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Guides to VERA PLEG and PLTS Plugins

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We've just added a number of guides showing how to use the popular VERA PLEG and PLTS Program Logic Plugins.

Why these Plugins?

The basic scene control in VERA can be a little restrictive and does't allow you to have conditional statements that need 'AND'. Previously the only solution was to use LUA code for these types of scenes.

For instance you may have a simple scene to turn on a light. Next you might want this scene to trigger when there's motion in the house (Motion1) or an exterior door is opened (DoorOpen2). And then you only want the light to turn on if it's dark outside.

For VERA, this is considered 'Advanced' programming, and until recently, the only way to create these types of scene was to use LUA code.

The PLEG and PLTS plugins for VERA enable you to more easily create complex scenes than is possible in the standard VERA scene editor - so you can create almost any scene that you need without resorting to LUA.

That's why we think these are probably two of the most useful plugins you can install on your VERA.

Guides.

We've created several guides to help you understand what the plugins are, how they help you, and how to use them.

  • VERA Program Logic Plugins

    This applications guide introduces the PLEG and PLTS plugins and shows how to install them on your VERA.

  • Using PLEG to activate lights based on light level

    This guide shows how to use the PLEG plugin to monitor a light sensor's value and control lights based on the ambient light level. This example can be applied to many situations that need 'less than' and 'more than' comparisons - controlling fans, ventilation, heating and lighting based on temperature, humidity, and light level.

  • Introduction to PLEG Basics

    This detailed guide by Rex Becket explains all the in's and out's of PLEG, including several examples of common scenarios where PLEG is invaluable.

  • Introduction to PLTS Basics

    Similar guide explaining all the details of the PLTS plugin.

VERA Plugins

Going forward we will use PLEG and PLTS in many or our guides to show you how to create complex scene control in VERA.

Mark.


Musaic Promises Hi-Fi Music And Home Automation

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We're always looking for new technology, and last week we had chance to meet up with a UK tech start-up - Musaic.

 

Musaic is a new kind of HiFi system made up of wireless speakers that you place around your home, designed from the ground up for sound quality and ease of use. Currently this market is served by the likes of Bose and Sonos, however, Musaic is approaching this from a different angle.

Musaic's aim is to make the Hi-Fi system part of the connected home, making it easy to control the system and your home from a single app.

High-End Hi-Fi

Firstly, Musaic is designed for True Hi-Fi sound quality. Each unit has been designed in London by some of the Hi-Fi industry's leading experts. It works with your home Wi-Fi to play music from your mobile devices, your Mac or PC, plus internet based streaming services such as Grooveshark, Aupeo, Rhapsody, Napster, SomaFM, Murfie and TuneIn. It can play almost any file type - including 24-bit files to satisfy the true audiophiles amongst you.

The Musaic units can be use separately around the home, each playing their own music or they can be combined so that you have the same music playing throughout the house.

But that's only half the story

Part of the Smart Home

Musaic has been designed to work with your home automation devices.

Right from the start, Musaic has been working with LightwaveRF. The Musaic players can control LightwaveRF lights and power sockets, creating the perfect ambiance to listen to music.

Choose the music, choose the lighting mood and then kick back and chill!

 

It's not just LightwaveRF, it will soon be expanded to work with Z-Wave and other home automation technologies. This means the system can be fully integrated into your smart home.

Musaic uses a technology technology called AllJoyn™ - a common language for the Internet of Everything. AllJoyn is the open source project that lets the compatible smart things around us recognize each other and share resources and information across brands, networks, and operating systems. Musaic are also founder members of the Allseen Alliance together with Qualcomm, HTC, LG, and Cisco...

As seen on...

Musaic Reviews

KickstarterKick Starter

Musaic are currently gathering funding on Kickstarter.

They already have fully working prototypes - we've seen them and they work beautifully.

They are well on their way to meeting the Kickstarter target, which will be used to take the Musaic players into production for an expected shipping date of August.

You can take part in the Kickstarter campaign by backing the Musaic project and making a pledge.

At Vesternet we're pretty taken with Musaic. We're always getting requests to integrate multimedia with home automation, and Musaic is a nice step in that direction. We're going to work with Musaic in testing the later prototypes and help them integrate it with Z-Wave and other home automation systems.

