VeraSecure: Advanced Smart Home Security Controller
Welcome to Vera Smarter Home Control. The VeraSecure Advanced Smart Home Security Controller provides security you can count on, plus safety and convenience.
What's In The Box
Controller Features
- 2-Way Audio Button: Press to activate 2-way audio intercom to speak with emergency dispatch (requires optional monitoring service).
- Siren: Automatically emits a piercing alarm if there's a security breach.
- Microphone: Enables hearing what's going on in your home from anywhere, via the Vera app.
- Battery Backup: If AC power goes out, this built-in Backup Battery will continue to power VeraSecure for up to 8 hours to keep your home protected.
- 3G Cellular: If Internet goes out, the cellular data backup connection enables VeraSecure to continue sending emergency alerts, notifications, and also change home modes.
- Antenna: External antenna extends the range of 345 (US) or 433 (EU) MHz protocol.
For more information on these controller features go to: www.getvera.com/controllers/verasecure
LED Names
- Power
- Internet
- Wi-Fi
- Z-Wave
- Service
- ZigBee
- Bluetooth
- VeraLink* (Protocol is either 345MHz US or 433MHz EU)
- Cellular
Controller Buttons: 2-Way Audio, Reset, Sync, Select, Mic
Installation
- Firmly connect the provided Ethernet Cable from your VeraSecure to your Wi-Fi router (or other Internet source).
- Firmly connect the AC Power Adapter to VeraSecure and plug it into an AC outlet. VeraSecure has no on/off switch. It will power up as soon as you plug in the AC adapter.
Controller Ports: Antenna, USB, Ethernet, Power
To set up your controller, go to http://home.getvera.com. If you are a new user, click the "I have a new controller" button on the screen, agree to the terms and conditions, and then select your Controller. If you already have an account, please login and click the "Add another controller" button, then select your Controller. Follow the Setup Instructions.
Overview
There are over two thousand devices that can work with VeraSecure. The VeraSecure Home Controller is the central hub for creating security or smart home scenes. Scenes give you the power to simply and easily customize your Vera controller to work with devices exactly the way you want. Combine devices such as cameras, lighting, and sensors to personalize your system's scenes.
Device Types
Security Devices
These devices are always on and monitoring your home. Your VeraSecure system will only report a breach if the sensor is in the "Armed" status. Normally, these sensors are "Armed" in Night, Away, and Vacation modes as default settings. (You may change these defaults in the Settings section of the Vera dashboard app.)
- Wi-Fi Cameras (Indoor & Outdoor)
- Door/Window Sensors
- Motion Detectors
- Glass Break Sensors
- Outdoor Alarm
Diagram: Vera Controller + Wi-Fi Camera with Motion Detection = Automatic light and alarm sounds with recording.
For more ideas, go to www.getvera.com/scenes.
Safety Devices
Use these for home protection and peace of mind even when away from home. Safety devices are always active and "Armed" regardless of which mode your VeraSecure system is in. If a problem arises, you need to know about it, regardless of whether you're home, away, asleep, or on vacation.
- Smoke Detectors
- Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Flood Sensor
- Temperature & Humidity Sensors
Diagram: Vera Controller + Flood Sensor = You're notified when a water leak is detected.
For more ideas, go to www.getvera.com/scenes.
Convenience & Lifestyle Devices
Use these devices to save energy and money. Eliminate repetitive tasks like turning lights off, adjusting the thermostat, double-checking the garage door, or adjusting window coverings.
- Thermostats
- Door Locks
- Light Dimmers & Switches
- Garage Door Openers
- Temperature & Humidity Sensors
- Light Sensors
- Lawn Sprinklers
- Window Curtains
- HVAC Vents
- Room Air Conditioners
Diagram: Vera Controller + Z-Wave Thermostat = Always the perfect temperature when you arrive!
For more ideas, go to www.getvera.com/scenes.
Vera App
The Vera App controls your entire VeraSecure system, including all devices working individually or together. Even if a device has its own app, you won't need it—use the Vera app instead.
The free Vera app runs on smartphones (iOS and Android), tablets, or in a browser on any Windows, Mac, Chromebook, or Linux computer. You don't have to choose between them—use your computer when home and your smartphone when away. VeraSecure will continue running 24/7 to monitor your home, regardless of whether you have the app open.
Key Features of Vera App
- Modes: A powerful feature to control all your devices at once. There are 4 Modes: Home, Away, Night, and Vacation. You can customize how each Mode works.
- Cards: The Current Status Card displays at the top of the Dashboard and offers a quick check of overall Vera system status. You don't have to check each window sensor to know that all windows are closed and the alarm system is "Armed", for example.
- Users: Your Vera system can have as many users as you like. Everyone in your family, or everyone who works in your small business, can have a different username and password. The Vera app lets you set permissions and notifications for each user.
