I am very new to this automation process but this is a quick rundown of what I have and what I have done to rectify a big problem. I started with just 2 motorized schlage deadbolts (BE469) and really liked them. Next I bought a veralite so I could control my front and basement door locks with my Iphone5. What seemed like what was going to be an easy fix was far from it. Pairing was easy with batteries on the veralite. Communicating to both locks not good. Everyone has an opinion on what to do but nothing seemed to work at all. Everyone seemed to think that all you needed was (beaming capable) devices in between to bridge the gap. Nope! Maybe with older locks but not mine. After several calls to the non english speaking folks at MCV I got the same answer everytime. Security capable not beaming. Well they were right and not alot of units are security capable but almost all newer devices are beaming. (EVOLVE PRODUCTS ARE ALL SECURITY CAPABLE AND WORK). Now the easiest fix you can imagine. There is a post somewhere on this site which talks about adding an antenna to the vera products. They were absolutely correct and it works perfectly!! Dont hesitate to extend your range greatly but the trick is the antenna itself not the connector. The connector is a simple UFL TO SMA CABLE 20CM OR LESS. Got mine on amazon for $5 (2 of them!) Find the ones that are sold by amazon and you will get them right away. Next was the antenna itself, I ordered quite a few and also tried several I had from routers and such. I know the frequency is 908mhz or something but I ended up using a 2.4ghz router antenna that is about 12inches long and walla I have 5 stars on all my both locks with no expensive security capable devices in between. It really couldnt be easier and cant believe how well it works. You can either read the post about the antenna mod or just email me and I will give you a quick runthrough on how to do it. Hope this helps someone because I have hours and hours tied up reading and buying products to find out it was a $12 repair plus my time. If you feel you need to comment on the FCC and RF signals keep them to yourself, no one cares except you. This is just info on my setup and what actually worked!
How far away are the locks? Through walls?
Thanks for the posting - good info!
The locks are on 2 seperate floors. My basment has one which is concrete block and the other is my back door. The backdoor lock is about 20 ft from vera (one wall in between) and the basement is about 20-25ft. straight line. but a floor down. Both doors are also steel which I understand makes the signal even worse. With this antenna mod I dont think you could ever go wrong even if you have good communication, you could always have better. Honestly after the heal everything went to 5 stars where most were at 1 or 2. I do understand that you need more zwave devices to create a good mesh but starting with a better foundation or controller seems the best way to start. ;D
One other thing if it helps anyone is the security compatible id# is 152. I tried several new GE/Jasco wall modules and switches and when you go into settings none of them had this number. I bought an evolve module and there it was.
Isn’t the security command class (152) just the way encrypted messages are set up, i.e. this class deals with key exchanges and such. So you would need this support in the device you want to communicate securely with (e.g. a lock)? If the Evolve supports it, you can securely turn on/off/dim the device?
Honestly I dont know what exactly it does but from what MCV told me, 152 needs to show up in the list of capabilities. I think they get the call alot because they knew immediately what I was talking about. After spending hours and hours searching the web I could not find one device other than evolve that was security compatible. I also spoke with evolve yesterday after 4 days waiting and found out that all evolve produts have 2 ways of adding them. One tap is secure class and 2 taps is just beaming. He even said there is nothing that says that anywhere. I actually bought the locks before I even knew what zwave was. This home automation thing is a pain in the ass. I am so glad i only have 2 doors LOL.
Jblair
I have interest in extend the range of my vera3.
Can you send for me the how to ?
Include please the links of the parts to buy.
Thanks for your availability in help anothers.
No problem at all. I cant be the only one having connection issues and this just seems like a no brainer, As of right now I am still experimenting with other antennas and i am waiting for another internal ufl connector to go with an antenna I just got from a tech company that sells very specific frequency antennas. When I get this nailed down I will be glad to give you all the info. Its going to be in the total price range of maybe $27 in parts and about 30 minutes of time. I am already to far in to stop now and i want to make sure when i let everyone know what works for me will work for you. I dont really want to put expensive devices in between my locks just to transfer a signal that i can do from the source. Just with what i have now everything works and responds so much faster than with the oem antenna. I really dont see how that little guy sends a signal at all. I am hoping the connector arrives next week.
Ok here are 2 options that work very well. First is the more expensive of the 2 but works better and has mounting options. UFL to SMA connector EBAY item #300768618820 and this antenna.
http://www.l-com.com/wireless-antenna-800-900-mhz-5-dbi-mag-mount-omni-sma-male-connector.
With this setup you dont have to drill a hole in your vera but I did. You can run the cable out the battery cover. Excellent range and super fast controlling of all lights and switches. Next option is a simple kit From amazon.
I tried several combinations and these have the best range.
These have all been sourced by the quickest way to aquire as they are all in the us.
I now have a few extra setups that I can sell if anyone is interested. They are small enough that I can ship first class which will only be about $2. I just want what I paid but are already tested and will work with vera3 and veralite. I would also be happy to install these free of charge if you want to just pay for parts and shipping. I know not everyone has a drill nor the patience. Just trying to help.
The hardest part about the whole thing is unsnapping the case which you need to take care because you can break it if your not careful. I hope this helps someone out there.
[quote=“Jblair, post:8, topic:175106”]Ok here are 2 options that work very well. First is the more expensive of the 2 but works better and has mounting options. UFL to SMA connector EBAY item #300768618820 and this antenna.
http://www.l-com.com/wireless-antenna-800-900-mhz-5-dbi-mag-mount-omni-sma-male-connector.
With this setup you dont have to drill a hole in your vera but I did. You can run the cable out the battery cover. Excellent range and super fast controlling of all lights and switches. Next option is a simple kit From amazon.
