Vera Home Automation System — UI7 Basics Guide

Setting up and using a new Vera home automation system (UI7 software basics) — covers the Vera Controller, Vera UI7 Dashboard, adding Devices, creating Scenes, Apps & Plug-Ins, Users & Settings, and frequently asked questions.

Welcome to Vera Smarter Home Control

A Vera "system" consists of a Vera Controller (the hardware hub) and one or more Devices — lighting controls, smart door locks, thermostats, motion sensors, video cameras, alarms, door/window sensors, smoke/CO detectors, and more. Vera Controllers are sold individually or as "Vera Solutions" — kits that bundle a Controller with commonly needed Devices for a focus area like energy savings, home security, or small-business monitoring.

• Vera Controller (hardware): the information processor and communications hub of the system.
• Vera UI7 (software): the user interface and control system, technically firmware residing on the Controller itself. Accessible from your local LAN/Wi-Fi via browser or mobile app, and from the Internet.

To set up a new Vera, visit www.getvera.com, click Control → Remote Access, then "I have a new Vera to setup!" (do not enter a username/password first). You'll select your Controller model, connect it to AC power and your Wi-Fi router, then enter the Serial Number and MAC Address found on a label on the bottom of the Controller so the setup wizard can locate it on your network. The Controller typically needs several minutes to initialize before its lights stop blinking.

The Vera UI7 Dashboard

The Dashboard is the main screen you land on after setup and login — it brings every Device in your system together in one interface, and lets Devices interact with each other (e.g. a motion sensor turning on a light).

Modes

Modes (Home, Away, Night, Vacation) let you change many device settings at once with a single tap, from the Dashboard or a mobile app. Modes are always selected manually — Night Mode does not activate itself. Each Mode ships with default settings per Device; use the right-arrow next to Modes to open "Configure My Modes" and switch a Mode from Default to Custom to adjust its settings per Device type (only Devices already in your system will offer configurable settings).

My Shortcuts

On/Off controls for all switches and door locks at once — e.g. a "Lock All" button that locks every door lock in the system. A number badge on the icon shows how many Devices of that type will be affected.

My Favorites

A pinboard-style display of the Devices you check most often (cameras, door locks, etc.) for quick access from the main Dashboard screen. Add Devices via "Add Favorite."

Weather Widget & Notification Bar

The Weather Widget shows temperature/conditions for your configured location plus local time (12 or 24-hour format). The Notification Bar shows the most recent events on your system (e.g. "4-in-1 sensor detected motion about one hour ago," or "Door/Window Sensor just tripped 4 seconds ago").

Dashboard Cards

Give a quick overview of your entire system's health:

• Devices Card: green = all Devices OK; red = one or more problems (with suggestions to resolve); gray = no Devices yet.
• Security Card: green = all security sensors OK; red = a sensor has been tripped.
• Energy Card: only appears if your system includes energy-measuring Devices (smart switches, meter readers).

Status Bar

Appears at the top of the Dashboard whenever Vera is mid-process or a Device needs configuration — for example, prompting you to pair a new Device during Add New Device setup.

Navigation Tabs

Along the left side of the Dashboard: Dashboard, Devices, Cameras, Scenes, Energy, Apps, Users & Account Info, Settings, and Logout/Login.

Dashboard Tab

The default home screen on login — shows Favorite Devices, lets you switch Modes, offers My Shortcuts, and shows notices/status for your whole system.

Logout / Login Tab

Your Vera system keeps working 24/7 regardless of whether you're logged into the Dashboard — it stays in whatever Mode you last set, and remembers all Settings/Scenes, even after logout. Many users leave a tablet logged in permanently for quick access; logout is really only needed on a shared/public computer for security.

Mobile App Control

Vera can be controlled from iPhone, iPad, or Android via the Vera mobile app, from inside the home or anywhere with Internet access. See getvera.com/apps for download links.

Devices Tab — View, Control, and Add Devices

The Devices tab shows ALL Devices in your system (unlike My Favorites, which only shows pinned ones). Three view modes:

• By Device Type (Lighting, Door Locks, etc.) — quick access to controls.
• By Room — same quick-access controls, organized by room.
• List view — shows technical details per Device: battery/AC power status, wireless signal strength, and Favorite status. Click the right-arrow next to any Device here to adjust its settings.

Each Device type offers different controls — e.g. a thermostat offers temperature settings, a lamp dimmer offers a light-level slider. Every Device also has a Control Pad (opened via the right-arrow icon) with more detailed configuration options specific to that Device; most users never need to touch these.

