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(More customer reviews)I just purchased the Schlage Link from amazon.com, got it yesterday, and followed the instructions exactly. Watch out. It's a trainwreck. Here's the rundown step by step:
1. After pairing the bridge to my schlage lock and lamp module, I went online to register. Before you can do ANYTHING, before you can even test that the box is working, you must give them a credit card which they charge up front and enroll you in a monthly subscription. You can't do anything without paying them monthly, and there's no trial period or anything to see that the device works before you enroll. And they told me on the phone this subscription enrollment is non-refundable even if the device doesn't work and I return it to Amazon. So, the bottom line is, I had to start paying them up front just to find out that the product is totally broken.
2. When you try to pay them, the web browser (firefox) gives warnings that Schlage's online security certificate is not properly setup. The only way to proceed is to click "exceptions", even though Firefox warns you that you should never do this and no legitimate company will ask you to. Screen shot attached. If Schlage doesn't even have the technical skills to secure their online credit card page and keep my credit card safe, something every mom and pop etailer can do, how on earth do they expect me to trust that their lock entry system is safe? Clearly they don't trust themselves since, the first step of the online process, requires you to accept terms and conditions that waive any responsibility on their part, even if they are negligent.
3. During the setup I chose to have them send the cell phone app to my Blackberry. The cell phone app, also, does not have a security certificate and the Blackberry warns you that it's unsigned and untrusted.
4. Right now, you cannot use the Schlage link with ANY cameras or thermostats or sensors or scene controllers or handheld remotes or any of the other hundreds of ZWaves devices out there, except basic lamp modules. Schlage confirmed this when I called their support line. They said that in a few months they will sell a Schlage brand camera and it will work with their camera, but not with 3rd party IP cameras. So my Panasonic IP cameras will not work at all and I have to buy all new Schlage cameras; which, btw, don't appear to have pan/tilt/audio and other stuff like the Panasonic.
5. At this point I've resigned that this bridge will, basically, just allow me to control the Schlage lock, and for everything else I will need another gateway. But, wait, it gets worse. The web interface at Schlage's site says my bridge is disconnected. But that's wrong. It ---IS--- connected. And I can login to my dhcp server and see that it's getting an IP. So it is plugged in and working. There is NOTHING in Schlage's documentation to explain this. The green light on the bridge is blinking 3 times. But there is nothing to indicate if this is normal, or an error. So I call Schlage's customer support line. I get bounced around between low level operators who know nothing more than to read trouble shooting guides. They ask stupid questions that prove they don't know what they're talking about. They ask me to try removing/reinserting the ethernet cable. At this point the bridge locks up; all the lights stop working. We need to remove the battery to get it working again. Then we need to exclude and pair again the lock and lamp module. Still nothing. They tell me to get a longer ethernet cable (mine is 6') so I can move the Schlage bridge further from my network router. Huh??? It's not a wi-fi device, it's hardwired. What's that about? They can't give me a technical explanation, just saying it's on their trouble shooting guide that the Schlage should not be too close to the router. After an hour on the phone, they say that an engineer will need to look into it and get back to me. They can't give me a timetable. And they don't have any answer about getting back the money they charged me up front for their subscription.
Bottom line: the lock works as a lock. You can lock/unlock it with a key and with the pin pad. But the bridge is a joke. It doesn't work at all. And it's impossible to troubleshoot because, although the bridge gets an IP address, it doesn't run a web server or telnet or anything else to let you log into the bridge itself and see what's wrong. All you can do is login through schlage.com and see that "the bridge is disconnected". Therefore, without a way to talk to the bridge locally on my network, and with the bridge unable to connect to schalge's online service, I seriously doubt they'll ever be able to get it working and imagine it's just a black brick. After all, if the Schlage bridge is too buggy to get a network connection and find the Schlage server, how will it ever upgrade, since there's no way for me to talk to it over my local network.
The part that pisses me off the most is that I had to pay up front for their stupid subscription just to find out this thing doesn't work and can't get my money back! So watch out!
Click Here to see more reviews about: Schlage LiNK Wireless Keypad Deadbolt Starter Kit System, Bright Brass
Home security just got smarter.Proven Schlage security with innovative remote-access means a whole new level of freedom for your family.With Schlage LiNK, you're in charge--even when you're away.It's simply genius.
The Schlage LiNK solution gives homeowners the ability to remotely manage access to their homes via most web-enabled computers or cell phones for a low monthly fee*. With this service, homeowners can also receive text or email alerts when someone enters the home. Monitor entry and receive electronic notifications.Schlage LiNK sends emails and text messages so you know who's home, and it allows you to confirm the status of your system from anywhere.As long as you have a cell phone or computer, Schlage LiNK lets you stay in touch and in control.
Schlage LiNK allows you to unlock your door remotely from your cell phone or computer, assign and manage a personal code for each user, and give every family member a code they can remember.
Everything you need to get started is included in this kit: 1 Schlage LiNK Keypad Deadbolt, 1 Bridge Device, and 1 Light Module.
*A minimal monthly subscription fee is required.Even if you choose not to subscribe, Schlage LiNK will still function as a keypad lock or keypad deadbolt.
Schlage LiNK Features and Benefits
What is Schlage LiNK? Access to home. Access to freedom.
In many ways, Schlage LiNK is like our other keypad locks. It uses proven Schlage construction derived from a rich heritage in commercial security. But there's another side to Schlage LiNK - one that brings you a whole new level of freedom.
Schlage LiNK allows you to remotely monitor your doors and grant entry to your home. From any computer or cell phone with an internet connection, you can unlock your door, monitor who's coming and going, and even receive text message alerts from the system.
What's more, because Schlage LiNK provides fully encrypted communication between the lock and the user (similar to the security used in on-line banking) your access and online information is safe and secure.
From installation and setup to everyday usage, Schlage LiNK makes home security easy for today's busy families.
Schlage's rich heritage in commercial security can be found in every product we sell. When you safeguard your home and family with Schlage, you ensure security as well as peace of mind. And our wide selection of elegant styles and finishes helps you complement your décor.
How It Works Schlage LiNK System Components It works like this:
Through your computer or cell phone, the Bridge receives a signal from your home's wireless network.
The Bridge sends another wireless signal to the lockset.
The door unlocks.
Computer and Wireless Phone Interface
A user-friendly interface is at the heart of the Schlage LiNK system and makes it easy to take advantage of all that Schlage LiNK has to offer. Simply log-on to your computer or internet enabled phone and you're in control. With just a few simple clicks you can unlock your door, see who's come home, and even add and delete user codes.
System Requirements FAQs
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