We'll keep you posted on the progress.

Mark

TKB UK Power Measuring Wall Plug - Now in Stock

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TKB Power Measuring Wall Plug UK at VesternetWe've just received the first batch of the TKB TZ88 wall plug.

What's so special about this?

The TKB TZ88 is the only UK style Z-Wave wall plug capable of controlling any appliance and measuring its power consumption.

The TZ88 wall plug can:

  • Control the appliance On/Off
  • Measure voltage, current and power factor
  • Report instant power (W) and accumulated power (KWh) consumption

No need to use an adapter as this fits a standard UK wall socket and plug.

You can now control your appliances and see how much power they're using - making your home smarter and giving you the chance to cut your energy bills!

In Stock Today!

As with all new devices, stock is limited, so place your order today to get it for the Easter weekend.

 

Mark

Should I use VERA UI6?

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VERA has recently released the beta version of UI6 - their new firmware for the VERA Lite and VERA3 controllers.

However, even though this hasn't been officially announced, VERA is informing all new VERA users to upgrade to UI6 rather than stay on UI5. This is causing some issues as UI6 currently doesn't fully support all devices, plugins or Apps. So in this post we'll take a quick look at VERA UI6 and whether it's right for first time users.

VERA UI6

The 6th version of the VERA firmware (UI6) is aimed at a more mass market (less technical) user than the previous versions, including the current UI5.

UI6 is designed to be more user friendly and is intended to make it easier to create scenes and configure devices. It includes set-up wizards for a number of devices to help configure them and it can use predefined 'Home' presets to automate your system, such as Home, Away, Night, Vacation etc.

It also includes a new remote access system that is intended to make it faster and more reliable to control your VERA network while you're away from home.

VERA UI6

UI6 uses a lot of UI5, in fact most of the new features in UI6 are a thin veneer on UI5. The new look and feel is built on top of UI5. And if you go to the advanced section of any device or scene you'll find the user interface changes to UI5.

So in that respect, UI6 isn't a whole new user interface, it's really a stepping-stone from UI5 (current) to UI7 (due end of 2014).

And this is where the problems start.

VERA hasn't formally announced UI6 and many 3rd party developers haven't had access to it until recently. This means that many plugins (one of the great things about VERA) don't work with UI6. The new remote access system isn't supported by most of the VERA smartphone apps, so remote access either doesn't work, or it's unreliable.

Should I use UI6?

Our view is no.

UI6 may become a good solution, but at the moment there are just too many issues for us to recommend using it.

If you're an existing UI5 user, we recommend you stay with UI5 and install UI5 updates as they become available - we know of at least one UI5 firmware update coming out in the next few weeks.

New Users

This is where it gets very confusing.

Even though UI6 hasn't been formally announced, new VERA users are prompted to register their new VERA at http://home.getvera.com - this immediately asks them to upgrade VERA's firmware to UI6.

And being a new user, they assume VERA knows best and do just that.

Once updated to UI6 they find issues with apps and plugins or just plain device capability. Also registering at the 'getvera' site creates a completely different account to one which would have been created if they used the UI5 route - making downgrading or using apps difficult or impossible.

Our Recommendation

We strongly recommend that you IGNORE the Quick Start Guide included in the VERA packaging.

Instead, stay with UI5 and register an account in the existing VERA server:

  • Go to cp.mios.com
  • Register a new user account
  • Log into your VERA and upgrade to the latest version of UI5 firmware
  • Do this by going to SETUP > Firmware
  • If there is an update available, VERA will prompt you to download and install it
  • The latest version available now is 1.5.622

If you follow these steps, you'll be using the latest UI5 and you won't be missing out on anything. Later, If you decide to upgrade to UI6, that's fine as you'll be doing it in a controlled way and you'll be fully aware of the consequences.

This is our view from what we've seen over the last couple of weeks. I'd be glad of any feedback or comments you have.

VERA QS - Ignore

If you've already updated to UI6 and would like to know how to downgrade or what the latest version of UI5 is, take a look at these Knowledgebase articles.

 

Mark.

Multimedia Control with iTach

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iTach at VesternetMultimedia is a growing area within home automation. Being able to control your cinema and AV equipment at the same time as your lights and power makes a lot of sense.

