Curious how people are setting up their smart home ‘alarm system’ using this sort of hardware. We had a scare a couple of weeks ago where a reverse 911 call had me checking all of my basement windows & garage doors & windows so I decided that it was time to start adding those to my existing system. Fortunately a deal came up a few days later from Monoprice and I ordered up a couple dozen or so and started slapping them up on doors & windows as well as gates and such. So… now what? How are you guys setting these sorts of devices up to notify or are you using some sort of audio device to sound at certain times? I like the idea of maybe adding a wall-mounted key pad with codes for everyone and arm/disarm it like a standard alarm when you leave as well as setting it at night and incorporating motion sensors and what not. I’m curious how you’ve all set yours up and what scenes you built using them and how you utilize them in your system.
I may not have been clear as I’m not looking to use this like you would normally a traditional security system in that I don’t want it automatically calling anyone on my behalf automatically. I more want alerts of windows or doors that are open when certain parameters are active. In other words, I can set my VeraLite so that whenever it’s set to AWAY, NIGHT or VACATION it alerts me via email or text if one of those is opened. I mute my phone at night so maybe I want a door or window trigger to bypass that somehow or some other option to alert me. Just curious how others are using their system to notify them. I’m not looking to notify authorities automatically in any way as a traditional alarm system would. I’ve got sensors, cameras and all sorts of things so I prefer my attention be called so that I can verify said alert and decide myself how to handle.
As ServiceXP points out, many of us don’t consider VERA to be reliable enough as a alarm/security system, especially compared to a dedicated system such as DSC. I have a DSC system for doors and windows but it doesn’t currently notify a central monitoring system our police/fire, right now it’s strictly local.Using the DSC Plug In for Vera allows it to be integrated in both directions. I arm/disarm my system from Vera and Vera catches alarm zone changes to decide to turn on lights, send alerts using Vera Alerts to my phone, email, SysLog, etc. But regardless of the state of Vera the alarm system functions on it’s own
Spelling out what the acronym ‘DSC’ stands for at least once is helpful when you’re talking to people who haven’t ever heard of it.[/quote]
DSC is a brand of alarm, like honeywell or GE. I don’t know what DSC stands for but I bet google would.
I use a GE on both of my house. I don’t have it hooked up to call the fire or police and pay no monthly fees to do so. It’s tied into my vera via a USB cable. VERA see’s everything the alarm panel does, but there is more sensor options, wireless range is 3 to 4x the distance and more reliable. Wired door sensors only cost 1.50 and are completely hidden vs. z-wave wireless only.
Really there is a ton of advantages and that’s why alot of use do it. There is alot of threads to read on it.
I did not really need an alarm system … but I installed a DCS 64 zone system … why ?
I wanted two separate alarm partitions … My Shop … and my Living Area.
I wanted wired motion detectors everywhere … they have more/better technology options and are much more reliable and faster responding than battery operated motion sensors. Wired motion sensors are much more practical when doing REAL automation. They should be in closets, hallways, bathrooms, … every where!
The wireless door sensors are more reliable then the Z-Wave door sensors. Of course wired ones are even more reliable.
Once you have as many security devices installed as I finally have … (Most zones used) you might as well have a real security system.
All of these devices integrate into Vera in a reliable/resource efficient manner. (Similar to Z-Wave).
My Automation via Vera/PLEG actually controls the DSC alarm system. Other than programming the DSC I rarely touch the DSC keypads.
With mains (not battery) powered Z-Wave motion detectors are rock solid and super fast (all the alarm guys have either no recent experience with z-wave motion sensors…or none at all). So, there is no reason not to use Vera if the system is installed.
PS - Ignore everyone else trying to convince you not to do it…just pay attention to folks that want to help you succeed. I asked from a lot of help on alarms for the experts on the board and got the same treatment of 3x off topic posts for every one response providing a solution or discussion to a problem. I’m not arguing it is the Vera best solution compared to a pre-run new home construction alarm panel…however it’s 1000x better than nothing if you can’t rip open all your walls and want simple at home alerts of perimeter breaches.
I may not have been clear as I’m not looking to use this like you would normally a traditional security system in that I don’t want it automatically calling anyone on my behalf automatically. I more want alerts of windows or doors that are open when certain parameters are active. In other words, I can set my VeraLite so that whenever it’s set to AWAY, NIGHT or VACATION it alerts me via email or text if one of those is opened. I mute my phone at night so maybe I want a door or window trigger to bypass that somehow or some other option to alert me. Just curious how others are using their system to notify them. I’m not looking to notify authorities automatically in any way as a traditional alarm system would. I’ve got sensors, cameras and all sorts of things so I prefer my attention be called so that I can verify said alert and decide myself how to handle.[/quote]
Ok, so if you just want a notification system then the Simple Alarm plug-in will probably work for you. I’ve used it, and for the most part it seems to works well.
I’ve followed Ostrichsak’s path and installed various zwave door/window sensors as well as PIR ones. I don’t really need an alarm system as there isn’t that much to steal. Also my security system consists of a couple of GSD’s who are enough of a deterrent for all but the determined burglar. I don’t want to pay a monthly fee either but am working on a solution where an android cell (Vera telling Tasker et al) calls or texts me if something trips.
