Hawking HomeRemote Pro HRPC2 Wireless Video Camera with Night Vision Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The hardest part of this review will be keeping it short when so many things are wrong with this product. I purchased a camera, a gateway, a wall plug module, and a motion detector. It was a 4 evening of fighting with the setup to get everything partially working. Then after two days everything quit working. I have to completely reconfigure all products. Then once again after a couple of days, I had the same problem. I spent more time reconfiguring only to have it happen a third time. Camera could not be found, the motion detector did not work and the web based software could not see the gateway.
During the time that the system was working, it was only partially working. Features like the motion detection of the camera and actions by the web based software was supposed to send me Email if an event was triggered. That never happened. Tech support was useless. Night time tech support takes you to a 3rd party tech support that can solve no problems and tells you that you have to call during the day. I call daytime and asked a simple question about what a field in the camera setup called "Split By" was supposed to do and they could not answer that and told me to send in email. And as you might guess my email was never answered. The only other answer I got from daytime tech was the server was having software problem wait until Monday. Well it did start working on Monday for 2 days.
So here are my complaints:
Bad Tech Support,
Server Software has problems,
Documentation is too brief.
All product that I purchased were unreliable,
Once configured, things will quit working and when you try to correct everything quits working.
Not all features would work at anytime.
I have quit, I am no longer trying to make these product work.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Hawking HomeRemote Pro HRPC2 Wireless Video Camera with Night Vision

The Hawking Technologies HomeRemote Pro Wireless Video Camera with Night Vision lets you add streaming video to your HomeRemote Pro Monitor and Control System. This camera lets you keep an eye on your kids, pets, or your home via a browser or your Internet-enabled cell phone, regardless of your home's lighting conditions. Unlike standard Internet cameras that require complicated router configurations, this camera features true plug-and-play installation, making it easier than ever to set up a comprehensive monitoring system in your home.
Note: This product includes only the HomeRemote Pro Wireless Video Camera with Night Vision. A HomeRemote Pro Internet Gateway is required to use the camera (sold separately). An additional monthly subscription fee is required to access all of the features of the Pro Wireless Video Camera (Click here for a comparison chart between the basic and pro-level services).
High-Quality Live Video, Motion Detection, and Triggered Recordings The Pro Wireless Video Camera with Night Vision offers high-quality, live video at up to 30 frames per second over a browser, or at a seamless rate of up to 15 frames per second on your cellular phone (cell phone quality will depend on the quality of your cell phone Internet connection). No matter where you are, you can simply log into your account with your cell phone or available Internet connection and view any number of rooms in your house in real time.
From your HomeRemote Pro account site, you can adjust the resolution, image quality, frame rate, and image setting, letting you optimize its performance based on the quality of your Internet connection. With the included video recording software, the camera can also be set up to record video or images based on set schedules or motion triggers. (The software supports up to 16 cameras simultaneously.)
From your account site you can also schedule recordings, enable motion detection alerts, and set up a wide array of recording options. For instance, you can set your system to record when motion is detected in your front door and front windows, and the recorded video can be sent to FTP servers, email addresses, or network storage devices.
Infrared LED Night Vision Technology With the Pro Wireless Video Camera with Night Vision, you don't have to worry about losing performance during evening hours. The camera features infrared LED night vision technology, which lets you view live video even in the darkest environments. And for even greater security, the camera's external LEDs can be turned off for stealth installations.
Cell Phone Video Interface From your cellular phone the camera displays video at a seamless rate of up to 15 frames per second depending on your cellular Internet connection. You can preview the video in a small window or enlarge it for a more detailed view.
True Plug-and-Play Ease Setting up the Pro Wireless Video Camera with Night Vision couldn't be easier. Simply connect the camera to your router during the setup process. Using a computer with Internet access, open a Web browser and log on to the HomeRemote Pro Web site. Find the "Camera Set Up" link and follow the simple instructions. Once you set up the computer and test the connection, you have the option to set the camera up via the Web site interface wirelessly. Then with the included mounting hardware, you can place the camera to monitor any room in the house.
How the HomeRemote Pro Monitoring System Works The HomeRemote Monitoring System lets you monitor your home, secure it from intruders, and control its appliances and power usage via a cell phone or an Internet browser while you'reworking, at school, or even traveling abroad. You can also use it to monitor your children or pets, or keep tabs on an elderly family member. And business owners can use the system to keep an eye on their premises or employees.
By connecting the Pro Internet Gateway to your Internet router, you'll effectively create a wireless network that "connects" your home to the Internet. And by adding HomeRemote Pro accessories to your home, such as the Pro Door Sensor and Pro Lamp Module, or other HomeRemote Pro-enabled products, such as Electrical Appliance modules and Pro Motion Detectors (sold separately), you'll have the option of remotely controlling your heating and cooling system, lighting, blinds, garage door, and virtually any electrical appliance in your home.
Award-Winning Z-Wave Wireless Technology At the heart of the HomeRemote Pro System is Z-Wave wireless "mesh" technology, an award-winning wireless standard for home automation. Unlike traditional remote technologies that rely oninfrared signals, Z-Wave is not affected by walls or other barriers, and it offers two-way communication, giving you confirmation that your commands were received and executed. With Z-Wave, the guesswork and finger-crossing is taken out of the equation.
Because each "module" or HomeRemote Pro accessory acts as a repeater that extends the distance of the Z-Wave signals, with a few easily installed and strategically placed HomeRemote Pro accessories, your entire home can be covered in a matter of minutes without any hard-wiring or special installation.
Easy Set Up: No Special Tools or Wiring Required Setting up a HomeRemote Pro Monitoring System up couldn't be easier. Once you connect the Pro Internet Gateway to your router, you log into the HomeRemote Pro Web site, where you can customize your HomeRemote Pro System by naming the rooms in your home. (You can also personalize your HomeRemote Pro Web page with photos of yourself and other custom touches.) Then it's just a matter of plugging accessories into outlets throughout your home and adding them to your system.
The "installation" of HomeRemote Pro accessories is as easy as plugging in one of the several HomeRemote Pro modules into available electrical outlets. Once the modules, which are about the size of typical home appliance timers, are connected, you simply plug your lamp or appliance into it. The modules let you control appliances remotely (you can schedule them, or turn them on or off on demand), and they will also act as "repeaters" that effectively extend your home's Z-Wave wireless network. For more information on HomeRemote-compatible products, visit www.homeremote.net.
The HomeRemote Pro Wireless Video Camera with Night Vision measures 1.75 x 2.75 x 3.8 inches (LxWxH) and is protected by a one-year limited warranty.
What's in the Box One HomeRemote Pro Wireless Video Camera with Night Vision (HRPC2), Camera Mounting Kit and Stand, Power Adapter for Camera, CD with Recording and Viewing Software, Ethernet Cable for Connection to Router, and Wireless Camera Antenna.

