Vera Small Business Solution
Smarter Home Control
Congratulations on Your Purchase of the Vera Small Business Solution
You've taken the first step to begin enjoying the ease, convenience, energy savings, and security of advanced control and automation for your business! The Vera Small Business Solution includes a carefully selected set of high-performance components, providing your small business with robust and comprehensive security, and equipping you with tools to keep track of what's happening in the office.
Welcome to Easy Control & Automation for Your Business!
In just a few minutes, you'll be able to control lights, keep tabs on your business, and more, all from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop! Your Vera Small Business Solution will not only help keep your premises secure but can also automate many of your daily routines. From turning lights off and locking the doors to turning down the thermostat and making sure all windows are shut, your Vera Small Business Solution can handle all these chores according to a schedule you create, or just by tapping a single button on your smartphone or tablet.
We've created this booklet to make your setup quick and easy. Should you have any questions, each device has its own instructions, or you can refer to our online support at http://getvera.com/support, or call us!
System Overview: What Is All This Stuff?
We've put together best-of-class devices from a variety of manufacturers to provide you with the best possible control, automation, and security experience for your business premises. Inside this box are the components of your Vera System. Each component is described separately on the next page, and each also comes with its own instructions. That's where this Quick Start Guide comes in—it's our mission to “pull it all together” for you!
How All These Components Work Together
- At the heart of your Vera System is the Controller, an ultra-reliable special-purpose computer that's on all the time (at very low power), standing by to receive signals from the other Devices. These Devices, such as sensors for when windows are opened, send wireless signals to the Controller, alerting it. The wireless communications, called “Z-Wave,” also allow the Controller to send signals to the Devices, such as to dim lights or open a door lock.
- The Controller is itself controlled by you—using a web browser or mobile app for remote control, or through automated routines or “Scenes” that you create (such as to automatically lock the doors in the evening).
- The Controller is also connected to the Internet, so you can securely operate Devices remotely. Using the Internet, the Controller also sends you text and email messages about what's going on in your home.
[Computer/tablet/phone icon] [power plug icon] [lightbulb icon] [lock icon] [thermostat icon]
Introduction to Vera Small Business Solution Installation
Your new Vera System sets up easily and modularly. The system consists of a Controller—the brains of the system—and a variety of Devices that “talk” to the Controller.
Let's start by first identifying each component in your Vera System.
Your Vera Small Business Solution Controller:
Vera3 Controller
Expandable up to 200 Devices and built-in high-performance Wi-Fi router (the “nerve center” and central processor for your Vera System).
Your Vera Family Safety Solution System Devices:
- HD Security Cameras (x2)
The high-definition “eyes” of your system, lets you keep tabs on your home when you're away. - Touch Pad Door Locks (x2)
Remote controllable, code numbers can identify each person who unlocks it, can operate by a timer schedule too, and can trigger other devices, such as to turn lights on when a door is unlocked. - Smart Thermostat
Schedule for different temperatures at different times of day; remotely controllable; reports temperature remotely; change settings automatically based on presence of motion in home or other trigger events.
- Motion Sensors (x2)
Detects when anything moves in your home, useful for detecting intruders, or if children or pets go where they are not supposed to go; also senses light and temperature. - Door/Window Sensors (x3)
Detects when a door or window is open, for intruder alert and/or energy savings—in fact, this sensor can be used for any opening you want to monitor, such as a medicine cabinet or liquor cabinet door opening, a drawer opening, etc. - Smart Switches (x2)
Turns any light or electrical appliance on or off, and measures how much electricity is being used. - Meter Reader
See how much energy your entire business is using.
Easy Wireless Installation!
Your new Vera System is easy to install, thanks to wireless technology. Most of the system—just about everything except the main Controller—communicates without hooking up any wires. Plus, a very easy-to-use and friendly computer control screen—the Vera Dashboard—makes the Vera System fun to use!
