MiOS - User contributions [en]

Help:Editing

2009-02-24T02:55:39Z

Drzeller: Added link to formatting help at MediaWiki pages.

Information about formatting wiki entries can be found on MediaWiki's home page at: [http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Formatting MediaWiki Help Pages]

Buttons Indicators

2009-02-24T02:49:01Z

Drzeller: Added warning to the Add Device section about hitting the reset button twice in a row, which results in restoration of the factory defaults.

The red and black buttons on the back of Vera are used to do a factory reset, remove the wi-fi password, and add/remove Z-Wave devices. The power light on the front indicates the current status.

== Power light indicator ==

'''Normal bootup:''' When turning on Vera the power light will come on for a second or so when the power is first connected. But then it will remain off while Vera is starting up, except for 1 brief flash. Once Vera has finished booting up and is ready to go, the power light will either be on solid, or double flash.

'''Solid = OK:''' When the power light is on solid that means Vera was able to get an internet connection on the WAN port and everything is ok.

'''Double blink = No internet:''' If the power light starts to double blink (blink twice, pause, blink twice, etc.), that means Vera is ready to go, but was unable to get an internet connection on the WAN port, so remote access and findvera will not work. See [[Quick_Start_Hardware]] for details.

'''Slow, steady blink = Firmware is corrupted:''' When you connect the power, if the power light starts blinking slow and steady right away, this means the firmware is corrupted and Vera cannot boot. This happens if you unplug Vera while you are upgrading the firmware. If it does, see [[Firmware_Flash]] for a utility to restore Vera's firmware.

== Hardware reset & wi-fi password ==

'''Black button = factory reset:''' If you wait until Vera has booted up and the power light is either on solid or double flashing, then you can double click the black button to restore Vera to the factory default state. See: [[Factory_Reset]]

'''Red button = unsecure wi-fi:''' By default Vera's wi-fi comes turned on, and the highest security setting, WPA2, is on by default. Most recent laptops and wi-fi devices can connect with WPA2. If you cannot connect with WPA2, you can either connect your computer directly to the LAN ports on the back of Vera, or you can double-click the red button. That temporarily removes any encryption on the wi-fi network so you can connect wirelessly to Vera in order to access Vera's Net & wi-fi setup page to reconfigure the wireless networking. Note that this is only a temporary change. As soon as you change the wi-fi settings, or unplug Vera and plug it in again, the network settings will return. Remember that when you double-click the red button and thereby remove the wi-fi network security, Vera's network is unsecure and anybody within 100 feet or so of Vera can connect.

== Adding/Removing Z-Wave devices ==

Normally you add ZWave devices by removing Vera's black Z-Wave dongle as explained [[Devices|here]], or you add ZWave controllers as explained [[ZWave_Add_Controller|here]]. You can also add/remove Z-Wave devices without removing the dongle by choosing [[ZWave_Options]] on Vera's setup page. Or, you can do this with the red and black buttons as explained below. This may be necessary when you want to add Z-Wave door locks or similar secure devices. This is because when you add a secure Z-Wave device, at the same time the device is being added, Vera needs to exchange encryption keys with the device. If you remove Vera's Z-Wave dongle to add devices the normal way, Vera is not able to exchange these keys. You can add them from the [[ZWave_Options]] page, but that means you need a PC computer with a web browser connected to Vera so you can access Vera's setup site. This may not be practical if you want to pair a secure device you have already installed in your home, like a Z-Wave door lock, because Vera must be within a few feet of the door lock in order to pair it. The solution is to disconnect Vera, take Vera near the door lock, plug Vera in (use an extension cord if necessary), and use the red and black buttons on the back of Vera to do the pairing.