Many of the new appliances can be controlled via HTTP commands from the home automation controller. But the vast majority of multimedia products still use good old IR remote controls - so the home automation system needs to be able to control these appliances using IR (Infra-Red).

This is actually very easy using the Global Cache iTach IR Adapters. These adapters allow your home automation controller to send commands to the iTach, and the iTach then sends the IR command to your appliance.

It's a very easy to use solution, once you understand how to make your controller talk to them.

So we've created a number of Application Guides and Knowledgebase articles explaining iTach and how to use them with the VERA and Fibaro Z-Wave controllers.

The iTach devices are a great solution for any IR appliance, not just multimedia devices.

See you soon

Mark.

TKB TZ88 - Automated Home Review

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AH TZ88 Review

Just over a week ago we released the TKB TZ88 - the only UK style Z-Wave wall plug capable of controlling any appliance and measuring its power consumption.

Since then these have been flying off the shelves, in fact, we're down to the last few from the first batch and customer feedback has been great.

Vesternet's Martyn Wendon has put the TZ88 through it's paces, testing it with various Z-Wave controllers and writing a detailed review for Automated Home.

You can read the full review at Automated Home - TZ88 Review

`I’ll definitely be buying plenty more of the TZ88E in the near future...

Using Z-Wave relays to control Wall Sockets

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Back in January we wrote a popular article about recommending Z-Wave wall plugs as the best way of Controlling Wall Sockets.

Lots of people found this article useful, especially the explanation why you can't control a double socket's individual sockets independently.

Having said that, the relay option still has merits, especially as it can be hidden totally from view, We've had many requests to show how to wire a relay into a socket correctly (and safely).

So, we've just created a new Application Guide - APNT-70: Using a Z-Wave Relay to control a wall Socket.

The guide explains the wiring, and why you must use a fused spur to comply with building regulations and keep you house wiring safe.

using a relay to control a socket

As always, we're always open to comments.

Mark

Fibaro Special Offer - Save Up to £60

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Fibaro Special Offer - May

Grab yourself a Fibaro bargain and save up to £60

Get one Fibaro module or sensor FREE when you buy a Fibaro Home Center 2 or Home Center Lite.

All you need to do is apply one of the discount codes when you check out - just select the code for the Fibaro module or sensor that you'd like for free.

This fantastic offer will only be available for a limited time, so don't hang around!!

Discount Codes

FIBARO_FREE_FGD-211 Fibaro Universal Dimmer - Save £48
FIBARO_FREE_FGS-211 Fibaro Relay (1x3 KW) - Save £48
FIBARO_FREE_FGS-221 Fibaro Relay (2 * 1.5 KW) - Save £48
FIBARO_FREE_FGRGB-101 Fibaro RGBW Controller - Save £48
FIBARO_FREE_FGR-221 Fibaro Roller Shutter - Save £48
FIBARO_FREE_FGRM-222 Fibaro Roller Shutter 2 - Save £48
FIBARO_FREE_FIB_PLUG_UK Fibaro Wall Plug - Save £55
FIBARO_FREE_FGMS-001 Fibaro Motion Sensor - Save £52
FIBARO_FREE_FGSS-101 Fibaro Smoke Sensor - Save £60
FIBARO_FREE_FGFS-101 Fibaro Flood Sensor - Save £52
FIBARO_FREE_FGK-101 Fibaro Door & Window Sensor (White) - Save £40
FIBARO_FREE_FGK-102 Fibaro Door & Window Sensor (Grey) - Save £40
FIBARO_FREE_FGK-103 Fibaro Door & Window Sensor (Black) - Save £40
FIBARO_FREE_FGK-104 Fibaro Door & Window Sensor (Beige) - Save £40
FIBARO_FREE_FGK-105 Fibaro Door & Window Sensor (Light Brown) - Save £40
FIBARO_FREE_FGK-106 Fibaro Door & Window Sensor (Brown) - Save £40
FIBARO_FREE_FGK-107 Fibaro Door & Window Sensor (Dark Brown) - Save £40
FIBARO_FREE_FGBS-001 Fibaro Universal Sensor - Save £36
FIBARO_FREE_FGB-001 Fibaro Dimmer Bypass - Save £9.95

Conditions

  • You must have a Fibaro Home Center 2 or Home Center Lite in your cart
  • You must have the module or sensor in your cart for the discount code to work
  • This offer only applies to Fibaro products and cannot be used with any other Vesternet offer
  • This offer will only run for a limited time

Fibaro Motion Sensor working with VERA

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Fibaro Motion SensorSince launching the Fibaro Motions Sensor we've found some incompatibilities with VERA, however, we're happy to report this is now fixed.

