Home automation with Z-Wave

A few weeks ago we upgraded our home security system and added ADT’s Pulse service. In addition to the remote security features (such as being able to monitor, arm, and disarm the system from a browser or an app on my iPhone), Pulse also introduced us to home automation via Z-Wave devices.

The heart of Pulse is the iHub, a WiFi and Z-Wave router that connects the ADT system to the internet. The ADT technicians installed the iHub in my computer closet near my cable modem and existing router. Then they fished a serial cable through the attic to the location of the alarm panel equipment and finally connected the iHub to my router via a Cat-5 cable.

The WiFi side of the iHub is encrypted with WPA2 and used for any wireless cameras you install with the system. Unfortunately, ADT only supports one model of camera, the RC8021, which has no night-vision or PTZ features. Plus, you can’t just buy one from any retailer, only from ADT (due to customized firmware). My existing camera setup is a lot more extensive and capable so there’s really no need for me to use the ADT one that the installers brought other than it ties into the security system and mine can’t. Another annoying thing about the iHub wireless is that it broadcasts its SSID as “iHub_<serial number>.” There isn’t a customer-facing web configuration page available on the iHub and no one at ADT seems to know if this can be changed or hidden. Ideally, since I’m not using the WiFi features of the iHub, I’d prefer to turn it off altogether.

The real focus of this post though is the Z-Wave side of the iHub. Z-Wave uses the 900MHz range of the RF spectrum (so it doesn’t interfere with WiFi and other devices in the more crowded 2.4GHz band) and was designed with home automation in mind. Z-Wave devices form a mesh network to talk to each other and the iHub which basically means even if one device is out-of-range of the iHub, it can still send/receive commands by communicating through the other Z-Wave devices that it is in range of.

My initial ADT install came with a single appliance/lamp module but since then I’ve installed two dimmer switches and two outlets and also added two outdoor plugs (for the Christmas lights and landscape lighting) and another lamp module. Adding a device to the existing network is pretty simple: on the Pulse web site you select the device type being added which puts the iHub in discovery mode for 45 seconds. Then you press the “pairing” button (usually the on/off switch) on the Z-Wave device and it’s added to the network. Even though Z-Wave is an industry standard, ADT only supports certain makes/models (like with the WiFi cameras) so I went with the GE devices, all readily available from Amazon.

I got to experience the mesh network benefit of Z-Wave first hand during my rollout. Unlike lamp modules which plug into an outlet so they can be near the iHub during pairing, one electrical outlet and one dimmer switch I installed were too far away to be initially paired. To work around this I purchased the GE 45601 Z-Wave remote control, which could be paired with the iHub to be used as an inclusion controller. Basically, once the remote was part of my Z-Wave network I was able to pair the far devices (the outlet and switch) to the remote, which then relayed the pairing to the iHub when I brought it back into range. Then after refreshing the Z-Wave network, the other devices in the house were able to “see” and route to those further devices and include them in the network. Pretty sweet! Another benefit of having the inclusion controller is that it allows for advanced programming of the GE Z-Wave devices. By changing the values stored in registers you can control, for example, the speed of dimming, or even turn off the annoying bright blue LED with the device is off (nice for a switch in a common area, but annoying in a bedroom at night).

Once the mesh network was in place I started building my home automation schedule on the ADT Pulse web site. You can create recurring schedules (turn on the family room lamp every Monday and Thursday at 6pm and turn it off at 10pm) or automations (when the back door is opened, turn on the rear landscape lighting). Since my Z-Wave network is integrated with the security system I also have the option of only triggering events when the system is in a certain state (i.e., armed) or when system events happen (like a burglar alarm). I have found some complex scenarios you can’t create through Pulse, though, such as combining the alarm status and time of day (ex. if the alarm goes off after 9pm, turn on the inside lights). Also, you can’t set schedules or automations as inactive so if you have a schedule for when you’re away on vacation, you’ll have to delete those events when you’re back from your trip and then re-create them for your next vacation (you can work around this now with the recently added Modes feature, however).

In addition to controlling my Z-Wave network from the Pulse web site, I can also control the devices from the ADT Pulse app on my iPhone. Simple rocker switches allow me to turn lights on or off, and even control the dimmer settings:

In conclusion, I’m pretty happy with Z-Wave and the automation it’s allowed me to add to my home. I’ll be sure to add updates to the comments on this post as I learn more or run into problems.

Update 05/08/2013: it’s been a while since I expanded my Z-Wave network but I finally added a thermostat, the Honeywell TH8320ZW. Despite this particular model not being listed on ADT’s site, I had no problems pairing it. It shows up as an “UNSUPPORTED Z-Wave Thermostat” on the web site, but everything seems to work except for the ability to put the fan into Circ mode (you can only specify Auto or On).

web Pulse thermostat control  iPhone Pulse thermostat control

The thermostat is programmable, so you can set different temperatures, fan settings, and modes for four separate time-frames (wake, leave, return, sleep) on each day of the week. Before installing the TH8320ZW I had the Honeywell TH8321U (which was pretty much the exact same thermostat except for Z-Wave) so I just duplicated my current schedule. I could program the schedule into Pulse instead (and disable the thermostat’s built-in programming) but haven’t gotten around to it yet. The drawback (plus?) to this approach is that if I change the temperature through Pulse, the thermostat will hold at that temp and not change when the next scheduled program becomes active. The screen shows “temporary hold” but in my limited testing it seems to be a “permanent hold.” If I did my scheduling through Pulse, I’m guessing my “temporary hold” would be overridden by the next scheduled Pulse automation. I haven’t decided which way I want to go on this yet.

334 Comments

  1. I have played extensively with the ADT Pulse system. I have the premier package. If you are able to obtain the installer code for your alarm system (not the ihub) you can install any zwave device you want as long as it is compatible with the system. Those devices will then be manageable through the adtpulse website. I have installed leak sensors, outdoor motion sensors, carbon monoxide sensors all through the adtpulse touchscreen/settings interface. If you don’t see the installer code you would have to go through your alarm panels keypad system. ADT has taken to nerfing the installer code interface on their touch screens. I believe this may have to do with what alarm panel they install. I have a concord 4.

    I also believe wired cameras are the way to go. Don’t believe adt when they say they MUST install the wired cameras. After a few weeks of haggling I got in touch with an ADT rep at corporate who sent me the decoders (NV412A-ADT)I needed to do a self install. The cameras were purchased on ebay for about 75 percent less than ADT’s price. Make sure the cameras you get are compatible with the decoders necessary for the pulse system. Cameras must be analog. Go to http://www.adt-matrix.com/ for a list of ADT cameras.

    The wired cameras feed into the decoder which has two ports. One port goes to the switch, which then plugs into the ihub. The other port can be fed into a dvr for 24/7 video. The dvr of course, can be accessed via the web if yours has that option.

    ADT really tries to lock you down with their systems. There is a lot of ignorance in their corporate structure on what you can and can’t do with your system. Don’t give up and you will be able to cast off the chains of ADT. The installer code is key. Without it you are dead in the water. With it you have all the power necessary to configure your system. ADT wanted to send a tech out to my house to program in a duress code. I would have to pay for this service. With the installer code and alarm panel manual I was able to bypass this adt money grab.

    Good luck.

    • I just purchased a Z-wave leak sensor (FortrezZ WWA-02 Z-Wave Freeze and Water Alarm Sensor) that I thought I could use with my ADT Pulse system. Ok, so how would I go about setting up the leak sensor to work with the ADT Pulse system and the Z-wave hub?

    • Thomas-

      Just stumbled across your post and felt the need to reply. The life safety and critical condition devices you have “installed” on your system are ONLY installed locally if not done through ADT. It may appear installed – the alpha tags will transfer over from your keypad to the pulse hub and then to the portal and you will see them appear as appropriate devices via your portal website and when you access it from a mobile device, but they are NOT listed in ADT’s internal monitoring application systems. In other words – IF you have programmed it correctly – if that carbon monoxide detector goes off due to a high level of the deadly gas, your alarm will sound locally, and you may even get a text message or e-mail – but ADT will only get a very low priority “unidentified signal” come in to them. No fire department, no paramedics. Just a low priority signal that, once all the high priority ones are handled, will be handled by an operator by calling the premise telephone and emergency contacts. Not worth your life to save a few bucks. Bottom line is what shows up locally and via pulse does NOT transfer over to ADT’s monitoring centers. That must be done by an ADT technician. The same is true for burglar devices as well. I highly recommend you call ADT to set up a service call for a technician to come out, check programming, and get those critical devices added to ADT’s systems so if an emergency occurs, ADT can respond appropriately.

    • How would you recommend getting the installer code for the panel?
      I had the Pulse system installed a few weeks ago and have added (22 to be exact) plugin and wall switch modules. Thermostats, etc. myself, but I would love to put a sensor to let me know if the garage door was open so I could then close it before arming the alarm at night.
      Thanks!

      • I won’t post the installer code directly here, but if you do a Google search for “vista 20p installer code adt” the first hit should be a page on doityourself.com. If you’re lucky (like I was) the installer code is still the default. I’ve used the code to change the names on my zones.

        That being said, I ended up just calling ADT to have them install the garage door sensor (for the same reason as you, so I wouldn’t leave it open at night).

        • Thank you so much windracer.
          I was able to get the installer code, although it isn’t the same as in the manual (it is the same as the doityourself.com post).

          I am trying to digest the installer manual, trying to figure out how to rename some of the zones, I don’t see where to do that, but I’m still trudging through the manual
          Thanks again!

    • Will the encoder enable an analog camera contacted to ADT Pulse to record on motion like their new motion detector camera. If they don’t I don’t see a reassure to connect them if they are already connected to a DVR.

    • I don’t have the touch screen either. Are you referring to Z-Wave window/door sensors? Because I don’t think ADT supports those. My door and window sensors are wireless, but they talk directly to the alarm panel, not to the iHub.

  2. Yea they r wireless . I bought some and I was gonna install them myself but the only way to install them is with the touchscreen. That’s the only way Ive found to install them without the ADT tech. I sure don’t want to pay 350 for the touch screen . Thanks

  3. I could use some help installing a ZWave indoor module (ZW4101). I log into ADT Pulse and try to add it under Manage Systems, but it keeps telling me to try again.
    I don’t have the installer code (referenced by others above) or know how to get it.
    Any suggestions?

    • Is it possible the module is too far away from your iHub? Try adding it to the system while it’s plugged into a closer outlet and then move it to its final location. Otherwise, if it’s too far away, you’ll need another Z-Wave device in between the ZW4101 (45603) and the iHub so it can act as a relay.

    • I’m having exactly the same problem, which i think is being caused by the fact that the new ZW4101 I’m adding is rev. level version 2.0 and the ADT version is 1.0. Also, I noticed that my new module model number is ZW4101-WCS whereas the ADT unit is only ZW4101. Seems the ADT Pulse system requires the exact version and model listed in their Db or it will be rejected.

      • And you’re sure the module is close enough to the iHub to be initially paired? I just checked my modules and my indoor one is the ZW4101. However, I have two outdoor modules: one is a ZW4201 and the other is a ZW4201-WCS and both work properly with the iHub.

        • Yes (thanks for your quick reply). In fact, I deliberately deleted the ADT supplied module and added it back it in at different distances on the same floor without any problem. I also, spent an hour on the phone with an ADT tech to try add the later rev. level module and even had it connected to an extension cable so it was within 6 inches of the iHub, but still no success. The older model supplied by ADT, instantly triggers registration once the button is pressed, hence my theory that ADT’s database is only allowing exact matches.

        • I have some more modules on order from a different supplier and will see what happens with those, it’s always possible the newer unit is faulty. It’s encouraging to see that your outdoor models have the “WCS” appended to the model number and you had no problem registering them. I also have a case open for a tech to visit and see if they can add the new unit directly.

        • With all of the other quirks I’ve seen trying to pair devices with the iHub, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised by problems like yours anymore. It’s really frustrating since the iHub/Pulse is a decent product but it could be so much better. Hopefully your replacement devices work!

        • Update: I received the new modules, they were labeled as ZW4101 rev. level 3.0c. They installed without too much trouble (one of the units needed to be reset using the ADT portal). So my conclusion is that either the ZW4101-WCS is faulty or ADT are not allowing the ZW4101-WCS modules to be added at this time.

    • I don’t have Premier but I believe you can pair new Z-Wave devices from the touchscreen, right? If not, once you have the switch installed, you log into the Pulse website, click on the System tab, and then click the Manage Devices button. In the Manage Devices Assistant you select “Lights, Thermostats & More” and choose your device from the dropdown menu. The site will then prompt you to press the button on the switch, which will join it to your Z-Wave network and that should be it.

      If the switch is too far away from your iHub, though, it could be out-of-range. In this case, I think your touchscreen doubles as an inclusion controller so you can add the switch when the touchscreen is in range and then it will add itself back to the iHub. I had to buy an inclusion controller to add some of my Z-Wave outlets that were too far away initially.

  4. “I had to buy an inclusion controller to add some of my Z-Wave outlets that were too far away initially.”