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Schlage LiNK Wireless Keypad Deadbolt Starter Kit System, Bright Brass Review

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(More customer reviews)I just purchased the Schlage Link from amazon.com, got it yesterday, and followed the instructions exactly. Watch out. It's a trainwreck. Here's the rundown step by step:
1. After pairing the bridge to my schlage lock and lamp module, I went online to register. Before you can do ANYTHING, before you can even test that the box is working, you must give them a credit card which they charge up front and enroll you in a monthly subscription. You can't do anything without paying them monthly, and there's no trial period or anything to see that the device works before you enroll. And they told me on the phone this subscription enrollment is non-refundable even if the device doesn't work and I return it to Amazon. So, the bottom line is, I had to start paying them up front just to find out that the product is totally broken.
2. When you try to pay them, the web browser (firefox) gives warnings that Schlage's online security certificate is not properly setup. The only way to proceed is to click "exceptions", even though Firefox warns you that you should never do this and no legitimate company will ask you to. Screen shot attached. If Schlage doesn't even have the technical skills to secure their online credit card page and keep my credit card safe, something every mom and pop etailer can do, how on earth do they expect me to trust that their lock entry system is safe? Clearly they don't trust themselves since, the first step of the online process, requires you to accept terms and conditions that waive any responsibility on their part, even if they are negligent.
3. During the setup I chose to have them send the cell phone app to my Blackberry. The cell phone app, also, does not have a security certificate and the Blackberry warns you that it's unsigned and untrusted.
4. Right now, you cannot use the Schlage link with ANY cameras or thermostats or sensors or scene controllers or handheld remotes or any of the other hundreds of ZWaves devices out there, except basic lamp modules. Schlage confirmed this when I called their support line. They said that in a few months they will sell a Schlage brand camera and it will work with their camera, but not with 3rd party IP cameras. So my Panasonic IP cameras will not work at all and I have to buy all new Schlage cameras; which, btw, don't appear to have pan/tilt/audio and other stuff like the Panasonic.
5. At this point I've resigned that this bridge will, basically, just allow me to control the Schlage lock, and for everything else I will need another gateway. But, wait, it gets worse. The web interface at Schlage's site says my bridge is disconnected. But that's wrong. It ---IS--- connected. And I can login to my dhcp server and see that it's getting an IP. So it is plugged in and working. There is NOTHING in Schlage's documentation to explain this. The green light on the bridge is blinking 3 times. But there is nothing to indicate if this is normal, or an error. So I call Schlage's customer support line. I get bounced around between low level operators who know nothing more than to read trouble shooting guides. They ask stupid questions that prove they don't know what they're talking about. They ask me to try removing/reinserting the ethernet cable. At this point the bridge locks up; all the lights stop working. We need to remove the battery to get it working again. Then we need to exclude and pair again the lock and lamp module. Still nothing. They tell me to get a longer ethernet cable (mine is 6') so I can move the Schlage bridge further from my network router. Huh??? It's not a wi-fi device, it's hardwired. What's that about? They can't give me a technical explanation, just saying it's on their trouble shooting guide that the Schlage should not be too close to the router. After an hour on the phone, they say that an engineer will need to look into it and get back to me. They can't give me a timetable. And they don't have any answer about getting back the money they charged me up front for their subscription.
Bottom line: the lock works as a lock. You can lock/unlock it with a key and with the pin pad. But the bridge is a joke. It doesn't work at all. And it's impossible to troubleshoot because, although the bridge gets an IP address, it doesn't run a web server or telnet or anything else to let you log into the bridge itself and see what's wrong. All you can do is login through schlage.com and see that "the bridge is disconnected". Therefore, without a way to talk to the bridge locally on my network, and with the bridge unable to connect to schalge's online service, I seriously doubt they'll ever be able to get it working and imagine it's just a black brick. After all, if the Schlage bridge is too buggy to get a network connection and find the Schlage server, how will it ever upgrade, since there's no way for me to talk to it over my local network.
The part that pisses me off the most is that I had to pay up front for their stupid subscription just to find out this thing doesn't work and can't get my money back! So watch out!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Schlage LiNK Wireless Keypad Deadbolt Starter Kit System, Bright Brass

