Has anyone tried the GE Zwave on/off controller and been satisfied with it as a repeater?

[nwchicago]

Has anyone tried the GE Zwave on/off controller plug-in module?

It's only $27 on amazon.  I'm hoping it is helpful as a repeater and the on/off control could be helpful if I ever really needed to plug anything into it.

 

Essentially i'd like to expand my zwave network and am hoping to extend it close enough to a garage door to enable a zwave lock.

 

Here's the link on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/GE-Wireless-Lighting-Appliance-12719/dp/B0013V58HU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492520438&sr=8-1&keywords=GE+Z-Wave+Wireless+Smart+Lighting+Control+Appliance+Module

 

Please let me know your experience.

 

Thanks.

 

Chicago

[andyf0]

The reason these GE products are cheap is because they've been superseded by GE Z-Wave Plus devices (https://byjasco.com/products/category/home-automation-security/z-wave). I wouldn't buy a non Z-Wave Plus device anymore.

 

To answer your question, no, these devices will not repeat the secure signaling required for Z-Wave locks.

[Harvvm]

Check out the Zooz smart plugs. If you buy them from thesmartesthouse.com they are a little cheaper than Amazon. $29 last time I checked.

[nwchicago]

Thanks, Andy and Harv!!

 

I just called Jasco the OEM who makes and resells the GE wireless on/off plug module, Linda from technical support confirms that the original zwave plug-in does support secure inclusion and beam forming - she says it would work as a repeater up to 150 feet.  The specs on the new ZWave Plus products seem alot nicer - i have to admit that.  Linda says the zwave plus products have a range of 132 feet - so a little less.

 

Have either of you had hands-on experience with the GE wireless on/off module?

 

Thanks.

 

Chicago

[andyf0]

I think we can all agree that Linda needs to re-take her training.

 

Z-Wave Plus extended features include:

 

• Significant increased range - up to 150m (clear air)
• 50% improvement in battery life
• 250% more bandwidth
• Three F channels for improved noise immunity and higher bandwidth
• New Plug-n-Play Network-wide Inclusion feature
• Improved self-healing and fault tolerance with Explorer Frame feature
• Standardised method for Over the Air firmware updates (OTA)
• Improved product information capture for product certification database

 

I do have 2 of the On/Off modules and 6 of the dimmer modules. They work for me, but that's all I know about them. I have a significant Z-Wave network though which creates a fine mesh so their range really isn't a consequence for me.

 

The basic old Z-Wave modules have no scene classes which may not be important to you now, but as you build the network it is sometimes nice to associate modules together so they act together. Note. Don't think the ISY currently supports Z-Wave scenes.

[nwchicago]

Andy,

 

Thanks for the additional information.

I'm going to try the ones I ordered out and see how they perform.

 

I found the Aeotec Sirec did an incredible job extending my network to my furthest door.  I'd like to see if adding a few appliances on/off help with a door lock that has had poor zwave connectivity.  I don't really have a specific application for the on/off function - i just need the repeater.

 

n