    I bought a GE 45601 to act as an inclusion controller for a light switch that is too far from the hub to be included. Problem is I can only seem to add the remote to ADT pulse or add the light switch to the remote but not both (when I add the remote to the pulse I get failures when I try to add the light to the remote, yet if I add the light first and then I add the remote to the pulse, the remote seems to be “reset” and the light control is no longer there).

    It seems that you have had success with this already-can you shed some light on how to do this?

    Thanks

    • Strange, I didn’t have that problem. Once I paired my inclusion remote with the iHub I was able to add my devices to the remote so I can control them from both places (the ADT Pulse web site or my remote). See my reply below to Mike for instructions on how to pair the remote with the iHub.

    • The instructions on how to add an inclusion controller to your iHub can be found in the “Installing Inclusion Controllers” section of the Pulse online help:

      http://www.adtpulse.com/portal/user-guides/Advanced/Content/WebPortal/Adding_Devices.htm

      Then, when adding a new device on the Pulse site you select the “Inclusion Controller Install” radio button when selecting the type of Z-Wave device you’re adding. You then have five minutes to take the controller to the location of the new device, pair it to the remote (following the remote’s instructions), and then take the remote back into range of the iHub. If all goes well, the new device’s information will be copied from the remote to the iHub and will then show up on your Pulse site.

      Once that’s done, be sure to Refresh your Z-Wave network through the Pulse site. That will cause all of your devices to re-discover each other and rebuild the mesh network for optimal routing. Keep in mind this means that your new Z-Wave device still needs to be in range of another device so it can relay through it.

      • My problem has been when I add the inclusion controler to Pulse it will no longer let me add devices to the controler (even though I can add devices before I add the inclusion controler to the Pulse–I have figured this out be reseting the controler and trying to add devices both before and after including it in the pulse system). Soemthing tells me you have not had that problem.

        To sum up I add the device by selecting Light Setup, Add, To a Key, Selecting a digit (key) and then having the controler learn the device. It works instantly if I have not already added the controler to pulse (in the manner described in the link you provided above) yet once I add it to pulse when I try the same methodolgy to add a device to the controler I get a “Fail” message.

        Any more guidance would be appreciated.

        • No, I don’t recall having that problem, weird! If I have a chance this weekend I will try removing one of my far Z-Wave switches from the network and see if I can re-add it with the controller so I can recall the exact steps I used.

          I wonder if it has something to do with primary vs. secondary controllers? The iHub should be the primary (I think) and the 45601 should be the secondary. There’s also stuff in the 45601 manual on how to copy network settings between controllers. I wish I could remember if I had had to use this stuff, sorry!

          I also found this review on Amazon that contained some steps that might help?

  5. Thanks for the quick reply. I’ve been able to add the remote to the pulse, and even include a lamp module to the puls system with it. Problem is, if I get out of range of the ihub with the remote it will immediately fail. Does the inclusion remote need to be within range of the gateway to add a device? I thought the idea of the remote was to add distant devices without being in range of the gateway.

    The only thing I can think of is the remotes routing tables need to be refreshed at the location you would like to add the remote device. if I could get the remote to communate through the mesh, I think I would be fine. Does that make sense?

    Your instructions have been great. Hopefully someone from #ADT comes across your blog and sees this is possible. 7 hours on the phone and two techs at my house and no one has ever seen the remote much less knows how to use it.

    • Have you refreshed the mesh network (both on the Pulse site and the inclusion controller) after adding the lamp module? For the 45601, the steps in the manual to “refresh the mesh” 😉 are:

      RECOVERING NETWORK INFORMATION
      The Recovery function, also known as rediscovery, is used to rebuild the routing table within the controller. This table identifes which Z-Wave devices can communicate with other Z-Wave devices on the network and helps ensure that commands are transmitted and repeated through the most effcient route to your destination device.

      To have your remote recover network information:

      1. Press and hold SETUP until the screen displays LGHT SETUP.
      2. Use either Arrow key to scroll until the display reads NETWORK
      3. Press OK and the screen will display RESET.
      4. Use either Arrow key to scroll until the display reads RECOVERY
      5. Press OK.
      6. When the screen displays COMPLETE. You have successfully recovered network information.

  6. Update:

    I added the controller to pulse again and as a test I tried to add light switches that are already in the system to the controller and it worked, yet I can still not add the new light switch (which is not part of the pulse network) to the controller in the same manner.

    So it would seem to me that if the controller is to work as both a remote and an inclusion controller I have solved a mystery I was not trying to solve (i.e. use it as a remote) yet I have yet to figure out the original mystery-how to use it as an inclusion controller. I have tried adding the new light switch via the inclusion controller method (as opposed to direct install method) yet since I have not figured out how to use this as an inclusion controller yet I am not having any success. I doubt that it is as simple as just putting the controller next to the switch and pressing buttons on the switch to try and have the controller learn it and then bringing the controller back into range of the Pulse hub-there must be some configuration setting I must activate on the controller in order for it to work as an inclusion controller-at least that is my guess, but I’m still rubbing two sticks together here……..:)

      • That makes no sense … unless it’s a difference between Jasco and GE? My 45601 is the GE branded one and that’s also the one that’s listed on the Pulse site (as an inclusion controller). That Tricklestar isn’t listed, so you may have issues pairing with the iHub. I guess we’ll wait and see how it goes for you. Good luck!

      • You might have luck with the Tricklestar after all. I noticed in the help page I linked to above that there are instructions for putting that device into receive mode for pairing with the iHub:

        To set the TrickleStar inclusion controller to receive mode:

        Move the switch on the inclusion controller to Configuration Mode.
        Press and hold Up for two seconds to enter configuration mode.

        The LED indicator light turns green.
        Press Up four times within two seconds to put the device into replication transmit mode.

        The inclusion controller is in receive mode.

  7. Straight from the Jasco website:

    Jasco Products Company develops, markets and distributes GE branded products, T-Tech by Tumi mobile electronic accessories, Projectables™ branded night lights and other private label brands.

    My 45601 is a GE product too but I cannot figure out how to make it act as an inclusion controller, the ADT tech I talked to on the phone could not and now the Jasco guys says it is not. I’m hoping that what I am buying will simply act as a relay that will capture the signal of z wave devices and then transfer them to the hub when I do an install using the inclusion controller method which of course would mean I would not need to pair the device at all with the pulse system-we shall see.

    If you do figure out how to get the 45601 to act as an inclusion controller please do let me know.

    Thanks

    • Ok, here’s what I did.

      – removed the 45601 remote from my Pulse site
      – removed my furthest dimmer switch (45606) from the Pulse site
      – also removed the dimmer switch from the 45601 remote and network
      – refreshed the Z-Wave network from the Pulse site to clear everything out

      Then I tried to add the dimmer switch back to Pulse using the direct method and confirmed it was out of range and couldn’t be added.

      Next, I put the 45601 remote in Receive mode and added it back to the Pulse site.

      Now, to try and add back the dimmer switch: through the Pulse site, I started to add the new device, selecting the “inclusion controller install” method. When Pulse started the 5:00 minute countdown, I:

      – took the remote to the location of the dimmer switch
      – held down Setup on the remote
      – pressed OK on Light Setup
      – pressed OK on Add
      – pressed OK on To Network
      – at this point, “setup waiting” appeared at the bottom of the remote display
      – I pressed the dimmer switch
      – Success showed on the remote screen
      – I then walked back closer to the iHub
      – on the Pulse site, I saw the countdown had stopped and I was asked to name the new device

      After the new device was added, I refreshed the Z-Wave network again and confirmed I could control the switch from Pulse. I then went back and added the dimmer switch to a number key on the remote (actually, somehow I removed ALL of my devices from the number keys so I had to go back and re-add them all, no big deal).

      So I was able to use the 45601 as an inclusion remote. Hope this helps!

      • Oh operator error how I love thee…

        SO what I forgot was that when I first got the remote just to see if it worked I used it to contol the light switch that I had yet to add to the Pulse system and of course it worked flawlessly. Problem was when I tried to add the light switch to pulse (without deleting it from the remote’s z wave network, which of course was now non existent because that remote was now a secondary controller on the Pulse system-with the pulse hub being the primamry controller) the light switch could not be added to the Pulse.

        Fast forward:

        -Reset the network settings of the remote
        -Under “light setup” on the remote I choose “delete” and then deleted the switch from the network
        -Followed all of the steps above and added the light switch to Pulse.
        So yes the 45601 is an inclusion controller!!!

          • Having problems adding a GE (45612) dimmer switch to ADT pulse system.
            Installed the switch into wall
            went to system/ manage devices
            located the 45612 device
            selected the correct device
            45 second countdown started
            turned switch on/off several times and nothing happended at pc
            help????

          • Sweet, thanks, i was looking for a solution for the exact same problem and i came across this post. I am using the Telguard version with a DSC alarm, it used a netgear hub…but it is almost the same as the ADP system, just different branding, still the icontroll platform. I ordered the 45601 remote from amazon, see how it works when it arrives in a week.

  8. Can I learn the 45614 double pole switch into the ATD Pulse system with the 45601 Inclusion Control? The 45614 is not on the drop down menu under device manager. Was able to learn lamp module with no issues.

    • Looking at the Amazon reviews it would appear that the 45614 is just a three-way kit that actually contains a 45609 switch (which has Z-Wave) and a 45610 auxilliary switch (with no Z-Wave) so you should be able to add the 45609 normally through the Pulse site. If the 45609 is out of range (initially) from your iHub you can use the inclusion controller as described above.

  9. I had a strange Z-Wave issue yesterday: at 5:30pm, all of my Z-Wave devices went “offline” according to the Pulse site. I didn’t notice until later that evening when I realized the backyard landscape lighting wasn’t on. I tested the devices with my remote and everything worked, so I figured it was something specific to Pulse. I tried refreshing the Z-Wave network but that didn’t work. Finally, I rebooted the iHub and when it came back up, all of the Z-Wave devices were “online” again. That’s the first time since the system was installed that I’ve had the Z-Wave just conk out like that. Strange …

    • Hmmm … this has happened again (all Z-Wave devices offline) but this time a reboot isn’t fixing it. I need to find some time to call ADT Pulse support and see if they can do anything about this. I’ll ask about inclusion remotes too.

  10. Bad news. I just spent an hour with the ADT tech folks (888-899-8271) to figure out why the inclusion controller is no longer available in the device install list. Finally a manager said that ADT decided to no longer support any inclusion controllers. Did not know why but he did let me know the GE Inclusion Controller (45601) that I bought is useless now. If you already have a controller installed he said it will continue to work until you have an error or have to reset. Then it will become a paper weight as well. I am surprised they take devices off the list after customers purchase them. To top that off they disabled the install menu on my GE Touch Screen so I am stuck. If anyone knows of another way to install an Inclusion Controller please let me know. Thanks.

    • Wow, that is extremely disappointing! I checked and my remote still appears in my paired devices but if I try to add a new device the whole Inclusion Controller section is missing. However, the Pulse online help still references the remotes. Not supporting a controller basically means you won’t be able to add a far device to the mesh network. I guess we can only hope they change their minds and put this feature back!

  11. Are you really surpried by this? How else can they charge you for a service call if you install everythng yourself!!! I like the pulse all right but ADT is downright shaddy and something tells me there are better options out there-Ijust never bothered to look since the house I bought already had an ADT system!

  12. My opinion of ADT’s support of Z-Wave and the iHub has taken a steep dive today. Based on the comments above about the removal of inclusion controller support I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised this would happen eventually.

    Earlier this week, Tuesday evening around 10:30pm, all of my Z-Wave devices went offline according to the Pulse web site. I wasn’t able to get anything to re-pair or reset via Pulse, but they were still working via the remote. At one point I got desperate and removed the device from Pulse … and then wasn’t able to add it again!

    I called ADT this afternoon and spent some time on the phone with a Pulse support rep who had me bring a lamp module close to the iHub and hold the pair button for 5 seconds while he reset the iHub remotely. After a few tries, he indicated that there must be a problem with my iHub that would require a service call.

    While I had him on the phone, I asked about the recent de-support of the inclusion controller. He said that they were never supposed to support those in the first place which is why they removed them. When I explained I had Z-Wave devices that were out of range of the iHub that I needed a remote to pair, he said I just needed to use a long ethernet cable to move the iHub around the house so the devices were in-range to pair. Ugh. Anyway, I scheduled the service call and hung up.

    Later I had the idea to try and reset the Z-Wave devices in Pulse and then try to re-add them … and it worked! I was able to add the closer devices back to Pulse and have them working. Of course, without an inclusion remote I couldn’t pair the remote switch and outlet. That’s when I remembered I have a MoCA network for my TiVos. Instead of needing a long ethernet cable, I just moved a MoCA adapter to an area of the house closer to the Z-Wave devices I needed to pair. Then I disconnected the iHub (I took a photo of the four colored wires to the alarm panel so I could put them back correctly) and connected it to the MoCA adapter on the other side of the house. I was then able to successfully re-add my far devices back to the Z-Wave mesh network. When that was complete, I setup the iHub back in its original location and reconnected it to the alarm panel.

    The end result is I have all my Z-Wave devices back in Pulse (I had to set up my schedules and automations again) with the exception of the inclusion remote. This is a problem for me because in addition to using the remote to pair the distance devices I also used it for advanced programming such as dimming speeds on dimmer switches and also turning off the annoying blue LEDs on the switches and dimmers when the power is off. I can’t do that anymore!

