Adding z-wave

[JerseyJoe]

Hello... I've been running HS4 on a PC with my Insteon hub/devices. I want to add z-wave. Will a z-wave plus usb stick do the job, or should I get the z-net network z-wave plus controller? Price really isn't an issue. TIA!

JJ

[ewkearns]

I would recommend the z-net network z-wave plus controller over the sticks.

[drhtmal]

Z-net is your best bet

[Wade]

It depends on your needs. For a relatively small coverage area, and especially if your HS server is centrally located, a z-wave USB stick will likely do everything you need it to do. OTOH, if you have a large area to cover and/or you need to cover areas not proximate to your server, a z-net may be best. I have 2 z-nets and a Smartstick+ in my home of ~4,400sf on 2 floors (metal lath and plaster walls). An advantage of the z-nets is you can move it closer to a device (e.g., an installed door lock or light switch) should you need to re-include it for any reason, although if your HS server happens to be a laptop you would be able to do it with a USB stick as well. Perhaps just as important as your controller selection will be development of your z-wave mesh. The more devices you add to your mesh the better it will perform--regardless of which type of controller you go with.

[ksum]

I have a USB stick but have a USB extension cable to get the stock to a better location.

[JerseyJoe]

Thanks everyone! I ordered the z-net. Thought maybe it will be a little more flexible as my HS pc is in the corner of an upstairs room.

[JerseyJoe]

I received the Z-Net. The first instruction is to click the UPDATE button. There IS no update button. Anyway, I continued to add it to my HS4. Everything seemed to go OK. It recognizes it and such. When I try to add the Kwikset lock, it errors out. I powered it on/off, enabled/disabled the interface, put it 2" from lock, and it still can't find it. Also, do I need to add my SSID/password if I'm going to run it wireless? I opened a ticket with HS support but figured I would try here also.

[ewkearns]

I received the Z-Net. The first instruction is to click the UPDATE button. There IS no update button.

I don't think the "Update" button will show up if there is no current update.

Anyway, I continued to add it to my HS4. Everything seemed to go OK. It recognizes it and such. When I try to add the Kwikset lock, it errors out. I powered it on/off, enabled/disabled the interface, put it 2" from lock, and it still can't find it.

Problems I have encountered:

1. Weak batteries
2. Distance from Z-Net (2" might be too far away)
3. Bad Lock (Don't trust refurbished units.)

I think best practices dictate that you "Remove" the lock (or any node) before installing.
Are you installing the lock in secure mode?

Also, do I need to add my SSID/password if I'm going to run it wireless? <snip>

Yes. Fix this first, then try again.