Deciding on a Vera controller and want to know, generally speaking, can it program/change the internal settings of a Z-Wave Device, in my case, Cooper Aspire Dimmer Switches?
If so, can you summarize the steps so I can develop a mental picture of how this procedure works?
TIA!
What are you trying to change? Turning it on/off and dimming are no issue. This can be easily programmed using scenes in Vera.
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[quote=“Grwebster, post:2, topic:183944”]What are you trying to change? Turning it on/off and dimming are no issue. This can be easily programmed using scenes in Vera.
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From what I understand, master/remote dimmers can be directly associated with one another through manipulation of their internal settings (by a Z-Wave controller), after which no external Z-wave controller is necessary for on/off/dimming operation and synchronization between them all. This allows them to work together even when the controller, such as a Vera, is completely offline for whatever reason (for example, adding new devices too far away from its operating location). I really do not want my light switches to go dead without the presence of a controller.
And the controller can still be tasked to handle the complex multitasking and logic based processing to control the switches in concert with other devices.
BTW, I’m already trying out a trial version of a software-based controller and set it up to handle all interactions to “link” switches together when I discovered how dependent the switches were on the controller (my computer) so if the computer is down for whatever reason, so are my light switches along with the rest of my entire Z-Wave network.
A very unsafe and inconvenient position to be in at night…
Standard Z-Wave commands like programming associations or device parameters are supported by Vera. Specific to the Coopers, there are some threads here that may be of interest. I believe you have to manually associate remotes with their master switch, so they keep each other updated.
I find my Vera to be very reliable with the exception of one early morning reset daily so I am not sure why the independence is needed. The light switches will continue to work as normal dimming switches if the controller is not working anyway.
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There are no instructions that I could find that indicate these Cooper switches can be manually linked together without the use of a Z-Wave controller. So far, my e-mails to Cooper Wiring Devices have gone unanswered. I may try picking up the phone and do the “analog” method of contact.
Only the master switch works, which is in an inconvenient location (not by choice but due to it being the location of the wires immediately feeding the lights) and no one not familiar with that will know to use that switch in the event of a Z-Wave controller catastrophe.
Besides, I don’t care how “reliable” Vera is: I don’t want an important functionality (basic light operation) that can be made to work without it to be relied on a controller when it’s absolutely not necessary. Since I’ve been in charge of Disaster Recovery at several positions in my life, it is something that I’m keen to avoid in setting up systems and infrastructure to make them as “fool-proof” as possible and prepare for the worst-case scenario of a Vera failure.
To clarify: what I meant by ‘manual’ was that you’ll have to do it yourself, using Vera; Vera does not do it automatically, it appears. I.e., I was giving an example of folks actually using the capabilities you were asking about.
Here’s a link to the thread I had in mind.
To clarify: what I meant by ‘manual’ was that you’ll have to do it yourself, using Vera; Vera does not do it automatically, it appears. I.e., I was giving an example of folks actually using the capabilities you were asking about.[/quote]
Yes, I understand that I have to “manually” instruct Vera and fully realize that Vera does not do it “automatically.” My question is since it’s not a typical “listening/reacting” scenario where Vera listens to commands on a Z-Wave network and only acts when it encounters those which it was “manually” programmed by the user to handle, how do you essentially do a one-time “coding” of specific devices through Vera? Is there an screen/interface that allows you to query and set different parameters of a device, or do you have to write a program that you execute only when you want to set those parameters?
Configuration parameters and associations are available on the [tt]Device Options[/tt] tab of a device. Then, see the linked topic.
oTi@ has given you plenty of good info.
Just to reinforce/spell it out clearly, the associations on Cooper switches (or any association capable z-wave device) are done once from the controller/programmer of your choice (could be a Vera, a Cooper handheld programmer, etc) and then the controller or programmer is not necessary for devices to continue working with their now set associations.
I have Cooper switches, I have a Vera. It’s easy.
To clarify: what I meant by ‘manual’ was that you’ll have to do it yourself, using Vera; Vera does not do it automatically, it appears. I.e., I was giving an example of folks actually using the capabilities you were asking about.
Here’s a link to the thread I had in mind.[/quote]
Thanks for the very helpful link! Going through it now and so far it’s a wealth of information. As you, I’m actually contemplating between a Vera3 ($159) and a Cooper tabletop controller ($145) because I need a controller that will allow me to “manually” associate the switches together, which it seems the Vera can do. But the thread you linked so far indicates that when commands are sent from a third-party controller, the Aspire switches aren’t “synced.” The software controller I’m trying out I explicitly “sync” the other switches in response to a trigger from a source switch command.
Sounds like a fun project to get it all functioning. What is the lighting for?
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Actually, I only am now delving into “home automation” by circumstance and not by choice: I chose the Cooper Aspire RF master/remote switches for my 4-way because they look unique and aesthetically pleasing (something different after using Leviton switches for 20+ years) and these are the only Aspire switches that can dim LED lighting (installed new recessed lightings and switched to all LED in the process).
Only after I installed the switches did I discover that a Z-Wave controller is mandatory to set them up. I hurriedly bought a Z-Stick and downloaded a trial software controller in order to get the remotes working. So here I am trying to learn as much as the different competing products features that I can in order to make an informed decision, with a Vera3 so far leading the pack because now I do want to expand into true home automation and will be getting a Schlage Touchscreen handleset that can be remotely accessed via Z-Wave (my cursory research seems to indicate that with a Vera, it can control it, but there are issues…).
So my “project” is nothing glamorous or extraordinary. But it does open the door to expanding possibilities…
There are some key things I use the vera for. Security with motion sensor and cam although my area has very few issues. Leak sensors are a good application. I don’t control my garage door, but with the tilt sensor I do know when I have left it open which happened way too many times in the past. Also a few lights for safety and security. Next is smoke and C02, and then replace my current push button lock with z-wave. The OCD part of me would like to know the door is locked.
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So here I am trying to learn as much as the different competing products features that I can in order to make an informed decision, with a Vera3 so far leading the pack because now I do want to expand into true home automation and will be getting a Schlage Touchscreen handleset that can be remotely accessed via Z-Wave (my cursory research seems to indicate that with a Vera, it can control it, but there are issues…).[/quote]
What are the issues with the Schalge BE469 and Vera?
So here I am trying to learn as much as the different competing products features that I can in order to make an informed decision, with a Vera3 so far leading the pack because now I do want to expand into true home automation and will be getting a Schlage Touchscreen handleset that can be remotely accessed via Z-Wave (my cursory research seems to indicate that with a Vera, it can control it, but there are issues…).[/quote]
What are the issues with the Schalge BE469 and Vera?[/quote]
Don’t think it’s a Vera-specific issue, but the Schlage lock not reliably working with third-party controllers, along with it’s own issues. The thread is quite long (33 pages) so I only skimmed the first several posts just to get an idea of the concerns as I don’t yet have the Camelot Touchscreen lock yet (soon though):
[url=http://forum.micasaverde.com/index.php?topic=13334.0]http://forum.micasaverde.com/index.php?topic=13334.0[/url]
Well, the first few pages are old complaints. Look at the dates of the messages. This was earlier firmware on both the locks and the Vera.
I have three BE469s running against Vera UI5 and I can assure you there no problems.
Good to hear!
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