    After my attempt to find a physical mailing address for ADT Pulse Support (so I could write a letter) failed, I just called the support line and spoke with a supervisor. She listened to my concerns but confessed she did not know a lot about the Pulse system and I would be better off speaking with a Pulse manager who might be able to address my complaint. It was after business hours, though, so no manager was available. The supervisor suggested I call back on Monday, so I will try and do that.

    • I was contacted today by one of ADT’s director of interactive services about the letter (e-mail) I wrote regarding my dissatisfaction with the removal of the inclusion controller as a supported device. She coordinated with me to have the remote added back to the Pulse site temporarily so I could re-pair it with my iHub. Once that was done, I was able to to use my remote again to program my Z-Wave devices.

      She mentioned that ADT’s “long term strategy supports scenes in a way that does not use a controller, therefore we were not planning to offer it as a product” but also that they are reconsidering this. I re-iterated that the remotes are useful for things other than just scenes and my hope that ADT would at least allow advanced users to continue to use their remotes with the caveat that it is not officially a supported device.

      Fingers crossed!

      • Do you know if I would be able to use an inclusion controller to add devices? My house is not that big, but the switches farthest from the iHub won’t stay online. When trying to add them to the system using the direct install I usually get a message that says the device is temporarily unavailable. Does that mean its too far away? For a couple of the devices after getting that message, I finaly got it to connect to the iHub and had a chance to name the device, but after refreshing the network the device never came online. What do you think?

        • Yes, it does sound like the devices are out of range. Your best bet is to put another Z-Wave device in between the iHub and your furthest switch. That way you can take advantage of the Z-Wave mesh network (the iHub can communicate with the far switch through the closer ones. An inclusion controller would help you (if it was still an ADT-supported device) add that far switch, but if it’s out of range the iHub will just lose communication with it again without any devices in the mesh that can “see” the far device.

      • Evening Jeremy,

        I have been following your blog from day one of my interest in the ADT Pulse system. I recently upgraded to the Pulse system and I love it except I too was/ still am upset by ADT’s decision to cut their support for the inclusion controllers. I posted my dissatisfaction on the company Facebook page and received a response from an ADT rep within 48 hours offering to allow me to add the inclusion controller to my iHub within a 24 hour window of time. She also stated that she wants to talk with me about what I would use the inclusion controller for because there has been a significant amount of “talk” among the Pulse executives regarding support of the inclusion controllers. I promised her that I would call her back when I was off work and I would fill her in on why the inclusion controller is an important part of any ZWave network.

        I have yet to call her back. However, I was poking around the internet and I found a workaround in the Amazon inclusion controller reviews of all places. I thought you would like to know and that your readers would find the information useful.

        Here is the work around:
        1) Place the iHub and the remote near each other.

        2) At the Web Portal, use the Add Device wizard to add an inclusion controller.

        3) On the GE/Jasco Remote, press and hold SETUP until the display reads LGHT SETUP.

        4) Use either Arrow key to scroll until the display reads TRANSFER.

        5) Press OK and the screen will display PRIMARY.

        6) Use either arrow key to scroll until the display reads RECEIVE,

        7) Press OK and the Screen will display RECEIVING.

        8) When screen displays SUCCESS you have successfully transferred the information from the iHub to the inclusion controller.

        9) Then to program the buttons just setup to assign light to button, map that button and then hit the switch you wanted to assign.

        I’m able to still control all of my outlets/switches from the ADT application, as well as the remote itself.

        My device shows up in ADT pulse as a ‘Z-Wave Controller’.

        Best of luck and thank you for your blog!!

        • Hi Daniel.

          I’m not clear on how your steps are really a workaround. Step 2 only worked because ADT temporarily added inclusion controller support back to your account for that 48 hour period. Once that’s gone (like it is for me now) you can’t re-pair the controller to the iHub if you lose your settings for whatever reason. That’s why ADT needs to add the inclusion controller back to their list of supported devices so anyone can add the remote without having to call Pulse support and complain like you and I did.

          That all being said, I’m glad you got your remote working. I agree that they are an important part of a Z-Wave mesh network!

    • Sorry for the confusion. Let me clarify. ADT did not temporarily add inclusion controller support back to my account for a 48 hour period of time. I did this before I returned there phone call to have that done. The step 2 that I posted before needs further development. Sorry about that. Here is the new list of steps that I developed (try it):

      1)Place the iHub and the remote near each other.
      2)Log in to the ADT Pulse Web Portal
      3)Under the system tab click ‘Manage Devices’, ‘lights and thermostats’, and then choose the 45602 GE lamp module from the drop down list.
      4)Make sure the ‘direct device install’ option is selected and click continue. Your ADT Pulse iHub will begin looking for the device.
      5)On the GE/Jasco Remote, press and hold SETUP until the display reads LGHT SETUP.
      6)Use either Arrow key to scroll until the display reads TRANSFER.
      7)Press OK and the screen will display PRIMARY
      8)Use either arrow key to scroll until the display reads RECEIVE,
      9)Press OK and the Screen will display RECEIVING.
      10)When screen displays SUCCESS you have successfully transferred the information from the iHub to the inclusion controller.
      11)The ADT Pulse iHub will request that you name the device. Name it anything.

      The inclusion controller is recognized by the ADT Pulse iHub as an inclusion controller automatically and will join your ADT Pulse Zwave home network.

      • This was really helpful. I was finally able to add the GE 45601as an inclusion controller by following Daniels instructions. But I have not been able to figure out how to add the On/Off control buttons on the Controller, except I know its working because I can turn ALL devices Off and On with the Controller. One small step for the consumer, one step back for ADT. Anyone figure out how to setup Groups and Scenes with the Inclusion controller. The instructions that came with the device don’t seem to work.

      • Great info. However, I seem to be successful right up to the point of;

        9) Then to program the buttons just setup to assign light to button, map that button and then hit the switch you wanted to assign.

        Can you explain this last step in more detail. I’m so confused as to how to assign/change device ID.
        Please help.
        RR

        • I believe that step is referring to assigning the Z-Wave device to a specific button on the remote. This is covered in the remote’s instruction manual under “To add a device to your home network and assign it to a specific number key.”

  13. I just had the ADT Pulse system installed today. I already had wired cameras with a DVR installed prior to getting the Pulse system. While the tech was here he told me that I could include my cameras into the Pulse system and view my cameras on the ADT website or app, but I would need to buy encoders. So I have been looking on line all day for these encoders. I’m not totally computer illiterate but I have no idea what these encoders look like or where I can find them. They told me I could get them at a reasonable price on Ebay or Amazon and the part number is NV412A-ADT. If anybody out there can help me or steer me in the right direction it would be greatly appreciated.

    • That is the correct model number, according to the supported devices page. From what I can tell, this is what it looks like:

      Sercomm NV412A video encoder

      But yeah, based on my searches I can’t find any place to purchase it either. It’s not listed on Sercomm’s site (maybe replaced by the NV812D and NV842D?). In fact, I wasn’t able to find a quick and easy way to purchase any of the Pulse-approved cameras on my own. Sercomm is a Taiwanese company that doesn’t seem to sell direct, nor can I find any place in the US that distributes their products. Maybe you have to get them through ADT? This is just another example of ADT’s poor list of “supported” devices.

  14. What is the easiest way to bring a Z wave light switch (ADT) back on line. Swith was working fine for months and has been off line a few days. Nothing was changed. Have another switch in same room and is on line.

    Thanks

    • The first thing I would try is refreshing your Z-Wave network. You can do this under System > click the device that’s offline, then click the Refresh button. That will force the mesh network to rebuild, which should re-activate the offline device.

      If that doesn’t work, the next thing to try would be to remove the device from the Pulse site and then re-pair it.

      • All of my devices (lamps/front and back lights) went offline on my vacation home which is in another state. Is there anyway to get them back online remotely? I tried the REFRESH button for all four devices but no luck. Do I have to travel back to the home in order to get the devices back online? Thanks in advance for your assistance!

        • When this has happened to me in the past, and a Z-Wave network refresh doesn’t work, rebooting the iHub has fixed it. So yeah, you probably need to be on-site to do that. Or hope for a power outage! 😉 Or maybe you’ll get lucky and they’ll come back online by themselves.

  15. So I had bought a second 45601 for upstairs, and noticed it was gone for adding the device, but then I found this (Again, like above, in the Amazon comments for the remote) and it worked.

    _________________________________________________________________________________

    I saw some comments and notes that this no longer works with ADT Pulse systems due to them removing the line item to add it.

    I simply went to ‘manage devices’, ‘lights and thermostats’, and chose the 45602 lamp module and put it into discover mode on the ADT side, and on the remote put it in transfer receive.

    it was a little bit strange, but after playing with it for a bit it worked.

    Then to program the buttons just setup to assign light to button, use the device ID on pulse system (not sure that this is required), map that button.. then hit the switch you wanted to assign.

    I’m able to still control all of my outlets/switches from the ADT application, as well as the remote itself.

    My device shows up in ADT pulse as a ‘Z-Wave Controller’.

  16. I was sucessful in adding the 45601 remote to the ADT Pulse system and was able to add all my distant switches save on duplex receptical. I refreshed the network, removed and re-installed the 45601 remote and even reset the remote and although I receive the “success” message on the remote when I tap the bind button on the receptical when I walk back to the hub the system still does not show it has accepted the duplex receptical. Any ideas on this issue???

    • So you’re getting the remote back into range of the iHub before the timer expires? I seem to remember having a similar issue where it took me several attempts (running back and forth across the house) to get a dimmer switch paired. One suggestion might be to remove the receptacle from the remote, refresh the Z-Wave network, and then try again.

    • Hmmm … that’s the countdown timer I was thinking of (the one on the Pulse site). It sounds like your remote is not “broadcasting” the new device information to the iHub when it gets back into range. Is the receptacle a supported Z-Wave device on the Pulse site?

  17. Yes a GE 45605 duplex receptacle installed by a professional. I was able to add a similar device that is about 8 feet away that is what is confusing. I will try to reboot the device by removing the batteries. It clearly is receiving in that it shows success when I try to bind the duplex to the remote. I tried my touchscreen but no joy either when I set it up close to the duplex and hit the bind button. Thought when I refreshed the network after installing the other duplex that it might see that device using the direct install radio button but no joy either.

      • This is a follow up. Noticed that the iHub was slowing my internet speed from 25mps to about 2 to 3mps. Had ADT out and was able to document the issue to the point where they agreed to replace the iHub. Once complete I was able to pair every Z Wave device in the house even with the inclusion device and no more issues with the internet speed. Hope this helps others!!!

  18. I am new to ADT Pulse and Z-wave. I have a in wall plug receptacle that is out of range or I can not get it close enough to the iHub to pair it. It is for my pool waterfall. I bought the GE 45600 inclusion remote and have been able to add it to my pulse system. The problem is I can not figure out how to add devices to the remote and control them. I have followed the directions that came with the remote with no luck.

  19. Your a cool guy to share all this. had ADT Pulse 5 months. Just ordered a Kwikset ZWave DeadBolt, a few more “Plug In” lamp modules and am going to try a few 45609 WB’s to replace a few switches in my house.

    I hope the 45609 is the same size as my standard up down controls for my existing lights, because many of my switches are on panels that have 3-4 on/off switches on them. i am only replacing 1 or 2 on some of these 4 panel switches. I hope the 4 switch Outside PLATE fits over the switch I replace with the 45609.

    Thanks Again! It’s nice ot take time to share.

    Gary from Texas

    • The switch plate covers should fit just fine, I have a few Z-Wave dimmer switches (45606) in the same bank (double and quad) as regular Leviton Decora-style switches and the faceplates fit just fine. The only issue I’ve had is when installing them, trying to get everything to fit in the box because the Z-Wave switches take up a lot more room (deeper and wider).

  20. I now have 18 Zwave devices in my house and I like how much more reliable this system is versus the X10 system it’s replacing. I bought my devices on Amazon and Ebay. The ADT software is getting better all the time, but the limiting of devices is making this really expensive. The automation is working pretty well now with their last release, haven’t quite figured out the new Mode option, but working on it.
    I was able to change the Load Sensing function on my 45602 Dimming Lamp Modules. I don’t know why GE disables this function when they ship the product. With this advanced function turned on, a light connected to the module can still be manually turned on, which is really great. But I miss the simple switch console we had with the X10 system to manually turn on / off / dim any device. The closest thing I found is the Wayne Dalton HA-07, but I have not been able to get it working with the ADT system, not sure it will, because it’s basically for controlling Groups and Scenes. Anyone been able to do that or found a switch unit to control the Zwave devices manually? Using the iPad and iPhone or computer is cool, but tedious since you have to log into the ADT website each time and that is not efficient and is driving my wife crazy and I don’t want to spent over $500 to buy the little screen unit that ADT sells. I have the hand held GE 45601 Remote (Inclusion Controller) but the fools at GE designed this unit without a backlit screen making it pretty useless unless you first turn on a light and like all other remotes in my house, get lost. I bought a second 45601 but have not been able to copy the primary unit to the secondary unit, anyone done that? I really just want a stationary switch like the Wayne Dalton unit that can control my lights. Anyone found anything like this?

