Does this email message look familiar to you?
Do you get this way too often?
I’ve receive this message for my GE dimmer light switch all the time, but it didn’t bug me to much consider it’s just a message and the light switch would disconnect and reconnect pretty quickly. Sometimes though it does take a little while but it didn’t happen that often. It’s always been on my to-do list to figure this out one day.
I’m not sure what happen but it seems that after I’ve paired the 2nd generation range extender where it would optimized my network, the light switch would never pair up. This seems odd to me considered this new range extender was to be an improvement. I then put back the first generation range extender and it doesn’t pair up either.
So something must have happen the last time the network was optimized. So I tried it again from the Devices > Advanced Options > Optimize Network ….. Nothing and my light switch still won’t connect.
Now I have to figure this out!
Considered there were many comments that says the range extender never worked with z-wave. So I have to check if this is true.
So to assess the problem I have to take note that there is a smart button, a motion detector, and camera in the same room and they all never disconnect which makes the theory true because none of them communicate with z-wave.
I do know that the Siren communicates with z-wave and would disconnect if I placed it in my outdoor garage. So I place one in the same room and it doesn’t disconnect.
Now I have to guess that maybe the light switch communicates on a different z-wave channel then the siren. If this is true then it might be best to have another GE device to extend the range from the hub to the light switch. From looking at all the GE devices the easiest one to implement was the GE outdoor plug.
Once I paired this plug with Iris my light switch reconnected within a few minutes. I then though maybe my theory was right and their might be different z-wave channels, but that went out the window when the siren in the garage also connected too.
It’s been 3 days since my light switch connected and it still haven’t disconnected once yet.
So here’s my current theory. (Which might be proven incorrect later.)
1) The GE outdoor plug has a larger or more powerful z-wave signal range which is why it connected my siren in the outdoor garage and light switch.
2) I have to assume because the light switch is enclosed in the wall surrounded by metal casing makes it harder to communicate to.
3) Iris may have change the logic for communicating to a device where it has to be more reliable before it connects.
Does anybody else have another theory, or how you have solved your own disconnection issue.
So, the 2nd Gen Range Extender didn’t help with this? If so, that’s a big disappointment. I get probably get at least 5 emails a day regarding disconnects/reconnects and was really looking forward to the new Range Extender fixing this.
Sorry, I don’t seem to notice the difference with the newer range extenders.
Just wondering what’s disconnecting for you and what you have already done?
My Kwikset Smart Deadbolt disconnects in the evenings about five days a week and reconnects about 9 hours later. I’ve tried to newest range extenders as well, but no luck. My hub is about 40 feet from the lock. I’ve tried the range extender in many different locations.
I’m about ready to give up on it. It’s a shame. I feel like a beta tester at times.
tdwatts,
Not sure if you want to try what I did in the post. Was also wondering what type of door do you have? Metal, wood etc..
Then, are the new Range Extenders better at anything?
I have a smoke detector and a water leak detector that are out in a detached garage. They disconnect all the time. I actually did try putting a GE outdoor module half-way out to the garage to use as a Z-Wave range extender. It’s mostly been ineffective. The outdoor module itself has its own disconnection problems (and pretty poor range). About a month ago, I had had my support case escalated to 2nd level. They said it was a known problem and that they were working on a fix. I haven’t really tried anything else recently.
Larry,
Just wondering how fair is the detached garage?
I may want to test range distance between 1/2 gen extenders, smart plugs, and the GE outlet. Not sure if I can get this done this month but maybe next month.
The z-wave sensors in the garage are about 100 ft from the hub. There are a total of 3 walls between the sensors and the hub. From the hub to the Outdoor module is about 35 feet and 1 wall (it is located inside the house). So, it’s 65 ft and 2 walls from the outdoor module to the sensors in the garage. In the garage is also a Gen 1 Range Extender and a motion detector (which never disconnect).
Larry,
Do I have this right?
Overview: of about 100 feet distance.
{Hub} > Wall1 > {Outdoor module} > Wall2 > Wall3 > {Z-wave device}
Hub > Wall 1> {Outdoor Module} = 35 feet
{Outdoor module} > Wall2 > Wall3 > {Z-wave device} = 65 feet.
Yes, that’s right.
I was thinking about trying a 2nd outdoor module closer to the garage, but:
1) I already bought an extra 1st gen range extender for this purpose.
2) My outdoor module already has disconnection problems of its own*.
3) Iris support made it sound like they were working on this “known issue”.
4) News of the 2nd gen range extenders came out.
