I received the package and was wondering why there was a remote. When I see a picture on Amazon I expect to get what I see. After further research the description does state PART NUMBERS which are actually 3 screw in light controls, 2 hardwired receptacles, and 1 remote. I don't mind the receptacles, but I would have rather had something else besides a cheap remote, arg :( The pic shows two plugin/portable receptacles and one hard wired receptacle. I want the vera3 and don't want to waste my time. This is why they do what they do, SHADY MARKETING to save a buck. Note this is not a Mi Casa Verde kit, but a third party vendor adding in 2 $18 hardwired receptacles, 1 $15 remote that GE makes similar for $6, 3 $17 light modules that have bad reviews. One could say not a bad deal, however the kit pictured has 2 $40 electrical outlet modules, one of which is outdoor; DON'T BE FOOLED. Now the question is if the Vera3 warranty is legit through this company since they have proven to be shady.
For example: The lamp module is a white box with 1 "on" button on the front of it, an LED, and prongs for plugging it into an outlet. It's also a Z-wave device, which means that in order to use it for its intended purpose, it has to be added to a Z-wave network. The Z-wave aspect of the product is what we in the industry refer to as "the point." As in, "The z-wave capability of this product is the point of its existence", and so on.
So: My experience with the product was to 1) pull it out of the packaging, and 2) investigate how to add it to a z-wave network. Not seeing any clues on the device itself, I refer to the included documentation. It reads as follows:
To turn the device on, press the "on" button. To turn it off, press the "on" button again. To plug it into an outlet, plug it into an outlet.
Well, DUH. How about some information about, oh, say, adding it to the network? Nothing.
As it happens, the MCV controller is smart enough to detect the device's presence when you tell it to "add a device". Maybe that's how you're supposed to do it. Not sure...
As for the MCV device itself. Not bad. It seems to work as advertised, and I like how it's a little Linux box you can SSH into and screw around with. I'm not overly fond of trying to write Lua code in an HTML text area, but whatever. I have a text editor. The Scene-editing interface is a bit clunky. Not exactly something you'd see on an Apple product. But it does work, once you figure it out.
Overall, the whole setup is far more reliable and useful than the X-10 play set I was using before.
Buy Mi Casa Verde Vera 3 - 7pc Z-Wave Bundle Now
It works well hooked up with the PC. Setup may need some technical know-how with routers, switches, and z-wave technology but is doable by experience. I was able to use every module except for the z-wave switched outlet module which I have yet to find a niche in my house.Read Best Reviews of Mi Casa Verde Vera 3 - 7pc Z-Wave Bundle Here
I replaced my Vera 1 with this Vera 3 a significant upgrade. This kit contains the network interface and some useful control modules. It cam well packaged and all items were as advertised. I have several Z-wave already installed and although it took time to re-install, the Vera 3 worked perfectly. Some IP cameras required technical help but they are now available on my PC or mobile phone. The conbination of controls (lights, sensors) and IP cameras provides a good security system and no monthly charge. Some networking experience helps but helpful videos and online help works. A great price for a good system.Want Mi Casa Verde Vera 3 - 7pc Z-Wave Bundle Discount?
Good bundle priceVera is great for really simple things, if you want to do more complex things you need to invest some serious time though.
The Intermatic ZWave devices dont have a pairing mode button. You need to turn the device on when pairing and it might take a few tries. I have not wired up the wall socket yet but its good to have.
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