US Z-Wave USB sticks:
)
But they are useless, because all of my Z-Wave hardware have European frequency. I really hope that MiCasaVerde’ staff will read this post and will solve this problem. If not, then I will exchange 2 pcs of US-version USB sticks for 1 pcs of EU-version (in case that someone here has the same problem as me with incorrect version sent by MiCasaVerde
you have to remember that this is a fairly new product. given the other choices out there (which i thoroughly researched, and talked to owners of other systems at my office) i wound up going with vera. i am very happy with the product and it has been getting better and better over the several months i have had it. they are continually adding features that allow advanced users to do more things on their own, while still leaving “ease” of configuration for novice users. one of the improvements in the 979 firmware allowed me to resolve an issue on my own. as these improvements are made, this frees up micasa’s technical support to assist the more novice folks with their tickets.
kristinaw, did you read my full story? It is not a technical problem, I was not able to turn on Vera at all. They just sent me twice wrong Z-Wave USB stick. I ordered EU-version, but they sent to me US-version. Twice!
As you probably know, Z-Wave has different operating frequencies - 868 Mhz for European countries and 908 Mhz for US. Unfortunately, this Z-Wave USB stick that comes with Vera can be either US version or EU version. So, US version stick will not work with EU version of Z-Wave devices and vice versa. All my Z-Wave devices are EU, because I live in Europe, so I ordered EU version of Vera.
Of course, I ordered directly from MiCasaVerde. I believe that Vera is very new and innovative and nice product, but I even had no chance to check it myself - I stuck at wrong delivery and non-willing of Micasa’ staff to help with problem that they are responsible for.
P.S. Sorry for my English - it is not my natvie language.
It does appear that they are a little overwhelmed at this point, but I wouldn’t give up either.
And your English is just fine!!
For rlassiter, while I agree that yuri’s problem is a royal pain, I would look at vera more. It does behave quite well and I’ve had decent enough response from tech support on the few occasions I’ve needed it.
Get ready for the long haul. I had to send my Vera in to be replaced and, between not having enough staff and some of the other staff quitting, they pretty much lost mine. When I finally explained what was going on, they were trying to refund my money. I said “NO.it wasn’t for a refund. It was for a replacement” and they said "Oh, ok. No problem. Just send us your Vera and we will replace it. " I was like “I SENT IT A MONTH AGO!” Oh well, I finally have it back now. Better late then never…which unfortunately seems to be your problem.
You can tell they are doing alot with not enough help, when I first contacted them to buy mine things seemed so disorganized, with staff leaving and such, that I asked them directly if the company was about to go out of business, of course they assured me that was not the case (what would any company say, lol) but with some patience I’ve had a good experience since then, granted there are legit gripes, I just hope they hit critical mass and are able to gear up with the staff they need
I have buyed also a europian version , i bought this in the netherlands.
The first order was really succesfully , the rest of the orders where succesfully also.
I would suggest to you , buy the Vera and related stuff ( zwave ) in you’re own country , this would be better and no shifting with region codes.
Futhermore I am really supprised witch future’s vera allready have , and don;t seem it with other hardware especialy not for this price.
I hope everything would be worked out for you as well …
Best regards,
Marco
Best Home Automation shopping experience. Shop at Ezlo!