- Notifications: Your Vera system can send you a text or email alert to notify you (and other users) of just about anything that happens in the system, such as when a door or window opens, a motion detector trips, someone unlocks the door, a smoke detector trips, and much more!
For more information on setting up notifications, go to: http://support.getvera.com.
Scenes & Geofencing
- Scenes: Control any device based on another device. Turn on an outdoor light when a sensor detects motion. Or set an alert to get a text whenever a door is opened. Timer scenes use the Controller's built-in clock to turn devices such as lights and lawn sprinklers on or off.
- Geofencing: Use your cell phone location to automatically control your system. As you arrive home, your garage door will automatically open. Or leave the house and lights will turn off, doors will lock, and your thermostat will set to reduce energy use. Just be sure to carry your phone!
For more information on Geofencing go to: www.getvera.com/geofencing.
Range Extenders & Help
Range Extenders
If a device doesn't seem to work in its proper location, but you find that your device works when you bring it closer to your VeraSecure controller, you will need to add a repeater or range extender. Repeaters or extenders are used to expand the coverage area of your network. They work by receiving your existing signal, amplifying it, and then transmitting the boosted signal.
For most devices, you don't need to pay attention to which protocol (Z-Wave, ZigBee, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth & VeraLink) a device uses, as your VeraSecure controller automatically connects wirelessly to any of these. However, repeaters & range extenders are protocol specific. Be sure it matches your device's protocol.
Diagram: Vera Controller + Repeater = Extended Range.
For more information on repeaters go to: https://shop.getvera.com.
Help Options
We strive to make VeraSecure and the Vera App easy. If you experience any difficulty, Vera is here to help. We provide free customer support with real experts who quickly identify and resolve any issues.
- Support Website: support.getvera.com
- Phone: +1 (866) 966-2272
- Email: support@getvera.com
Vera Knowledge Base: http://support.getvera.com
- Articles with instructions, downloadable manufacturer sheets, and extensive FAQs.
- Videos demonstrating system setup and features.
- Forums where knowledgeable users and experts respond to posts.
Warranty—We Stand Behind Our Products!
Vera strives to build the very best products possible. Should your Vera Smart Home Controller fail within the first 12 months from purchase, Vera will repair or replace your unit, free of charge.
VeraSecure Z-Wave Overview
Protocols supported by VeraSecure include: Internet, Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, Service, ZigBee, Bluetooth, VeraLink, and Cellular.
Inclusion and Exclusion
Your VeraSecure Controller can work with all Z-Wave devices, such as sensors, alarms, door locks, thermostats, etc. Over a thousand Z-Wave devices are available from many brands. (Z-Wave is a wireless communications system; check the package or specs to see if a device uses Z-Wave.) Before VeraSecure can control a device, it must be included into the Vera system.
Vera Custom Device Wizards are available for select devices that pass stringent Vera Labs testing for compatibility and quality. The Custom Device Wizards make Inclusion/Exclusion easiest, with specific details for each device.
A list of these devices is available and updated at http://getvera.com/compatibility/.
For all other Z-Wave devices, a Generic Device Wizard is used for Inclusion/Exclusion. A Generic Device Wizard is available for each device category (thermostats, sensors, alarms, etc.).
To get started, after setting up your VeraSecure Controller, use the Vera UI to select Devices and then Add Device (Figures 1-1 & 1-2).
Inclusion/Exclusion with Vera Custom Device Wizard
Step 1: Select Devices and click on the Add Device option.
Step 2: Click on the "+" sign for the device's category. A list of Vera Custom Device Wizards is displayed. Select a device to include.
Step 3: Follow the steps in the Device Wizard to add the device.
After adding a new device, the VeraSecure Controller will ask you to name it and choose the room it is (or will be) located in.
Note: If the device was previously included with a different Z-Wave system, you'll need to exclude it before adding with your VeraSecure. (You may also need to do this if you have problems Inclusion/Exclusion the first time.) Press the Retry button to start the exclusion process. Once the device is excluded, add it by following the inclusion steps.
Inclusion/Exclusion with Generic Device Wizard
Step 1: Select Devices and click on the Add Device option.
Step 2: Click on the "+" sign for the Other Device's category. A list of Vera Custom Device Wizards is displayed. If your specific device is not shown, select the "Generic Z-Wave Device" option.
Step 3: Follow the steps in the Device Wizard to add the device.
After adding a new device, the VeraSecure Controller will ask you to name it and choose the room it is (or will be) located in.
Note: If the device was previously included with a different Z-Wave system, you'll need to exclude it before adding with your VeraSecure. (You may also need to do this if you have problems Inclusion/Exclusion the first time.) Press the Retry button to start the exclusion process. Once the device is excluded, add it by following the inclusion steps.
VeraSecure Buttons
Z-Wave Include/Exclude Mode
During normal installation of Z-Wave devices, you do NOT need to use these buttons. These instructions are for manually starting Z-Wave Include and Exclude Modes.
- Press the Select button.