Schlage LiNK is more than a lockset. It's a brilliant new system that enhances your home's security, and your family's peace of mind--offering a new level of freedom to home security.

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Hawking HRPG1 HomeRemote Pro Control and Remote Monitoring Internet Gateway (White) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Update April 6, 2010: After several additional conversations with 'Cal' at Hawking home automation tech support, I have finally given up on the Hawking gateway and camera, tossed both in the garbage bin, and purchased a Vera gateway from MiCasaVerde. I have been able to attach to all devices in my home and have everything working perfectly (including the Wayne-Dalton thermostat). The Vera control website is easy to use and there is no subscription fee (unlike Hawking). Additionally, there is a very active forum on the MiCasaVerde website that is excellent in terms of describing proper device set-up, potential modifications, etc. I regret having wasted as much time and money as I did on the Hawking set-up, but I'm thrilled with the Vera and with MiCasaVerde. If you are considering the Hawking gateway - just don't. Buy a Vera.
Original Review: I did quite of bit of research looking for technology that would let me control lights, appliances and thermostat settings via the internet for our vacation home. From a design perspective, Hawking's z-wave controller has all of the features I was looking for. Individual devices can be turned on and off, devices can be linked to simultaneously turn on or off and "scenes" can be created to execute a series of commands based on a schedule or the activation of a single device (e.g. turn on one light and a series of devices can be turned on).
But great designs are worthless if the technology is extremely immature and/or full of bugs. Compound these problems with one of the worst tech support groups I've ever dealt with and you'll have Hawking's Home Automation product group (note - Hawking's home automation tech support is not the same as the India-based group that supports their networking and computing products...unfortunately Home Automation seems to be staffed by one gentleman named "Cal" whose standard answer is "send an email to the product manager" - not one of which as ever been answered).
I have been able to get lights and appliances to turn on/off on a basic schedule. Now the list of things that don't work. I have reported all these to Hawking with not a single response (as yet - but I'm still hoping!) from the mysterious product manager:
1. The gateway does not recognize my Wayne Dalton thermostat as a thermostat. As a result, I can not adjust temperature settings or even see the current temperature in the house. This is a known problem - still waiting for a fix from Hawking. No response since July 2009
2. The gateway gets its current time from Hawking's servers. The Hawking server time is now off by two hours. To fool the server, I have to set all of my on/off times two hours earlier than I actually want them to occur. Problem reported to Hawking in April 2009 with no response from the "product manager".
3. Hawking's HRPC2 camera (designed to work with this gateway) would not work as long as I was using a Motorola cable modem and wireless router. Reported the problem to tech support (Cal, as usual) and was told that there was no problem. When I finally switched to a Linksys router, I got the camera to work (after several hours of playing with settings). Unfortunately the picture quality is terrible and many of the features do not work as described.
You should be able to tell that I really, really, REALLY want this technology to work. I have dozens of hours invested in trying workarounds and dealing with "Cal", the solo tech support guy. Unfortunately, it's just too full of bugs and Hawking seems disinterested in this part of their product line. I suspect that they haven't sold enough of these things to warrant any real effort. If they'd just work with me, I would happily update this review. Reading the reviews for the HRPC2 camera (all of which are 1-star), I see that I'm not alone in my frustration with Hawking. I have started researching alternative technologies and can't wait to toss all of this Hawking equipment in the garbage bin.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Hawking HRPG1 HomeRemote Pro Control and Remote Monitoring Internet Gateway (White)