Adding Devices

Each Device must be "added" (paired/included) to establish a communications link with the Controller. Vera's Device Wizard walks you through this per specific model — click Devices → "+ Add Device" → "Additional Devices" to browse categories (Dimmers & Lights, Thermostats, Sensors, etc.) and choose your exact model.

Most Devices communicate over Z-Wave; cameras and some others use Wi-Fi. With Z-Wave, setting up the link is called "pairing" or "including." For security, the pairing range is sometimes deliberately limited to about 3 feet (1 meter) between Device and Controller, even though normal working range after pairing is about 25–30 feet. If a Device (like an already-installed door lock) can't be brought within 3 feet of the Controller, move the Controller to the Device instead — all Vera Controllers support battery operation or add-on battery packs for this. Range can also be extended later with a "repeater."

If your system came as a kit/Vera Solution, the initial Setup Wizard pre-populates the Devices-to-add list with the items included in your kit.

Scenes — Home Automation Rules

Scenes let one Device trigger an action on another. A typical Scene has three parts:

1. Trigger: Select the triggering Device and the specific condition (e.g. "Whenever 4-in-1 sensor detects motion, whether armed or disarmed"). Multiple triggers can feed the same Scene.
2. Action: Select the Device(s) to control and what they should do (e.g. set a Lamp Dimmer to 100%). Only Devices capable of performing an action are listed here (a pure sensor won't appear). You can also add a delay to the action.
3. Finishing details: Choose which Mode(s) the Scene is active in (e.g. only "Home" mode, rather than "any mode"); optionally set up notifications to specific Users when the Scene runs; advanced users can add custom Luup code. Finally, name the Scene descriptively (e.g. "Stairway Light On - With Motion" rather than "my first scene").

Once created, a Scene is automatically active in its selected Mode(s) — no further action needed. The Run button (play icon) on a Scene only tests the Action portion, not the full trigger-to-action flow; it shows a checkmark and "Success" on completion. Scenes can be edited (pencil icon) or removed at any time.

Settings Tab

Most users rarely need to visit Settings, since the initial Setup Wizard populates most of it. Sub-menus include:

• Rooms: lists/edits/deletes Room names (pencil icon to edit, trash icon to delete).
• Location: sets city/town for accurate local time and weather widget data (lat/long filled in automatically).
• Net & Wi-Fi: troubleshoot Internet/local network issues; optionally activate 3G/cellular backup for notifications if your Controller has cellular capability (built-in or dongle accessory). Advanced users can manually specify Internet connection settings.
• Backup: Vera auto-creates daily backups. Use "Create Backup" before major changes (firmware/Controller upgrades). "Upload" lets you add backup files from another device/location — useful when migrating from an old Controller to a new one (Restore transfers all setup info, including Devices).
• Restore Z-Wave network: Z-Wave is a mesh network using AC-powered plug-in Devices (dimmers, smart switches) as repeaters. If you've moved Devices around and a battery-powered Device (e.g. a door/window sensor) drops off, use this option to re-establish the mesh paths. Also available under Z-Wave Settings → "Repair" tab.
• Restore to default settings: wipes the Controller clean, erasing all custom settings.
• Logs: detailed system activity reports, mainly needed only when instructed by Vera tech support. Save to a USB thumb drive plugged into the Controller's USB port (the drive is erased first).
• Z-Wave Settings: advanced technical settings for Z-Wave communications; ordinary users mainly just need the "Repair" tab (see Restore Z-Wave network above).
• Firmware: update Controller firmware via a URL supplied by Vera support — an advanced operation for use only when instructed by support.
• Setup Wizard: re-launch the original setup wizard at any time to pick up where you left off if you didn't finish it initially.

Apps Tab & Plug-Ins

Apps are mini-programs that make Vera do something new; Plug-Ins are extensions that connect Vera to a particular Device (like a driver). Vera groups both together in the "Vera Apps Store" (most are free, some paid).

• My apps: shows apps/plug-ins already installed — including ones auto-installed to support Devices already in your system.
• Install apps: browse or search (e.g. searching "Nest thermostat" surfaces the Nest plug-in) and click Install after reviewing Details.
• Develop your own apps: Vera apps are written in Lua; advanced users/device manufacturers can write and test custom code here, and use "Create device" to make other IP/MAC-addressable Devices Vera-compatible. Most users never need this page.

Users & Account Info Tab

Account vs. User terminology: an Account is your login for accessing Vera via browser/app (one Account can access multiple Controllers, e.g. home + business). A User is each individual person authorized to use a given system (e.g. each household member); several Users can be authorized for door locks and can receive emergency notifications.