I tried several combinations and these have the best range.
These have all been sourced by the quickest way to aquire as they are all in the us.
I now have a few extra setups that I can sell if anyone is interested. They are small enough that I can ship first class which will only be about $2. I just want what I paid but are already tested and will work with vera3 and veralite. I would also be happy to install these free of charge if you want to just pay for parts and shipping. I know not everyone has a drill nor the patience. Just trying to help.
The hardest part about the whole thing is unsnapping the case which you need to take care because you can break it if your not careful. I hope this helps someone out there.[/quote]
Can you post a pic of your setup with the antenna? I just got ordered the veralite and would like to eliminate any potential headaches with range so I would like to do this mod. I assume I have to open my veralite to make the appropriate modifications. Right?
Does this mod require and cutting of existing wires or soldering etc?
Yes you need to open it. You will be surprised how little there is in there!. Can you give an email addy? reply to this post. i cant send messages til 25 posts?
No cutting, soldering. plug and play. You will want to drill a hole but that isnt necessary as you can run the cable out the battery door.
Thanks for the quick reply. I found the longer thread with pictures and such which should be helpful. Are you sure he antenna combo you posted from amazon is the right frequency range? I want to be sure to get the right antenna in the same range as the default antenna.
Can you also tell me how tall is she 5db antenna is that you referenced here?
You mentioned you tried many different combos etc. did you try this one?
http://www.amazon.com/Gino-Right-Wireless-Signal-Antenna/dp/B008FY9L9Y/ref=pd_bxgy_e_text_y
Thanks.
Interested in picking up an antenna. Please email me at silencery at hotmail dot com.
Thanks!
Exactly, I only see it mentioned in relation to Evolve modules, but without explanation of what it means (which, annoyingly, is typical of any Z-Wave product; never any full specification of the Z-Wave features, parameters, etc…).
If I have it right, Z-Wave locks/beaming/encryption pre-date the Evolve gear. GE/Jasco was the thing to use (see also item 4 in this wiki). Not sure of the capabilities of the RP200 that Schlage include / sell.
Exactly, I only see it mentioned in relation to Evolve modules, but without explanation of what it means (which, annoyingly, is typical of any Z-Wave product; never any full specification of the Z-Wave features, parameters, etc…).
If I have it right, Z-Wave locks/beaming/encryption pre-date the Evolve gear. GE/Jasco was the thing to use (see also item 4 in this wiki). Not sure of the capabilities of the RP200 that Schlage include / sell.[/quote]
I’ve been running into the same problem! There is a TON of mixed information which definitely causes a lot of confusion with locks.
Initially, I was using GE/Jasco switches assuming their beaming capabilities would be sufficient based on information in the wiki and forum. However, after noticing the signal was very unreliable, I contacted MCV support and also got the same ‘152 capability’ required message. Based on their advice, I picked up an Evolve switch.
Imagine my surprise when I installed it and noticed the switch does NOT report supporting security command 152 in vera (maybe I flipped it one too many times when I paired it thanks to JBlair’s post)! Here is the reported command capability listing from vera: 211,156,0,4,16,3,L,R,B,RS,|37,39,43,44,112,114,115,134, ??? ??? ???
Oddly enough, despite capability 152 not showing up in the new Evolve switch installation, there was a noticeable improvement in lock reliability so I’ve just left it as is for now. However, the overall installation was far from smooth and it certainly does not feel like anyone really knows what is going on with locks.
Can you also tell me how tall is she 5db antenna is that you referenced here?
You mentioned you tried many different combos etc. did you try this one?
http://www.amazon.com/Gino-Right-Wireless-Signal-Antenna/dp/B008FY9L9Y/ref=pd_bxgy_e_text_y
Thanks.
[/quote]
The 5db antenna is about 8inches long. What I posted is what worked for me and still is. I would like to think or hope it will work for everyone. This is why I drilled mine so I could easily swap antennas. Between swaps you need to do a heal but depending on the amount of devices you have, could take a while. You have to make sure you uncheck reconfigure all devices.! After all finshed go back to repair and view report.
Hi Jblair,
I’m starting out with vera and find your approach an excellent idea to improve reliability of the mesh. I’m currently having problems with my yale lock in my apartment.
I can’t put the vera close to it because of a narrow hall way that leads to the door, which is also made of thick concrete walls which seriously affect performance.
I put an evolve LSM-15 in the wall switch next to the lock, but my vera can’t even configure properly that switch. Personally I feel the rage is quite limited considering (my vera is about 20ft behind a drywall followed by my living room and then a corridor).
Could you please send me some pictures or diagrams of the connection so I can upgrade my veralite? I’m inclining on your second option thinking I can in some way fix the antenna to the veralite box
Thank you for this great news. ;D
One thing that I learned about evolve products is that they have a secure include and unscure. One tap for secure and 2 for unscure. This is from speaking directly to evolve. As far as the connection of the antenna it couldnt be easier. There are 2 screws on the bottom. Remove batteries, remove the screws and carefully pry apart. Inside you will see a small printed circuit board glued to the side of the case. That is the antenna, it is connected to the main board with a cfl connector. it justs unsnaps. You can either run the new connector ouside through the battery cover or drill a hole somewhere as to not interfere with the case snapping together or the board itself. Once you open it up there is really not much there at all. I drilled a hole the back so it would be easier to swap antenna for testing. The post someone just added has alot of pics of the unit opened.
I am not sure about the yale locks but the schlage need to sit next the vera for a few minutes to exchange all the info. What I used that worked very well was my laptop a long ethernet cable and and extension cord so you can see the process on the ui5 screen and you will know when it is complete. You need to do a heal after every node added. make sure you uncheck reconfigure devices.