The Schlage Camelot 619 smart lock is a Z-wave device. For those not familiar with Z-Wave, it is a hub based eco-system. Devices are designed to meet Z-Wave specifications. There are, at this time, something in the order of 1000 such devices. They include security devices such as this Schlage Camelot 619 lock, as well as dimmers, wall outlets, lights, thermostats, and just about anything else that might be considered a home automation, or smart home device.
A Z-Wave hub interfaces with the device, via “Z-Wave”, and it talks to your smartphones, tablets, personal assistants, and more, via Wifi. One nice aspect of Z-Wave is that it is a “mesh-based” system. Each device, repeats instructions – that is, passes them on. The bottom line from that, is that the more Z-Wave devices you have in your home, the more reliable the network is (almost the opposite of Wifi).
[sam_pro id=”1_18″ codes=”true”]
That’s the plus side (ok, one aspect). On the downside, Z-Wave compatible devices such as this lock, do not have their own Apps. Instead, you control the Schlage lock, via the Z-Wave hub’s App. In other words, it’s up to the hub maker to create a comprehensive interface, that can take advantage of most, or all of a devices capabilities.
The most success comes when the device manufacturers work hard with the leading hub brands (such as Wink and SmartThings), to make sure that the App does the best job possible.
I use the SmartThings Hub (at this time), and I find it very competent in terms of working with the Schlage Camelot. Dave, as it turns out (I repeat), also has this same lock (he bought it before he started writing reviews).
Let’s start by looking at how to integrate the Schlage lock into a Z-Wave network:
Art's been reviewing high tech products and editing their reviews for 15 years. He launched his first website presenting solutions.com (sold in 2003) in early 1995 when there were only a few thousand .coms. He launched ProjectorReviews.com in 2000, and started planning Smarterhomeautomation.com back in 2011.
Art's goal is to provide in-depth reviews on the latest and hottest products that fit into the Smart Home, aka Home Automation, as well as insightful articles to educate people into what's available, what makes the most sense, and where the market is going, so people can better plan, and implement their goals for energy efficient, convenient, and downright "cool" capabilities.
Ancient history: Born in Allentown PA, Graduated 1972. Sold and managed stereo stores (and did a little surfing) in the early, mid-70's before getting into computers and more AV. Managed the first computers store in Pa, starting in 1979 (not the first manager). Moved to selling computers to major accounts. Then moved west to SF area, for a four year stint with Epson starting in 1982, then left for one of the early large venture backed start-ups in the Silicon Valley - Presentation Technologies. Left there to start up Presenting Solutions, which became the first projector focused reseller on the internet (Jan 1995). Married Lori in 1990, and have been enjoying our daughter Lisa, since 1992! Presently living, and working in San Clemente, CA.
