Schlage Lock out of range?

[API]

I have Schlage zwave doorlocks about 20m from my hub. I added them by bringing the hub close but when it’s in it’s usual spot it doesn’t see them. I added a Samsung outlet just a few feet from one of the locks, and the hub sees it fine. I tried “repairing” the network several times but locks still don’t connect. Does s single outlet not provide enough “juice” to extend the network? Other ideas. I have 8 locks closer to the hub that connect great, so no issues with connecting when in range.

[Brad_ST (Brad)]

If you added SmartThings outlet, that uses Zigbee and won’t extend your Z-Wave network. You’ll want to add a Z-Wave outlet to help with that.

[API]

Oh duh. I thought the Z part of the zigbee logo was for Zwave (that it was both). Rookie mistake. Thank you!

[JDRoberts]

The following FAQ should help clear up some basic questions. Start by reading post 11 in that thread, then go back up to the top and read the whole thing.

A Guide to Wireless Range & Repeaters

One more thought. While I understand the marketing reasons for the decision, the fact that SmartThings gives customers zero guidance on how to set up a network backbone does lead to a lot of frustration that shouldn’t have to exist. if people knew that .1) The hub should be located centrally in the home, both vertically and horizontally. Don’t put it in a garage or basement as those have concrete and pipes and metal objects which will reduce signal. If your Internet router is off in some inaccessible corner, you can use a Wi-Fi access point that has a ethernet port on the side and plug into that. Also, the hub should not be put in a cabinet. You just want to make it as easy as possible for signal to spread around your house. .2) you need one device that can repeat about every 40 feet…

Also,

FAQ: why would I need another beaming repeater if my zwave lock is already close to my hub?

This question comes up a lot. Suppose you have a Z wave lock, but the status doesn’t seem to update or commands don’t always seem to work. Typically someone in the community will recommend that you add another beaming repeater within 10 feet or so of the lock. So the question is why would you need that if the lock is already pretty close to the hub? The short answer is that the hub is busy, and it takes some load off of it if you have a separate beaming repeater near your lock. The long answer is in the following thread (this is a clickable link) Also, since I get asked all the time what’s an inexpensive Zwave plus beaming repeater, for the US hub the Minoston miniplug is often on sale for right around $20. It should not require any custom code, it’s just a very simple one socket on/…

[API]

This is probably another dumb question but … where outlets and lightbulbs are controlled by wall switches, do the devices act as repeaters only when they are switched on? I would think so but that seems to create a lot of physical complexity — tape and “do not use” signs on wall switches? Or do they somehow draw minimal power even when switched off?

[JDRoberts]

@API

This is probably another dumb question but … where outlets and lightbulbs are controlled by wall switches, do the devices act as repeaters only when they are switched on? I would think so but that seems to create a lot of physical complexity — tape and “do not use” signs on wall switches? Or do they somehow draw minimal power even when switched off?

As long as the switch is able to hear the next command from the network, that is, if it is controllable from the app or the hub, it is also available to work as a repeater.

So this isn’t typically an issue with switches or plug-in pocket sockets or in wall relays.

It is sometimes an issue with smartbulbs, but I don’t know of any of those that are beaming repeaters anyway, so you likely wouldn’t be using to improve communication to a lock.