Z-Wave Question

[drvnbysound]

My home is ~1500 sq. ft. (single level) and has 3 doors with deadbolts, the front door and 2 doors that enter the home through the garage. I NEED to change the deadbolt on the front door as it's beginning to give us some fits. It's probably a simple mechanical issue and I could really just swap deadbolts with one of the doors in the garage as we RARELY use them, but why do "all that work" rather than upgrade to something automated. I have been looking at making the purchase for at least 1 (and possibly 3) of the Kwikset Z-Wave deadbolts. I would want to make the purchase before 5/31 as ASI has them on special until then. I dont plan on having any other Z-wave devices in the home - I dont have ANY now, and planned to go with UPB lighting at some point. That said, would the 1 (or possibly 3) deadbolts be reliable in the home if it was the only Z-wave device? I've read quite a few threads that stress more Z-wave devices the better reliability - I dont want to waste the $$ on a lock (or 3) if they arent going to be effective and reliable.

I have plans to purchase/install a OPII panel. However, I am not sure EXACTLY how I would interface with the deadbolts at this point, whether through a Z-Wave serial bridge to the panel (likely preferred) or a USB Controller on a server. This is can obviously be addressed later, but something that I also need to consider.

 

[JonW]

My home is ~1500 sq. ft. (single level) and has 3 doors with deadbolts, the front door and 2 doors that enter the home through the garage. I NEED to change the deadbolt on the front door as it's beginning to give us some fits. It's probably a simple mechanical issue and I could really just swap deadbolts with one of the doors in the garage as we RARELY use them, but why do "all that work" rather than upgrade to something automated. I have been looking at making the purchase for at least 1 (and possibly 3) of the Kwikset Z-Wave deadbolts. I would want to make the purchase before 5/31 as ASI has them on special until then. I dont plan on having any other Z-wave devices in the home - I dont have ANY now, and planned to go with UPB lighting at some point. That said, would the 1 (or possibly 3) deadbolts be reliable in the home if it was the only Z-wave device? I've read quite a few threads that stress more Z-wave devices the better reliability - I dont want to waste the $$ on a lock (or 3) if they arent going to be effective and reliable.

I have plans to purchase/install a OPII panel. However, I am not sure EXACTLY how I would interface with the deadbolts at this point, whether through a Z-Wave serial bridge to the panel (likely preferred) or a USB Controller on a server. This is can obviously be addressed later, but something that I also need to consider.

I'm in the same boat and interested in the same question. I have all UPB devices and just installed an OPII. I was thinking of adding a couple of the Z-Wave Kwikset locks and the Leviton Vizia RF RZC0P-1LW serial interface. I hadn't even considered reliability due to the lack of other Z-Wave devices repeating the signal. What's the max reliable distance that a couple of these locks would work with an RZC0P interface?

 

[Fiasco]

You can fix your mechanical deadbolt for under a dollar by shooting some graphite into the tumbler.... available at all hardware stores.

 

[drvnbysound]

You can fix your mechanical deadbolt for under a dollar by shooting some graphite into the tumbler.... available at all hardware stores.

... yes, but I wont be able to check its status (locked/unlocked) or control it remotely, so what's the fun in that?

 

[Rupp]

Z-Wave is a mesh technology so the more devices the better the coverage. Having said that many HomeSeer users are successful with their Z-Wave PC interface, and the Schlage locks. Those that had communication issues simply added a Schlage lamp module that supports the beaming technology to their network near the lock. Personally I had to add 2 lamp modules to get my communications reliable. One of my locks was about 60 feet from my controller. This information is when using the Schlage locks. The Kwikset locks haven't been tested in my environment yet.
The bridging device (ie lamp module) I mentioned are the RP200R - Z-Wave Lamp Module (Schlage LiNK) see here (bottom left) :
http://store.homeseer.com/store/Door-Locks-C184.aspx

 

[drvnbysound]

I'm in the same boat and interested in the same question. I have all UPB devices and just installed an OPII. I was thinking of adding a couple of the Z-Wave Kwikset locks and the Leviton Vizia RF RZC0P-1LW serial interface. I hadn't even considered reliability due to the lack of other Z-Wave devices repeating the signal. What's the max reliable distance that a couple of these locks would work with an RZC0P interface?

I did some searching today, mainly trying to decide if I wanted to go with the Schlage or the Kwikset model and I came across this .pdf that has some information on Z-wave communication signals (page 5) and specifically Z-Wave used in the Schlage device:

http://link.schlage.com/Documents/link%20s...m%20setup-b.pdf

Cliffs: "Walls will diminish the signal [obviously!]. Metal objects (such as refrigerators or file cabinets) will block the signal entirely. Also notice that the signals for the Light Module and the Lock are directional. The Lock and Light Module have a better chance of communicating if they are pointing at each other."

The single most reason that I wanted to a device like this is to eliminate giving keys to family members who can lose them, and secondly to be able to remotely grant access to my house to servicemen and to those family members who dont have keys and need access under special circumstances. At this point I am dropping the idea, simply because I do not plan to use any other Z-Wave devices in my home and don't believe the communication technology will work for me.