[Question mark icon] About Batteries
The great thing about wireless tech is no wires. Without wires, however, most of the Devices must depend on batteries for power. Fortunately, the extremely low power used by these Devices means their batteries will last at least a year or more. Follow the in-box instructions provided with each device for battery installation procedures.
- With some Devices, a battery may already be provided in a separate wrapper.
- With some Devices, a battery may already be installed, but you must first remove a tab or plastic strip found on the outside of the device to activate the battery and enable the Device to work.
- When installing or replacing a battery, be careful to match polarity (+ and -) to the labeling in the battery compartment.
Getting Started
Locate your business's router—this may be a Wi-Fi router that provides both wired (Ethernet) network connections and wireless access, or it may be a separate box for wired Ethernet only. (You can also connect to any Ethernet jack anywhere in the office where you might otherwise be able to connect a laptop and get it to work with the Internet.)
You'll need a computer for the initial setup, and it must be connected to your network (if you can use the computer with the Internet, then it is already connected; you don't need to do anything else.)
The Controller requires a wired (Ethernet) network connection to your business's router, so often the best place to install the Controller is right next to the router. Ideally, the Controller should also be centrally located in the business premises.
Step 1 Connecting Vera3
This step is really easy. There are only two connections that you need to make, and they're easy to find because both are located at the extreme ends of the Vera3 Controller rear panel. The two connections you'll need are for power and WAN (Internet)—you can ignore all the other connections.
First, use the supplied network (Ethernet) cable to connect to the WAN port of your Vera3 Controller (located all the way on the left side of the rear panel). Then connect the other end of the cable to an available Ethernet port on your router.
Next, use the supplied AC adapter cord to connect power to the 12V power receptacle (located all the way on the right side of the Vera3 Controller's rear panel).
[Question mark icon] Vera3 Controller Battery Pack
Your Vera3 Controller comes with an accessory battery pack which will be needed later, when you “pair” each Device to the system—the battery pack lets the Controller work without AC power so you can bring it within 3 feet of each new Device for pairing.
Step 2 Create Your Vera System Dashboard
Congratulations, you're almost finished with all the “wiring” for your Vera System! Now you're ready to set up your computer to command your system. Here's how:
- Wait two minutes after connecting your Controller. (Lights will stop blinking.)
- Turn on your computer and open any browser (IE, Firefox, Chrome, or Safari).
- Go to http://home.getvera.com on your computer's browser.
- Create an account.
- Follow the onscreen instructions to add your Controller to your account.
- Click the My Dashboard button.
- Next, you'll see your Dashboard in your browser.
Step 3 Add Devices to Your Vera System
- Open your Vera Dashboard (login with username and password and click My Dashboard).
- Click Add Device to launch a Wizard to add each Device to your Vera System.
- Decide on locations for the other Devices in your system.
- Select the Device you're adding and follow the onscreen instructions.
Step 4 Controlling Your System
From the Dashboard, you can switch lights, view your Cameras, lock the door, change thermostat settings, check the status of the Door/Window Sensors and Motion Sensor, read your electric meter, and more. These remote control functions are available when you log into your account securely from anywhere in the world!
Automating Your Business
After you finish installation, you can enter the exciting realm of automated control! Going beyond basic security functions—which we'll get to in a moment—this is where the real power of your system can be enjoyed.
Vera Mobile Apps
As you've already seen from visiting your Dashboard, you can control each Device in your system remotely, using this Dashboard. You can also control your entire home system from any smartphone or tablet with mobile apps.
- Get FREE mobile apps for iOS and Android smartphones and tablets at: http://getvera.com/apps
- You may also discover third-party apps for your Vera system. Search “Vera” in the iTunes App Store or your favorite Android Store to find these!
The MiOS App Marketplace
Your Vera Controller utilizes MiOS, a secure operating system developed for home control. Many additional apps have been created for MiOS that work with your Vera System. Some are designed for specific Devices, such as to enable special features on a camera, while others are more general purpose, such as smartphone interfaces. Most apps are free!