    • I use the 45601 remote (and have enabled load-sensing on some of my lamp modules) but yeah, the lack of a backlight is annoying. I only have one so I have not tried copying the program from one unit to another. That HA-07 looks cool, it’s too bad it won’t work with Pulse.

      • Got the Wayne Dalton HA-07 working by transferring from the inclusion controller remote GE 45601. It only copied the network information, then I had to add my devices so I can control the lights from the unit.

  21. I had set my 45601 up a couple of years ago. I do not remember exactly how I did it, but I can control all of the lights / outlets that are on the ADT Pulse system.

    Today I added a new outlet. I discovered it using the ADT portal and can turn it on / off, etc.

    I can’t figure out how to add that outlet to one of the buttons on the 45601.

    I’ve tried the “receive” but that fails. (Am I supposed to do something, somewhere, in ADT to “Send”)?

    I tried adding it directly by setup / light set up / add to a key / but that fails.

    Any ideas? Thanks.

    • I think you have to add the new outlet to the network on the remote before you can assign it to a key.

      – hold down Setup on the remote
      – press OK on Light Setup
      – press OK on Add
      – press OK on To Network
      – at this point, “setup waiting” should appear at the bottom of the remote display
      – press the button on the outlet
      – Success should show on the remote screen

      Then you can go through your steps above to add it to a number button on the remote.

  22. Thanks for all the info! I just upgrade my ADT system to pulse over the weekend. I have a question. When/and if I figure out how to add various sensors/motion/freeze/etc. to the ADT panel, do they automatically show up in the pulse system? Or does this part of the setup require an ADT tech? I would like to add an outdoor motion detector and then a outdoor camera. I do understand that the camera can be added to the pulse system, but the sensors need to be added directly to the panel.

    • Good question. I believe that once a tech adds the new sensors to the panel they will appear in Pulse, but I don’t know that for sure. I had everything added during the initial install so I haven’t had anything new added to the panel, just the Z-Wave devices I’ve added directly to Pulse through the web site.

      • Dave-

        Any MONITORED alarm device (door sensors, window sensors, motion detectors, glass break detectors), critical condition device (flood sensors, temperature sensors), or life safety devices (smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide detectors) MUST be installed by an ADT technician. If you can get into programming on your keypad you can theoretically add the devices via programming if you know what you are doing, and the alpha tags entered for the device into the alarm programming WILL copy over to your pulse hub (and subsequently, will appear on your portal and touch screen as devices). However, a couple of very important things will not be done making these devices useless with potentially deadly consequences.

        1) Without an ADT installer getting ADT to put the pulse system in installation mode and properly programming them, the device sensors are left as an “unknown” type by the pulse system – so the pulse system can’t respond accordingly to a trip of the device. This is a minor annoyance.

        2) Most importantly, these monitored sensors, even if programmed correctly into the alarm control panel and alpha programming transfers over to your pulse portal and touch screen – IT IS NOT LISTED IN ADT’S INTERNAL SYSTEMS. Their monitoring application will not have these devices setup as zones, so any alarm trip of that device will result in what is known as an unidentified signal coming into their central stations from your premises. No description of what it is or what type of device. This is a very low priority signal and will be handled by an operator by calling the premise number and leaving a message or speaking to someone about an unidentified signal coming in. Again – it’s a low priority signal handled after all higher priority signals, potentially delaying even THIS lack-luster response.

        So in other words, if you are adding your own smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, or burglary devices, your house may be burning down and your family trapped inside, or a burglar may be breaking in stealing all your stuff – but ADT will not get the correct signal to do anything about it. So a word of caution – I would not add any type of monitored sensor to your system.

  23. I live in Harrisburg PA , I have the basic ADT system now , I am looking to upgrade the the pulse . sale person at ADT want sell me the z-wave light switch for 4 of my ceiling fans for about $400.00 , I thinks that is too expense . Can I buy the z-wave light switch for online or lowes and have a electrician put it in for me, will it still work with the up graded ADT puls . the sales guys at ADT want me to buy form them only

    • Yes, absolutely you can buy your own Z-Wave switches/outlets/etc. and have them work with Pulse as long as they are on the approved devices list (check the Pulse web site). The only Z-Wave devices I got from ADT during my Pulse install was one lamp module, I think. Everything else I put in myself.

  24. yes i am upgrading to the pulse , but want to know if i can buy the z-wave on my own and had a different technician install it and will it work with the ADT pules ? buy the way , what is a good price for a a start up kit

  25. Another question for you! Can any zwave camera work on the ADT system or does it need to be only one of the three that ADT specifies on the pulse portal? Wondering if a Verizon labeled camera (same model) would work on the pulse system…….

  26. Did you ever find a way to disable the wireless on the iHub? Was very surprised to see it broadcasting its SSID via the Netgear device they installed for my system. Seems like this creates very unnecessary security risks and should either hide the SSID or be disabled since I won’t be connecting any devices to it.

    • No, I didn’t … and my inquiries to Pulse’s technical support on how to turn this off were never answered to my satisfaction. They either didn’t know how to do it and said it was not supported or didn’t understand the security implications of broadcasting the iHub’s SSID.

  27. Just installed the Kwikset lock, got ADT Pulse to recognize it, but doesn’t want to control it. Anyone have experience with this? Pretty much got everything working, have been able to automatically have my garage light and lights outside my sliding glass doors come on at night when I open one of the doors, pretty cool.

    • I finally got the Kwikset lock working for my garage door entrance by removing it and re-connecting it. Works great, not longer have to worry if the door is locked by putting it in the automation when I set Stay or Away and when I set the “Sleep” mode. Just found another one on Amazon for $102 for my front door. Now controlling 22 lights and outlets, plus 4 wireless cameras. In the process of install an 8 camera CCTV system. Found the NV412A on Ebay for $100. Says ADT on it so I’m going to try to see if I can get the ADT system to see the CCTV cameras.

      • Got my front door Kwikset lock working, this is really cool. I set the unit to automatically lock after 30 seconds so its automatically locked 30 seconds after being unlocked. In addition to make absolute sure the door is locked I have the automation set to lock the doors when the alarm is set to Stay or Away and set it to lock automatically at a set time. It works like a charm. These are really inexpensive on Amazon.

        My next project is replacing my Infinity Carrier thermostat, which really works well manually but has no remote capabilities. Anyone have any experience in replacing high functioning thermostats like this?

        • I recently replaced my Honeywell thermostat with a Z-Wave enabled one (see my 05/08/2013 update to this post) and have been very happy with it. The installation was easy since the thermostats were so similar (no issues with wiring).

          My only problem with the Z-Wave locks right now is the overall look. I don’t like the code buttons and the handle style just isn’t quite right to replace my existing ones.

  28. Great site, very helpful!

    Looking for help with ZWave thermostat installed by ADT for Pulse. It worked great for about a year, then started to ignore the upper setting for temperature (e.g., if set automation to keep temperature between 76 and 71, it would shoot way past, up to 80…and then I’d start it manually by lowering the temperature to 69…then it would go way past 69, and I’d have to shut it off manually. They came out and replaced it at the end of the summer last year. Fired it up this week , and darn, it’s doing the same thing. So now I’m unsure how to get it to let temperature rise to 75, turn itself on, and cool until it senses 71. I’ve read the manual, tried to change AC Delta Stage 1 Cool On, etc. Absolutely no help from ADT, they are clueless. Any help would be appreciated! Thermostat is an RCS Technologies Model TZ43ADT. Thanks! 🙂

    • I’ve only had my Z-Wave enabled thermostat for two weeks (and it’s an “unsupported” one at that) but have not had any problems like that with it. How are you setting up the automation to trigger at 75 degrees in order to cool to 71? I don’t see a way to add an automation with the thermostat as the trigger in Pulse, but maybe that’s because my thermostat is unsupported. Maybe you are setting your Fan to On instead of Auto? That would cause it to keep running regardless of the set temperature, I think. Auto should make the system stop when it reaches the setpoint.

      Also, if ADT installed the thermostat, did they set the correct installer options for your HVAC system? You may need to check the manual for the installer settings and confirm they are correct.

      I use schedules (and and modes) to control the temperature. For example, when the alarm is set to Away, I let the house warm up to 82. When the alarm is disarmed, it sets the Cool point back to 78.

      Good luck!

      • Are you able to set up the programming on the ADT site for the thermostat or does it have to be programmed on the thermostat. Also I have a build in humidifier, will the zWave thermostat control that?

        • You can use either method. I chose to do all my “programming” in the Pulse site, so I use Schedules and Modes to set the thermostat to the desired settings. If you don’t want to do that, you can use the programmable feature of the thermostat itself, but you’ll have to tinker so that the program on the thermostat and the settings in Pulse get you what you want. The model I have, however, does not have a humidity sensor so that might be a dealbreaker for you.

  29. Does the ihub need to be wired to the ADT panel (usually hidden)? Reason I ask is because my ADT Panel is on one side of the house, and the internet router is completely on the other side. I can’t move the router as its even spreads wifi from its current location and no where else.

    • Yes, the iHub is hardwired to your panel by a thin wire. My router is in a closet quite a ways from the front panel as well, but the ADT installers went up into the attic and ran the wire from the panel to the iHub, which is in the closet next to the router, connected via CAT-5.

  30. My system has been installed a couple of weeks and It is Awesome! I have several cameras, door locks, motion, smoke fire, lamp modules and wall switches. I would like to have a camera that allows me to pan and zoom with bi-directional audio. I would like to have both indoor and outdoor with IR. What options do I have in that area?

    • You don’t have any options, really. 🙁

      ADT only supports four cameras with Pulse and none of them have PTZ. The only supported outdoor camera (with IR) is the OC810 (and personally it doesn’t look like it would last outdoors very long). None of the other cameras work in the dark so ADT recommends setting up an automation in Pulse to turn on a light before recording video. 😮

      Finally, according to the FAQ:

      Q: Can I listen to what is happening in my home with the ADT Pulse system, and record audio as well as video?
      A: Due to federal and various state laws, the ADT Pulse system does not provide the ability to deliver or store audio along with the video.

      I put together my own camera/monitoring system outside of Pulse using ZoneMinder. There are times I wish it could be integrated with Pulse, but outside of the Z-Wave automation link it does a lot more than ADT’s solution for cameras.

  31. Thanks for the quick response! This discussion has answered a lot of questions. Keep it going I’m sure I will have more questions. Maybe ADT will move a little faster introducing new products or to support current products. They have an opportunity to shine in this market I hope they don’t miss the boat! I’m like a kid in a candy store, I WANT MORE!

  32. First off. Thanks for this great post and all of your followup. I have the pulse system and have mainly used ZWave for light switches, schedules and automation.

    This was announced a few days ago: http://www.cepro.com/article/first_z-wave_smoke_detector_for_US_debuts_from_first_alert/

    I am personally holding out for the model that is Smoke and Carbon.

    I called ADT and they said they currently have no plans to support this. If it goes off it will not trigger and sort of alarm event with them.

    Reading through the comments someone mentioned that it would only show up as a low level event.

    I am wondering if you or anyone who has commented knows of a workaround that would be able send a trigger from a ZWave device to ADT as an alarm event. Heck. I have no problem paying an ADT guy to come out and program it. I would really like the combo package of smoke and carbon. Something which ADT currently does not offer.

    TYIA For any suggestions, insight, etc.

    • I’m not sure why you’d need the Z-Wave version since you can get smoke/fire/CO2 detectors from ADT already as part of Pulse. They use the same wireless RF as the door/window sensors and do send alerts to the monitoring center (and your e-mail or mobile phone if you want to set those alerts up on the Pulse web site). There are monthly fees associated with both however ($10/mo for fire, $5/mo for CO2). I have both the fire/smoke and CO2 detectors as part of my ADT install.

  33. Hi there. Great site by the way. I just had Pulse installed. I only have my security and fire connected. I’m looking to add a few dimmers. Pardon my ingorance, but when adding the dimmers, can they be manually overwritten. So say I have an automation to turn the switch on. Can I manually turn it off? Or is it only done through an automation or through the Pulse website/App?

    • Absolutely, you can always physically use the switch to turn the light on or off yourself. For example, I have an automation that turns on the light in the garage when I open the door from the house to the garage at night. I have to physically use the switch to turn the light off when I go back into the house.

      • I did the same thing with my garage light except that I automatically turn it off again after 4 minutes. It eliminates having to turn the light off every time I go into the garage, where my beer refrigerator is, but if I’m in the garage longer then 4 minutes I have to turn the light on manually. The 4 minutes is an arbitrary number that I came up with after some tests on the time that I spent in the garage when I go in to get something.

  34. One more on the dimmer. When using it manually, does the GE dimmer go auto on first to the brightest setting and then you can control to a lower light? Or does it go on and gradually increase to a brighter light first? If that makes any sense? Lol

    • They fade in and fade out. If you tap the switch to turn the light on, it will fade into its last brightness setting. When you tap it to turn it off, it fades out. If you press and hold the switch, the light will fade in until you let go at the desired brightness level and then will remember that level when you turn it on and off until you hold the switch down to set it to the max brightness again.

