After weeks of troubleshooting software problems that only return shortly after I fix them, intermittent MCV servers, and non-existant MCV support, it’s time for me to cut-and-run.
Please contact me via private message here if you are interested in a nearly-new Vera2, with all the latest “updates”, no problems other than MCV itself, the same as what you would get if you paid top$ and bought new - any serious offers considered.
I’d like to thank all those that tried to help here on these forums and have one last question - how do I restore the Vera2 to “factory defaults”?
You will be missed. By the way, I refuse to upgrade to the newest firmware because I’m not having any ploblems with the UI4 1047 version. I will perhaps be compelled to move in the future, but for now I’m leaving well enough alone!
Do you have any HSM100s? Either the battery-operated part or the 3-in-1 (actually 4) is what the latest Vera2 firmware can’t handle, the rest of my network is as 100% reliable as yours. But I use the HSM100s as input to automate everything else, so without them being reliable nothing is reliable.
I am hoping that the HSM100s, being native to Homeseer, will be strongly supported on their controller. Also I see that their remote access is via VPN straight into the box = so no being at the mercy of whatever is going on with the MCV forwarding servers…
Catch me on the Homeseer Forums, causing trouble there!
bob
Give us an update in a couple of months on what Homeseer products you wind up getting (do it yourself PC or a HomeSeer-built PC and whether you use USB or the Ztroller) and what your thoughts are about pros/cons of Homeseer versus Vera 2.
I run a pair of HSM100’s without issue. Both are on a/c though and not battery. I have not upgraded to 3.2, nor will I until I hear everything is fully sorted out.
It’s odd some people have some much trouble with Vera.You can’t help but admit that there are some bugs and usability issues but for me it’s generally been pretty sound. The only issues I’ve really had I could probably chock up to z-wave technology not being too robust to begin with. I too am often tempted to go with Homeseer but there is one big caveat and that’s that Vera supposedly has better compatibility with more devices. I have read such comments by Homeseer users on their forum. Perks for Homeseer are conditional logic and the ability to add all kinds of weird and creative devices which aren’t natively z-wave enabled.
If any of you do make the change please come back after some time and report your experiences.
But do you have battery-operated HSM100s and updated to the latest firmware and z-wave? That’s the combination that does not work for me. Before the updates my system was very stable and sound.
MCV forced an update on me that does not work with HSM100s, and can not or will not support me with those problems. My home control is too important, and it is broken, that is why I have to move on.
New member here…can’t PM you. I’ve been lurking for a while, trying to figure out what the best security system to get and a home automation system to go along with it. I’ve decided on Vera 2 for the latter and most likely will be going with a DSC system for the former.
In any case, I saw that you’re moving on and thought that we could help each other out. Could you PM me so we can discuss what you have, price, etc? Hope you still have got it.
That’s correct (it’s not possible to allow new folks only to reply to PM’s).
You’ll need 25 posts to get PM privileges. @FlyBoyBob will have to drop you a PM with an email address.
That’s correct (it’s not possible to allow new folks only to reply to PM’s).
You’ll need 25 posts to get PM privileges. @FlyBoyBob will have to drop you a PM with an email address.[/quote]
Thanks oTi, done it - I’m just happy pass my unit on to somebody who can use it, and I’m sure MCV will sort out their problems at some point. But my home security and management is just too important to wait…
I came from Homeseer, which was running great for about 10 years. I bought it when it was called Keware and cost $29…1998 I think.
My HS system was all X10, and I’m now all Z-wave, so it may not be a fair comparison. But Homeseer is very, very powerful, extensible, and has great support. The biggest downside? It runs on Windows. (The new, unreleased $300 HomeTroller is Linux and claims HS plugin support). I remember a few years ago when they released HS2, all .NET, it was a disaster. It got fixed and runs very well, but it is still Windows. And I was running on an old slow PC.
HS’s plugin support is also very nice. But the cost quickly adds up. I own the very nice motion sensor plugin that allow all kinds of crazy stuff, but it alone was $30 or $50.
Web access was always a pain…no central easy setup. And Iphone/touchpad stuff was another $200 package.
[quote=“Intrepid, post:5, topic:168778”]Bob, thanks for all your help. you’ll be missed.
Just curious, what controller/system are you going to use?[/quote]
I’m looking at their $499 hardware solution at the moment, with optional add-ons like webcams rather than the pre-priced full deal.
I won’t be posting results / comparisons etc here or on the Homeseer forums - the pluses and minuses are for the individual companies to sort out themselves. I only post questions for help or answers where I think I can be of help… and that is how it should be. I am thankful that the companies provide these forum facilities - and won’t be the one to make them regret it! :-X
Actually bought the $799 unit which includes all of the plug-ins that could have been bought one at a time. I’m such a tinkerer with no respect for what it costs me that I figured I would “get it over with” and forget that I paid that extra $300!
As I said I won’t post good or bad about either company or product other than seeking help for things that I am having trouble with or providing help where I can. Anyone interested in making their own comparisons can find me, and many others I’m sure, at “board dot homeseer dot com” with me being the same user name as here.
Do you have any HSM100s? Either the battery-operated part or the 3-in-1 (actually 4) is what the latest Vera2 firmware can’t handle, the rest of my network is as 100% reliable as yours. But I use the HSM100s as input to automate everything else, so without them being reliable nothing is reliable.[/quote]
No I don’t have any HSM100s.
They seem very troublesome, and I’ve noticed scene controllers seem to be very problematic too with the current Vera FW.
I have a few switches, dimmer, a few wall outlets, three T-Stats, two door locks. That’s it, 11 devices total- all simple devices… I’m going to try to keep it that way to save my sanity ;D
[quote=“robinnes, post:19, topic:168778”]No I don’t have any HSM100s.
They seem very troublesome, and I’ve noticed scene controllers seem to be very problematic too with the current Vera FW.[/quote]
HSM100s work just fine, and reliably, with other controllers. So do scene controllers.
With the last “upgrade”, for instance, I suddenly had Foscam camera support. Or so I thought. My 3 cameras were detected and devices automatically added to the Dashboard, but the commands didn’t work. I modified the xml file myself to correct a few simple (and stupid) mistakes, I can’t believe the device files were even tested.
My Home Automation system is far too important for this level of development ability and support, or lack thereof. And as Forrest Gump would say “…and that’s all I’m going to say about that!!” :-X
