SEM Z-Wave User Guide

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Document Transcript

Alarm.com Z-Wave Manual

System Enhancement Module
Updated January 27, 2016

Z-Wave Manual

Contents
Compatibility

SEM Firmware Version Required for Major Feature Compatibility: . . . . . .

Compatible Devices . . . . . . . . . . . .

Z-Wave Basics
Z-Wave Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Z-Wave Installation

Using the Dealer Website . . . . . . . . .

Repairing the Z-Wave Network

Deleting Z-Wave Devices

Using MobileTech . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Using the Dealer Website . . . . . . . . .

Using the System Enhancement Module

Using MobileTech . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Using the Dealer Website . . . . . . . . .

Using the System Enhancement Module

Triggering Z-Wave Devices
Lights, Switches, and Energy Metering . .

9
9

Thermostats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Using MobileTech . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Using the Dealer Website . . . . . . . . .

Network Rediscovery

Link Quality Indicator
Using MobileTech . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Device-Speciﬁc Installation

Locks & Z-Wave Garage Controllers . . . 13

Remote Temperature Sensors . . . . . . 13

Z-Wave Manual

Compatibility
SEM Firmware Version Required for Major Feature Compatibility:
• Network Rediscovery: Not available locally
• Remote Rediscovery: All versions
• Node Neighbors: All versions
• Link Quality Indicators: All versions

• Remote Add/Delete: All versions
• Self-Healing Network: All versions
• Network Wide Inclusion: All versions

Compatible Devices
Visit alarm.com/hardware for a full list of compatible Z-Wave devices.

Z-Wave Basics
The ﬁrst and most important thing to understand about Z-Wave is that it’s a mesh network.
Unlike a Wiﬁ network, where all communication must occur directly with the wireless router, Z-Wave allows any
device powered by the home (not batteries) to relay messages between devices or nodes. This allows the panel
to communicate with distant devices by passing messages through intermediary devices. For example, an
Alarm.com panel may communicate with a lock by ﬁrst
routing the message through a lamp module and then a
thermostat.
This type of distributed messaging is known as a mesh
network. The best way to strengthen the mesh network
is to make sure that every device has multiple paths of
communication to the security panel. Remember, only
devices that plug into a wall outlet or are wired into the
home’s electricity will repeat messages.

Figure 1: The security panel sends messages to nearby devices, which are then
relayed to farther devices.

The Z-Wave network not only stores information about
the strongest path of communication between devices,
but also stores information for back-up routes. If one
device in the normally strongest communication route fails for any reason, the Z-Wave network will
automatically compensate by ﬁnding another available route through other repeating nodes.

Z-Wave Manual

Z-Wave Range
Being a low power radio frequency, Z-Wave is prone to range issues caused by materials blocking the
signal. Without any obstructions, Z-Wave is advertised as having an open-air range of 100 feet. However, as shown in the chart to the below, diﬀerent materials cause diﬀerent signal strength dropoﬀs.
For example, if a customer has a decorative brick wall, it may be worthwhile to avoid a direct connection
through it and install in-wall light switches on either side. Likewise, be on the lookout for refrigerators,
ﬁling cabinets, cars, and other large, metal ﬁxtures!

Figure 2: Z-Wave signal strength loss through diﬀerent materials. Reinforced concrete almost completely eliminates a Z-Wave signal, whereas most of the signal will pass through
glass or wood.

Z-Wave Installation
A Z-Wave network is established by putting the Z-Wave controller, in this case the System Enhancement
Module, into ”Add Mode” and triggering devices, or nodes, to join the network. Below are a few tips to
keep in mind while setting up a Z-Wave network:
1. Before adding devices to the network, make sure to put the devices in their ﬁnal locations
(except locks–those should be kept near the panel until you are about to perform a Network
Rediscovery). This way, the network can correctly identify the strongest communication pathway
for each device.
2. Always add devices closest to the panel ﬁrst, and work outwards from there. Devices that have
already been added can relay the panel’s ”Add Mode” signal to add farther devices to the
network.
Copyright © 2016 Alarm.com | www.alarm.com

Z-Wave Manual
3. Make sure each device adds successfully before moving on to the next device. Depending on
which method you use to add the device, the panel, module, Dealer Site, or MobileTech app will
indicate that a device has been added to the network.
Alarm.com has equipped its dealers with a variety of tools to install and manage Z-Wave networks. To
create a Z-Wave network, enable any of the Z-Wave emPower services on the customer’s service plan,
put the panel into Add Mode, and begin adding devices.
Complete the following steps to put the panel into Add Mode:
Note: If the following options do not appear in the MobileTech app or Dealer Website, make
sure your ﬁrmware version supports Remote Add/Delete (see ”Compatibility” section).

