A month ago I had never heard of Vera, but now I’m a happy owner. All as a result of buying about 50 modules from the radio shack clearance. I’d been wanting to replace my old X10one-way decoras, and the sale let me do it all at once. I’m a homeseer user, but the notion of a low power, networked, iphone-ready, dedicated box with z-wave integrated is much better for my needs.
I wonder how many Veras were sold as a result of the cheap GE modules, Schlage locks, and tstats? How many z-wave items did RS get you for?
I picked up the last 2 Schlage locks in my area (2 deadbolts, one of them is a starter kit) and they’re still sealed. The price is OK, but they’re only about $130 on Amazon, so the discount is not as great as on the z-wave dimmers/modules.
I’m still trying to plan out my lock layout.
I have four locking doors.
-Two are exterior, and would be exposed to rain.
-One is exterior but is protected by a porch and a storm door.
-One is an interior garage entry door.
Would either type (lever or lock) be appropriate for outdoor, weather-exposed use?
Which type (lever or deadbolt) do you prefer?
If I add levers, I assume I just plate over the deadbolt holes? Or if I use deadbolts, I can leave the knob unlocked or replace with a non-locking knob/lever?
For some time now I wanted a way to monitor my home’s thermostat- but the standalone models with built-in webserver were prohibitively expensive for a single function item. I was also keen on keyless entry, but again- not economically responsible for a non-integrated/non-web item, so I held off on both for some time.
A few weeks back, I was browsing Amazon for web-enabled T-Stats again in hopes of finding a bargain unit- and I found the Trane Z-Wave T-stat on sale for $68. One of the reviewers was kind enough to mention Vera, so I did my due diligence and found this forum. Once I saw the utility of the Z-Wave system, it was easy to justify the expensive gateway, key-less lock and T-Stat.
Once those items were installed, setup and running as planned, I hit the local Ratshack’s for useful Z-Wave items at substantial savings. I “took inventory” Tuesday night and now have a pretty good stock of Z-Wave modules for use or trade- all at deep discounts from The Shack!
Here’s what I got from The Shack (combination of 3 local stores):
1- Schalge Lever lock kit $59
4- Outdoor modules $9.95 each
2- Duplex wall outlets $9.95 each
2- Dimmer switches $14.95 each
1- 3-way Dimmer $14.95
2- Appliance modules $9.95 each
1- Dimmer module $9.95
2- Wired IP cameras $24.95 each
1- GE 45601 Deluxe LCD Remote Control $9.95
From other suppliers:
1- Schalge Bright Brass Deadbolt Starter kit $199
2- Trane Z-Wave T-Stats $68 each
2- Intermatic CA3000 on/off wall switch $35 each
So far it’s been fun and educational.
The WAF wasn’t great at first, but now she loves the key-less entry, the lights on when she comes in the house, and the remote T-Stat management via internet.
-One interesting use; we looked at our recording use of one of our satellite receivers over a one week period. We actually only record/watch for a total of 19 hrs over seven days. So I set it up on a appliance module on a schedule allowing a “warm up” period of 30 min before recordings start and "stay on "period of 15 extra minutes after our shows end. So it’s on for exactly 24hrs per seven day period now- before the Z-Wave setup it was on 168 hrs/week. Checked it’s power consumption with my Kill-A-Watt meter- it draws 37 watts. Weekly draw went from 6.2 Kw to .88Kw, we pay $0.23/Kw hr here so annual cost to run this satellite receiver went from $74/year to $11/year.
Those are the big three that allow Z-Wave to get a foot in the door with the wife, then long term results show the energy savings, as you have detailed.
I tried to resist the temptation of buying more than I needed at Radio Shack. But, once I started using the $10 off $40 coupons I kind of went nuts. In the corner of my office there is now a mountain of those plastic packages and RS bags (environmental nightmare, really). Probably have 60+ switch sets as well as quantities of locks, other modules, cameras, and a couple thermostats. One of the Radio Shack Stores gave me a bag large enough to hold a small person and that is when I knew I had gone too far.
I have plans to install this stuff in realtives houses whether they want it or not. The deal was too good to pass up and I haven’t had any problems with the GE stuff yet.
Umm, yeah. I have way more locks, and modules (and a few extra thermostats as well) than I can use, as well as way more of everything, but the $10 off $40 combined with the modules down to $9.97, was too much to take
^^ Same here, I am interested in a thermostat and lever locks. I’m in no hurry, and the prices new on amazon aren’t that bad, but if anyone is looking to move one, let me know.
The last pieces of z-wave-related stuff in my market are 2 of the wireless IP cams. I had the clerk scan them, and they’re $79 each. This seems high for a wireless IP cam. And these specif models on amazon are under $100. So I skipped them.
Anything special about these cams? I understand a firmware hack is required to get them working with non-schlagelink stuff. Best to skip these? Or should I rethink?
I think you can spend just a small amount more and get night vision in a wireless IP camera. The wired cams sold at $25 and those were a good buy. I would pass at $79.
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