      If you have an inclusion remote you can program some of the settings like how fast the dim is and can also control the speed differently if the switch is used, vs. a remote (or Pulse automation). I like having the lights turn on fast when I use the physical switch, so I have that set to a quick fade, but if an automation from Pulse is setting the lights the dim is slower. You can also program the blue LED feature with a remote: by default the blue LED is ON when the switch is OFF (so you can find it in a dark room). I don’t like having all these blue lights on in a dark house so I’ve used my inclusion remote to switch that function so the blue LED is ON when the switch is ON (and thus I don’t really see it).

      Hope that makes sense!

      • Do you know if the Leviton VRI06 dimmers have the auto on feature? Ideally, I’d like a dimmer to turn on to the brightest light first, then dim down if I’d like. It looks like the Levitons have a separate dimmer bar that does this.

        From your post above in regards to the GE dimmer, it soundsl like, i can have it turn turn on with one touch to the brightest setting, only if the last setting of the brightness was the highest. Correct?

        I just want to make sure I purchase the correct dimmer that does what I want it to do. Thanks!

  35. One last question… And again, sorry for my ignorance! They installed the ihub in my basement, becasue that is where my box, cellguard, and cable modem is. They also installed another netgear box that plugs directly into my router, which is located on the floor above the basement. What is that netgear box for?

      • I’m at work, so I don’t know the model number. The little box is plugged into an electric outlet, and then there is an ethernet cable from the little box into the router. I believe it was a way to connect the ihub to the router, without connecting them directly.

          • I do have extra ports. My guess is that its not that easy of a route to wire from where my iHub is, to the computer. Offhand, does the “Switch” help in any way when trying to add z-wave products? As i said earlier, I haven’t added anything yet, but will be adding some dimmers in the next few days. I’ve read on your site about having difficulty adding items because they are out of range. Does that switch help in any way? I’m just thinking ahead in the event I have problems trying to add items, and they are out of range, without having the purchase the inclusion controller, which I’m not even sure solves the problem anymore…

            • If it’s a powerline adapter, there must be a second one somewhere. I’m not exactly clear on where all of your equipment is (we can take that discussion to e-mail if you want) but it sounds like they are using the powerline adapters instead of hardwiring ethernet (but I don’t know what equipment is using which).

              Back to Z-Wave, that Netgear adapter won’t help with Z-Wave at all. Your Z-Wave devices all communicate directly with the iHub. If they’re out of range of the RF signal, your options for pairing them are to either use an inclusion remote, or temporarily move the iHub closer to the device (while still maintaining an internet connection for the iHub). I’ve had to use both of these methods in the past.

  36. I believe there is another adapter near the iHub, but I’ll take another look tonight. And I believe your correct, that they were using this method as opposed to hard wiring the ihub to the router because of location…

    Just to confirm, do we still have the capability to use the inclusion remote to pair all of the z-wave devices, via the instructions you provided on your site?

  37. So I added 3 GE dimmers this weekend. All went perfectly. On my ceiling fan/light, I changed the light bulbs. For some reason, when turning on the lights all the way, the blink just before the brightest setting. Sometimes the light turns off completely after it blinks. Have any idea why this is doing this? It doesn’t do it with any other my other lights. And it only happened when I changed bulbs on the ceiling fan/light.

    • I did have strange (but not exactly like yours) problems when I was initially using (dimmer compatible) CFLs so I switched back to incandescents in the fixtures attached to my Z-Wave switches. Maybe it’s something about the bulbs and the dimming?

  38. Hello-

    Great site! I have ADT Pulse. Can I add a water sensor? I would like to have the ability to have the system trigger an event such as turning a water pump on or off. Is this possible?

    Thanks,
    Eddie

  39. I recently found out that ADT updated the Pulse software and their cameras can now sense motion that can be used to trigger an event to snap a picture or start the short recording. This is pretty cool but would be better if the motion in the camera could also trigger an additional event like a text notice or simply turning on a light to illuminate the scene. I have it working on my four cameras and it works pretty well, but as I said would be much better with additional triggers. I have to say that as a long time ADT user, both at home and in my business they are cranking out software updates at a pretty good clip and each update brings some nice features with it.

  40. Have you guys try the ebay Intermatic CA600 dimmer with ADT Pulse ?

    I read somewhere on amazon that the Levitron switches are supported also . How about other brand thermostats like 2GIG CT30 , CT80, CT100

  41. I am new to the pulse system, I am currently trying to add a honeywell th8320zw to my system. I can not get it to pair up. I called pulse tech support and they are trying the same old, “that device is not supported” I see that you have the same one and it works fine for you? In my manage devices I only have the option for the tz43, 45 and 48? How did you get yours to pair up? Thanks for the blog and help you my have for this issue.

    • I don’t remember which device I picked in Pulse when I was pairing the TH8320ZW, but I would guess I just chose the TZ43. Are you putting it into pairing mode following the Z-Wave Enrollment instructions in the manual? Is the thermostat within range of the iHub?

      • I know this is an old comment, but I recently had to replace my Z-Wave thermostat because my daughter knocked it off the wall (don’t ask) and the touchscreen stopped working (no display). I selected the TZ43/TZ45 when adding the new TH8320ZW to Pulse.

  42. To be able to use the motion trigger in your ADT camera, be sure that the word Camera is in the Camera’s name, otherwise Pulse doesn’t see it correctly. Then you can trigger the video in automation when the camera detects motion. It’s still only a 15 second video.

    • I must still be missing something obvious. I renamed my one camera from “Entryway” to “Entryway Camera” as you suggested but it still doesn’t appear in the Trigger dropdown when adding an automation. I can use the Motion Sensor to trigger the camera when motion is detected of course, but that’s not what you’re describing. Maybe you need a specific model of camera? I have the basic RC8021-ADT.

  43. I read through your posts and I am wondering if you could offer an opinion. I have a small Z-Wave Network:
    Gateway —->Light Module id 2——-+
    V
    —-> Light Module id 4 —– >Thermo id 6
    ——-+
    V & from id 2.
    Light Module id 5
    The Thermostat, Model CT30, periodically drops off line, taking ID 2 with it. Yes, I realize that it appears in Pulse as Unsupported Thermostat. But, when it is meshed, it works fine. The iHub is located in the basement 1/2 between id2 & id4. The thermo (id6) is only 10 feet away from id2 and 16 feet from iHub. The distance for id5 is about 25 feet from iHub. When the units drop offline, a software reboot/power hard boot will not bring the units back on-line. Naturally, deleting/adding will rebuilt the Z-Wave network. My antenna is facing 45 degrees towards id2 & id6. What is your opinion about changing the angle to 90 degrees or 0%? Or Relocating the iHub Directly under ID2 or ID4 at 90 degrees? The other issue is that the house was built in 1910. i.e. Plaster walls. I also disconnected the Internet wireless access point, thinking that the 11g band was causing an issue. The iHub is located 50 feet from main panel with Cat 5 for the network & serial connection. Thnx in advance

    • I’m not sure I’m following your setup exactly as the diagram doesn’t translate well to formatted comment text, but the basic jist seems to be when the thermostat drops off the Z-Wave network, it affects other areas of your mesh and you are deleting/re-adding the devices to Pulse.

      When this happens, have you tried simply refreshing the Z-Wave network within Pulse? This can be done under the System tab, select any Z-Wave device, and then click the “Refresh” button on that page. That should have the iHub re-query all the Z-Wave devices and rebuild the mesh network.

      I’m not positive, but I think the antenna on the iHub is only used for the WiFi radio (which it sounds like you’re not using, unless you have a Pulse video camera), not the RF/Z-Wave radio. So I’m not sure that messing with the antenna orientation will help. The same goes for your WiFi interference theory: Z-Wave uses the 900MHz band, so it won’t conflict with WiFi in the 2.4GHz/5GHz bands. However, if you have an older cordless phone system that uses 900MHz, that could cause a problem.

      Hope this helps.

  44. Is anyone using a Aeotec Range Extender to resolve devises that are out of range?
    http://aeotec.com/z-wave-repeater

    I purchased 2, one for upstairs and one for downstairs. I paired them using my 45601 Controller.
    Initially it resolved all of my offline devices but now I am having problems with a TZ43 thermostat and a TBZ48 thermostat being offline. I have another TZ43 Thermo upstairs which works fine.

    I’ll have to call ADT to ask for help with resolving this.

    • That’s an interesting product, thanks for the link. I’ve always worked around my Z-Wave range issues by placing more Z-Wave devices (usually outlets and switches) at specific locations to increase the reach of the mesh network. That Aeotec seems to do the same thing, it’s just easier to install. Although, I’ve also used a spare outdoor Z-Wave plug as a range extender in my garage. I leave it plugged in so it’s part of the mesh, but nothing is connected to it.

  45. Thanks for the Blog. The Best information I have been able to find out about adding additional equipment to my Pulse System. ADT does it on purpose so they can charge money for the install. I bought the Z-Wave lock and had ADT install cost $600.

    I bought the following light fixtures.

    Leviton VRE06-1LZ Vizia RF + 600W Electronic Low Voltage Scene Capable Dimmer, White/Ivory/Light Almond

    Jasco 45609 Z-Wave Wireless Lighting Control On/Off Switch Jasco 45609 Z-Wave Wireless Lighting Control On/Off Switch

    Do you think I need to buy the remotes? Or should I be able to program right from the Pulse.
    I have a 4 story town home. The pulse is on the ground level. I plan to install on level 2 &3.

    May be I should buy the extender?

    Thanks for the help.

    • It’s hard to say, really. I only have a one-story house and I’ve had range issues due to how spread out it is. I’ve worked around that by a) using the remote and b) installing outlets and switches in a manner that extends the mesh and it’s worked out pretty well. There’s really no way to tell if the switch/dimmer will be in-range of the iHub until you try. 😉

      I have no experience with the extender, but based on Joe Manz’s comment above it does seem to work with the ADT Pulse system and it’s about the same price as the remote. Based on ADT’s past support of the remote, maybe something more “transparent” like the extender is a better option?

      Let us know how it goes!

  46. I have been looking for a Brown Zwave switch for my family room sine the the room is all glass with brown aluminum. I found the Evolve LSM-15 but have not been able to get it added to my ADT system. Anyone have any experience with this device or know of anywhere that I can buy brown covers for the GE switched?

    • I’ve never seen a Z-Wave device in anything other than white (or black for the outdoor stuff). Those Evolve models look nice, but since ADT doesn’t support them you’re probably out of luck. Maybe a light coat of paint on the GE/Jasco switches would work? Not sure …

      • First, thanks to windracer for a really great blog and thanks to everyone who has contributed to the excellent discussions.

        Leviton makes color change kits for their wall dimmers and switches. I have used the VR106-1LZ/VP00R-1LZ 3-way dimmer devices with the VPKIT_MDE black color change kit. You just pop off the white switch part that come installed and pop on the colored one – very simple.

        Evolve makes similar color change kits for their wall dimmers and switches. I have used the LSM-15 wall switch with the TR-SM-BK black color change kit.

        Both the Leviton and Evolve devices mentioned above work with my ADT Pulse system and my GE 45601 remote. I did notice that the Evolve device seemed slightly more difficult to pair compared to my GE and Leviton devices. Most devices you just tap it on or off to complete the pairing operation. That seemed not to work with the Evolve device. It finally paired due to one of the following, but I’m not sure which – either tapping it on/off several time or holding it pressed on for a couple of seconds. I hope this tip helps for DAmmann.

  47. I have some of my furthest devices go offline at time and it’s painful to get them back on the system, it’s like a new install. I have lots of Zwave devices but it happens occationally any way especially the Locks. I bought the Aetec Range Extender and when I tried to add it as a switch or outlet it tells me it’s already install and when I started the light was blinking, now its a solid red. I don’t see it on my network and I can’t really tell if its online since it’s no showing in the Pulse System. Any ides?

  48. Joe Manz mentioned he was able to add the extender to his Z-Wave network with the inclusion remote. But since the device isn’t supported by ADT it sounds like it won’t appear in Pulse.

    As for the devices going offline … I used to have that happen a lot, but not recently. When that happens, have you tried refreshing the Z-Wave network through Pulse? That used to work for me.

  49. Hi All!

    First off, I want to thank all of you for the great information that has been provided regarding the Pulse system! I couldn’t find good quality information on putting together my ADT Pulse system after multiple internet searches. I am just now starting to put together my Pulse system and I currently have 5 cameras and one lamp module. I am starting to add the light modules but it seems that there are many choices but only few that are compatible with the Pulse. Most likely, I will stick to the options that are available via the drop down box in the Pulse configuration.

    Anyways, thanks so much to everyone for the tips! I am gonna bookmark this blog and continue to check back!

    Thanks Again!

  50. Anyone using the ADT Pulse encoder to pull video from your analog camera? If you do this, with the Pulse system detect motion and record 30 second clips. Do it require an ADT analog camera?

  51. I have two Aeon Labs smart switch DSC06106 on my ADT Pulse and they work really well. The new Aeon labs power strip seems interesting as you can control 4 outlets individually unlike the previous model that has two groups, 2 outlets per group, which, also has bad reviews.