Using MobileTech

Using the Dealer Website

1. Install the MobileTech App (if not already
done) and select the customer of interest.

1. Navigate to the Equipment page.

2. Navigate to the Equipment List page.
3. Select emPower Management.

3. Open the Advanced Z-Wave Commands
menu below the Equipment List.

4. Select Add Z-Wave Devices.

4. Click Add Z-Wave Devices.

5. Wait for the bolded message: Checking
for new devices on the network.

6. Trigger a device to add it to the network.

7. When a device is added successfully, it will
show up on this screen following a 30
second delay.

7. When a device is added successfully, it will
show up on this screen within 30 seconds.

8. Continue triggering devices. You may add
many devices to the network without
re-entering Add Mode.

2. Click the emPower Devices tab.

8. Continue triggering devices. You may add
many devices to the network without
re-entering Add Mode.

Z-Wave Manual

Using the System Enhancement Module
1. Locate the Alarm.com module.
2. Press and hold the button on the module.
3. Release the button once the L2 LED ﬂashes in groups of four.
4. Trigger a device to add it to the network.
5. When a device is added successfully, the L2 LED will stay lit for 60 seconds.
6. You will need to re-enter Add Mode before triggering the next device.
Devices should show up on the Alarm.com Customer Website, Dealer Website, and MobileTech Apps
within ﬁve minutes of adding the devices. If the devices do not show up, navigate to the Equipment
page on MobileTech and click Request Updated List, or navigate to the emPower Devices page on
the Dealer Website and click Get Equipment List.
Troubleshooting Tip:
If you can’t add a device to the network, you may need to delete the device’s network data using the device
deletion process before you can add it to the new network (some devices come from the factory with network
data). Note that it is possible to delete devices from other Z-Wave networks using any panel. See ”Deleting
Z-Wave Devices” below for instructions.

Network Rediscovery
After adding all desired Z-Wave devices to the network, it is important to run a Network Rediscovery.
Running a Network Rediscovery allows each device to detect nearby devices and identify a best path
of communication to the panel, as well as alternate paths in the case of a node failure.
This process can take up to thirty minutes, depending on the size of the Z-Wave network. To check that
the rediscovery was initiated, navigate to Event History. A Non-wiping network rediscovery command
followed by several Z-Wave link quality test request commands should be sent. We recommend not
using Z-Wave devices during this time.
Complete the following steps to perform a Network Rediscovery:
Note: If the following options do not appear in the MobileTech app or Dealer Website, make
sure your ﬁrmware version supports Remote Rediscovery (see ”Compatible Devices” section).

Z-Wave Manual

Using MobileTech

Using the Dealer Website

1. Install the MobileTech App (if not already
done) and select the customer of interest.

1. Navigate to the Equipment page.

2. Navigate to the Equipment List page.

2. Click the emPower Devices tab.

3. Select emPower Management.

3. Click Rediscover Network above the
equipment list.

4. Select Rediscover Network.

Link Quality Indicator
The Link Quality Indicator (LQI) test determines the signal strength of each node to identify any weak
points in the network.
Following a successful Network Rediscovery, the system will automatically run an LQI test. The results of
this test are displayed on both the emPower Devices page on the Dealer Website and the emPower
Management screen on the MobileTech App. These results will display connectivity strength for each
node, indicating where the Z-Wave network needs to be repaired.
To run an LQI test manually without running a Network Rediscovery, complete the following steps:
Note: If the following options do not appear in the MobileTech app or Dealer Website, make
sure your ﬁrmware version supports Link Quality Indicators (see ”Compatible Devices” section).