'''Hold down black button and tap red = Add ZWave device:''' Press and hold the black button. While it is held down, tap and release the red button. Then let go. Be careful not to hit the black (reset) button twice in a row, as this will reset the router to the [[Factory_Reset|factory default]] configuration. Vera's power light on the front will starting to blink slow and steady, about 1 time per second. This means Vera is ready to add another device. Vera will stay in this mode for 60 seconds, after which time the power light will return to normal. Each time you successfully add a device, the power light will flutter for 2 seconds to let you know it was successfully added. When you are done adding devices, you can either wait until the 60 second timeout when the power light returns to normal, or tap the black button once to stop the 'add mode'. Once you stop the 'add mode', or it times out, wait 10 seconds before disconnecting Vera's power.

'''Hold down red button and tap black = Remove ZWave device:''' Press and hold the red button. While it is held down, tap and release the black button. Then let go. Vera's power light on the front will starting to blink fast and steady, about 3 times per second. This means Vera is ready to remove, or reset a device. See [[Reset_Node]] for an explanation of this. Vera will stay in this mode for 60 seconds, after which time the power light will return to normal. Each time you successfully remove a device, the power light will flutter for 2 seconds to let you know it was successfully reset. When you are done reseting devices, you can either wait until the 60 second timeout when the power light returns to normal, or tap the black button once to stop the 'reset mode'. Once you stop the 'reset mode', or it times out, wait 10 seconds before disconnecting Vera's power.

'''IMPORTANT NOTE:''' When you are adding/removing devices 'blindly' this way, without being able to see the ZWave status on Vera's setup page, you won't be able to see when the Z-Wave network is actually ready to add/remove devices. Just like when you're using the web interface, there are times that Vera is busy configuring the ZWave network and cannot add/remove devices. So, if you press the button sequence above and Vera's lights do not start flashing to indicate Vera is in add or remove mode, wait 30 seconds, and if the light doesn't start flashing, try the button sequence again. Also remember that if you are unable to add a device, it's possible the device is already paired with another Z-Wave network. In this case you must reset it first by putting Vera in 'remove/reset' device as explained above. See also: [[Reset_Node]].

Schlage Lock

2009-02-24T02:44:51Z

Drzeller: Added warning about hitting reset button twice in a row, resulting in the factory defaults being restored.

=Setup=

NOTE: If you purchased your Vera before December, 2008, in Vera's setup page go to Devices, Z-Wave options, and look at the 'Version'. If the version is 2.40 your dongle does not have the security class implemented. Send a support request at micasaverde.com, support, with your serial number, name, address and email. We will send you a replacement dongle.

NOTE: You also need firmware version 1.0.500 or greater. Go to advanced, download and confirm the version of your firmware.

You cannot add these types of secure devices the normal way of removing Vera's black Z-Wave dongle. You must add them with the dongle attached, and the device must be within a few feet of Vera when you add it. Do this either from the [[ZWave_Options]] page, or, if the door lock is already mounted, bring Vera near the door lock, plug Vera's power into a nearby outlet so Vera is within a few feet, and use the red/black buttons as explained in 'Adding/Removing ZWave devices' here: [[Buttons_Indicators#Adding.2FRemoving_Z-Wave_devices|Adding/Removing Z-Wave devices with the red/black buttons]]. This allows you to add the device without your web browser and without having to connect Vera's network cables. Note that even if Vera's network cables are not connected, the wi-fi is still active. So you can also connect to Vera over wi-fi, and visit http://192.168.81.1, to control and test the door lock without connecting Vera back up again to your home network.

Adding a secure device like the Schlage lock takes longer than adding a normal, non-secure device because Vera needs to share encryption keys with the device. When the Schlage lock is successfully paired and the secure network has been setup, the 'Schlage' button on the front of the lock will blink green. To make the Schlage lock pair, enter the 6 digit program code followed by 'schlage' 0.