 

[Rupp]

Cliffs: "Walls will diminish the signal [obviously!]. Metal objects (such as refrigerators or file cabinets) will block the signal entirely. Also notice that the signals for the Light Module and the Lock are directional. The Lock and Light Module have a better chance of communicating if they are pointing at each other."

I can tell you from experience that I do not have my lamp module pointing toward the door as in my house this isn't possible. I only have one lamp module and it's in the center of my 2800 sq ft house and my locks simply work.

 

[rscott]

My home is ~1500 sq. ft. (single level) and has 3 doors with deadbolts, the front door and 2 doors that enter the home through the garage. I NEED to change the deadbolt on the front door as it's beginning to give us some fits. It's probably a simple mechanical issue and I could really just swap deadbolts with one of the doors in the garage as we RARELY use them, but why do "all that work" rather than upgrade to something automated. I have been looking at making the purchase for at least 1 (and possibly 3) of the Kwikset Z-Wave deadbolts. I would want to make the purchase before 5/31 as ASI has them on special until then. I dont plan on having any other Z-wave devices in the home - I dont have ANY now, and planned to go with UPB lighting at some point. That said, would the 1 (or possibly 3) deadbolts be reliable in the home if it was the only Z-wave device? I've read quite a few threads that stress more Z-wave devices the better reliability - I dont want to waste the $$ on a lock (or 3) if they arent going to be effective and reliable.

I have plans to purchase/install a OPII panel. However, I am not sure EXACTLY how I would interface with the deadbolts at this point, whether through a Z-Wave serial bridge to the panel (likely preferred) or a USB Controller on a server. This is can obviously be addressed later, but something that I also need to consider.

Can you provide a link to the locks that are on special until 5/31? I'm interested as well...

Thanks

 

[JonW]

drvnbysound - another option for you might be a door strike and the HAI card reader.

 

[drvnbysound]

Can you provide a link to the locks that are on special until 5/31? I'm interested as well...
Thanks

It can be found in the ASI deal thread here on Cocoontech, but here is a direct link:
http://www.asihome.com/ASIshop/promotions.php

 

[drvnbysound]

drvnbysound - another option for you might be a door strike and the HAI card reader.

Yeah, I had thought of that previous to seeing the locks, but I honestly think that would be a lot more work than I am willing to put forth for this effort.

Since seeing Rupp's last message I may still order a lock and test it out. Worse case, it doesn't work in my home and I have to sell it... nothing lost.

 

[mdiehl]

My home is ~1500 sq. ft. (single level) and has 3 doors with deadbolts, the front door and 2 doors that enter the home through the garage. I NEED to change the deadbolt on the front door as it's beginning to give us some fits. It's probably a simple mechanical issue and I could really just swap deadbolts with one of the doors in the garage as we RARELY use them, but why do "all that work" rather than upgrade to something automated. I have been looking at making the purchase for at least 1 (and possibly 3) of the Kwikset Z-Wave deadbolts. I would want to make the purchase before 5/31 as ASI has them on special until then. I dont plan on having any other Z-wave devices in the home - I dont have ANY now, and planned to go with UPB lighting at some point. That said, would the 1 (or possibly 3) deadbolts be reliable in the home if it was the only Z-wave device? I've read quite a few threads that stress more Z-wave devices the better reliability - I dont want to waste the $$ on a lock (or 3) if they arent going to be effective and reliable.

I have plans to purchase/install a OPII panel. However, I am not sure EXACTLY how I would interface with the deadbolts at this point, whether through a Z-Wave serial bridge to the panel (likely preferred) or a USB Controller on a server. This is can obviously be addressed later, but something that I also need to consider.

Depending on conditions (how many internal walls etc.), as long as the controller is within 50' or so of the locks or whatever you're controlling; you should be good. Going out to distances beyond say 50-70' using another module between (dimmer, etc.) as a repeater would be a good idea.

 

[drvnbysound]

I am posting a picture below of my floor plan with some exterior dimensions as a reference to the size. I have pointed out where the OPII will likely reside. I assume the Z-wave Serial Bridge would also reside in this location. I pointed out a couple of locations where I could place the lamp modules. I would probably have nothing plugged into them - and just using them as signal repeaters.

What is the chance that something like this would work well?

 

[nick_l]

You can fix your mechanical deadbolt for under a dollar by shooting some graphite into the tumbler.... available at all hardware stores.

... yes, but I wont be able to check its status (locked/unlocked) or control it remotely, so what's the fun in that?

With the Schlage locks, you cant actually lock or unlock it, only give the ability for it to be locked or unlocked. A person still has to be there to turn the knob (unless something has changed that I missed). the Kwikset units will be motorized and can be remotely locked & unlocked.

 

[drvnbysound]

With the Schlage locks, you cant actually lock or unlock it, only give the ability for it to be locked or unlocked. A person still has to be there to turn the knob (unless something has changed that I missed). the Kwikset units will be motorized and can be remotely locked & unlocked.

Correct. Quoted from another thread....

Kwikset uses a motor to extend and retract the bolt.

Schlage uses a clutch to enable/disable turning of the knob. This allows a person to turn the knob and extend/retract the bolt.