Using MobileTech

Using the Dealer Website

1. Install the MobileTech App (if not already
done) and select the customer of interest.
2. Navigate to the Equipment List page.
3. Select emPower Management.
4. Select Test Link Quality.
5. Check Event History to see that Z-Wave
link quality test request commands have
been sent.

1. Navigate to the Equipment page.
2. Click the emPower Devices tab.
3. Select Test Link Quality above the
equipment list.
4. Check Event History to see that Z-Wave
link quality test request commands have
been sent.

Repairing the Z-Wave Network
If any device is not functioning consistently, the network may have trouble communicating with the
device, either because it is too far from the nearest node or because there is an obstruction blocking
the Z-Wave signal.
If this happens, Alarm.com recommends the following troubleshooting steps:
Copyright © 2016 Alarm.com | www.alarm.com

Z-Wave Manual
• Make sure the device is powered and functions properly on its own (outside of the Z-Wave
network).
• Check that the device has been added into the Z-Wave network by looking at the Z-Wave
devices list.
• Verify Z-Wave functionality by bringing the device closer to the module. If the node is not
communicating properly at close proximity, delete it from the Z-Wave network, re-add it, and
run the Network Rediscovery a second time.
• Make sure that each Z-Wave device is within 25 feet of the nearest AC-powered Z-Wave device
in the same network. Placing devices at a greater distance can cause signiﬁcant reduction in
communication ability. Note that devices running on battery power will not repeat Z-Wave
signals—they will only receive them.
• Install one or more Z-Wave plug-in modules. These modules act as Z-wave range extenders and
can be installed in any wall plug. Place them midway between the failing node and the nearest
non-battery powered node that has not failed the rediscovery.
After completing one or all of the above troubleshooting steps, run a Network Rediscovery a second
time to verify that the network has been repaired.
If, after completing the above steps and running a Network Rediscovery, your device is still having
trouble communicating, contact Dealer Support at 1-866-834-0470 for help.

Deleting Z-Wave Devices
To remove a node from the panel’s Z-Wave network, the device must be ”deleted”. This can also be
useful to erase existing Z-Wave network settings from a device you are trying to add to the new network.
The device deletion process mirrors the device addition; the panel is placed into delete mode, and
devices are triggered one by one.
Complete the following steps to put the panel into Delete Mode:
Note: If the following options do not appear in the MobileTech app or Dealer Website, make
sure your ﬁrmware version supports Remote Add/Delete (see ”Compatibility” section).

Z-Wave Manual

Using MobileTech

Using the Dealer Website

1. Install the MobileTech App (if not already
done) and select the customer of interest.

1. Navigate to the Equipment page.

2. Navigate to the Equipment List page.
3. Select emPower Management.

3. Open the Advanced Z-Wave Commands
menu below the Equipment List.

4. Select Delete Z-Wave Devices.

4. Click Delete Z-Wave Devices.

5. Wait for the bolded message: Checking
for deleted devices on the network.

6. Trigger a device to delete it from the
network.

7. When a device is deleted successfully and
its network data is erased, it will show up
on this screen following a 30 second delay.

8. Continue triggering devices. You may
delete many devices without re-entering
Delete Mode.

9. Once the panel is in Delete Mode, walk
around triggering the devices you wish to
delete.

2. Click the emPower Devices tab.

Using the System Enhancement Module
1. Locate the Alarm.com module.
2. Press and hold the button on the module.
3. Release the button once the L2 LED ﬂashes in groups of four.
4. Press and hold the button on the module a second time.
5. Release the button once the L2 LED ﬂashes in groups of two.
6. Trigger a device to erase its network data and delete it from the network.
7. When a device is deleted successfully, LED 2 will stay lit.
8. You will need to re-enter Delete Mode before triggering the next device.
In most cases, the same trigger used to add a device is used to delete the device from the network.
Devices should be removed from Alarm.com within twenty seconds after being triggered. If the device
is not deleting, you may need to move the device closer to the panel and try again.

Z-Wave Manual

Appendices
Triggering Z-Wave Devices
Lights, Switches, and Energy Metering

Plug-in Module (All
Brands)
With the device plugged
into an outlet, tap the
button twice.

Smart Energy Meter
With the device powered,
tap the Action/Home
Energy Meter button. The
light will remain solid for 3
seconds.

