- Receive email or text notifications
- Install and set up the system with ease
- Remotely monitor access to your home
- Access your home from anywhere
- Monthly subscription fee required for remote access
I am buying another lock for another property and already have another Vera (which also controls lights, thermostats, IP cameras, etc.).
If you want this lock and want a great way to get into DYI home automation buy it and pair it with Vera.
By the way I am not affiliated with Schlage or Micasaverde.com in any way.
I'd rate the lock 5 star except I disliked the Schlage marketing/non-marketing of their service and pairing it with other Z wave controllers does take time.
Buy Schlage LiNK Wireless Keypad Entry Lever Lock Starter Kit System, Aged Bronze Now
I was very happy about the arrival of my Schlage LiNK door lock. It was easy to install, taking only about a half hour to replace an existing lock on my front door. It is also easy to use once setup. The setup process is a little complicated, requiring carrying the wireless connector to within a few feet of each device to be included in each individual's home system and pushing several buttons in a timed period. There are no included combination programming instructions included although the instructions state that such programming is possible. After the more than $300 dollar purchase, to find that the entire wireless operation won't work unless you subscribe to the $12.99 per month web service was very upsetting, especially since I only have one lock. The same lock, without the wireless capability can be had for about half the price. If I had to do it again, Although I love the lock, I would not have purchased it had I known the service was required and cost so much.I love this lock. I haven't signed up for the wireless access yet (it's $13/mo) but program it manually. You can easily change the master program code to something you can remember.One noteIf you have a standard door with 2 holes already drilled (say a handle lock & a deadbolt) this all in one lock probably won't cover both holes and you'll need to get a metal cover plate or use the Schlage deadbolt version which doesn't lock automatically behind you. So make sure to read the measurements carefully if you're putting it into an existing lock hole.
Want Schlage LiNK Wireless Keypad Entry Lever Lock Starter Kit System, Aged Bronze Discount?
I should have read the reviews before I bought this item.The first thing to mention is the cost of the "service". I bought these, then realized that I had to pay an annual fee to use the Schlage service. I decided not to use the Schlage service, and, to buy the z-wave bridges from micasa instead. I purchased a vera 3, which does not require an annual service charge. So, I do not recommend the Schlage "bridge" that is included in this package. It is simply not worth it. The bundle is not worth it, because of the extra cost to buy the Schlage "bridge". Then, there's the cost of the service. It is not worth it. I purchased the vera 3 to control the locks, and it (the vera 3) works just fine.
The locks are a different matter. One of the three locks was dead out of the box. Unfortunately, I did not realize this until the lock was already installed on the door. Luckily, I was only on my second lock installation, so, I just installed my third lock and left the broken one for the last install. I was able to sync the two working locks with my vera 3 with very little effort. And, everything worked fine.
About a week after my install, one of the locks stopped working. I ended up changing the batteries, and, this fixed the problem. But, I clearly do not want to have to replace the batteries every week. Not a good sign.
Instead of immediately returning the defective items to Amazon, I tried to contact Schlage for support. BIG MISTAKE! If your lock is defective, and, you still have the opportunity to return it to Amazon DO IT! The Schalge support desk is worthless! These people wanted me to REINSTALL the lock on a door in order to diagnose the issue with the lock! Ridiculous! But, I kept trying to work with the Schlage folks to get the locks fixed (two of the three that I purchased). And, during this process, the return period for Amazon expired. Now, I am stuck with two locks that do not work. And, I am still trying to deal with Schalge support to get the locks replaced.
Let me review:
Bridge is worthless, unless you want to pay a $100+ annual fee
Two of the three locks I purchased malfunctioned with the first 30 days
Schalge customer support is worthless
If I were going to do this again, I would not buy the bundle (this item), I would buy the locks independently. And, at the first sign of trouble (within the Amazon return period), I would return the locks to Amazon as defective. If you end up having to deal with the Schlage customer service good luck!While I understand some of the negative comments out here, I'd like to offer my perspective. I own a condo in another state which I have to rent out in order to make ends meet. Now, I could have the uncertainty of sending keys to my guests, hoping they don't reproduce them while they're staying in the condo, but that was unsettling for me. I needed a way to provide them access during the timeperiod for which they paid, and then deny them access after they checkout. Too, I have a cleaning service come in, inbetween rentals.
This lock is perfect for my needs. I can add/delete user code remotely, from my cell phone or from my PC. If the code doesn't work, I can send a remote unlock. If the cleaning company doesn't work out, I can remove their code without the worry that they'll re-enter after I've fired them. I can remotely turn on the light for times when the condo is sitting empty. And, although I haven't purchased it yet, in the future I will get the thermostat so that I can monitor/adjust it remotely, too.
Its a win-win for me.
True, I have to pay $20 for Internet service plus the $13 for the monthly service, but I am hoping I can recoup some of those fees from guests who want to opt for WiFi while they're renting from me.
Finally, the service will allow me to add other houses. So, for the $13/month (less if you pay annually), I can manage a lock on my permanent residence, too.
It is a solution I likely would not have opted for had I not had the other property, but am glad it was available for my requirements.
0 comments:
Post a Comment