Vera Secure Hub in NZ?

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jonnykane

33 posts

Geek

#250563 16-May-2019 13:49

I've not been able to see why Vera Secure is not available here (at least I can't see it sold by anyone here). Does it use an additional frequency not allowed here? I just liked the ability to use mobile 3G as a backup for remote access should internet go down.

If not I'm thinking I'll go for Vera Plus... in case I want to add any zigbee devices too, other than that is there any other major advantage over the older Edge hub?

I had an installer initially quote on the PDL Nero hub to go with some Nero relays etc. After some research figured I should just use the Vera hub which the Nero is rebranded from... and the Plus being an upgraded version of that too. In which case I'd request the installer to do something like the the Fibaro relays? (i.e. behind switches etc) for the Vera too.

Off topic:

After that I'm thinking of delving a little deeper into automations if anyone has any advice on the following...

Upgrade our Paradox EVO192 based alarm with the IP150 module for self monitoring / remote alerts and control. Considering the IP150s too for the older firmware allowing third party apps and control rather than relying on the Onsite Gold with Swann server subscription (though I don't mind the $5 a month).

On top of that would love to add the @Konnected Interface to piggy back onto the existing PIR sensors for further automation potential using those. The big leap for me would then be having to dive into how I control that with Vera not being a supported device for Konnected yet (though saw in very early comments by Nate at Konnected here on Geekzone that eventually he would like to support other devices such as Vera). Until then it would probably be Home Assistant or Hubitat... which I'm sure I could get my head around configuring but the Vera would at least be my 'soft entry' into automations. Hubitat advantage I think for me being a newbie might be to bypass the requirement for the hardware aspect of Home Assistant (i.e. Raspberry Pi or Linux on old laptop setup).

Apologies if I'm just thinking out loud on those extras but would love to hear any thoughts on that if you feel inclined ;)

michaelmurfy

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#2239123 16-May-2019 13:54

Nope - not allowed here in NZ. It does have an unsupported Z-Wave module.

If you have to import it from anywhere except Australia then chances are no - also don't risk it. If you are buying from Australia then should be fine but confirm this with the seller.

Michael Murphy | https://murfy.nz
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jonnykane

33 posts

Geek

#2239124 16-May-2019 14:00

Hey thanks michaelmurfy... yes I'd read through this but assumed the Vera Secure would be using the same z-wave module as the Plus and Edge hub. Seems strange that they do NZ/AU frequency for those two and not the 'Secure'.

michaelmurfy:

Nope - not allowed here in NZ. It does have an unsupported Z-Wave module.

If you have to import it from anywhere except Australia then chances are no - also don't risk it. If you are buying from Australia then should be fine but confirm this with the seller.

Read more: https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=73&topicid=223277

michaelmurfy

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#2239153 16-May-2019 14:23

jonnykane:

Hey thanks michaelmurfy... yes I'd read through this but assumed the Vera Secure would be using the same z-wave module as the Plus and Edge hub. Seems strange that they do NZ/AU frequency for those two and not the 'Secure'.

Ah right - didn't see that part. You may be best to flick them a quick contact email to make sure.

jonnykane

33 posts

Geek

#2239178 16-May-2019 14:33

Yeah good idea... might ask the guys at Active Automation if they know too... as they sell both the Vera Plus & Edge already.

michaelmurfy:

jonnykane:

Hey thanks michaelmurfy... yes I'd read through this but assumed the Vera Secure would be using the same z-wave module as the Plus and Edge hub. Seems strange that they do NZ/AU frequency for those two and not the 'Secure'.

Ah right - didn't see that part. You may be best to flick them a quick contact email to make sure.

jonnykane

33 posts

Geek

#2239198 16-May-2019 15:09

Active Automation said:

"Secure version was not made in the AU/NZ frequency. The distributor only got the Vera Plus and Vera Edge. You can get in the secure from abroad and put aeotec usb stick on to it from what have heard some done them self."

michaelmurfy:

jonnykane:

Hey thanks michaelmurfy... yes I'd read through this but assumed the Vera Secure would be using the same z-wave module as the Plus and Edge hub. Seems strange that they do NZ/AU frequency for those two and not the 'Secure'.

Ah right - didn't see that part. You may be best to flick them a quick contact email to make sure.

jonnykane

33 posts

Geek

#2239344 16-May-2019 16:25

Just to update on what else I've found in case anyone else is searching for info on the Vera Secure hub...

An Australian site who do sell it have a disclaimer on their listing saying "Please Note the following: There are no 433 MHz (EU or AU frequency) 2 GIG devices available yet that function with this HAC. 3G Services that support Vera Protect & Vera Sentinel are not yet available in Australia."

So it could be that is also the reason it's also not distributed here yet... the extra features of the hub are not fully supported. I initially thought the 3G feature of the Secure meant it could be a fallback connection in case internet went down. But based on the disclaimer above I suspect it's more related to using it as an alarm hub and performing outgoing communications with approved security monitoring services (which are not in place here). EDIT: Confirmed - as it says on Vera Secure product page: "Cellular backup is only available with VeraProtect Professional Security Monitoring service."

Active Automation also suggested if I want a 3G fallback for internet I could just use a 3G modem as well... I think I can just plug a 3G usb stick (Spark T-stick?) into my Fritzbox as a fallback.

jonnykane:

Active Automation said:

"Secure version was not made in the AU/NZ frequency. The distributor only got the Vera Plus and Vera Edge. You can get in the secure from abroad and put aeotec usb stick on to it from what have heard some done them self."

michaelmurfy:

jonnykane:

Hey thanks michaelmurfy... yes I'd read through this but assumed the Vera Secure would be using the same z-wave module as the Plus and Edge hub. Seems strange that they do NZ/AU frequency for those two and not the 'Secure'.

Ah right - didn't see that part. You may be best to flick them a quick contact email to make sure.