Baby steps for adding Schlage FE469 to Z-wave network

[satwar]

I've just installed the z-wave circuit board into the ISY994i, and installed the UI module in the ISY.  My first question is, how do I know if the z-wave network is working on the ISY ?

When I go to add the lock, do I just follow the lock procedure, or do I setup through the ISY somehow ?  I have read that it's not a bad idea to perform a factory reset on the lock as the first step.

 

Thanks in advance

[mwester]

Probably before you add the lock (they seem temperamental devices), it'd be best to install your other z-wave devices first, in order to establish the mesh you'll need for the lock to work reliably.

When adding a device, it's best to attempt to "exclude" it first -- often that doesn't appear to do anything, but it helps to ensure the device isn't already added to some testing system they used at the factory, etc, etc.

When you get two or three non-battery z-wave devices added (battery-powered devices don't act as repeaters, and therefore aren't really part of the mesh), then add the lock -- use the same process (attempt an exclude first, then an include), but make sure that the z-wave option to include *securely* is set (so that the lock and the ISY exchange security keys at time of inclusion, which is required for the lock to function with the ISY).

[satwar]

Unfortunately I don't have any other z-wave devices

Are you adding the z-wave devices from the ISY console interface using "Add/Include Z-wave Device" ?

[mwester]

Yes, one adds z-wave devices from the ISY console.

It will be very unlikely that your lock will communicate reliably without additional z-wave devices.  You need a minimum number of devices to establish the mesh required for communications -- usually three or four, depending on the location of the ISY relative to the lock, and other factors.  But never fewer than three always-on devices (and the lock is a battery-powered device, and thus is not "always-on" -- so it doesn't count).

[MWareman]

Locks must enroll securely with the controller (ISY), and the zwave protocol requires secure enrolling be performed when the controller and device are very close together - often as little as 1 or 2 feet is required.

 

After enrolling, you can move them back.

 

However, I will caution that most people experience significant problems when the network consists of the ISY and one (or more) battery operated device(s), like locks or battery operated motion or open/close sensors - and no powered devices that correctly support secure mesh routing.

 

Sigma, the company behind zwave, strongly recommend a base network of the controller and at least two additional powered devices to create a base mesh. For this purpose I would get two of the Aeotec 6th gen devices and not look back.

 

 

 

 

[satwar]

Will a plug-in zwave range extender do the job ?

[lilyoyo1]

I would recommend reading the last few topics on locks that are on the zwave subforum.  There's enough information there that will allow you to make an informed decision on how best to proceed in your home. 

They already cover all that you are asking as well as what those who don't invest properly go through.

Edited April 18, 2018 by lilyoyo1

[MWareman]

Will a plug-in zwave range extender do the job ?

They didn’t for me. I used two Aeon Sirens - about the same cost as the repeater but they actually worked. The repeaters were junk. (Didn’t support secure repeating apparently)

[satwar]

11 hours ago, lilyoyo1 said:

I would recommend reading the last few topics on locks that are on the zwave subforum.  There's enough information there that will allow you to make an informed decision on how best to proceed in your home. 

They already cover all that you are asking as well as what those who don't invest properly go through.

I found the z-wave forum overwhelming, and difficult to assimilate.  Perhaps you could provide links to topics you recommend.

[lilyoyo1]

The second link on the zwave forum that says "What I've learned about shchlage locks and zwave"

[satwar]

6 hours ago, MWareman said:

 

They didn’t for me. I used two Aeon Sirens - about the same cost as the repeater but they actually worked. The repeaters were junk. (Didn’t support secure repeating apparently)

 

The Aeotec ZW117 Range Extender claims to be capable of connecting securely and supports beaming.

[mwester]

Please read the topics suggested -- the argument about the range extender has been beaten into the dust in the past; it's a shame to waste good electrons re-hashing that all over again!

[lilyoyo1]

Just to add to what Meester said, instead of focusing on what is in front of you, it would behoove you to simply read the other postings on the zwave forum anyway. Long term, the more you know and understand zwave, the greater ability you have to take advantage of your devices capabilities. 

Reading on other devices means you can take advantage of different use cases to expand what your home can do. For example, while you're inquiring about a repeater (regardless of which works better) having a siren not only repeats signals but can give you a back up alert system for someone opening the door. Maybe reading about a particular plugin module gives you an idea on how to verify kids use of a TV. You've just extended the range of your system and increased capability. 

It's easy to be lazy and take the quick route of hoping others simply answer your questions instead of doing research. However your doing yourself a disservice by not doing research. In doing so, you'll have a much stronger and robust system long term. 

[satwar]

Thanks for the help guys.  The learning curve for building a z-wave network was much steeper than I had anticipated.  There seem to be several options on building the z-wave network to operate my front door lock.  Time will tell what the best approach is, but I suspect a number of good solutions are available.  I have a very old house with steel mesh and wood lath plaster walls.  Relying on radio waves alone in my house will be very spooky, so I don't see much of a chance that I will expand the scope of the z-wave project beyond the door locks.

Insteon & ISY have worked very well for me, although I've needed and received generous support on ISY programing from time to time.

[lilyoyo1]

Being that your house is as you described, it would behoove you to invest in zwave in order to reliably talk to your lock. If that's not something you're willing to do, I wouldn't pursue using locks as you'll end up with more problems than you solve. 

[satwar]

Oh yes, I'll invest in whatever infrastructure is required to get the lock working.  I just meant that my z-wave project will be limited to achieving a fully functional front door lock.  I have two outlets within 6 feet of the door mechanism (one to the left and one to the right.) that would be very suitable for plug-in modules that have a security mode repeater function.

[MWareman]

The Aeotec ZW117 Range Extender claims to be capable of connecting securely and supports beaming.

It claims to, yes. But it doesn’t in my experience. I had three Aeotec Range Extenders to support two locks. Communication between ISY and the locks was hit or miss. I replaced them with two Aeotec sirens - and have not had a comm issue since.

Anecdotal for sure. Others have had the same experience.

[satwar]

Well I finally got my new  Schlage  lock working.  It certainly wasn't as easy as it should  be.  Kudos to the ISY wiki documentation for guiding me through the major steps of "Z-Wave Configuring Range Extenders and Door Locks".  The correct order of steps seems to be very iimportant

The Z-wave Aeotec Repeaters worked fine but it would sure help if the proper set of instructions was included in the box.  Fortunately the proper instructions were posted on the web site, and agreed with the ISY wiki.  For some reason the first try didn't work, it was connected, but not securely.  I excluded and then ran included and it came up securely on the second try.

I now had the Repeaters working, and tried to add the lock, but it wouldn't include, even after several includes and excludes.  I finally remembered someone posting that disconnecting the battery in the lock for a few seconds, and it worked immediately.

 

Edited May 3, 2018 by satwar