I can't get my First Alert smoke detector to connect. I can put it into exclusion mode, but it will not go into inclusion mode. I am having the same problem with two of my two Schlage Connect deadbolts. I was able to get one of my Schlage locks to connect. This is the second time I tried contacting you about this problem. I have submitted two tickets with no responce.
When you put it into exclusion mode, do you have evidence that it works? For example, a general exclusion the same hub you're using that indicates success?
I have an older model of that smoke alarm that was tricky to include. I'm not sure what finally did it, but I remember needing to try a few different times. It's possible a factory reset helped after the exclusion (possibly for some other reason since this shouldn't be necessary). If yours is new, you likely have a newer generation, and a forum search will pull up some trouble others have had. You can probably get it with some persistence.
Note that Schlage locks are not officially on Hubitat's compatibility list, though there are built-in drivers, and many are able to make them work with success (issues are mostly older hardware and firmware combinations). Locks are often picky about how they include. You'll definitely need security (if asked for S2, do it; if your locks are only S0, you won't have a choice on newer hubs and it should just work, but if on a C-5, make sure it's not disabled).
General Z-Wave network troubleshooting would also be helpful. What steps from here have you tried or ruled out? How to Troubleshoot Z-Wave | Hubitat Documentation. In particular, look at the first section about inclusion troubles as well as the note about "ghosts" (as people here often call them) and similar troubles.
Finally, more information, including your hub model and platform version, both accessible from Settings > Hub Details, would be helpful, as would the specific model numbers of the devices you're dealing with if the above doesn't help.
2 Likes
What deadbolt locks would you recommend? I am tired of trying to connect my locks. Thanks
I have five of these:
They work well with the C-8. And are very simple to pair - using SmartStart
1 Like
These Schlage can be quite picky to pair. Depending upon how old they are, they range from frustrating to just a bit finicky.
About how old are these locks? Do they say Z-wave Plus on them anywhere? Is there an exact model number shown, like BE469ZP or something like that?
Are these 3 items the first things you are trying to pair, or have you successfully paired other devices with your hub? Typically a line-powered device, which acts like a repeater, should be included before battery powered things like locks, sensors, or similar.
Do you see any messages in the Logs tab, either Live Logs or Past Logs for these devices. You would typically see something when doing either the inclusion and/exclusion process.
What hub is this, C8, C8 Pro, C7??? That also may help us to give some specific instructions.
1 Like
Thank you for the info on the locks. I have them in my Amazon cart in case I can not get the Schlage locks to connect. I am having trouble connecting my First Alert smoke detectors. They are six years old and need to be replaced. Can you recommend a brand that you like?
1 Like
I have installed five GE wall switches and three Leviton Plug-in outlets first. The Schlage Connect deadbolt locks are about six years old and do not say Z-wave Plus. I was able to get one to connect. The model number for the two that will not connect is 24529380. The model number for the one that did connect is 23686159. I only see some messages from the connected Schlage Connect deadbolt lock. The MAC: 34E1D181E120. I hope this helps; thanks.
Those sound more like serial numbers and not a model, which should be BExxxx or something like that.
Nevertheless, these are likely going to be quite picky to include. Locks of these era typically pair in a "whisper mode", which means you often have to pair these quite close to the hub. Some move the hub to the lock, and others have even taken the door off to move it closer to the hub.
It would also be a good idea to look for ghosts in your Z-wave list, but this is only available if you have a C7 or newer hub. Post a screenshots of your Z-wave details page, so we can see if you have ghosts. You didn't say which hub you had, so I am going to assume you have one of these as opposed to an older C5 which doesn't have the details on this page.
1 Like
My generator installers installed some non-smart interconnected smoke/CO alarms that have 10 year batteries. They did this for the generator installation to pass inspection. So I bring these non-smart smoke detectors into Hubitat using Ecolink Firefighters. There's a built-in driver for the z-wave version of the Ecolink Firefighter.
3 Likes
This is a great option, especially if you have non-interconnected alarms. It allows you to use any generic smoke and/or CO detectors. The only downside is one more device layer to manage, but that is an OK tradeoff. I have had one of these for a couple years, and it seems to work just fine.
If you have interconnected alarms, there is a Zooz Zen55 which can make those smart. Same deal, this adds one more layer of things, but you get to use any brand/model detector that you wish instead of being locked into a particular brand.
2 Likes
Thanks for the info. I like the Ecolink Firefighters.
1 Like
I have the Hubitat Elevation® Model C-8 Pro.I might need to update my locks. Do you have any suggestions for a good brand that would work? I do not know how to upload the Z-wave detail page, and I could not find anything about ghosts.
Go to Settings -> Z-Wave Settings, and take a screenshot of the entire page.
1 Like
I have the screenshot. How do I attach it to this message?
When you're in a compose window on the forum, you can use the instructions below to attach a screenshot or any other image.
1 Like
You have two z-wave ghosts (0x0011 and 0x0013). You will need to remove these for stable z-wave operation.
Also your Schlage locks are pretty old - one of them is a BE468 and the other is a BE469NX. Neither of them are z-wave+.
Schlage does make newer z-wave+ locks (BE469ZP) that several people report to work well with Hubitat. Personally, I find the Kwikset Home Connect 620 z-wave+ lock to work really with Hubitat. They are joined using SmartStart, which makes pairing very very simple. I have 5 of them. And I'm thoroughly satisfied with the quality and function.
1 Like
Thank you for informing me about the Z-wave ghost. I would have never figured it out. Yes, I will update my locks to the Kwikset Home Connect 620 z-wave+ lock. I was told the best thing for my smoke detectors is to use the Firefighter Z-Wave Plus Wireless Smoke/CO Audio Sensor. I also have a problem connecting them, and they are about six years old.
I find with my 8 or 9 yo Schlage deadbolts that they need a good Z wave signal, via Z wave repeaters in my basement and garage. I had hoped my GE Z-wave light switches would be enough, but weren't. I initially had Hubitat C7 and upgraded to the C8 Pro to see if that would help.... nope. To be honest, I did not see any real improvement with the newer hub for day to day function. it is better about pairing though, as compared to walking around the house with the C7 plugged into a Jackery, LOL. But that may be because I just want stuff to work, not nerd out about the techy details.
Not to diss tech nerds; I nerd out on ICU patient care stuff. To each their own...:>
1 Like
Awesome information. I am replacing my old Schlage deadbolts with updated Z-wave Plus ones. What is interesting about the GE Z-wave light switches is that they did not say repeater on the box. I have ordered two more Leviton Plug-in outlets. Yes, we all nerd out on something that interests us, and I do not want to nerd out on this Z-wave stuff. I want it to work and be done with it.
