Reddit reviews Aeotec Range Extender 6, Z-Wave Plus repeater
We found 10 Reddit comments about Aeotec Range Extender 6, Z-Wave Plus repeater. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Z-Wave Plus wireless signal repeater and range extender. Compatible with Z-Wave and Z-Wave Plus.Amplifies and repeats weak signals boosting the range and reliability of weak Z-Wave devices.Plug in to 110 volt wall socket. Small design so it does not block other outletsCompatible with all Z-Wave gateways including Control4, Fibaro, SmartThings, and Vera.Z-Wave Plus certified. Certification number: ZC10-16095239
The window sensors are battery powered so they don't extend the mesh. Use an extender that's AC powered like this one:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M6CKJXC
If you have smart locks (zwave) you'll want repeaters that handle secure functions - this one work well
I mostly use smart plugs in addition to my z-wave light switches but added one of these a couple of weeks ago: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M6CKJXC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. It seems to be helping so far. I was having intermittent issues with my z-wave locks and since adding this things seem to be more reliable.
I had a similar problem with a Kwikset z-wave lock - it is listed by Ring and would only pair and work close to the base station, and the Ring extender had no effect. I found that the lock uses z-wave S0 security, so I ended up trying an Aeotec Range Extender 6 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M6CKJXC/), which supports the necessary level of encryption (https://products.z-wavealliance.org/products/1966/embedpics). I paired the Aeotec extender to the base station as an extender, and the lock works fine now. I was able to pair it from a distance through the extender, and it communicates properly with the base station as well.
I'm not sure if this is your lock: https://products.z-wavealliance.org/products/1878/embedpics, but if it is then it looks like it uses S0 security as well?
The only strange thing about the Aeotec extender is that the included printed instructions didn't talk about enabling it for security mode; the online instructions do explain this however: https://aeotec.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/6000162370-range-extender-6-user-guide- (see the "Enabling Security Encryption" section).
Hope that this helps!
You can buy Zwave range extenders, basically the exact same thing as Wifi extenders. Example. Most Zwave devices that are connected to mains power also act as signal repeaters, but they probably won't have as good range as a dedicated extender. 50 yards isn't really that far, if you place a repeater on each end with line of sight they should easily reach. Zwave is a mesh network, so devices will automatically handle forwarding messages among themselves to route them back to your controller.
I don't personally own Kwikset, but if you find a repeater that supports, "beaming" technology it will work since the locks are a FLIRS devices (had to look it up -- frequently listening receiver slave) and are looking for a beaming signal.
The ones I know off the top of my head are the Aeotec 6 Repeater and the Inovelli smart plugs, but that's because I own them both. However, if you go to the Z-Wave Alliance and search for a specific product you're interested in, you can pull up that plug's conformance statement and there will be a section that says, "Supports Beaming". Just make sure it says, "Yes".
Products:
Aeotec: https://www.amazon.com/Aeotec-Range-Extender-Z-Wave-repeater/dp/B01M6CKJXC
Inovelli: https://www.amazon.com/Control-Outlets-SmartThings-devices-Inovelli/dp/B06XG2T2S6
Z-Wave Alliance Conformance Statements:
Aeotec: https://products.z-wavealliance.org/products/1966/embedpics
Inovelli: https://products.z-wavealliance.org/products/2352/embedpics
I was having the same issue. My zWave devices were all battery powered, same with the Zigbee, so they wouldn't work as repeaters. I purchased a couple zWave repeaters and a couple of the ST Zigbee plugs, and put them in my weak areas, rebuilt the networks and it solved my issues.
I think the only way they would act as a single location would be if you replaced the whole system. Adding the connect home to your existing set up would make that a second location. At that point a second SmartThings hub might be cheaper. You can view multiple locations from the app, but I don't think you can pool the devices so that they can interact or be shown at the same time in the app.
Have you tried a Zwave Extender? It should have a greater range than just a plug or outlet would. That listing says up to 500 ft range. How far is the garage? Have you tried setting up a Zwave device in the house and moving it after set up to the garage? Have you tried to see if your set up still works if you move the SmartThings hub into the garage? Could it reach the house? If even just one device connects that way, a Zwave repair should get the rest to connect.
What about this thing? Aeotec Z-Wave Extender
The CCCP Wall is actually my porch, so I was thinking of placing it by the Kitchen (closest to the garage door)
Yep your right this is the exact model. https://www.amazon.com/Aeotec-Range-Extender-Z-Wave-repeater/dp/B01M6CKJXC