• User Info: create/edit your own User settings, including email and phone number for alerts (each must be verified via a code sent to you). Also where you change your password.
• Alerts: configure notifications for anything in your system — from critical-only (e.g. suspected intruder) to granular (every door/window open, every dimmer change). Also shows recent notifications already sent. A popular use: alerting when a door unlocks, to track kids/employees/elderly relatives coming and going.
• Other Users: lists everyone else authorized on the system (not yourself); edit via the pencil icon. Add a new User with the "Add User" button, assigning an access level: Administrator, Guest (can adjust things like lights/locks but not change setup), or Notifications-only (no control, alerts only — e.g. for a neighbor). Each User must verify email/phone with a code before receiving notifications.
• Tech Support: contact Vera's support team and track issues.
• Unit Settings: date/time format, timezone, Weather Widget city, temperature units (F/C), rename your Controller, and view info to identify your Controller on your home network.

Adding Cameras and Other Devices

Common Device categories you can add: IP cameras (mostly Wi-Fi, some outdoor-rated), Z-Wave lighting controls (plug-in modules, wall switches/dimmers), door locks (per-person electronic keys, remote lock/unlock, scheduling), sensors (motion, door/window, daylight — can trigger other Devices), and thermostats (for energy savings on heating/cooling, among the biggest home energy costs).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the difference between Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, and Zigbee?

A: These are different communication protocols. Vera's two mainstay systems (available on all Controllers) are Z-Wave and IP (Wi-Fi/LAN). Most security sensors use Z-Wave — low power (battery lasts a year+), strong built-in security, robust mesh-network redundancy. Most cameras use Wi-Fi/LAN for the bandwidth video needs. Depending on Controller model/accessories ("bridges"), Vera can also use Zigbee and other protocols.

Q: Can I move my Vera system?

A: Yes. All settings are retained even after an extended power disconnect. Devices stay paired; you may just need to rename some if rooms/locations change. After moving, it's a good idea to run "Restore Z-Wave network" (Settings → Z-Wave Settings) to let the mesh re-establish links.

Q: Why isn't there a control panel like traditional alarm systems? Can I add one, or use key fobs?

A: Vera skips the traditional wall panel to save cost without losing convenience — it's compatible with many accessory Z-Wave control panels if you want one, and mobile apps give you outside-the-home control for free. If you prefer a physical remote over your phone, a Z-Wave key fob accessory can control Modes, locks, lights, and thermostat from within the home.

Q: Can I add a Device if there's no Device Wizard for it?

A: Yes. Vera works with all Z-Wave Devices and most Wi-Fi Devices. Each Device category (Sensors, Thermostats, etc.) has a "Generic" option for Devices without a dedicated Wizard; this requires a bit more technical attention, but Vera Support can help.

Q: Does pairing require moving the Controller close to the Device?

A: Usually no — pairing typically works within the normal operating range (25–100 feet, depending on obstructions). Some Devices, especially many door locks, require the Controller within 3 feet (1 meter) for pairing only, as an extra security measure; normal range applies afterward. All Controllers offer battery power to make this easier.

Q: How secure is my Vera system?

A: Extremely secure. Z-Wave security was developed by the Z-Wave Alliance (a consortium including major lock manufacturers) and uses 128-bit encryption among other measures. No known vulnerabilities/exploits as of publication. See forum.micasaverde.com for security discussion.

Q: What is the range of my Vera Controller, and can it be extended?

A: Roughly 25–30 feet in practice; officially up to 100 feet (30 meters) under ideal open-field conditions with Z-Wave. Real-world factors that reduce range: each wall/large obstacle (fridge, big-screen TV) cuts range ~25–30%; brick, tile, granite, concrete, metal, mirrors, and smoked glass block signal more than wood-stud/drywall or clear glass/plastic; Z-Wave devices in metal junction boxes lose ~20% range due to signal blocking. AC-powered Z-Wave devices (dimmers, smart switches) act as repeaters automatically; you can also add a standalone repeater roughly halfway between a struggling Device and the Controller. Wi-Fi cameras follow the same range rules as any other Wi-Fi device in your home (extend with a Wi-Fi range extender if needed).

Q: Can Vera work without the Internet?

A: Yes, the system keeps working locally even if Internet service is down — you just lose remote access. Controllers with cellular backup capability can still send text/email notifications without Internet.

Q: Why does Vera support so many different communication protocols?

A: To maximize compatibility — Vera's philosophy is that you shouldn't be locked into a limited set of brands/models to build a smart home. Supporting Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, and more lets you use whichever Devices you want from any manufacturer.