Jump to content

How to properly add Z-Wave to ISY994i / IR Pro?


gweempose

Recommended Posts

I just purchased a Schlage BE469 lock that I want to be able to control via the ISY and integrate into my scenes and programs. It is my understand that this will require the purchase of some additional items including:

 

A Z-Wave Assembly Kit (dongle)

The Z-Wave module

A Z-Wave range extender / repeater

 

Should I install the dongle in my ISY before adding the module, or does it not matter which order you do it in? Also, which range extender is best? Are people still recommending this Aeotec Gen5 Siren?

 

https://www.amazon.com/Siren-Gen5-ZW080-A17-Aeotec-Cert/dp/B00PKKM2HO/ref=pd_sim_60_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00PKKM2HO&pd_rd_r=ASBZ24Q0XN6XRXV93B3A&pd_rd_w=lLwyE&pd_rd_wg=MBg8N&psc=1&refRID=ASBZ24Q0XN6XRXV93B3A

 

Is one Z-Wave repeater enough, or is it better to have a couple of them? If I need more than one, what is a good option for a second device? Is there anything else I'll need to purchase in order to have reliable control of my lock?

 

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The order in which you install the Z-Wave module and a Z-Wave device doesn't matter, just like the order in which you install and ISY and Insteon device doesn't matter. The Gen5 siren and the Gen5 doorbell seem to be equivalent for security devices such as a lock.

 

One of those repeaters should be sufficient, but it all depends on your particular situation, that is the location of the lock, the repeater and the ISY. It's best to exclude a Z-Wave device once or twice before including it even if it has never been added. Include the repeater first.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I do not believe a range extender is necessaryin all cases. I do not have one, for example. The need for an extender is most likely dependent on local factors, including distance from ISY to the lock.

 

Depending on your budget tolerance and patience, you could try the lock first, adding the extender only if needed.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The order in which you install the Z-Wave module and a Z-Wave device doesn't matter, just like the order in which you install and ISY and Insteon device doesn't matter.

 

Cool. I was about to add the Z-Wave module to my ISY last night, but then I panicked that it would throw up some kind of error since there wasn't a Z-Wave board in it yet.

 

The Gen5 siren and the Gen5 doorbell seem to be equivalent for security devices such as a lock.

 

If it turns out I need two repeaters to make my system reliable, can I use two sirens or two doorbells, or does it have to be one of each?

 

It's best to exclude a Z-Wave device once or twice before including it even if it has never been added. Include the repeater first.

 

I've never used Z-Wave before, so I don't understand what this means. I guess it will make sense once I've added Z-Wave capability to the ISY. :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I do not believe a range extender is necessary in all cases. I do not have one, for example. The need for an extender is most likely dependent on local factors, including distance from ISY to the lock.

 

Depending on your budget tolerance and patience, you could try the lock first, adding the extender only if needed.

 

Thanks! I might as well give it a shot with just the lock. My ISY is located one floor up from the lock, but it's pretty much right above it, so it's not that far. Maybe I'll get lucky and it will work without any extra expense.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My first zwave.devive was that same lock. It is positioned less than 30 feet from the isy, (horiOntallt, not vertically). One unremarkable wall separated the two. No extender needed.

 

I am uncertain if the zwave antenna has any diriection designed in. My isy is mounted on a veetcal surface, with the LEDs facing up.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If it turns out I need two repeaters to make my system reliable, can I use two sirens or two doorbells, or does it have to be one of each?

 

 

I've never used Z-Wave before, so I don't understand what this means. I guess it will make sense once I've added Z-Wave capability to the ISY. :)

 

It doesn't matter which device you use but would suggest you purchase them based on future needs. Having one of each would be more useful then two sirens unless there is a pressing need. Two door bells would offer more value for the general populace I would think for day to day use.

 

Exclude / Include: Z-Wave seems to have this odd need where a device needs to be told to delete itself before ever being added / included into a controller. I liken this to a factory reset where it wipes the hardware and brings it to some known state for inclusion.

 

Best practices for Insteon has always been to hard reset all devices before deploying it. Just make this your SOP when you add any new Z-Wave device - its just a process.

 

My first zwave.devive was that same lock. It is positioned less than 30 feet from the isy, (horiOntallt, not vertically). One unremarkable wall separated the two. No extender needed.

 

I am uncertain if the zwave antenna has any diriection designed in. My isy is mounted on a veetcal surface, with the LEDs facing up.

 

The internal antenna is stated as more Omani directional vs the external antenna some have used which is more directional.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I just went to order the Z-Wave dongle from UDI's site, and I have to say I'm a little shocked. The kit is $44, but they want an extra $18 for UPS ground shipping. Can someone please explain to me how it can possibly cost this much to ship it via ground from California to Illinois. We're just talking about one small PCB, right?  :unsure:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I just went to order the Z-Wave dongle from UDI's site, and I have to say I'm a little shocked. The kit is $44, but they want an extra $18 for UPS ground shipping. Can someone please explain to me how it can possibly cost this much to ship it via ground from California to Illinois. We're just talking about one small PCB, right?  :unsure:

 

You don't want to even start the conversation as to how much the very same would cost to ship to Canada! 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I just went to order the Z-Wave dongle from UDI's site, and I have to say I'm a little shocked. The kit is $44, but they want an extra $18 for UPS ground shipping. Can someone please explain to me how it can possibly cost this much to ship it via ground from California to Illinois. We're just talking about one small PCB, right?  :unsure:

 

I'd call or email UDI. That shipping rate does seem high.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Cool. I was about to add the Z-Wave module to my ISY last night, but then I panicked that it would throw up some kind of error since there wasn't a Z-Wave board in it yet.