To control the lock, use the lock/unlock buttons. Because the current Schlage locks are not motorized, the lock and unlock buttons do not actually move the deadbolt. Rather they simply engage the latch, just like when you enter your PIN code. To allow remote access you can choose Vera's lock/unlock command when the person is in front of the door, and he will have a couple second to manually turn the latch. Or you can create a user code for him. Do this by entering a code number in the box on Vera's control page, and then the PIN number, and choosing 'Set'. The code number is just a 'slot'. It must be a number between 3 and 10. So you can assign 8 codes. The PIN codes remain active until you remove them. To remove a PIN code, enter the code number (3-10), leave the PIN blank, and click 'Set'.

NOTE: The lock is not ready to be used until you see the green cog meaning it's configured ok (see [[Device_Control_Status]]). It can take Vera several minutes to configure the lock because a lot of encrypted data is being exchanged in the process. Whenever you rename the lock, change its room, or change configuration settings (other than assigning PIN codes), Vera will need to re-configure the lock again.

The typical sequence to pair the Schlage lock is:

1. Disconnect Vera and move Vera close to the Schlage lock. Power up Vera using the nearest outlet.

2. When Vera's power light comes on and starts double flashing, which means Vera is up but has no internet connection, hold down the black button on the back of Vera while tapping the red button. Be careful not to hit the black (reset) button twice in a row, as this will reset the router to the [[Factory_Reset|factory default]] configuration. Vera's power light blinks steadily 1 time per second. Wait up to 30 seconds for Vera's power light to start blinking like this, and if it does not, repeat this sequence until it does.

3. Once Vera's power light is blinking steadily, meaning it's in 'add node' mode, then on the Schlage lock's keypad, enter the lock's program code followed by [schlage] + 0.

4. If the lock was successfully paired, Vera's power light will flutter, and shortly thereafter the 'schlage' light on the lock will blink green twice. Reconnect Vera back where it belongs.

If the lock does not pair for some reason, repeat the process. If it still does not pair, try resetting the lock as follows:

A. If Vera is still in 'add mode', meaning the power light is blinking slow and steady, tap the black button once.

B. Press and hold Vera's red button while you tap the black button. Vera's power light will blink fast steadily, about 3 times per second. Wait up to 30 seconds for Vera's power light to start blinking like this, and if it does not, repeat this sequence until it does.

C. On the Schlage lock's keypad, enter the lock's program code followed by [schlage] + 0.

D. The lock should beep and the 'Schlage' button on the lock should blink twice. If it does not, try again starting with step A. Then, when you have successfully reset the Schlage lock, go back to step 1 above and try again to include it in Vera's Z-Wave network.

=Usage=

==Lock/Unlock==

You can lock/unlock the doorlocks and deadbolts the same way you turn on/off a light. Note that with the doorlock, it can be locked and unlocked remotely. But with the deadbolt, Schlage designed it so someone has to physically turn the deadbolt knob to engage/disengage the deadbolt. When you choose either the lock or unlock button, the deadbolt knob is engaged for 10 seconds so someone can turn it, and then after 10 seconds, it's disengaged gage. So you cannot remotely lock or unlock the deadbolt. What you can do is wait until someone is at the door, then at that moment, click lock or unlock and tell them to turn the deadbolt. Similarly, to remotely lock the deadbolt, there has to be someone at the door to do it. This is the design of the Schlage deadbolt, and the function is the same with Schlage's bridge because there is no motor to lock/unlock the deadbolt.

==Controlling the lock with handheld remotes and scene controllers==

You can add handheld remotes and scene controllers and choose the option "Manage scenes as events". Then you can create a scene which locks a door, as well as doing other tasks, and tie it to the button on the remote or in wall scene controller. See [[ZWave_Add_Controller]] method #2. So you can create a 'go to bed' scene, for example, which is button 1 on your scene controller, and which locks all the doors and turns off the lights and thermostats. For your security, we only allow you to 'lock' the doors using a handheld remote or scene controller. You cannot 'unlock' them with this technique because remotes and scene controllers are not secure devices and, therefore, there is the risk that an intruder could impersonate your handheld remote or scene controller. To unlock the doors, you must do this using the web interface or mobile phone interface.