Fibaro has released a v2.6 version of the Motion Sensor that has improved compatibility with 3rd party controllers.

We've tested it and can confirm that the v2.6 works great with VERA, but you need to be careful which firmware you use.

  • v2.6 works with UI5 (1.5.672 beta)
  • v2.6 works with UI6
  • v2.4 (original) - does not work with any version of VERA firmware

We only have v2.6 in stock, so you're safe to order from Vesternet and know that you're getting the latest version.

Full details are in our Knowledgebase article - VERA and Fibaro Motion Sensor Compatibility

The Motion Sensor is in stock, but since we announced this on the VERA forum yesterday, orders have been flying in, so order yours now!

Website Updates - New Product Pages

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You may have been wondering why we've been quiet on the blog for the past few weeks - the reason is, we've been incredibly busy introducing improvements to the website. All designed to give you the information you need in a concise easy to read format.

The biggest change is in the product pages, where we've streamlined all the information and made the top 'Overview' area much larger.

Vesternet Product Page layout

1. Information Icons

We've added a number of icons to help you understand how easy the product is to install, use and if it needs a 3-wire (neutral) circuit.

2. Videos

All product related videos are now easily found in the page's top section - these are our Youtube and the new Vesternet Vine videos showing first glimpse information of the products

3. Information Tabs

We've added a number of new tabs to each product page, This means we can add a lot of information about the product, without overcrowding your view of the page. The tabs now include - product description, technical information, manuals and guides, customer reviews and a tab for you to ask questions directly about that product.

As I said, the aim of all these changes is to make using the Vesternet site easier and faster for you. We've also improved the Cart section - see my next blog.

Mark

New RFXtrx433E - Supports Somfy

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We've just added the new RFXtrx433E - Extended Edition.

This new version replaces the existing RFXtrx433 and adds new functionality for controlling Somfy RTS blinds.

RFXtrx433E Vesternet

The RFXtrx433E is ideal for controlling a huge range of 433MHz products including LightwaveRF, Oregon Scientific, HomeEasy, the list goes on...

And now, RFXcom have added their RFY protocol that enables the RFXtrx433E to control Somfy wireless blinds using the Somfy RTS system - you can quickly and easily control your Somfy blinds from your home automation system.

The VERA RFX plugin has been updated to include these changes, as have Homeseer3 and Domotictz DomotiGa and FHEM.

We'll have first stock of the RFXtrx433E by Monday 9th June, you can order now and have it as soon as it arrives with us.

VERA and Domtictz plugins for RFXtrx433E

See you later.

Mark

Vesternet Vine Videos

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You'll have seen new Vine videos appearing on many product pages. These short videos are ideal to give you a quick teaser of the device and what it looks like - check them out in each product's you 'overview' section.

We're adding new videos all the time, so make sure you check out the Vesternet Vine channel at https://vine.co/Vesternet

Vesternet Vine

Mark

eedomus - Automated Home Review

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Back in March, we gave you a sneak preview of the eedomus controller in our CEBIT from News post.

eedomus - Vesternet

Since then we've had the eedomus controller on test and have been very impressed with its capabilities and its support for a wide range of technologies outside of the Z-Wave arena.

We're so impressed, we asked Automated Home's top Reviewer, Ant Skelton to give it a full going over.

Take a look at his full review at - The eedomus Home Automation Controller.

`In terms of sheer flexibility, the eedomus is hard to beat...

eedomus UI - Vesternet

Mark

Global Cache Range - Now at Vesternet

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Global Cache Range

Since we introduced the Global Cache iTach IR adapters last year, they've become one of our most successful products. So we've now introduced all the Global Cache range.