    • I’m guessing you don’t get the energy info from the DSC06106 in Pulse, though, right? I’m curious as to how the power strip would pair with Pulse. Since it’s not supported I’m assuming you’d have to pick a regular light/appliance switch for pairing and then see if all four “outlets” appear separately in Pulse?

      • I get the energy info from the Aeon DSC06106. I compared the reading with the P4460 Electricity Usage Monitor and they are quite close. I have to pick a regular light/appliance switch to pair the smart switch. The iPhone app now has a new category “Energy” which will show you the individual readings for each switch you have. I think the new strip will show 4 separate outlets in Pulse.

        • Interesting! I see now (in Pulse) that outlets with energy monitors are supported (Jasco, but it sounds like other stuff will work). I guess I missed that when it was added and since I don’t have any, that’s why I don’t see the energy monitoring-related features in Pulse. Now I’m really tempted to pick some of these things up and try them out!

          • I am thinking of getting the new power strip for my Internet and cable equipment (modem, router, TV, cable box, Slingbox, etc.) so I can reset the cable modem remotely or other equipment if needed, at the same time monitor energy usage. By the way, I have successfully added a Utilitech Zwave Indoor Siren (for the Iris System sold by Lowes for $29.97) to the Pulse system. It was added as an on/off switch. Turning it on, sounds the siren (100 db). I created an automation program to turn the siren on when motion is detected in the basement during selected hours. I also created another one to turn it on when the security panel burglary alarm is triggered. The ADT siren is in the family room and it may not be heard in the bedroom upstairs. I added the Utilitech siren in the living room.

        • Well, bad news. I bought the power strip and was able to include it on my Z-Wave network, but in Pulse it only appears as a single “outlet” so when you turn it on or off it affects all four Z-Wave outlets at once. No granular control of each outlet. 🙁 The power monitor does work, though. I’m disappointed, but I kinda knew since it wasn’t explicitly listed it probably wasn’t going to work. It was worth a shot though. Maybe in the future ADT will add support for more Z-Wave devices like this.

  52. I recently had an existing ADT system upgraded to ADT Pulse. They installed the ADT Gateway (Netgear PGZNG1). I currently do NOT have any z-wave devices installed. However, I purchased an RCS TZ45 Thermostat and was hoping to install myself sometime soon. My question is in regards to what I currently see in the Portal>System>Manage Devices>Manage Devices Assistant page. Currently, the page is completely empty. I do not see any categories to choose from. Is this to be expected since I do not have any z-wave devices installed? Can I assume that once I install the Thermostat, I should then see the device recognized within “Manage Devices Assistant”? Trying to ensure my ADT Pulse setup is able to accommodate these z-wave devices.

    • The Managed Devices Assistant is how you add new devices. It should show you the four categories of supported Pulse devices (touchscreens, cameras, wi-fi extenders, and lights, thermostats & more). If it’s empty, I don’t know how you’ll be able to pair your thermostat to the iHub.

      Maybe because you didn’t have any Z-Wave devices installed, they didn’t activate that feature on your account? You may need to call ADT to confirm.

      As for your Netgear PGZNG1, that’s interesting. I guess that’s the new iHub they are using. I wonder if I should see if I can upgrade … not sure what benefits/new features it supports.

    • I have the same issue with the “Manage Devices Assistant” being totally blank and devoid of the ability to add cameras or z-wave devices. I spoke with ADT who informed me my system would have to be upgraded (despite the fact I had it installed just over a year ago) to support any more devices. As if ADT does not have enough of my money already?

  53. I just moved to Houston about 3 weeks ago. The previous owner had Schlage z-wave locks put in everywhere. I just got ADT pulse today, thinking that their Ihub system would at least recognize the Schlage locks, but I can’t seem to get them to pair. Has anyone been able to pair a Schlage lock to ADT pulse? Do you know to unpair the Schlage lock if it was previously paired to Schlage Link?

  54. I have the pulse system and I purchased the Jasco ZW4101 (45602) and I can’t for the world seem to add it to the system I’ve added additional camera and the thermostat just fine..but not this light module.
    Can you help?

  55. So I just happened to notice, via an ADT post on Google+ that Pulse now supports a Z-Wave garage door opener controller! It’s the Linear GD00Z (manufacturer page here).

    Does anyone have any experience with this? It’s only $91 on Amazon, although this reviewer indicated some issues with an ADT install of it. I have the older iHub and am wondering if maybe I should ADT come out and replace it and install the garage door opener. Thoughts?

    • Just installed the Linear garage door controller. Real easy to install, mount the unit near your power source, connect two wires to the wires from your manual door switch on the garage door opener and mount the door sensor. Works great. I have on a couple of occasions left my garage door open, now I can check it and close / open it remotely. I programmed the system to automatically close the garage door when I set the system to Stay or Away, that way I know the door is automatically closed if left open.

      Also just got the Nest thermostat since ADT just announce support for this, will report back after I install it. I also noticed that ADT now supports the Ring door bell, thinking about getting one of those as well. The hardest part of all this automation, with 22 switches and lights, 7 Cameras, Netgear Range Extender, Garage door controller, Netgear screen, is convincing my wife that we really need all this!!

      • Dieter, you and I have very similar setups. 🙂 I put in the Linear last February and I recently installed a Nest thermostat as well (see here). While you can control the Nest through the Pulse app, which is nice, you can’t use it in any automations (since it “learns” on its own). I also saw the news about Pulse support for Ring, but since I already have a camera on my porch, and my doorbell is on a side wall so the camera would point at another wall, I won’t be getting one. Let me know how it goes, though!

  56. Today, I installed the Lowes IRIS branded Linear GD00Z-1. ADT Pulse uses the GD00Z-2, but the GD00Z-1 installed without issue. The only trouble I experienced was with my Chamberlain Liftmaster garage door opener. The mounted push button operator, which has a motion sensor for the light on the opener is not compatible with the Linear controller. I installed a simple push button in its place and the Linear device works flawlessly.

  57. This is a great blog – thanks! I’ve been installing z-wave lights, thermostats, etc. for our ADT pulse system. Wondering if it’s possible from the website to save a ‘scene’ – specific lights on/off, possibly at random between 6pm & 11pm, when we know in the morning that we’re going to be out for the evening? I can set a schedule like that, but it needs at least one day checked, and I want to be able to click and activate this scene in the morning or during the day if we find we’re going to be out. Possible? Thank you!

    • I use Modes to accomplish this (System > Modes on the Pulse web site). There are some delivered ones, like At Home, Out for the Day, etc. plus custom ones you can name yourself (I have one labeled Vacation).

      Then, set up your Schedules with every day (or the days you want) checked, using the start/stop times and “randomize” setting. Then, select the Mode at the bottom of the Edit Schedule page so the schedule will ONLY run when that Mode is active.

      You can then either set the Mode using the mobile app, or via an Automation. For example, I have an Automation that sets the Mode to “Out for the Day” when the security panel is set to “Armed Away.” Another Automation, for when the “Out for the Day” Mode starts, sets the thermostat temperatures. A finally, the Schedule will fire at night in that mode to turn on some lights inside the house so it’s not dark when we get back (non-randomized).

      I do something similar so that when we leave on vacation, I just set the Mode to Vacation and that triggers the thermostat changes, randomized indoor lighting sequences, etc.

      It can get complicated, but it’s pretty flexible. Good luck!

  58. Thanks so much for your FAST response! Sounds like you have it automatically prepared to turn on lights, etc., if you set the alarm during the day and don’t disarm it before the scheduled time that the lights should turn on in the evening, true? That’s an interesting way to get around my wish to set a lights sequence only on days that we know we’ll be late or out – if we come home and disarm it every other day, that’ll disable the sequence….

    helpful, thank you!
    Ian

    • Sounds like you have it automatically prepared to turn on lights, etc., if you set the alarm during the day and don’t disarm it before the scheduled time that the lights should turn on in the evening, true?

      Exactly, yes. If I get home and turn off the alarm, the panel switches to “disarmed” and I have another Automation that sets the Mode back to “At Home” so those scheduled tasks for the lighting don’t fire.

  59. thanks – and sorry to continue this, but do you need that second automation to set the mode to ‘at home’? Isn’t the panel switch to ‘disarmed’ enough to stop the tasks that were scheduled to occur when ‘armed’?

    thanks again!

    • No worries!

      It depends on how you set everything up (like I said, you have a lot of flexibility). I have other automations/schedules that depend on the Mode, not the status of the panel, so I explicit have the Mode set back to “At Home” when the panel is disarmed.

  60. I talked to ADT about the Linear GD00Z-02 Garage Opener as well and was quoted the same prices, $159, plus the $59 trip/install charge, BUT the ADT rep indicated that adding the device would add ~$1.70 additional to my monthly bill since I have a QSP plan on my account. I guess it was added when I installed my system ~2 years ago, which i wasn’t fully aware of of all the details of it back then. Has anyone ran into something similar?

    I also have the older I-Hub and from reading comments on the amazon listing seems like the install could be hit or miss and/or require having ADT install an upgraded firmware for the I-Hub. I’ve installed lots of devices to my ADT Pulse system so I’ll likely end up ordering from Amazon and see how it goes since ADT wants too much for the same device others are selling for a lot cheaper…Has anyone else had success installing the Linear GD00Z-4 from Amazon or the Lowes IRIS branded garage opener?

  61. The Linear GD00Z-4 from amazon does work with ADT Pulse. I installed it yday and works great. As long as you have the ability to add it via the ADT Pulse website I think you should be good to go.

      • I have the older white ihub and am running the same 6.7.0-11 firmware version. I tried adding it and got an error (WPT-500) the first time and after resetting it through the ADT manage devices and adding it again, it worked. I plan on getting another for my 3rd car garage as well now

        • It works!

          I got a new garage door and opener this week (old one broke and it was time to replace the door anyway). The new opener is the Linear LDCO800 so I purchased the GD00Z-4 from Amazon and did a self-install.

          Like Randy, it took a few tries to get it paired to my old white iHub. Apparently ADT pushed out a firmware upgrade because since I checked on Feb 2 because I now have 6.7.1-20. At any rate, I had to do a reset of the device through the Pulse site (which caused the red light to flash and beep) and then it paired right away.

          The physical installation was easy, and now I can control my garage door from the Pulse app. Very cool!

  62. I purchased a home with existing ADT pulse system in place, an installer came out and got it set up for us, however when I login to the Pulse Web GUI and try to add devices, there is no button to add devices under the “System” tab. I can see our existing devices but there is no option to add any additional ones. Does anybody have any idea why this would be hidden on my system?

  63. Great site. I was an early adopter of ADT pulse, circa 2010-2011.. I must say no issues adding devices, even many unsupported. Just added the linear garage door opener last month. I also have added older intermatic heavy duty controllers 30AMPS 120,220V to turn off and on my well pump.. all good. BUT I also own a vera lite controller, and I must say ADT has really locked down so much of what you can do with z wave.. Yes it can be frustrating at times, adding devices etc. but once you understand z-wave; it is a snap.. Support @ the ADT pulse group is great, they have improved 100 fold over the initial roll out 4 years ago. They are helpful, if you can speak zwave lingo, they can too.. so needless to say some of my conversations with them are deep.. Overall very pleased. Do I pay a lot ever month? Yes I do, but.. here it comes.. You have SUPPORT. as opposed to my vera lite… Do I want antive access to the IHUB itself? you bet, that is coming, very simple to get, really just ask. I have the concord 4 installer codes, added may sensors, plus, if you paid to have ADT install it, and as I did I bought the equipment from them, they will not deny you the codes, if you ask for them. The equipment is mine not property of ADT..

    I can control my Concord 4 alarm panel, lights, cams (though I have a wired cam system NVR also), TSTAT, LOCKS, well pump, garage door etc. while in NY 1300 miles away from my Pulse home in FL.. What more can one as for.. Cool cool stuff..

  64. Hi All,

    NEED HELP!!

    Ive been to the end of the internet and back trying to figure out how to program my GE Advanced Remote 45601 to my ADT Pulse system!! I have tried all the things listed in the comments above but have not been successful. I have the option to add the remote in the drop down window, so I select it, hit continue, then the web portal tells me to press and release the “INCLUDE” button…there is no INCLUDE button on the remote?!?!?!? And the instructions with the remote don’t help at all either.

    I have set up 4 cameras and 2 light/appliance modules so I have a good idea of how this stuff works…but I can’t figure this remote out to save my life.

    Any help would be greatly appreciated!

    Andrew

  65. Nice write up. I added the Pulse option to our ADT alarm system in January. I’ve added several cameras a thermostat, and a couple plug-in controllers. I’ve hit a snag getting a couple in-wall switches paired to the system. I liked your idea about using a GE 45601 remote as a secondary controller. I’ve just ordered one.

    I wish ADT would host an open user forum for this sort of self-help thing. I work for a software developer and we have a very active forum for these sort of “How do I…” training questions that really aren’t technical support. Of course we do tech support too but getting users in direct contact with each other is a tremendous benefit to everyone.

    Cheers!

  66. I have the old white ihub ADT pulse system and finally added some outdoor cameras. I found out the old i hub is wireless B/G and the new Netgear is B/G/N. It seems the old ihub has a range problem and possible limited on high quality settings on my cams as sometimes it wont connect at the higher setting. Rather than buying the repeater, anyone know if its possible just to purchase the netgear ihub from ebay and install it yourself?