In-Wall Switch (All
Brands)
With the switch installed
and wired, click the top or
bottom of the rocker twice.

In-Wall Outlets
With the device powered:
Evolve: Tap button twice.
GE: Tap button once.
Linear: Tap button once.

Smart Energy Switch
With the device plugged in,
tap the button once.

Heavy Duty Smart
Switch
With the device powered
up, tap the action button.

Z-Wave Manual

GoControl and Qolsys
IQ Lightbulbs
Power the lightbulb. The
light will blink.

Thermostats

Alarm.com Thermostat
With the device installed
and powered, press MODE
until the HEAT and COOL
lights are oﬀ. Hold DOWN
until the radio icon ﬂashes.

Alarm.com Remote
Temperature Sensor
Tap the button on the side
of the sensor.

Trane and RCS
Thermostats
With the device installed
and powered, press
MENU. Scroll to Z-WAVE
INSTALL and press SELECT.
Then press YES.

Z-Wave Manual

2GIG CT-30/
GE TSTAT-300
With the device installed
and powered, press
MENU, then press MATE
twice. The word ”link” will
appear below the radio.

2GIG CT-100
With the device installed
and powered, press
MENU, then press MATE
twice. The word ”link” will
appear below the radio.

Linear Thermostat
With the device installed,
powered, and woken up,
press FAN until ”SETUP”
displays in the status line.
Scroll to ”Z-Wave” and
press SELECT. Press
SELECT again.

Locks

All Kwikset Locks
With the lock powered,
press the A (or top left)
button on the inner side of
the lock once.

Yale Keyed Locks
With the lock powered,
enter the master code and
press #. Enter 7,#,1,#.

Yale Key-Free Locks
With the lock powered,
press the button with the
radio icon until the device
beeps twice.

Z-Wave Manual

Schlage BE468/469
With the lock powered and
locked, press the
SCHLAGE button. Enter
the 6-digit programming
code, followed by 0.

Schlage FE599
With the lock powered and
locked, enter the 6-digit
programming code. After
3 lights and 3 beeps, press
the SCHLAGE button,
followed by 0.

Other

Linear Garage
Controller
Tap the button on the side
of the controller.

The Quickbox
Open the box using a
supplied credential. Press
the blue button on the
underside of the lid.

FortrezZ or WaterCop
Water Valves
Press the MODE button.

For a full list of supported devices, visit Alarm.com/hardware.

Z-Wave Manual

Device-Speciﬁc Installation
Locks & Z-Wave Garage Controllers
Locks and z-wave garage devices use encrypted communication over Z-Wave, meaning their communication is completely secure. However, this added security comes at a cost; the lock and the controller
must use additional Z-Wave commands to learn-in and communicate. With each additional command
sent, the probability of a communication breakdown increases. To mitigate the chances of a learn-in
failure for locks and garage controllers, complete the following steps:
1. Begin with the lock or garage controller within 6’ of the panel or module.
2. Delete the lock or garage controller from the Z-Wave network.
3. Place the panel into Add Mode and trigger the lock or garage controller.
4. Wait two minutes before locally operating the device.
5. Verify that the lock or garage controller shows up on the Alarm.com website and responds to
lock/unlock or open/close commands.
6. Move the lock or garage controller to its ﬁnal location and run a Network Rediscovery.
7. For locks, do not add or delete user codes locally to or from the lock! Only use the
Alarm.com web interface for user code management!

Remote Temperature Sensors
Alarm.com Remote Temperature Sensors will not respond to a Network Rediscovery. Therefore, it is
important to set up the rest of the Z-Wave network and run a Network Rediscovery before learning in
Temperature Sensors. To correctly install an Alarm.com Remote Temperature Sensor, complete the
following steps:
1. Install all other Z-Wave devices and run a Network Rediscovery by following the instructions in
this manual. If your panel supports Link Quality Indicators, make sure all devices show a ”Good”
rating on the Z-Wave Equipment list.
2. Place the Temperature Sensors in their ﬁnal locations.
3. Put the panel into Add Mode.
4. Add the sensors by pressing the buttons on the sides of the devices.
5. Verify that the sensors show up on the Customer and Dealer sites and report changes in
temperature appropriately. No additional Network Rediscovery is necessary.

Uploaded: June 15, 2016