The HomeRemote Pro Internet Gateway is the heart of the Hawking Technologies HomeRemote Pro Home Control and Remote Monitoring System. Using the broadband connection in your home, the Pro Internet Gateway communicates with the HomeRemote Pro servers to give you remote control of your home\'s surveillance system, appliances and much more.
Note: this product includes only the Pro Internet Gateway. To build a HomeRemote Pro Home Control and Remote Monitoring System, you will also need to add HomeRemote Pro accessories or Z-Wave-enabled products (all sold separately) to your home. For everything you need to set up a system, the HomeRemote Pro Starter Kit includes this Gateway, a Pro Door/Window Sensor and a Pro Lamp Module.
How the HomeRemote Pro Monitoring System Works The HomeRemote Monitoring System is an award-winning system that lets you monitor your home, secure it from intruders, and control its appliances and power usage via a cell phone or an Internet browser while you'reworking, at school, or even traveling abroad. You can also use it to monitor your children or pets, or keep tabs on an elderly family member. And business owners can use the system to keep an eye on their premises or employees.
By connecting the Pro Internet Gateway to your Internet router, you'll effectively create a wireless network that "connects" your home to the Internet. And by adding HomeRemote Pro accessories to your home, such as a Pro Door Sensor or Pro Lamp Module, or other HomeRemote Pro-enabled products, such as Electrical Appliance modules or Pro Motion Detectors (sold separately), you'll have the option of remotely controlling your heating and cooling system, lighting, blinds, garage door, and virtually any electrical appliance in your home.
If you want to add surveillance features to your property, by installing HomeRemote Pro video cameras, such as the Wireless Video Camera or Video Camera with Night Vision, you can monitor your premises 24/7 in real time from virtually any place in the world.
Award-Winning Z-Wave Wireless Technology At the heart of the HomeRemote Pro System is Z-Wave wireless "mesh" technology, an award-winning wireless standard for home automation. Unlike traditional remote technologies that rely oninfrared signals, Z-Wave is not affected by walls or other barriers, and it offers two-way communication, giving you confirmation that your commands were received and executed. With Z-Wave, the guesswork and finger-crossing is taken out of the equation.
Because each "module" or HomeRemote Pro accessory acts as a repeater that extends the distance of the Z-Wave signals, with a few easily installed and strategically placed HomeRemote Pro accessories, your entire home can be covered in a matter of minutes without any hard-wiring or special installation.
Easy Set Up: No Special Tools or Wiring Required Setting up a HomeRemote Pro Monitoring System up couldn't be easier. Once you connect the Pro Internet Gateway to your router, you log into the HomeRemote Pro Web site, where you can customize your HomeRemote Pro System by naming the rooms in your home. (You can also personalize your HomeRemote Pro Web page with photos of yourself and other custom touches.) Then it's just a matter of plugging accessories into outlets throughout your home and adding them to your system.
The "installation" of HomeRemote Pro accessories is as easy as plugging in one of the several HomeRemote Pro modules into available electrical outlets. Once the modules, which are about the size of typical home appliance timers, are connected, you simply plug your lamp or appliance into it. The modules let you control appliances remotely (you can schedule them, or turn them on or off on demand), and they will also act as "repeaters" that effectively extend your home's Z-Wave wireless network.
You're now ready to control your home through a browser from anywhere in the world. And by adding your cell phone number to your account settings, your Internet-enabled cell phone can be used to control your home and even stream video of particular rooms.
Note: HomeRemote Pro has two levels of services, basic and pro. Some features mentioned above require a pro-level service. Click here for a comparison chart of the differences in features and capabilities between the basic and pro-level services.
Other HomeRemote Pro Features The HomeRemote Pro System offers several customization and monitoring features that give you the ultimate in control and oversight of your home.
The system's Scene/Scheduler feature allows you to create a rule that applies to a group of different appliances. For example, instead of turning all your lights off one by one from your cell phone as you're leaving your house, you can set a Scene called "All Lights Off" that turns off all your lights with the press of a button, or turns them off on schedule you've created.
The Alerts and Notifications feature send email and text (SMS) message alerts to designated recipients whenever a specific event, such as the opening of a door, occurs within a room. Device Linking allows one module or sensor to trigger other modules to turn on or off. Opening a door, for instance, could trigger all the lights in your home to turn on.
And to help you keep an eye on your property, Activity Logs let you view recent and past events in your home if you suspect suspicious activity, or if you simply want to monitor your home while you're away.
Expanding your HomeRemote Pro System The HomeRemote Pro System can be customized to grow as your needs grow. You can add additional HomeRemote Pro Wireless Door Sensors, Motion Detectors, Appliance Modules and Lighting Modules, or specialty products, such as window shades, thermostats, garage door openers, keyless door locks, light switches, and outdoor lighting modules from other HomeRemote Pro compatible manufacturers. The HomeRemote Pro System is compatible with all products featuring the award-winning Z-Wave technology logo.
HomeRemote Pro Services Basic-Level service is included with a purchase of this Pro Internet Gateway and with the HomeRemote Pro Starter Kit. For a small monthly fee, you can upgrade to Pro-Level Service to utilize all features on the HomeRemote Pro System. For more information on subscriptions and HomeRemote-compatible products, visit www.homeremote.net.
The Home Remote Pro Internet Gateway is protected by a one-year limited warranty.
What's in the Box One Home Remote Pro Internet Gateway (HRPG1), one Power Adapter, one Ethernet Cable, and Quick Installation Guide.

