I spent the weekend setting up a new Vera2 to replace a Thinkessentials network in my house so I could have more flexibility. The transition took a lot longer than expected. I removed each light switch (Leviton) from Thinkessentials and added to Vera with no problem. The Leviton Scene controllers were a nightmare. Vera would not go into add blink mode. It would just go dark or solid, never blinking. After pushing the button several times, praying, lifting one arm, placing a aluminum pyramid on my head, I got the 4 scene controllers to add but it seemed random. I just got lucky sometimes. Is this a problem with the Leviton scene controllers? The Leviton scene controllers have an on and off toggle. Can the scene controller activate and deactivate a scene? I can only get to start a scene when the on side is pushed. The off side does nothing.
The battery pack with my new system is broken. The lights do not light up, it could not be charged, and it could not power the Vera. It was a nightmare to move from place to place, plug it in, wait for Vera to start and add devices. I can see how the dongle Vera might be much easier. I need a replacement battery pack. Who do I contact for a replacement?
My feelings on the Vera are great after a shakey start. You have much more control than Thinkessentials. I look forward to adding cameras and other devices in the future.