Posts: 3,716
Threads: 196
Joined: Aug 2006
So I am starting to learn that ZWave smart locks require third party controllers to be 'licensed' in some way in order to provide access. I'm sure it has to do with security, so random folks can't hack your zwave for entry, but from what I have read on the web, it has priced most (if not all) automation houses out.
Which means, from my understanding, that even if the USB stick can handle it, CQC itself would have to be licensed in order to access it via the USB stick.
So instead, and this is an awful round-about way, we would need support for one of the existing home controllers, like Vera, who already has the license. Although I don't know if an API (or anything like it) would provide access to the locks.
Has anyone thought about this stuff yet? I am only aware of two locks that are currently shipping, Goji and Danalock, but a lot more appear on the way.
Posts: 3,415
Threads: 158
Joined: Jan 2006
12-17-2013, 06:41 PM
(This post was last modified: 12-17-2013, 06:47 PM by wuench.)
As a part of your research you may want to try using the CQC Google search box above... 
I don't think it requires any special license just the right version of zwave stick or interface.
Kwikset, Schlage, and Yale all have shipping versions...
Posts: 3,716
Threads: 196
Joined: Aug 2006
This is from another board, for Indigo 6 (a CQC competitor):
In order to fully support every Z-Wave device type/class, developers need to license the Z-Wave Software SDK for a fee from Sigma Designs. The security classes and beaming technology that enable communication with locks is only documented in this SDK. Licensing the SDK also requires a couple of other things: first, you have to sign an NDA that prohibits you from revealing any information contained in the SDK. Secondly, you have to sign a document stating that you'll have your product certified to be Z-Wave compliant (they require software to be certified even though the interface hardware being used is already certified).
The cost of licensing the SDK, while not trivial, is something we would be willing to do. Signing the NDA is also not a problem since that's a pretty standard practice. The problem comes in with the terms of the certification and the certification process itself. First, you pay another fee to submit your product for certification. Next, you pay (an undisclosed amount) for a 3rd party certifier to certify your product. This process requires iteration between the licensee, the certifying organization, and we assume Sigma Designs. Given that there are no current Mac-based licensees it's very likely that any certification organization will have to build out the certification environment which is likely to increase the amount owed to the certifier. Once you've got your product certified, you are required to recertify your product annually OR when there are "major" changes (which, unfortunately, is also not clearly documented).
Apparently these guys tried to get the lock support to the Aeotec Z-Stick, and this is what they found when they tried to add the support. You can see their post here: http://www.perceptiveautomation.com/user...=36&t=9248
Posts: 40,483
Threads: 491
Joined: Aug 2002
We use the Leviton VRCOP, which is the licensed product. It exposes a simplified API, not the Z-Wave API, which we use. So it's not an issue if you use the VRCOP based driver.
Dean Roddey
Explorans limites defectum
Posts: 3,716
Threads: 196
Joined: Aug 2006
Ok, so right in theory - if I use a licensed product like the VRCOP I should be all set. I guess thats why the Aeotec stick only costs like $40
it's been a long day: i get it now. these guys were trying to license the zwave sdk, which requires all of that nonsense.
Posts: 40,483
Threads: 491
Joined: Aug 2002
We used to have a direct Z-Wave driver, and it's still there just for backwards compatibility. But we moved to the VRCOP because of the issue of support for locks and other encrypted stuff.
Dean Roddey
Explorans limites defectum
Posts: 3,415
Threads: 158
Joined: Jan 2006
And be careful, SMART usually refers to the new Bluetooth locks (i.e the ones you can open with your phone directly). Those aren't the same as ZWave.
I actually have some of the kwikset regular combo locks, they have a slot for the zwave card in them. There was supposed to be an addon kit, but I never found it out there. The Kwikset Zwave locks are $179 on Amazon.
It still would be nice to have a Vera driver or other network route to supporting ZWave. I think the ISY guys have Zwave now that supports locks, but I haven't bought the card, I think it pretty much doubles the price of an ISY.
Posts: 3,716
Threads: 196
Joined: Aug 2006
If you can't tell, I'm still a little behind the times. :-D
I just tried to read through the VRC0P documentation and am more confused than I was going in.
Speaking of which, does that driver support the 'multi-sensors' like the Aeon Labs? It does Motion, Temp, Luminance, and Humidity.
http://www.amazon.com/Aeon-Labs-Aeotec-Z...B008D5TYGU
Posts: 3,716
Threads: 196
Joined: Aug 2006
12-17-2013, 07:06 PM
(This post was last modified: 12-17-2013, 07:09 PM by jkmonroe.)
Oh, yeah. I think thats where my confusion lies. I never paid any attention to the locks that I can see on smarthome.com (now that im looking), and have been paying attention to the BTLE/WiFi/ZWave locks that are starting to come out.
I think it would be cool to have the deadbolt unlock as I approach it via BTLE, but I am reading that the implementations suck (it doesn't know if you're inside or outside). ZWave could do that as well, since I have geo-fencing working with CQC, I could just tell the lock to unlock.
I've been out of this for so long, that these new devices are like magic. This would be spectacular because it can sense power draw:
http://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Smart-Pow...B00H3RL6JW
wuench Wrote:And be careful, SMART usually refers to the new Bluetooth locks (i.e the ones you can open with your phone directly). Those aren't the same as ZWave.
I actually have some of the kwikset regular combo locks, they have a slot for the zwave card in them. There was supposed to be an addon kit, but I never found it out there. The Kwikset Zwave locks are $179 on Amazon.
It still would be nice to have a Vera driver or other network route to supporting ZWave. I think the ISY guys have Zwave now that supports locks, but I haven't bought the card, I think it pretty much doubles the price of an ISY.
Posts: 3,415
Threads: 158
Joined: Jan 2006
I am thinking about using NFC. I have some outdoor tags and have it arming/disarming my security system. I was thinking I would add unlocking/locking to that.
I like the geofencing stuff but I am still a little leery of having it control locks or security. I really want to see it happen to verify it worked.
|
