Hi everybody,

First post to RC; let's see how it goes...

I am a CI here in AZ, and have been working on a large project where I had spec'd in multiple Nevo Q50 remotes, along with the associated NC-50 kits. I've used Nevo previously, and own an original SL for my personal system, and as such, have been a big promoter of their product.

With this newest project, however, I've run into some real trouble with the NC-50. I have continuously experienced an approximate maximum range of 12'-16' from any Q50 to any NC-50, with a continual drop off of signal at or just beyond that range.

I have multiple Q50s and multiple NC-50s in the project, and have reset and reconfigured the entire network multiple times. I have replaced the antennas on the NC units with new antennas direct from Nevo. I was recently informed by a Nevo Tech that a majority of the initial batch of antennas distributed were bad, and that they had received a shipment of nearly 1,000 to replace the faulty units.

I was told today that the antennas are now fine, and that either my programming or the environmental conditions of the home are causing the trouble I am experiencing.

Here are my concerns:
1. I can not attenuate or modify the signal strength or communication capabilities of any of the Nevo hardware. I have been in the CI market for a number of years, and have programmed more remotes, lighting, and automation systems than I can count. I doubt my programming is faulty, as the system operates perfectly at <10' range.
2. The home is a typical stick-built home model, with drywall and common BIB insulation. There is no lead or foil lining in any of the walls. There are no other devices that operate on or near the frequency of the Z-wave frequency that the Nevo uses. As of yet, I have found no sign of Little Green Men wreaking havoc on the system.

I have read numerous other posts where CIs are experiencing the same problems that I am. I'd like to hear any experience or resolution that any of you have run into with regards to this issue.

Thanks in advance for your feedback,
EvoHome

Hi Evohome,

What a first post!.

My first thought is the antennas. Seeing as you have already changed these then we need to tackle this a little differently. But before you do just double check that the antennas are screwed in correctly.

First I would suggest running only ONE Q50 and ONE NC-50 and see how it goes. Make sure the you perform a factory reset on the Z-wave network.

If all is good then add one remote/connect at a time and see where it falls over.

If it fails straight away then take the equipment away from the job (suggest taking it home) and test it in that location. If it works then there is an issue with the job site. If it fails then possibly try one more location to totaly rule out environmental issues.

Let us know how it goes.

D

What's with the really lame "Its' my first day" tag??

Well, I guess there has to be one somewhere...

Thanks for the quick reply. To sum it up in short, I have done everything listed in your post at least two times. I originally configured the network of gear at my office, and installed it last week. When originally configuring everything, I had a maximum range of no more than the same 10'-15' for all devices. I didn't really feel it important to walk outside the office to verify the capable range of the gear.

In the Client's home, any of the Nevo remotes properly communicates with the NC-50 stations, as long as I basically lean against the door of the AV Closet when initiating a remote command. Just for S&G, I installed a Vizia RF dimmer switch, and can query that switch about 30' away with any of the Nevo remotes, before signal falls off. I really don't want to add multiple Z-wave devices just so that the remotes can function properly.

I stopped at a second installation yesterday afternoon, to check out the performance of another Q50. In this second install, I have a single-room install, in a media room, with all AV gear also within 15' of the normal operating position of the remote. If I carry the remote across the room, to the corner diagonally opposite the gear, the Z-wave signal continually drops off. In this second home, there are no cordless phones, no WiFi, no radio interference generated inside the footprint of the home.

It appears to me that there is a serious problem with the NC-50 and the Z-wave portion of the Q50 remotes... As far as basic functionality and IR control, the remotes are awesome, even with a lower-than-usual LCD resolution. A 15' operating range doesn't make for a true wireless remote...

Thanks again,
Evohome

Hi,

I think you may need to have a chat with either your Nevo rep or the Tech support.

I have been involved with over 50 Q50 and NC-50 installs, all getting over 15m range. The only issues I have come across were 2 faulty antennas. A quick swap out fixed the problem.

Unfortunately It is a little hard to offer any other suggestions without looking at your install with more detail.

I would strongly recommend talking to someone at Nevo to try and get your problem resolved.

Let me know if you have any troubles getting hold of someone to help you.


D

The antenna needs to be screwed in straight. I know it can look OK, but check again. I have had two problems with distance and both times when I re-screwed in the antenna, it worked great. Innovative is the Rep in AZ

Thanks for the input from both of you. I have talked with Nevo tech, as detailed in the original post (hence the replacement antennas), and we've been working on the problem.

I know who to buy from; I have been authorized for more than a couple years now. I won't even comment on installing the antenna, other than to say that lack of that fundamental skill, well... never mind.

On the latest software and firmware updates for the NevoQ50?

In my residence, I am getting normal performance well over 30' from the NC, in another room, through walls, etc.

I have not done a multiple Q50 job using multiple NC's. However, is it possible that with mutliple NC's and Q50's there may be a conflict with multiple remotes being set as Primary Controllers? Just thinking out loud...

Dave