Aeotec Z-wave repeater

[kohai]

http://aeotec.com/z-wave-repeater

 

I see everyone talking about sirens and doorbells as repeaters, why don't people use a purpose built repeater such as this Aeotec one?  Is there something not compatible about it?

[stusviews]

The siren and doorbell are Gen5 which is much, much more powerful than the earlier versions. I tried the range extender you linked to. It didn't help where I need it to, the siren did.

[kohai]

That leads me to a question I often think about.  If people like me are adding z-wave devices today (January 2017), what level of specs should they look for as a minimum requirement (to future proof their devices as much as possible)?

 

Good things to have to maximize functionality:

 

- Z-wave Plus (is that the same as gen5 or 500?)?

- Supports repeating signals for those line-powered devices (110v)?

- Support repeating secure signals so things like locks are happy?

- Supports scenes?

- If a dimmer version is available, consider that one?

 

Things that are outdated:

- Z-wave regular, the non-plus version?  Gen4?

- ????

 

What do people think?

[andyf0]

I think those are excellent questions, given a house that is 90% Z-Wave. Some personal thoughts:

 

I wouldn't buy a non-Z-Wave Plus switch anymore. There don't seem to be any Z-Wave Plus outlets yet.

So far, Z-Wave scenes don't seem to be working with ISY yet. Although my Leviton outlet (which supports scenes) module is very old and is not listed anywhere anymore.

Pretty sure Gen5 does not mean Z-Wave Plus. Look for the Z-Wave Plus logo on devices.

 

This is off topic, sorry! I think this would make for a good discussion in it's own thread.

[kohai]

I kind of hijacked my own thread.   I'll repost under a new thread.

[MWareman]

http://aeotec.com/z-wave-repeater

 

I see everyone talking about sirens and doorbells as repeaters, why don't people use a purpose built repeater such as this Aeotec one? Is there something not compatible about it?

I originally had 4 or those, and no end of problems with my locks. I replaced all 4 with sirens, and my problems went away.

 

Bottom line, these repeaters don't work well at all with Kwikset locks (at least).

[stusviews]

Add Schlage to the list of locks that the repeater the OP referred to as not working with. Sirens fixed the problem.

[jayhova]

I have a new setup and a Schlage Connect lock was my first device. My ISY is in the basement not too far away from it and adding the Aeotec repeater made the lock reliable. Before adding it functionality was hit or miss. I guess your results may vary...