*When the outdoor module disconnects, the sensors in the garage usually go out. The sensors in the garage will also disconnect without the outdoor module disconnecting.
Larry,
Thanks for the additional information. It will help me plan something out.
If you have more questions do you mind if I email you personally?
what is the signal strength difference between the zwave repeater chip function internal to many devices and a stand alone RANGE extender.. FCC limits power to
1mW .. I thinks that is mili watt.. is there a Zwave signal strength meter like wi-fi has? How about zwave transport over house wire like Ethernet?
How about that new update? I am having issues with both my key fob and keypad triggering the alarm on the iris server side and getting the subsequent notifications. And, although my thermostat is set to presence, anytime I deactivate my alarm through the key fob it sets it to schedule and when I activate it sets it to hold. It is crazy. It’s been escalated to 2nd tier, but just wondering if anyone else is having said issues.
Daniel,
Been busy with family events and chores, but will post something about the update. I do see some people having issues on the iris forum. I may want to create something to keep track of these issues.
My responds to Daniel continued at http://myeyesoniris.lefora.com/topic/40/Iris-Issues#.UplCUMTrxyU
It sounds like it may be setting your status to “Away” automatically when you set the alarm. Check and see whether you have the thermostat set to “Hold” in Away mode and if so change it to “Schedule”.
Having it set to “Hold” in Away mode seems questionable in utility. What is it going to hold at, the current temperature? That’s generally not what I want.
Thanks for commenting. I don’t think it applies but it’s worth checking.
Two of my three smoke detectors continually disconnect. I have extenders within 10ft of them and even 20 ft from the hub. Everything else seems good. My water level sensor disconnects and then reconnects occasionally.
Coryk,
Just wondering what’s the total distance between your hub and the siren that disconnects often?
Is there a way to hard reset a GE switch? Without unplugging it? Ive already tried to unlink it to the system and its not working because its not in range.
i have tried 2 on/off GE switches and the output power does not shut off with command even though the history says is was turned off.. Manually works ok.
It drives a pool INTELIMATIC light which changes function based on number of on/off toggles
After exchanging my 2nd range extender,talking to 3 advisors in 2 days, the last advisor finally stated we know there is a problem and they are working on it. The problem started with the upgrade they did in November ,his words not mine , so the 2nd generation is not an answer nor is a ge plug. Once again we have to wait till they sort it out. Oh well
Had a call from Iris tech support today with my open ticket for the range extender problems. They said there will be an update released at the end of FEB 2014 that should address this issue.
Looking forward to that.
Sure another update………
I hope so but I can’t seem to get any confirmation on this new update.
Had another call yesterday. She reaffirmed that the update would be out by the weekend. They have been trouble shooting a magic rule problem I found. But they are not sure if the update will help with the magic rules but was more specific to addressing the history and range extenders. Either way I am looking forward to killing some bugs.
The update may be on the server side not user. It looked like the history may be working properly again. Has anyone else noted any changes?
Two months ago I added 2 GE outdoor modules as range extenders, and that knocked out 99% of the disconnects i was getting. Then, 1 week ago, I suddenly started getting multiple disconnects per day again. Right now, it’s just as bad as it ever was. Actually, it’s worse since I now have 2 extra z-wave devices that I get disconnect alerts about. 😦
I haven’t checked for improvements but I hear there is something coming soon, and part of it are fixes. 🙂
In my opinion the IRIS product to date is a Hobby class product.. Much like the ‘Heath Kit’ hobby kits of the 70’s.. Security has to be reliable at the highest level. Your life may depend on it.
The first level help desk expertise seems to provide personality based answers and IRIS mng doesn’t understand the need for level 2 expert service direct connected to users.
The winner in this smart house market will provide layer 1 OSI transport over bldg wire and other layer 1 medium . Z-wave like Ethernet
Amen,,, that’s why I stopped expanding my hobby system,,, the range extender issue can’t get fixed ,,,, OH WELL at least I didn’t over spend my HOBBY
I had good results by un-pairing the range extender using the “remove Z-Wave device” option in advanced settings. Then pairing it again.
It was dropping everyday. It hasent since, although it is too soon to know how long this will last. But 72 hrs with no issue so far.
I am having the same problems. In addition to GE light switch disconnects, I also have problems keeping the Schlage locks connected. Has adding the outdoor plug solved your problems?
Hi Brent. It might but I suggest you check the iris forum for other users experience and maybe even ask the question on the forum. http://forum.livingwithiris.com/index.php?/forum/4-questionshelp/