  67. I have had ADT Pulse for a couple of years now. My only gripe is ADT doesn’t have Pulse add ons readily available online to see what it will cost the customer for the add on and installation! I know they charge an arm and a leg…thats why I have purchased everything I have added on Amazon and eBay.

    Ok…end of rant!

    The reason for my comment is I have a Zwave dimmer switch that I added to my pulse system…I have added a couple actually…but, the one I have located for my front porch light just stopped working with the network. The light works manually but is not connected to my ADT Pulse anymore. I logged in to my ADT Pulse Portal and went to the switch in system settings and clicked “refresh network” but had no luck. Can anyone help me troubleshoot this? If I call ADT they will not help since I didn’t purchase from them and have them install the switch.

    Thanks in advance!

  68. Ended up calling ADT and stating my Wifi devices were not working (old white ihub), they work but i get disconnects and my camera would not always connect. Guy came out and replaced it with the Netgear (2015 Manufacturer date) ihub. Range is way better with this one and my touchscreens bring up the camera feed way faster. There was no charge for this service and it requires a the technician to call into adt to activate the ihub. He had to reconnect all my z-wave devices which took some time so not everything transfers, but the installer was very knowledgeable and knew what he was doing. He also mentioned that he replaces around 1 old white ihub every two weeks or so. Hope this helps others who are thinking about upgrading.

  69. I have multiple zwave devices on my ADT Pulse system including switches, dimmers, garage door openers, etc.
    Have successfully installed Honeywell TH8320ZW thermostats but they keep going off-line. Do you have any recommendations for keeping these online. One that falls off frequently is only 10 feet from my Pulse hub.
    Thanks in advance.

  70. Despite the fact that Z-Wave touts the “mesh network” strategy to allow devices to communicate with the hub through each other instead of directly, I still find that my furthest device goes offline a lot. The only solution I’ve found is to refresh the network. With a device only 10 feet away, it seems strange that the mesh or direct communication would be lost with the hub. Maybe it’s a problem with the thermostat? You could try swapping it with one of your other ones to see if the problem follows the device.

  71. hey windracer,

    first thank you for keeping this thread going for so long… I have been searching for details and options for my pulse system for a while. I have the netgear ihub we currently have 2 of adt provided cameras set up on it, but like everyone says they are over priced. I really think they are of poor quality as well. I was wondering since it seems like you have kept up to date only everything pulse related, do you know of any compatible cameras now? or do you think I should take a stab at any z-wave camera with wifi option?

    btw this thread is the most in depth info I have been able to find

    • ADT does support a lot more cameras with Pulse than they used to but like you said they’re expensive and limited in features. In ADT’s FAQ about “can Pulse cameras see in the dark?” they actually say most people use an automation to turn on a light before recording video. Ha! And yes, you still can’t buy any camera and use it with Pulse, just ones from ADT (I think due to custom firmware requirements).

      I went the “roll your own” route for my camera setups. I use Dropcams inside which have great night vision, two-way audio, a good mobile app, and cloud-based 14-day recording. Outside, I use PoE TRENDnet dome cameras, which record directly to my Synology NAS. Granted neither of these options are cheap (probably no cheaper than going with ADT) but I like being able to purchase my own equipment and control my own setup. Not the route every Pulse customer is going to take, obviously.

      Thanks for the nice comments, too! I’m glad this thread has been helpful to people.

  72. Recently purchased the 7″ Netgear screen for my ADT pulse. Got it on EBay for $230, great deal. The issue I have is that it’s very slow between operations. If I want to turn some lights on there is always a delay between each operation. Makes it very tedious. Anyone have any experience with this device?

    Dieter

  73. Here’s a weird one! One of my Z-Wave dimmer switches apparently went crazy from 4:45am until 6:30am this morning, constantly cycling my outside house lights on and off (video). I noticed later because of the motion alerts the front porch camera sent me.

    Checking Pulse, I see it just registering the events of the dimmer going crazy. Apparently Pulse can only log one event per minute:

    Does anyone have any idea what could have caused something like this?

    • I know there are Z-Wave enabled irrigation controllers out there but I haven’t really researched them. Based on ADT’s track record of Z-Wave device support though I doubt we’d see a supported one, though they could surprise us. I’ve looked at WiFi enabled irrigation controllers and there are even ones that can be controlled from a Raspberry Pi.

    • With some work and planing you could use zwave switching and electronic selenoids I found some z-wave valves running 100 and up and with a switch and selenoid I think you can piece together for about 65.00 a valve

  74. Recently got a Nest thermostat for my home, but unfortunately I Have a Carrier Air / Heating system and it doesn’t work with Carrier. Took the Nest and installed it at my office and they wok just great. Now have 3 of them in my office controlling a very large facility.

  75. Steven Gibson did a review of the security of the Z-Wave protocol on episode #560 of his “Security Now” podcast. He was basing his review on a 2013 BlackHat presentation and this whitepaper and he’s never actually used it, but his primary concern was the fact that the protocol is closed source and proprietary with a single chip vendor (Sigma Designs).

    He also talked about other home automation systems (like Zigbee) in episode #559 (“Dumb StartThings”).

  76. Good to see this blog is still chuggin along!

    I bought 2 of the Pulse garage door systems while back…the Linear GD00Z-2. I have 2 garage doors with Chamberlain garage door openers. My problem is the GD00Z-2 works great with my Chamberlain Whisper Drive but the GD00Z-2 is NOT compatible with my Chamberlain Whisper Drive PLUS! So, it sucks because I only have 1 garage door connected and I have a GD00Z-2 just sitting in the box.

    Does anyone know if these other models you guys have mentioned…the GD00Z-4 etc will work with the Whisper Drive PLUS?

    Thanks for any help!

    • Theoretically it should work with any opener that has those two pins for the opener to wire into. But back before I did my install I wasn’t able to track down any concrete information on what the difference between the various GD00Z models was so it’s hard to say if the -4 will be any better for you than the -2. The only way to know would be to try it.

    • I don’t think it’s possible right now. ADT would need to create the skill to connect Alexa to the Pulse back-end. Even if I couldn’t arm/disarm the security panel with Alexa, I agree it would be cool to be able to control my Z-Wave devices with my voice. I’ve posted on ADT’s Facebook page asking about this, but don’t expect an answer.

      • As expected:

        Thanks for reaching out. At this time we do not have any announcements regarding this integration, but our product team is constantly working to bring you the best in innovation. We will be sure to announce any coming integrations via all social channels to keep you updated. Stay tuned!

        So considering they announced IFTTT integration a few years ago and have yet to deliver, I wouldn’t hold your breath on this.

  77. Hello, So Im new to zwave. I have previously used homekit for some home automation, but due to cost of adding homekit wall switches and outlets, im deciding to switch everything over to zwave since I already have a hub(adt pulse). I have read everything here and it has been extremely helpful, but I do have a couple questions.

    I read that back in 2014 ADT pulse had a seperate app for adt voice which you could turn on stuff with your voice without logging in. Now i noticed that in order to use voice on the new app, you have to log in first? is there anyway around that? sometimes it can take a bit for pulse to load up for me.

    From what i understood above, you added an “unsupported” zwave thermostat, and it worked just fine in pulse? Any reason for doing that vs the one on the approved list?

    As for the garage door opener, if i install it myself, and i open the door, it wont set off the alarm since it wasnt added with the installer code, correct? Im still debating on getting the opener, the reason i didnt have adt sell me one is because I didnt want it to start the alarm count down when I opened my garage door.

    • The separate voice app was discontinued, yes, but I think you still had to log in (I didn’t really use it). And yes, I agree, signing into the Pulse mobile app takes WAY too long. I’ve reported this many times but they don’t seem to care.

      I installed an “unsupported” thermostat because I didn’t like the “supported” ones at the time. I’ve since switched to a Nest, which is supported, but yes, my Honeywell Z-Wave one worked just fine with Pulse.

      The garage door opener won’t trigger the alarm unless you have a door sensor on the garage door already. My garage door already had a sensor (and zone) so I self-installed the opener. Typically we bypass the garage door zone unless we’re going away on vacation so, like you mentioned, the alarm countdown doesn’t start as when we get home and open the door.

  78. Glad I bookmarked this link because you guys have been extremely helpful! And I need some help again!

    I got an Amazon Echo Dot for Xmas. So far, I love it…a lot more than I thought I would. But, guess what? ADT Pulse is not compatible with Amazon Echo Dot/Alexa! Very frustrating since everything else on this planet works with Echo/Alexa!

    I know the Echo Dot/Alexa works with z-wave devices so does anyone know of a way to get this to work? I would like to be able to control my z-wave lights, door locks, etc through my Echo Dot along side my Pulse system but can’t figure out how to make it happen! Ugh!

    Anyone have some insight, tips, tricks, shortcuts, whatever to make this work?

  79. Need recommendations for my camera bandwidth settings. I have 5 cameras…3 new HD RC8325 and 2 older icamera-1000. Ideally, I would like to set everything at the highest setting (up to 5Mbps) but not sure if I’m slowing everything down by using the highest setting. Is it better to set them all on medium (up to 512Kbps) or some on higher setting and some on lower setting? What have you all found to be the best way to utilize the bandwidth settings?

    Thanks!

    • This isn’t really a Z-Wave question. 😉 In my ZoneMinder days I used to play around with bandwidth limitations. Some cameras even let you record at a lower resolution and then jump to a higher resolution when motion is detected. To be honest, though, it was too fiddly so I eventually just let all of the cameras run at HD resolution all the time. Only my three Dropcams (or Nest Cams now, I guess) are wireless (on a separate IoT network from my other wireless devices) and going out over the internet. My TRENDnet cameras are all wired and record locally to my Synology NAS so that’s just internal bandwidth. But even with all of that, I’ve never noticed any negative impact on network performance in general.

  80. I recently had to reconfigure my inclusion remote and ended up reviewing a lot of the older comments here to do so. Here’s a quick update on using the advanced remote with Pulse:

    To reset remote back to factory defaults:

    – press and hold setup until “LGHT SETUP”
    – scroll to NETWORK and hit OK
    – scroll to RESET and hit OK

    Now remove the remote from Pulse and add it again.

    To add the remote to Pulse:

    – press and hold setup until LGHT SETUP
    – scroll to TRANSFER and hit OK
    – scroll to RECEIVE and hit OK
    – put Pulse in include/pair mode (add Z-Wave device)
    – press some other buttons on the remote
    – the remote should say SUCCESS after a few seconds

    To add devices to buttons on Remote:

    – press and hold setup until LGHT SETUP
    – scroll to ADD and hit OK
    – scroll to TO A KEY and hit OK
    – press a number key and hit OK
    – press the inclusion button on the device
    – the remote should say SUCCESS

    Don’t use DELETE on the remote … it will also remove the device from the ADT Pulse site and any associated automations, schedules, etc.

  81. My iHub (the original white 300-1B from 2011) has died. I noticed this morning that none of my automations were working and in the Pulse site everything showed offline. It looks like it happened around 4:35am. I checked the iHub and found it had no lights on the front. Upon closer inspection I found the two LEDs on each ethernet jack (broadband and LAN) on the back were flashing in sync every few seconds. I tried power cycling it and that didn’t help. So I disconnected it (I took a photo of the wires first so I could connect them back) and moved it into a different room, different power outlet. Same problem. It appears that either the iHub itself or the power supply has died. Strange!

    I called ADT and after getting through the basic troubleshooting steps (“did you reboot it? is your internet working? have you rebooted your router?” etc.) I managed to schedule a service appointment for Friday.

    Never having had the iHub replaced before, I’m a little concerned as to how this will affect my Pulse setup. Will I have to re-pair all of my devices and set up everything from scratch? Time to document everything!

    • Well, for the most part the service call was smooth. The tech brought a “new” (mgf date 04/14) Netgear PGZNG1 (black) gateway and swapped it out for my original 300-1B (white) one. Everything seemed to transfer to the new gateway, phew! I tested a few Z-Wave devices (switches, etc.) and they worked.

      After the tech left, however, I realized that I had five devices that would not work correctly. They would turn on from the Pulse app (or web site) but then trigger a “operation failed – unable to change <device name>” error. I was still able to turn the devices on and off with my inclusion remote, just not Pulse.

      I ended up removing the devices from Pulse and re-adding/re-pairing them. Of course this ended up removing all the rules (schedules, automations, etc.) associated with the devices so I had to re-create those manually. Ugh. But at least it was only 5 out of my 17 Z-Wave devices.

      I only had time today to remove/add 3 of the malfunctioning devices. The other two are an outlet and switch that are out-of-range of the hub. You still can’t use the inclusion remote to add devices like you could back in the day so I’ll need to do some temporary re-wiring again so the iHub is closer to them so they can be added. I’ll get to that after the holidays.

      • Ugh, what a pain that you can’t use an inclusion remote anymore. I had to use my 100′ spare ethernet cable to move my new iHub to the other side of the house so I could re-pair the remote Z-Wave switch and outlet. At least everything’s back to normal now.

        I noticed the new iHub still broadcasts a WiFi SSID I don’t need/use (still no way to turn that off) and also there’s no accessible web interface (I scanned for all ports). On the old (white) hub I could at least see some basic diagnostic info, nothing on this one.