- Explore and install MiOS apps at: http://marketplace.mios.com
Create Business Automation Scenes
Your Vera System includes the marvelous ability to automate your business! By triggering one Vera component to activate when it receives a signal from another component, parts of your business premises will work automatically! The Vera Dashboard makes setting up your automation “Scenes” (rules for how components will trigger each other) easy and fun! Here are some Scenes that you can create using components that come supplied with your Vera Small Business Solution:
- Automatic Lights Out
Stop shutting off all the lights. If your lights plug into wall outlets, Vera system can handle this chore at the touch of a single button, or according to an automated schedule (such as lights out at 7pm). - Lights Off and Reduce Thermostat with One-Touch
Close shop the easier way without having to perform these time-consuming chores on a daily basis, with a single command from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Or put the lights and thermostat on a schedule. - Auto Lights Up & Camera Recording
Activate camera recording and raise the lights whenever motion is detected, and/or whenever the door is opened.
How The Internet Expands The Possibilities
Your Vera System can also access information from the Internet. For example, your Vera System can automatically turn lights on or off at sunrise or sunset, using online info about when these occur for each zip code and date on the calendar. Vera can also access online weather information for your zip code, enabling control of heating and cooling, or automate sprinklers or other outdoor devices based on weather conditions. The possibilities for automation are almost limitless!
Vera System Expansion
Your Small Business Solution is highly expandable—controlling up to 200 Devices in the system. Here are a few examples of add-on Devices to expand your Vera System with even more capabilities—and all with NO MONTHLY FEES!
- Smart Smoke Detector - Receive a text or email alert whenever the smoke detector is triggered.
- Smart Carbon Monoxide Detectors - Sounds alarm and can send text or email when unsafe levels of CO are present.
- Alarm - With a piercing 100dB alarm siren incorporating built-in tamper resistance, your Vera System can scare away would-be intruders and alert neighbors. (Receive a text message whenever alarm triggers too.) Alarm can also sound at a lower level to signal when a door opens, or when motion is detected.
- Additional Door/Window Sensors, Motion Sensors, and Cameras
You can add additional devices from any of over 800 Z-Wave devices available at www.getvera.com or from your local or online retailer.
More Scenes, More Business Automation
As your Vera System expands, the automation capabilities multiply. Each new Device may interact with several other components in your system. With the Devices mentioned previously added to your Vera Small Business Solution, here are more Automation Scenes you can create:
- Receive Environment Alerts
Keep tabs on your business's temperature, humidity, smoke, and carbon monoxide even when you're away. Anytime anything unusual is detected—smoke, CO, high humidity, or temperature too high or low—you'll get a text or email. (Note: Many Vera Motion Detectors also detect humidity; see site for details.) - Security Alarm Siren
Sounds when motion is detected and/or door or window opens to scare off would-be intruders and alert neighbors. A text or email can be sent too, and camera recording can be triggered to capture the event.
There are many other Automation Scene possibilities. Your Vera Small Business Solution is a system that can grow and change as your needs and daily business routines change. That's why Vera is The Smarter Control System!
[Question mark icon] About Vera3's Built-In Wi-Fi
Your Vera3 Controller incorporates its own built-in Wi-Fi system. This Wi-Fi network, which may be used to communicate with the Cameras in your Vera System, may also be used as your primary Wi-Fi network (replacing your existing Wi-Fi network.) If you'd like to use Vera3 to provide your primary Wi-Fi network, please go to http://www.getvera.com/setup/wifi/ for easy step-by-step instructions.
[Question mark icon] Have Questions?
Vera Control, Ltd strives to build the very best products possible. But every now and then, you may need a little assistance. Please browse our online support topics and resources to get familiar with our solutions.
If you still have questions, rest assured, we are here to help.
- Toll Free: 1 (866) 966-2272
- Email: support@getvera.com
- Online Support: http://support.getvera.com
- Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 12:00am to 6:00pm Pacific Time