There is hype. And for good reason. There is also a learning curve with this. This platform doesn't just walk you right through things, but community does. Sure, there are limitations because there's not a cloud interface like with Smartthings and Wink, but there are ways around that. Get your feet wet first. Start close to the hub with your devices and work out. Don't add a bunch of devices in one day. It's easy to do, but pace yourself. You didn't build your wink mesh in a day either. Also remember that Zwave doesn't repair itself, so after a day of adding things, do a zwave repair. Might help with your lock frustration. I have a zwave schlage lock and I had to bring the lock to the hub to pair. Then install it in the door. Then I set up a repeater, although I have all zwave swtiches and did a repair. It joins securely and that's why it's so picky. Once you get things going, your frustration will lessen. BUT - and I say that in all caps. One of the reasons people go with and stay, and even leave and come back is because of the community. You're not alone in this. Don't try to solve the problems all on your own. Give it a go on your own, but if you've failed once or even twice, then ask. If you're not sure where to begin, start by asking. There are very few haters here, and this community is like none other. (Love you guys 
)
Excellent advice. Totally agree!
I'm often hard-headed and will sometimes burn up days of time before asking for help. While that may sound bad, it also usually includes a lot of learning potential. If I'm spoon-fed a solution, I won't remember it. If I had to learn it the hard way, I'm more likely to remember as I learned other related information in the process.
Another thing I do is utilize search both on the community and the web in general. I may not always find the solution to the immediate problem, but I also learn a lot of relevant material on the way.
I agree with billmeeks comment. Through my research, trying and failing, experimenting, testing, you name it; I have learned more about the smarthome industry, its products and technologies simply by doing. This "hands on" approach, as with many other hands on skills like learning how to code on your own, in my opinion is the best way to learn. A coworker of mine started asking me the other day about smarthome automation, and I went off rambling for the next ten minutes about Zwave, Zigbee, Lutron Clear Connect, WiFi - he looked at me like I had five heads. I laughed at myself with a bit of pride: it's all because I've done a ton of reading and touching. I've successfully migrated 99% of my devices from Wink to Hubitat about 3 weeks ago. Now that my Zwave mesh is working perfectly, I know that saving the Schlage lock for this weekend was the correct approach. I have 2 Zwave light switches right next to my front door so hopefully I won't run into any issues. If I do, I know I can rely on this community. If you haven't already, check out this thread below:
Thank you my friend. Good luck with your locks, you've done your homework. And yes, this community is awesome!
Prediction to take to the bank. Hubitat Gen 2 with stronger radios. And to increase revenue stream once HE levels off. GUARANTEED.
Gen5 is the current model. Maybe you mean Gen6 (or Gen7) with stronger radios?
Personally, that wouldn't be a big draw for me. I'm building out my Zigbee and Z-wave meshes to where there's no benefit to stronger radios in the Hubitat hubs.
Yes, Gen 6, 7 or whatever. For the new Hubitat users.