 

 

If it turns out I need two repeaters to make my system reliable, can I use two sirens or two doorbells, or does it have to be one of each?

 

 

I've never used Z-Wave before, so I don't understand what this means. I guess it will make sense once I've added Z-Wave capability to the ISY. :)

 

You can install, but you can't add a Z-Wave device without the module.

 

You can have any number of sirens and or doorbells, it doesn't matter which you choose.

 

Include and exclude are Z-Wave terms for add and delete.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Each Z-Wave device includes instructions for including/adding or excluding/deleting that particular device. Generally, you select include or exclude from the iSY Z-Wave menu and then hold or tap a button once or twice on the Z-Wave device.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I got the z-wave dongle from orchestrated home because they ship USPS much less expensive than UDI. In fact I was so P.O. about UDI's shipping charge that I emailed them criticizing them about being competitive ... yada yada and they sent me to orchestrated home ...

 

http://www.orchestratedhome.com/shop/pc/Z-wave-Radio-Add-on-Board-for-ISY-994i-p368.htm

Oh man, I wish I had read this before I ordered it from UDI. I did a quick Google search, but I wasn't able to find it for sale anyplace else. It is pretty crazy what UDI charges for shipping considering the thing can't weigh more than a couple ounces.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It should be noted lots of companies are offered *Preferred Shipping* prices based on volume per month / year. It may very well be the other company has received said discount because their sales / shipping volume meet that criteria. Also, lots of companies may only use one shipping company vs many: USPS, UPS, FedEx, Loomis, CanPar, Canada Post, Purolator, DHL, etc.

 

I see UDI as more of a production vendor and ships large quantities units in short bursts.

 

When compared to a retail store which must move dozens of products per day etc. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I ran the UPS shipping calculator on sending a package about the size and weight of the zwave module from California to a suburban Illinois location, with the specification the UPS pick it up from the sender's commercial location and delivering to a residential location....

 

6adc0f357c2f25dd5e609fe5e71105ea.jpg

 

Factor in packaging and time, the $18 seems pretty reasonable to me.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I ran the UPS shipping calculator on sending a package about the size and weight of the zwave module from California to a suburban Illinois location, with the specification the UPS pick it up from the sender's commercial location and delivering to a residential location....

 

6adc0f357c2f25dd5e609fe5e71105ea.jpg

 

Factor in packaging and time, the $18 seems pretty reasonable to me.

 

Thanks! I don't feel like nearly as much of a chump now. :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I installed the lock yesterday. It seems like a nice device, although I must say it doesn't appear to be built nearly as solidly as the Sunnect lock it is replacing. That thing was over engineered and built like a fricken tank. :)

 

After installing the Schlage, it dawned on me that I probably should have waited so I could add the lock to the ISY first. Should I temporarily move the ISY closer to the lock? I also have a Gen5 siren on the way, so my plan is to add the siren first. Perhaps that will give me a solid enough Z-Wave network that I won't have any problems adding the lock.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I installed the lock yesterday. It seems like a nice device, although I must say it doesn't appear to be built nearly as solidly as the Sunnect lock it is replacing. That thing was over engineered and built like a fricken tank. :)

 

After installing the Schlage, it dawned on me that I probably should have waited so I could add the lock to the ISY first. Should I temporarily move the ISY closer to the lock? I also have a Gen5 siren on the way, so my plan is to add the siren first. Perhaps that will give me a solid enough Z-Wave network that I won't have any problems adding the lock.

 

I would suggest you wait for the siren to arrive and add it do all the steps as outlined above. Once done do the very same for the lock set and you won't have to lug around the controller for this silly inclusion process.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi gweempose,

 

I just went to order the Z-Wave dongle from UDI's site, and I have to say I'm a little shocked. The kit is $44, but they want an extra $18 for UPS ground shipping. Can someone please explain to me how it can possibly cost this much to ship it via ground from California to Illinois. We're just talking about one small PCB, right?  :unsure:

As per the Wiki with bold IMPORTANT sign, we do not have good shipping rates for smaller packages AND we provide a link to Orchestrated Home. Would you be kind enough to peruse the Wiki and order accordingly? Here's the link for your reference:

http://wiki.universal-devices.com/index.php?title=Z-Wave:_Ordering/Assembly_Instructions#Ordering_Instructions

 

With kind regards,

Michel

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I was able to add a Schlage deadbolt to the ISY after installing it on a door about 30' distant, but communication wasn't reliable until I installed the siren.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi gweempose,

 

 

As per the Wiki with bold IMPORTANT sign, we do not have good shipping rates for smaller packages AND we provide a link to Orchestrated Home. Would you be kind enough to peruse the Wiki and order accordingly? Here's the link for your reference:

http://wiki.universal-devices.com/index.php?title=Z-Wave:_Ordering/Assembly_Instructions#Ordering_Instructions

 

With kind regards,

Michel

 

Michel, 

 

I appreciate you reaching out to me. Unfortunately, I missed the thing about shipping in the Wiki and ordered it from you guys. In fact, I already received a notice that it has shipped. No biggie. :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I wanted to follow up and let everyone know how awesome Michel is. He saw my posts in this thread and reached out to me via PM. I ended up receiving a refund of $4.50 for the shipping without even asking for it. Now that's what I call customer service!!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.


  • Recently Browsing

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      36.9k
    • Total Posts
      370.5k
×
×
  • Create New...