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(More customer reviews)I have seen so many up and down reviews for the Mi Casa Verde VERA2 controller that I was on the fence on whether or not I should buy one. The only other options for this kind of control are either relatively expensive or require a PC on at all times. This controller and system are VERY simple once you get them setup. I must admit that the directions were slightly incorrect. When you are FIRST programming your Zwave lights/sensors/etc, make sure that they are NOT included in any other network! Meaning, you will have to remove them from existing remotes/controllers FIRST. Then you can plug the battery operated Vera2 in and run around your house adding your devices. This was the tricky part for me... Vera2 instructions said that the Zwave light should turn on after 60 seconds of being plugged into the battery. The reality is, it took closer to 5 minutes. Then, once all devices are added you are to press the Zwave button and plug Vera2 into your router. After doing so and following the on screen system it said "No devices were found, Press OK". That was disappointing but once I clicked OK, I decided to log into my MIOS account and lone behold Vera added all my Zwave lights and sensors. Seemed a little bit tricky but I will manage.
From the MIOS page, you can label the switches, add timers, add events (when "blank" sensor is active, turn on lamp or send a text), the options seem endless. You can add as many scenes as you want and arrange your lights into rooms/levels of your house for easier control. MAKE SURE TO PRESS THE SAVE BUTTON WHEN YOU MAKE CHANGES IN MIOS!! That lesson took a bit to figure out. Also, you need to be patient when updating lights and controls and pressing on/off buttons. If it says "Sever Busy" wait 20-30 seconds before clicking other buttons.
Now for the true test. I wanted this control on my PHONE. I have an android phone so I tried the Home Buddy app (which was free). When connected to my WiFi in my house, the setup was easy. To get it working remotely was a little trickier but again, pretty self explanatory and took some trial and error. WOW!!! Now I can view the status of my lights, garage door, thermostat, doors, etc. ALL from my phone with a 3G, 4G, or any WiFi connection. PLUS, the system can be customized to send a text message if any event you select is triggered. Example; I have an event for "Leave Home" which turns off all lights in the house and "arms" motion sensors (turns them on). If a door sensor or motion sensor is triggered I will receive an instant text message. This is a nice piece of mind when away for business. My next add on will be the Kwikset Door locks which have a built in motor to lock/unlock the deadbolt for my front door. I love the control I have with Vera2 and use mine daily!
I'm not sure if others had problems with different Vera2 firmware updates that mine already had or if they did not have the knowledge for some tinkering but I had my system up and running in about 2-3 hours. That includes adding all my Zwave devices (which is the longest part).
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