Updated to latest beta version and lost my Kwikset deadbolt. In an effort to try and re-associate said deadbolt to VERA (version 1 with the dongle), I moved VERA closer to the lock. About the time I got back to the iMac to “configure node now”, I hear CRASH/BANG/BOOM. [cringe] I knew immediately what it was. Vera had fallen off the cabinet (still don’t know how this happened…granite surface, rubber feet had tons of grip, no real tension in any of the connected cables ???). Long story short, the dongle is now broken and no longer connects via USB. (It does, however, still light up so I am hopeful I can do a transfer once I decide on plan of action.)
My question is this… Of the users who have experienced both VERA 1 and VERA 2, do you really have a preference between them? I know VERA 2 is supposed to have newer engine with more capabilities, but is this apparent to end user? Is it faster? More reliable? (Obviously, would be cheaper for me to replace AEON Labs Z-Stick than it would to replace VERA, but if I’m going to spend ~$50.00, is it worth my time and extra $200.00 to upgrade to VERA 2?) I do like the idea of the dongle, simply because it’s much smaller to carry around the house with me to include/exclude nodes as necessary.
Also, anyone know status of TrickTV? Is this a MCV project? Any rumors at all about when they might actually start selling this stuff? I just bought a 65" Samsung LED TV that would look mighty nice controlling everything.
Personal opinion here is using the Aeon dongle with the V2 and using a USB extension cable.
Having said that, with the ways things are moving at the moment, the Aeon dongle is not a viable option to keep up with the software, due to implemetating the new routing firmware. It’s just not compatible (YET) but hopefully soon.
I’ve expressed many times that I prefer the Vera1 HW for my situation. It will really suck if the new routing firmware will not be implemented on the dongle. Having a closed-closet installation and being able to route both the dongle and wi-fi antennas out of the closet is a huge plus. And the portability of the dongle is way better than having to lug the entire unit around.
I will not give up vera1 until I absolutely have to, and by then I may even switch controller brands myself before going to vera2.
I do have one question, recognizing the mortality of my vera1, and that micasa is no longer selling it. what are the chances that I could by another ASUS WL-500Gp router and move over an image of my router? I’ve seen the ASUS WL-500Gp for as little as $27
[quote=“Brad Sanford, post:4, topic:167921”]Okay, next question is this:
Do I have to use the AEON-Labs dongle with Vera1? Will other USB Z-Wave dongles work?[/quote]
I also use the TrickleStar and the ThinkStick but I believe the Aeon is the only one that has the Static Inclusion Controller function built into it with a button, and that’s the reason I like it so much.
I believe it will be supported.
I do have one question, recognizing the mortality of my vera1, and that micasa is no longer selling it. what are the chances that I could by another ASUS WL-500Gp router and move over an image of my router? I've seen the ASUS WL-500Gp for as little as $27
You can do that, but you will lose the ability to connect to Mios servers for notifications, tech support and remote access.
According to specs, it has a mini-usb port on one end of it (to which I could hook a mini-USB to USB cable). This would actually solve two problems…it would allow me to place the dongle up higher (further away from VERA) and it appears that the Tricklestar 200-ZW-US-W also ships with Z-wave Protocol Release 5.01 (isn’t this the latest?)
I didnt know it could run on a USB, thats great if it works for you.
*Edit. I looked at the specs, it’s labeled as a “remote” which would indicate it does not run via USB and I think the USB connection is only to charge the internal battery.
I guess the only thing that concerns me…MCV will obviously support the AEON Labs Z-stick (or at least I and several other VERA 1 users hope so). Just looking through Tricklestar’s website, it looks like they are probably a dead company now? (Can’t add any products to cart, etc…and no firmware versions posted in “support”.) That won’t be good if MCV does roll out the patch for latest Z-wave protocol for VERA 1 and I can’t update the Tricklestar.
Jeez, some days I love this stuff and others I hate it. It seems I’m always buying another component to make the system work, but you have to be careful which one because they don’t always play together nicely. (And, yes, I take full responsibility for the cause of this latest need to buy another component.)
That I’m not sure about. Regardless, you can upgrade the Aeon yourself in less than 10 seconds to the 5.02 which is the latest released Aeon version I am aware of.