This is a great Z-wave controller for the price. For someone who is just getting into (basic) home automation, this is a great unit. It has a number of features and I found it fairly easy to setup. My main focus was on automating the lighting in my home and this unit does the job. I have installed several Intermatic dimmer switches (CA600), on/off relay switches (
CA3000
), on/off outlets (
CA3500
), and scene controllers (CA5100). As other reviewers have mentioned, you can get into some pretty advanced features with the Vera but the advanced features do require some research and analysis.
The setup of the switches and outlets was straight forward and simple. After powering up the VeraLite and doing the initial setup, I followed the steps on the cut-sheet to pair up the devices. It was originally recommended that I get an
Aeon Labs Z-Wave Minimote
to simplify the pairing process, but I chose to do it directly with the Vera. I'm honestly questioning the recommendation to use the Mini-mote as it sounds like that would have been more complicated. To pair devices with the Vera you simply disconnect the power and network cables from the Vera then push the battery button to power the Vera up. Once powered up, you press the + button once to put the unit in INCLUDE mode and go to each device and turn the device switch on or press the pair button.
Once the devices are paired, you can plug the unit back in. You'll have to wait a few minutes for the Vera to fully boot back up, but I found the wait to be reasonable. Once you are booted back up you will find your devices added to the Devices tab. The devices will come with generic names like _Switch or _Scene Controller... I found the easiest way to identify each device was to simply press the on/off button from the Vera Web UI and see which device was turned on or off. Once I knew which device was turned off I could easily add rename it using the wrench button and assign it to a room.
One thing that may be confusing for new users is how the scene controllers work. When setting up a scene, most scene controllers will need to be setup for when 'Scene is Activated' and then an appropriate value for on (255) and off (0). When I first went through the setup I thought I had to enter an arbitrary scene number to assign (for the vera) and use the scene activated/deactivated. Further research on the forums shows that you are telling the Vera what to react to from the Scene Controller - so when you say Scene Activated and '255' as the scene, you are telling the vera to react when the scene controller sends "Scene On: 255" which on the Intermatic CA5100s is the 'on' button of the switch. (The off button on the CA5100s is "Scene On: 0")... Other scene controllers like the
GE 45600 Remote
act differently, so you'll have to refer to the documentation from the remote or post on the MiCasaVerde forums.
And last, but not least, the Vera systems have a decent following of users so there is a strong user base on the forums that are very willing to help. In addition to that, there are a number of great apps to control your Vera remotely. I use Square Connect HD on my iPad and AuthomationHD on my Android phone to control my house. Authomation is really nice in that it automatically imports all your devices and has a nice standard UI. Square Connect requires you to manually setup each device, but the benefit is you get a layout you want.
| Manufacturer | micasaverde |
|---|---|
| Part Number | VeraLite |
| Item Weight | 12.8 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 4.57 x 1.73 x 3.74 inches |
| Item model number | veralite |
| Batteries | 4 AA batteries required. |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Size | Small |
| Color | Green and white |
| Shape | oval |
| Voltage | 115 Volts |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Special Features | Comes with 4 AA Batteries |
| Included Components | Mi Casa Verde Veralite Home Controller, 4-Aa Batteries, Operating Instructions, Ac Adapter, Ethernet Cable |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Warranty Description | Free 30 day trial. Try Vera3 for 30 days, if you aren't satisfied, sent it back for a full refund. Vera3 also has a 1 year hardware warranty. We will replace any defective Vera3 within 1 year of purchase. Vera3's battery pack comes with a 90 day warranty. We will replace defective batteries within 90 days of purchase. |