==Scenes and events==

The door locks fire events when the door is locked/unlocked, as well as when a user enters a pin code, and also when someone enters the wrong pin code 3 times in a row. You can create a scene, attach one of these events to the scene, and check one of the notify user boxes if you want to be notified of these events.

==Changing user codes==

To create codes, type in a description name in the 'code named' box. For example, "John" or "Pool service". Then type in the PIN code and click 'set'. It may take up to 60 seconds for Vera to confirm the code was set, and once it does, you will see the new code (ie "John" or "Pool service") listed next to the device with a 'remove' button. Click 'remove' to cancel that code. Again, it may take 60 seconds for Vera to confirm the code was removed before it disappears from the list. Just be patient, and try again if, after 60 seconds, Vera could not confirm the code was added or removed. If there are already codes in the lock that you added yourself or using another Z-Wave controller, they will be shown as "Code 1", "Code 2", etc., and there is a 'remove' button to remove them.

For your security, Vera does not keep the codes.

=Security concerns=

See: [[Security_Concerns]]

Set Up Timers

2009-02-24T02:25:27Z

Drzeller: Changed reference to Automation tab to Scenes tab

An timer is how you tell Vera to do certain things either at fixed intervals, like every 15 minutes, or at certain times, like Wednesday's and Friday's at 8:30, or on December 20 at 11:00. For more on this, see [[Automation]].

To add a timer, click the [[Scenes|scenes]] tab, add a new scene, and click 'Add Timer' to define when the scene should be triggered.

Next choose the type of timer. Your choices are:

Interval based: For example, do something every x minutes, or every other hour. The minimum interval is 1 minute. There is no maximum. Specify the interval in hours or minutes.

Day of week based: For example, do something at 7:00 and 9:00 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. You can check off what days of the week you want this occur, and tell Vera what time of day. You can specify multiple times, separated by commas. For example, check off Monday and Wednesday and put in 7:00, 9:00, 21:00 to do this at those three times on Monday and Wednesday. You can specify the time in either 12-hour or 24-hour format, so you could also put in: 7:00am, 9:00am, 9:00pm.

Day of month based: For example, do something at 8:00 on the 1st and 15th of each month. As explained above in "Day of week based", you can enter multiple times and use 12 or 24 hour.

Absolute: For example, do something on 5 Mar 2005 at 11:15. Use this timer to do something one time, at a certain time.

After you specify the options for the timer, you can tell Vera what you want her to do at those times, in exactly the same way you do when creating a [[Scenes|scene]]. As explained in the [[Scenes|scene]] instructions, you can tell Vera to do something with a device and then after a period of time, do something else, such as: turn on the garage light and 30 seconds later turn it off again.

Set Up Events

2009-02-24T02:23:33Z

Drzeller: Changed reference to Automation tab to Scenes tab

An event is how you tell Vera to do certain things in response to some event. For more on this, see [[Automation]].

To add an event, click the [[Scenes|scenes]] tab, add a new scene, and click 'Add Event' to define what should trigger the scene.

Then choose the type of event. The most common options are: Sunset, sunrise, a sensor is tripped, and an armed sensor is tripped. For sensor tripped events, you will be asked to choose which sensor(s) should trigger the event.

You can then check off which users should be notified when the event occurs. These are the people you created on the [[Users|users]] tab, and Vera will use the contact information (SMS/Email) you provided on that tab.

After you specify the options for the event, you can tell Vera what you want her to do when that event occurs, in exactly the same way you do when creating a [[Scenes|scene]]. As explained in the [[Scenes|scene]] instructions, you can tell Vera to do something with a device and then after a period of time, do something else, such as: turn on the garage light and 30 seconds later turn it off again.

Learn how to use events to setup a home security system: [[Intro_Security|click here]]