“Build quality of the Vesternet Zigbee Remote Control - 12 Button is good.
It is supplied with a magnetic wall mounting bracket (inc. screws) and a coin battery.
The instructions are on both sides of a single sheet of A4. The print is tiny, too small for my eyes to read comfortably.
I easily paired the remote with a Homey Pro hub. Just remove the battery isolator tab and the LED starts to blink indicating ready to pair, then start Homey searching for Zigbee devices. Once the device is found a Vesternet App is loaded to make it configurable.
There are four rockers of on and off buttons (row 1 to 4) and each can be configured to trigger a flow when Pressed, Held or Released. Ideal for controlling four lights.
The bottom row has two further buttons S1 and S2 with similar functionality. Perhaps useful to set two Homey Moods (scenes?).
At the top of the remote are two separate buttons labelled 0 and 1. These do not appear to be configurable in Homey and execute an All Off and All On respectively, i.e. the 0 button turns off devices row 1-4, and the 1 button turns on devices row 1-4.
The back of the remote is rounded to fit comfortably in the hand, but since it is not flat it is not practical to lay the remote down on a surface and press the buttons as it rocks side to side. So, not really usable as a table top push button console.
I have not tested the remote paired directly to a Zigbee device but the instructions cover how to do this.”
What controller are you using (optional)?
SmartThings
“I have been using Alexa however I wanted to purchase a smart home hub to control my smart devices with more flexibility. I went with smart things and the aeotec hub after a lot of reviews. Easy to install and connect my existing devices and very easy to create routines with more options than the alexa app. Works well with alexa. There are many brands compatible with it, the only negative is there are some brands non compatible, such as Govee”
“An easy to use smart hub. Quick to set-up and connect with devices. The build quality is very good and the styling is impressive. I recommend this product.”
What controller are you using (optional)?
SmartThings
“Smartthings seem to be in the middle of a huge changeover to edge drivers. This is a good thing, because it means local control and no reliance on working internet. However, the z-wave drivers are very basic atm, and config parameters can't be easily edited. I'm having to write my own drivers for some devices. Hopefully this situation will improve next year.”
“My 1st smart home device. Currently still in the midst of getting other accessories to try them out.
Vesternet team are very attentive. I believe they will be able to assist if the need arises.”
“The hub can be used with a range of security related actuators and sensors. Lack of battery fallback means the customers have to provide it by some other means or it will be easier to circumvent such "security" installation.”
