I thought I had a problem with two zwave devices (battery powered) that are at the 1st floor, Vera is at the Ground floor. 7 meters from the Vera to the 2 devices. A lot of communication errors. Like 'transmit failed with code 2 after 5 attempts. The signal just has to cross the (concrete) ceilings. We are far from the specifications 30 meters inside… When I moved the Vera to an office in the first floor, all the problems disapperared. But now I’ve problems communicating with some devices located at the Ground floor.
So one question, is it a solution to install a relay switch like a Fibaro FGS221 between the Vera and the 2 battery powered devices? Will it be enough to retransmitt the Z-wave signal?
Thanks for any suggestions.
chris
Maybe, maybe not.
Having an intermediate Z-Wave node will likely increase the signal strength/quality, but is is impossible for me to say if it will be enough to penetrate the concrete ceiling/floor that likely also has a steel mesh.
The concrete floor/ceiling is the issue and there is a good chance that you will not be able to penetrate it. I would try a portable/temporary Z-Wave node in between the Vera and your upper level node, such as a lamp module, to see if it helps. But, I suspect you’ll need to move the Vera.
I’d also be tempted to try creating a poor man’s “wave guide” between floors. A 900Mhz antenna on each floor with an appropriate antenna cable between them just might allow enough signal through the concrete floor/ceiling. It might not work, but it’s a $15 test, versus two Vera’s.
Thanks Z-Waver, I will try the external antenna option that I’ve seen in another topic. Will see if it will be better.
Z-Waver,
Can you expound on the 900mhz suggestion? I have 2 Trane Tstats in a warehouse that are, literally 24 inches from each other, but across a concrete block wall. One unit has full zwave support, and the other will not get a signal at all.
Is what you are suggestion just 2 unpowered 900mhz antennae (like this, for example: Videocomm RUB-903RPS 900MHz 3dB de Polaridad Inversa SMA Knuckle Omni Antena Duck )and a cable mounted between them to each? Or do I need something powered to push the signal thru?
Thanks.
[quote=“Z-Waver, post:2, topic:175154”]Maybe, maybe not.
Having an intermediate Z-Wave node will likely increase the signal strength/quality, but is is impossible for me to say if it will be enough to penetrate the concrete ceiling/floor that likely also has a steel mesh.
The concrete floor/ceiling is the issue and there is a good chance that you will not be able to penetrate it. I would try a portable/temporary Z-Wave node in between the Vera and your upper level node, such as a lamp module, to see if it helps. But, I suspect you’ll need to move the Vera.
I’d also be tempted to try creating a poor man’s “wave guide” between floors. A 900Mhz antenna on each floor with an appropriate antenna cable between them just might allow enough signal through the concrete floor/ceiling. It might not work, but it’s a $15 test, versus two Vera’s.[/quote]
Let me start by saying that I have never tried it, but…
Yes, I was thinking that two antennas and a cable(unpowered) may act like some kind of wave guide and allow signal to pass. It would be weak, but a little may be better than none at all.
Let us know if it works!
Ok, the external antenna is a very good choice, I confirm. See related topic.