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Mi Casa Verde Vera 2 Home Controller Review

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(More customer reviews)I have seen so many up and down reviews for the Mi Casa Verde VERA2 controller that I was on the fence on whether or not I should buy one. The only other options for this kind of control are either relatively expensive or require a PC on at all times. This controller and system are VERY simple once you get them setup. I must admit that the directions were slightly incorrect. When you are FIRST programming your Zwave lights/sensors/etc, make sure that they are NOT included in any other network! Meaning, you will have to remove them from existing remotes/controllers FIRST. Then you can plug the battery operated Vera2 in and run around your house adding your devices. This was the tricky part for me... Vera2 instructions said that the Zwave light should turn on after 60 seconds of being plugged into the battery. The reality is, it took closer to 5 minutes. Then, once all devices are added you are to press the Zwave button and plug Vera2 into your router. After doing so and following the on screen system it said "No devices were found, Press OK". That was disappointing but once I clicked OK, I decided to log into my MIOS account and lone behold Vera added all my Zwave lights and sensors. Seemed a little bit tricky but I will manage.
From the MIOS page, you can label the switches, add timers, add events (when "blank" sensor is active, turn on lamp or send a text), the options seem endless. You can add as many scenes as you want and arrange your lights into rooms/levels of your house for easier control. MAKE SURE TO PRESS THE SAVE BUTTON WHEN YOU MAKE CHANGES IN MIOS!! That lesson took a bit to figure out. Also, you need to be patient when updating lights and controls and pressing on/off buttons. If it says "Sever Busy" wait 20-30 seconds before clicking other buttons.
Now for the true test. I wanted this control on my PHONE. I have an android phone so I tried the Home Buddy app (which was free). When connected to my WiFi in my house, the setup was easy. To get it working remotely was a little trickier but again, pretty self explanatory and took some trial and error. WOW!!! Now I can view the status of my lights, garage door, thermostat, doors, etc. ALL from my phone with a 3G, 4G, or any WiFi connection. PLUS, the system can be customized to send a text message if any event you select is triggered. Example; I have an event for "Leave Home" which turns off all lights in the house and "arms" motion sensors (turns them on). If a door sensor or motion sensor is triggered I will receive an instant text message. This is a nice piece of mind when away for business. My next add on will be the Kwikset Door locks which have a built in motor to lock/unlock the deadbolt for my front door. I love the control I have with Vera2 and use mine daily!
I'm not sure if others had problems with different Vera2 firmware updates that mine already had or if they did not have the knowledge for some tinkering but I had my system up and running in about 2-3 hours. That includes adding all my Zwave devices (which is the longest part).

Click Here to see more reviews about: Mi Casa Verde Vera 2 Home Controller

Vera is a powerful, flexible, multi-purpose controller with an intuitive interface for managing home and small business security systems, energy consumption, home theater equipment and many household electronics from the convenience of a Smartphone or computer.

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