Mi Casa Verde Vera 2 Home Controller Review

Average Reviews:

(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).

Click Here to see more reviews about: Mi Casa Verde Vera 2 Home Controller

Vera is a powerful, flexible, multi-purpose controller with an intuitive interface for managing home and small business security systems, energy consumption, home theater equipment and many household electronics from the convenience of a Smartphone or computer.

Get 4% OFF

Click here for more information about Mi Casa Verde Vera 2 Home Controller

Read More...

Smarthome 2412N SmartLinc INSTEON Central Controller Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)**Sorry for the length of this but since the instructions on connecting to IPhone are hard to find, I added what I had to do so you know what you are getting**
I purchased the Smarthome 2412N with two Icon appliance modules (Icon is the economic version of the Insteon module). I was having problems with remote computer equipment that would freeze and require me to drive 50 miles to reboot. Now with SmartLinc, I can reboot the computers from anywhere. I also looked at the Schlage device but it was more expensive and required the door locking mechanism. I just wanted to control wall outlets.
The initial connection was extremely easy. I plugged the SmartLinc to the wall outlet that my DSL modem was plugged into and then actually use the pass-through to connect the DSL modem (it works with cable modem also but I am just saying what I did). I connected the SmartLinc to the modem, turned on the computer and followed the instructions. Hooking up each appliance module was simple. First, plug the module in a wall outlet. Use your browser on your home computer (connected to the same DSL modem) to connect to your Smartlinc device. DON'T FORGET TO SET UP A USER NAME AND PASSWORD! Ask the device to search for new modules. Press the button on the side of the module. And then you are connected. You can then test the module. I had no problems with either module.
Once you have the module setup, register your device. If you have a dynamic IP address, registering your device allows you to find the external IP address of your device when the address changes. [It can connect to your device only if you do not change your default port, but there is a work around below if you know the external IP address].
That is the simple part. Now the more difficult part, hooking up to your IPhone. First off, do this while at the SmartLinc device and turn on your IPhone WiFi connected to your network. Downloading the program from the ITunes store was easy. I just went to the App store application on my IPhone and typed "MobilLinc". I selected the Lite version (do this even if you plan to use Pro to make sure the program works for your situation before spending money). Once loaded on the phone, though, the problems began. You first need to put in your settings. I will save you some trouble by telling you that your Host Type is 2412N (this is not the default so you need to change it). The Username and password are the ones you set up for your device and not your IPhone or PC username and password (i would suggest using the same but then all the IT people will yell at me about security..it is just power outlets). Next, enter the local connection for your Smartlinc (the 192.***.***.** number) and if you used the Smartlinc default, you will be using port 80. If you have a wireless network with a password (like mine), you will be asked for that password when you try to sync. At this point, don't bother with external. Change the connect method to "Internal Connect" and try syncing. If it works, great, if it doesn't, then you need to visit the SmartLinc forum or call technical service. [Hey SmartLinc...you really could just put this all on a web page to make it easier for everyone].
Once that is set, then try your external connect. For me, my port 80 was already set for another device, so I had to change the external port. I also had to turn off my WiFi as this did not work when I connected to the internet when connected to the same network as the SmartLinc. The external http:// address may be difficult if you have one that changes, but I have an external fix address that follows my dynamic address. This is where you really need to be a computer whiz to make this work, but if you can find a friend or be patient with tech service, you can probably get through it. [This can and should be improved as it would be easy for SmartLinc to set up a way to control applications through a secure web page at their site].
Now since I only have two devices, I am able to get away with not upgrading to MobiLinc Pro. The ModbiLinc Lite is meant to test your connection and only allows One Scene and One Device. I was able to work around by connecting one of my devices in "My Scenes" and the other I cannot using "My Device". If you have more than two, you will need to pay the upgrade, but it is less than $20.
HOWEVER, IF YOU HAVE WEB BROWSING ON YOUR SMARTPHONE, YOU CAN AVOID ANY LIMITATION BY JUST CONNECTING DIRECTLY TO THE SMARTLINC USING YOUR EXTERNAL ADDRESS FOLLOWED BY A COLON AND THAN YOUR POT NUMBER. As an example, if my external address was 75.253.1.19 and I used port 8182 (instead of 80) as my SmartLinc port forwarding port. I can connect to the device from any browser anywhere by typing 75.253.1.19:8182 (don't forget the "http://" before the IP address) and I get all the functions as if I was at home. Still MobiLinc is a neat little application.
I am extremely happy with the way things work once I got through the set-up. I can now control my remote site from anywhere and that is an amazing thing to say. Bravo to Smarthome!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Smarthome 2412N SmartLinc INSTEON Central Controller

Get 5% OFF

Click here for more information about Smarthome 2412N SmartLinc INSTEON Central Controller

Read More...

Belkin Conserve Switch F7C01008q Energy-Saving Surge with Remote Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Who would think one could be so enthusiastic about a power strip? Well, I was looking for something I didn't think was possible to find:
- slim design
- always on outlets along with the ability to truly power some off
- reasonable length cord
- decent remote control (both looks and function)
I got all of the above with this product. It is tucked away in a cabinet where I don't have to see it (and I don't have mikes of cord taking up the rest of the cabinet area), with my laptop in one of the "always on" outlets. BlackBerry, iPad, and my husband's phone charger are in the remote-controlled outlets. Every morning after I read the news on my iPad, I plug it in and use the remote. When our devices are charged, off go the outlets. The remote is slim and unobtrusive. I also can't complain about the price.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Belkin Conserve Switch F7C01008q Energy-Saving Surge with Remote

Belkin Conserve Switch - Energy Saving Surge with Remote (F7C01008q)

Click here for more information about Belkin Conserve Switch F7C01008q Energy-Saving Surge with Remote

Read More...