The full range includes IR adapters, Serial (RS232) and Relay adapters, all available with Wi-Fi or Ethernet interfaces to connect to your home's IP network.

And they can all be controlled from your smartphone, tablet and your home automation system controller.

All the choice in the world

Global Cache's full range includes IR adapters, Serial (RS232) and Relay adapters, all available with Wi-Fi or Ethernet interfaces to connect to your home's IP network - you can then control your appliances from your phone, tablet or home automation system controller.

InfraRed (IR)

These are perfect for controlling the majority of multimedia and AV equipment that uses IR remote controls, and it's not just multimedia, you can also use these for controlling AC units and anything that can be controlled by IR.

Serial (RS232)

Some older equipment and even new projectors and screens use a Serial RS232 interface to control them. The iTach Serial adapters have this covered so you're in control of all your equipment at the touch of a button or iPhone screen!

Relay (Contact Closure)

Other equipment or lights need a simple relay (contact) control to switch their power or trigger them into action - lights, garden gates, garage doors can all be used this way.

Wi-Fi

All the iTach adapters are available with Wi-Fi, so connecting to your home system is really easy, and wire-free!

Ethernet

You can also choose a wired (Ethernet) option if you have a hardwired network running around your home - there's also a Power over Ethernet (PoE) option so you don't even have to worry about a power supply!

Full Control

The Global Cache iTach are single flavour adapters, but you want a device that control many things, take a look at the GC100 Controllers - these include IR, Serial and Relay control all in one unit, and the smallest is no larger than a pencil.

Guides

For the existing IR adapters (IP2IR and WF2IR) we've written guides on how to set them up and use them with the Z-Wave controllers. We'll do the same for the new products as soon as we can:

iTach for Multimedia

 

Mark

Vesternet Mondays - Spectacular Summer Sales Start 30th June!

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Vesternet Mondays - Week 1

Each Monday, through July and August, we'll have a special sale event - starting Monday 30th June!

The summer months can be a bit distracting for us home automation enthusiasts. Nice weather (in theory), gardening, BBQs, holidays, all of these keep us from making our home smarter - and if the weather's nice who can blame us!

So we've worked with our suppliers to offer some spectacular discount bargains you won't want to miss!

Vesternet Mondays

Each Monday in July and August we're going to run a one-day only sale - with up to 20% savings on selected products.

The discount prices will only be available for that day, so if you miss it you won't be able to get the same deal on the Tuesday... And trust me you don't want to miss these deals.

Each week will feature different products from our most popular suppliers, including Aeon, Everspring, Fibaro, Philio, TKB, VERA, Vision...

Also, to give you some notice, each Thursday we'll announce what the following Monday's sale products will be - you can plan over the weekend exactly what you need and how many.

Vesternet Mondays - 30th June

For the first Vesternet Mondays event we're offering fantastic savings of 20% on all TKB Wall Plugs, Dimmer plugs and Aeon Labs MultiSensors:

Place your order with Vesternet anytime on Monday 30th June to get these massive savings. And remember, they're only available on Monday, if you miss them you won't be able to get the same deal again.

For the latest information make sure you check this blog, FacebookGoogle Plus or Twitter.


Vesternet Mondays (7th July) - 20% savings

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Vesternet Mondays Week 2

Vesternet Mondays - 7th July

This week's Vesternet Mondays event was a huge success, so good we sold out of every one of the products on sale!

For the second Vesternet Mondays event we're offering fantastic savings of up to 20% on the Aeon USB Controller, EZMotion 3-in-1 Sensor, Danfoss thermostat and the Secure Thermostats and Receivers:

Place your order with Vesternet anytime on Monday 7th July to get these massive savings. And remember, they're only available on Monday, if you miss them you won't be able to get the same deal again.

For the latest information make sure you check this blog, FacebookGoogle Plus or Twitter.

New Popp On/Off Switch Meter - Now at Vesternet

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Popp Wall Plug Switch MeterThere's an old British saying about scarce things being like buses - none available for a long time and then a fleet of them arrive.

This is abit like Z-Wave Wall Plug Switch Meters for UK plug types.

We recently launched the TKB TZ88, which at the time was the only UK style Switch Meter. And, now we are just launching the Popp Switch Meter.