My next step was rstrouse’s virtual panel which more or less gave me an alarm ‘panel’ within the Vera UI7 dashboard. The step after that was asking GetVera to review that plugin and hopefully support it in their Android/iOS apps.
My separate home alarm system does not have any sensors for the garage doors. Rather than spend the big bugs to get the garage doors hooked up to the alarm system, I decided to go the Zwave route.
Installed the Echolink garage door tilt sensors, then I have Vera SMS my cell phone when the garage door is opened (only when the “away” state is set, of course).
I quickly discovered another use for that SMS message. When my Android phone receives the message, Tasker recognizes the message and turns on my Wifi. If my Wifi connects to my home network, the phone will unlock, and send a message to Vera to reset the away state (and turn on lights, etc). I found it a much more efficient and accurate way to determine that I was home versus using location or geofence.
I think you ment “big bucks” Funny part is the z-wave wireless sensors are more money then the alarm panel wireless sensors, and the range is 300ft plus vs. 100ft of z-wave. Response time is faster and battery life is 3-5 years vs. z-wave.
Not sure what alarm you have but DSC, GE, Honeywell are all less then 20.00 and maybe as low as 14 bux depending on where you look. I still go for wired which is 1.50 to 10.00 for metal outdoor units. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Honeywell-Ademco-White-Wireless-Doors-Windows-Contacts-5816-WMWH-/261779111081?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cf3403ca9
[quote=“aa6vh, post:12, topic:186355”]Installed the Echolink garage door tilt sensors, then I have Vera SMS my cell phone when the garage door is opened (only when the “away” state is set, of course).[/quote] This can be done with any sensor alarm or z-wave.
[quote=“aa6vh, post:12, topic:186355”]I quickly discovered another use for that SMS message. When my Android phone receives the message, Tasker recognizes the message and turns on my Wifi. If my Wifi connects to my home network, the phone will unlock, and send a message to Vera to reset the away state (and turn on lights, etc). I found it a much more efficient and accurate way to determine that I was home versus using location or geofence.[/quote] This is the same as using the ping sensor plugin in vera (but without having to run anything on your phone), you can also do this with your router. Both don’t have deal with your phone firing anything. the ping sensor looks for your IP to connect then trips all in VERA.
Lots of different ways to do things, and not all of them are necessarily wrong.
My alarm system is from last century, and it would be quite a hassle to replace. No wireless capability. Much easier to go with a couple of Zwave sensors, plus I got added benefits.
I prefer to leave Wi-Fi off on my phone when not using it, so the ping sensor running on the router would not work. Plus I do not want to modify my router. And I want things to happen on my phone as well as on Vera.
My alarm system finally paid off last month after all these years. An attempted break-in was stopped when the alarm sounded. The bad guy escaped just before the police arrived. I could tell he left in a real hurry. Many burglars ignore alarm signs these days, as so many alarm owners forget to set the alarm. He also ignored my “Beware of Dogs” sign (my two 10 pound terriers might not be that much of a deterrent, but still).
@Piwtorak
I have the PC1854.
I have two PTK5507 keypads (one for each partition)
I use the EVL3 to connnect to Vera via LAN.
I use the TR5164-433 transceiver to connect to wireless door/window sensors.
Lot’s of multi-technology wired motion sensors.
I think you would need a second EVL3 if you wanted external monitoring as well as Vera connectivity. I think the EVL can only handle one client connection at a time.
@aa6vh
If you have an antique alarm system … you are in great shape … replace the guts … You can reuse the existing wiring (and probably the sensors).
Then augment with additional wired/wireless sensors.
I apologize for the thread hijacking, Richard, do you use the DSC wireless PIR sensors? I heard those have the 6-second (?) delay that can not be changed?
I have no capability to run wires now (short of a divorce) and I’m trying to settle on an Alarm system with wireless PIR sensors that can double for lights automation.
[quote=“integlikewhoa, post:13, topic:186355”]I think you ment “big bucks” Funny part is the z-wave wireless sensors are more money then the alarm panel wireless sensors, and the range is 300ft plus vs. 100ft of z-wave. Response time is faster and battery life is 3-5 years vs. z-wave.
Not sure what alarm you have but DSC, GE, Honeywell are all less then 20.00 and maybe as low as 14 bux depending on where you look. I still go for wired which is 1.50 to 10.00 for metal outdoor units. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Honeywell-Ademco-White-Wireless-Doors-Windows-Contacts-5816-WMWH-/261779111081?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cf3403ca9[/quote]
Nobody is asking about alarm panel equipment. Nobody asked about price comparisons.
Poster wasn’t asking, just sharing real world experience about the OP topic (not your hijack that alarm panels are better)
[quote=“TC1, post:17, topic:186355”]I apologize for the thread hijacking, Richard, do you use the DSC wireless PIR sensors? I heard those have the 6-second (?) delay that can not be changed?
I have no capability to run wires now (short of a divorce) and I’m trying to settle on an Alarm system with wireless PIR sensors that can double for lights automation.[/quote] @TC1 - This is thread hijacking and sorry that I already asked in previous post in this very thread that it would be nice for someone to have thread where it doesn’t deviate from the OP. Please start your own thread or use PM Richard.
The thread title is Z-Wave door senors and 50% of posts are off topic.