- Press the Select button again. The Z-Wave light will begin blinking.
- For Include Mode, press the Sync button briefly (less than 1 second).
- For Exclude Mode, press and hold the Sync button for at least 2 seconds, then release.
Controller Reset
- Reset to Network defaults: Press the Reset button 3 times in 6 seconds.
- Factory Reset: Press the Reset button 6 times in 6 seconds. The Controller will reboot.
Note: If this controller is the primary controller for your network, resetting it will result in the nodes in your network being orphaned and it will be necessary after the reset to exclude and re-include all of the nodes in the network. If this controller is being used as a secondary controller in the network, use this procedure to reset this controller only in the event that the network primary controller is missing or otherwise inoperable.
Diagram: Overview of VeraSecure Controller buttons: 2-Way Audio, Reset, Sync, Select, Mic.
Advanced Z-Wave Functions
These Advanced Z-Wave Functions are usually needed only for specific (and rare) technical situations, or for professional installers creating very large systems, or for developers creating new hardware or software.
You may need to access these advanced functions if there's a problem with your system and you need to reset the Z-Wave network, if you want to upgrade to a different model of Vera Controller, to enable another controller to operate your VeraSecure, or for other technical situations as described below.
To access Advanced Z-Wave Functions, select Settings and then Z-Wave Settings. Select the Advanced tab.
Advanced Z-Wave Options:
- A: Reset Z-Wave network: Will clear all the user configuration data and assign a new Z-Wave HouseID.
- B: Copy Z-Wave network from a primary controller: Will allow the unit to copy all Z-Wave related information from a Primary Z-Wave Controller and is used with Replication.
- C: Controller shift: Tells Vera to transfer the role of primary controller to another Z-Wave controller. The other Z-Wave controller will become the 'Master controller', and Vera will be a secondary controller. This means the other Z-Wave controller will then be responsible for healing the networking and being the SIS/SUC (a technical Z-Wave term). Normally, by default, Vera is the master controller and is SIS/SUC.
- D: Reset the Z-Wave chip: This option will re-initialize the Z-Wave chip.
- E: Get network update from SUC/SIS: This option will update the slave controller network from the primary controller to which it's currently added. This option is used when Vera is a secondary controller.
- F: Backup Z-Wave Network: VeraSecure has the ability to back up its Z-Wave network and its configuration settings to be restored on another gateway. This procedure is explained at: http://support.getvera.com/customer/portal/articles/2345058
- G: Reload Engine: Reloads the Lua engine.
- H: Update Neighbor Nodes: This forces the controller to do a node neighbor update over Z-Wave for all the nodes in the network.
Learn Mode
Include your controller into an existing Z-Wave network. Steps for VeraSecure controller using the web interface:
- Click on Settings > Z-Wave Settings > Advanced > Select 'Copy Z-Wave network from a primary controller'.
This will put the controller into learn mode and shift it to a secondary role. The controller can now receive data from a primary device in the network and associate with other devices in the Z-Wave network via the primary controller.
Replication
Include another controller and transfer the Z-Wave network data to it. Steps for VeraSecure controller using the web interface:
- Click on Settings > Z-Wave Settings > Advanced > Select 'Controller Shift'.
All the Z-Wave devices will be replicated into the new controller. This is used to transfer data from one controller to another. With replication, the new controller becomes primary.
Advanced Z-Wave Functions Details
- Basic Command Class Handling: The basic command class is controlled by Vera and it is not mapped to any other Z-Wave Command Class. More details can be found on our wiki page: http://wiki.mios.com/index.php/ZWave_Basic_Command_Class_Mapping
- Support for Association Command Class: VeraSecure has support for the Lifeline association command class. (group id: 1 - lifeline, number of nodes in group: 1). More details can be found on our wiki page: http://wiki.mios.com/index.php/Association
- Support for Multiple Manufacturers in The Same Network: The controller can be included and operated in any Z-Wave network with other certified Z-Wave devices from other manufacturers and/or other applications. All non-battery operated nodes within the network will act as repeaters regardless of the vendor to increase the reliability of the network.
- Support for sending Z-Wave Commands: Z-Wave commands can be sent using the Vera API, which will allow you to send HTTP requests with the specified command class to the specified node. More details can be found on our wiki page: http://wiki.mios.com/index.php/Luup_UPnP_Variables_and_Actions#ZWaveNetwork1. To send a Z-Wave command, you'll need to add the node ID of the controlled Z-Wave device and the command class used. For example, to control node 3 and send a BASIC_SET with a value of 00, the command will be:
http://GATEWAY_IP/port_3480/data_request?id=action&DeviceNum=1&serviceId=urn:micasaverde-com:serviceId:ZWaveNetwork1&action=SendData&Node=3&Data=0x20-0x01-0x00. GATEWAY_IP is the actual local IP address of the unit. Node is the Z-Wave node the command is sent to. Data will contain the Z-Wave Command Class sent to the device.