The new wall plug from Popp can control any applaince and measure its power consumption. It does have some really special features that aren't available in other switch meters.

What's so special about it?

Retains Status

For some reason this feature isn't available on other switch meters. The Popp Switch Meter retains its previous status (On or Off) after a power outage. This is especially useful for appliances that you need to be On when power is available again.

Works as Meter Only

The Popp Switch Meter can be set so that its switch function is disabled - it only measures power. This is a really useful feature if you want to measure the power consumption of a freezer, but don't want to accidentally turn it off.

As well as these additional features, it will allow you to control the appliance manually and wirelessly via Z-Wave, as well as measuring the appliance's power (W) and accumulated power consumption (kWh).

First stock will be available on Monday 14th July, and we're even going to include it in next week's Vesternet Mondays event.

Choosing a Z-Wave Plug

Vesternet Mondays (14th July) - 20% Savings

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Vesternet Mondays Week 3

Vesternet Mondays - 14th July

Next week's Vesternet Mondays sale features spectacular savings of up to 20% on Aeon, Everspring, EZMotion, Popp, TKB, and Z-Wave.me products.

Place your order with Vesternet anytime on Monday 14th July to get these massive savings. And remember, they're only available on Monday, if you miss them you won't be able to get the same deal again.

For the latest information make sure you check this blog, FacebookGoogle Plus or Twitter.

Vesternet Mondays (21st July) - 20% Savings

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Vesternet Mondays Week 4

Vesternet Mondays - 21st July

Next week's Vesternet Mondays sale features spectacular one-day savings of up to 20% on Fibaro, iTach, Global Cache and TKB products.

Place your order with Vesternet anytime on Monday 21st July to get these massive savings. And remember, they're only available on Monday, if you miss them you won't be able to get the same deal again.

For the latest information make sure you check this blog, FacebookGoogle Plus or Twitter.

Danalock - Available at Vesternet

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We've just introduced the beautiful Danalock Z-Wave locks from Poly Control.
Until now, we've been incredibly limited for choice European Z-Wave locks, but these new locks bring a really nice choice of styles and some great features.

Danalock

Small and Discreet.

The smallest smart lock with the most competitive price.
Danalock combines the elegance and minimalism of Scandinavian design - with a bezel in massive anodised aluminium and cutting-edge Bluetooth and Z-Wave technology. Red/green LED and sound signal operation and alarms, while a "local touch button" on the lock enables easy opening/closing.
The Danalock range includes fours models - two different designs (Square and Circle) and two wireless technologies (Z-Wave and Z-Wave + Bluetooth).

Z-Wave and Bluetooth

All the locks can be added to a Z-Wave system and controlled wireless using Z-Wave - you control it just like any other Z-Wave device in your system. There's also a version that has Z-Wave plus Bluetooth - this enables you to control it directly from your smartphone using a bluetooth connection, the Poly Control app takes care of all the rest.

Designs - Square or Circle

Depending one which style you want, the Circle or the Square version will be perfect for your requirements, and you have the choice of Z-Wave or Z-Wave plus Bluetooth options.

Feature Packed.

The Danlocks have lots of features to make your Smart Home secure and convenient to use.

No keys needed

The days of scrambling for your keys are over. All it takes now is a click from your smart phone. You can easily generate and send virtual keys from anywhere in the world, using the Danalock app or E-Key on your laptop.
E-key is the intuitive user interface that makes it quick and easy to administer your virtual keys online.

Quick to lock/unlock

Hands full? You can set up Danalock to sense your approach and it will automatically unlock the door when you get there. The app's will be upgraded for this functionality and more, during 2014.
You can also set it up to lock your door after entering

Time-controlled home access

There's a time for everything and everyone. Including visitors. With Danalock, you can authorise entry into your space with a personal log-in for smartphone users. Set up a limited window for your housecleaner or contractor at home and employees and janitorial staff at your office. Or grant weekend access to visiting houseguests. It's simple to do online or from your smartphone.

Log activity

View remotely through your smartphone or computer the comings and goings at your place. Battery status of Danalock is also logged, sending you an alarm when running low. Average battery life is two years.

Availability.

The complete Danalock range is already in stock and ready to order.

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