  82. Not sure when this was added, but I just noticed that my Pulse Z-Wave devices now appear directly in the Amazon Alexa app on my phone. This means I can create groups, routines, and even control them without having to directly access the ADT skill. In other words, instead of saying “Alexa, tell ADT to turn on the Christmas tree” I can just say “Alexa, turn on the Christmas tree” and Alexa silently passes the command through to the ADT Pulse skill, which executes it. Very cool. It doesn’t seem to be bug-free, as some of my devices occasionally show “device is unresponsive” (see Landscape Lighting and Master Bedroom Light below) but this is a great step forward in the integration of the two systems.

    • They just added it in the last month. Bad part is ADT ended Alexa voice support for their garage controllers. I was surprised, ADT actually called me a few days before this update and gave me a heads up i wouldnt be able to say ‘alexa ask adt close the garage door’ anymore. No eta on when it will be back though.

      As far as routines and stuff go, Im going to leave most of mine in the ADT portal. Mostly the ones that use the Alarm system as a trigger.(such as, door opens while armed away and lights turn on or alarm is triggered and all lights turn on).

      Side note: Might have to get rid of my generic Zwave thermostat and buy the one ‘officially’ supported by ADT. I keep having issues with changing the temp in the ADT app. I will change the temp and 30 seconds later, it is right back to where it was before I changed it.

      One thing I keep trying to suggest to ADT is to have sunset and sunrise as a trigger. I have my porch lights on a zwave switch. I would like to have sunset trigger them on and sunrise turn them off. Otherwise I have to go in and edit the time on the schedule once a month or so.

      Other than that, Im loving this ADT system and zwave devices. only wish there was more support with iphones and such.

      • Huh, I hadn’t noticed about the removal of the garage door opener (although I hardly used that anyway) but I do see someone posted a similar comment/rating on the ADT Alexa skill page.

        I agree on leaving routines and schedules and such inside the Pulse app. Like you, a lot of my stuff is keyed off of those devices you can’t “see” in Alexa (burglary alarm, opening doors, windows, etc.). But it’s cool that I can at least turn on and off lights with a more natural phrase.

        If your budget allows, the Nest thermostats work well with Pulse.

        And I love your sunrise/sunset trigger idea! I will have to submit that as well. I am constantly tweaking the schedules for the outdoor lighting as the year goes on and those times change. This reminded me that before I had Pulse and my Z-Wave switches, I had an in-wall Intermatic switch/timer that did exactly that! Why can’t Pulse do the same? Excellent idea.

        • I looked into the nest thermostat. My electric and gas company is always having rebates or pretty much giving them away. But from what I understood, it isnt directly linked to pulse? you link them together via the nest app? how exactly does nest interact with pulse app, pulse site, and alexa?

          • You link it to the Pulse app under Settings > Partner Devices > Nest.

            Then you can control the temperature and fan via the app:

            If you set up the Nest or ADT skill with Alexa, you can say things like “Alexa, turn down the temperature” or “Alexa, set the thermostat to 75.”

            The only thing you can’t do is use the Nest thermostat with schedules or automations in Pulse since it won’t actually appear as a device in the Pulse web site.

            • Do you like having the nest compared to your previous unsupported thermostat? how does the ‘learning’ aspect of the nest thermostat work with adt?

            • I’ve had the Nest thermostat for three years and am pretty happy with it. It did take a while to get used to having a “learning” thermostat instead of one I programmed in schedules like the old Z-Wave one. The learning part doesn’t really affect ADT, but if you make adjustments to the temperature through Pulse that does feed back into the learning algorithm.

      • I logged into Pulse today to set up my Christmas lights schedule and noticed that they’ve finally added a Sunrise/Sunset trigger and the ability to toggle rules on and off! So now I can set up my Christmas lights rules and leave them in the Pulse site all year long and just turn them off after the holidays.

  83. A new year, a new ADT service rate increase:

    In order to provide the innovative security solutions you expect, a small increase will be added to your bill.

    Please know that we worked hard to keep the increase to a minimum, and we’ve worked even harder to deliver world class security solutions and services.

    What have we done lately?

    We’ve developed and refined ADT Pulse® — so you can control your security with your smartphone.

    Plus, we’ve revamped our call centers to help get your problems solved quicker and easier than ever.

    Until now, we’ve been able to absorb these costs. But we’re sure you will understand that the cost of doing business has made it necessary to increase our monitoring rates.

    I’m glad they continue to refine Pulse (like the recent Alexa integration update) but my monthly bill is going up $3.79/mo ($45.48/yr) … I don’t consider that a “small” increase. Plus, I got this same e-mail, to the letter, last year, for another $3.79/mo increase. Seems like this is an automatic thing for ADT. 🙁

  84. We were just talking about how they need sunrise and sunset as a trigger. Well now Alexa has this available. So I moved my porch light schedule from adt to the Alexa app. Works great.

    • I’m really interested in this! Pulse has been good but the framework is out of pace with today’s automation and I hope they add a lot more control, similar to IFTTT but without the hassle, as well as other device control options. For example I trigger various house lights to come on to a very dim setting in response to ADT motion sensors when the system is in ARMED STAY – these are my motion triggered “night lights”. I would love to also control the color of some color-changing bulbs to come on RED at this time as a reminder to NOT open the front door under ARMED STAY!!!!! – a painful mistake I don’t want to repeat again!.

      Thanks windracer, I really appreciate this forum.

        • I agree, maybe the command & control will help, but at the end of the day the z-wave mesh is running at either 908.42 or 868.42 MHz and there is potential for interference from other devices such as old cordless phones, some cordless headphones, etc. And of course as you know, z-wave devices are quite expensive. Having said that, I’ve been using z-wave and ADT since 2014 and have had no problems with device disconnections or communication problems. From your posts, I know you are experienced and have looked extensively into your problem so I can only tell you it has worked well for me. The z-wave devices themselves have been very reliable and none have failed or needed to be replaced to date. I will tell you for your amusement that the only problem I’ve had is that the overhead bedroom light (GE/Jasco wall switch) has come on by itself about 3 times in the past 5 years – all the times in the middle of the night (go figure)! When I’ve looked at the pulse history I see the switch turn on with a history entry I normally see when I flip the switch on manually, not like an automation or schedule history entry. I’m guessing some electrical glitch/spike causes it to turn on. But the bedroom overhead light of ALL lights, in the middle of the night?!??

          So I feel your pain regarding ADT and I’m sure these days you can find a workable solution but I hope it won’t come to abandoning your probably substantial z-wave device investments. I would be curious to know if you can determine if the problem lies with the ADT controller or with the z-wave mesh reliability in your environment.

  85. Another service increase!!

    Hello,

    Thanks for being an ADT customer and putting your trust in our team. We look forward to helping you protect what matters most, with a great a portfolio of smart home security options, security while on the go and world-class service for the years to come.

    As you may know, major cellular network providers are in the process of upgrading their cellular networks from 3G/CDMA to next generation technology. As permitted in your ADT contract, beginning October 1st, 2019, you will see a temporary service charge increase on your ADT bill of $2.47 per month for the next 36 months to help ensure a continued high-quality service experience using next generation cellular networks.

    As an ADT customer, be sure to take advantage of free services like ADT GO for peace of mind no matter where you go or MyADT where you can keep a close watch on your local area with our new Crime Maps feature, chat with a live agent to resolve any issues, make a payment and much more!

    Thank you again for being the most important part of our family.

    Your ADT Team

    Apparently ADT considers three years “temporary.” 🙁 I think I need to seriously start looking into roll-your-own monitoring solutions. This is getting ridiculous.

    • I got another e-mail with the annual rate increase … $3.79! Including the cellular increase back in September, that means my monthly ADT bill in 2020 would be up $75 for the year! I called ADT support and the rep “removed” the increase from my account. I’m considering dropping the cell backup as well.

  86. Something is broken with ADT’s Alexa skill … all of my devices show as “There was a problem” in the Alexa app and attempts to voice control devices just respond “Sorry, something’s wrong. Try disabling the skill and re-enabling it from your Alexa app.” The skill reviews are now full of people reporting the same thing.

    • Everything working fine today for me with ADT pulse and alexa. My z-wave net has 23 switches and lights – all good to go, including my alexa light groups. I can’t offer any suggestions since you’re IT and I’m sure you have already done all the usual things. But do keep us posted – I’m always interested with people’s experiences.

      • This is ridiculous. I spent an hour on the phone tonight with three different ADT support reps who all kept just walking me through the steps to link the ADT skill in the Alexa app to my account. And all of them were stumped when it failed every time:

        So now I have an appointment on Monday for a technician to come to my house. I told the support rep this is definitely a problem between ADT’s Pulse servers and the Alexa servers and there’s nothing in my house that would be causing this (Pulse is working fine) but they insisted. I only scheduled it because I’m hoping this problem is resolved before then and I can cancel the appointment. I’m about ready to dump ADT at this point.

        • I ended up cancelling the service appointment because I was (and still am) convinced this is an Amazon/ADT issue and not anything related to my home equipment (all my devices work fine through the Pulse app).

          I called tech support on Monday and gave up after 45 minutes of speaking to a rep who clearly did not understand how the Alexa skill works. He kept asking for the “WPS PIN” on the back of my Echo device. I explained there is no such thing (WiFi Protected Setup is normally on a router) and you don’t add an Echo to Pulse. He was completely confused and I’d wasted enough time on the phone with ADT already so gave up..

          After messaging ADT on Facebook and still getting nowhere, I called tech support again and after being bounced around a few times again finally got to someone who said they spoke to someone in the Alexa group and they are aware of the outage and “working on it” but no ETA for restoration of the service. Guess all we can do is wait and see.

          In the meantime, I’ve ordered a HomeSeer HomeTroller hub (the Raspberry Pi version) and am going to start experimenting with rolling my own home automation solution (using all my existing Z-Wave devices) instead of relying on ADT and Pulse.

          • I was finally able to re-link the ADT Pulse Alexa skill tonight (I’ve been trying daily just to see). So apparently ADT finally fixed whatever the problem was (I saw one reviewer mention he was told it was an authentication problem).

            Too little too late, though, as I’ve finished moving all my Z-Wave devices to HomeSeer. I’m still working on the setup, but I’ll be posting a full review soon.

            • Which HomeSeer controller are you using? I’m very unhappy with ADT and switching to something else. I have a lot of early Zwave device, will they work with HomeSeer?

            • I went with the HomeTroller Pi, which is the Raspberry Pi-based unit to start (and I’m familiar with RasPis and Linux). Their other controllers are basically NUCs running Windows. You can also download the software and run it yourself, but then you need a Z-Wave (or Zigbee) controller and the HomeTrollers come with Z-Wave built in. The downside of the Pi is that it’s built on the original Raspberry Pi 3 (1.2GHz quad-core) with 1gb of RAM, and the HomeSeer software runs under Mono, so it can be a little underpowered if your system gets too big. It’s also limited to 5 HS plug-ins and two slots are taken up by Z-Wave on mine. Some plug-ins are also Windows only, depending on the developer, so you might want to peruse that list and see what interests you. I’m fine so far, and the only plug-in I’ve added is BLOccupied which can simulate someone at home by randomly turning on lights (but I haven’t had a chance to play with it yet).

              So far, though, I’ve been able to pair all of the Z-Wave devices I’ve been using with Pulse with HomeSeer. This includes the very first Z-Wave switches I bought back in 2011, to the newer Z-Wave Plus modules I’ve gotten more recently. As with Pulse, Z-Wave pairing can be troublesome since the devices need to be close to the controller. I had to use a long ethernet cable to get my HomeTroller closer to some devices to pair them, but then once I refreshed the Z-Wave mesh network, they worked fine with the HomeTroller back in the computer closet with my other gear (same place the ADT iHub is currently located).

              The one thing I’ll miss with Pulse, and I don’t know how I would replicate this yet, is automations based on my window and door sensors. For example, I have an automation that turns on the lights in the garage when I open the door from the house into the garage. That uses the ADT door sensor and Pulse to trigger the Z-Wave light switch in the garage. Now that the light switch is paired with the HomeTroller, and HomeSeer doesn’t “see” the door sensor, that automation is lost. I’ve seen things like EnvisaLink which lets you connect your alarm panel to ethernet for local monitoring (and there’s a (not free) HS plug-in that works with that), but that might be a little too in the weeds for me. I might just replace ADT with something like SimpliSafe or Ring and deal with the fact that the alarm system and the automation system are separate entities. It’d be a lot cheaper than what ADT is charging for monitoring and Pulse!

              Good luck, and let me know what you end up doing. I’m probably going to re-use a lot of what I just wrote here in the eventual blog post. 😉

  87. Not sure why ADT is still sending me e-mails … haven’t been a customer for over 2 years (and doubt I was ever a “valued” customer).

    Hello Valued Customer,

    Starting September 29, ADT Pulse “Works with Nest” control of your Google Nest Learning Thermostat will end and no longer appear under the thermostat category in your Pulse dashboard. We invite you to easily manage your thermostat in the Home (Favorites) screen of the Google Home app following the below steps. We understand that changing the technology in your home can take a little getting used to and appreciate your continued loyalty.

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