Best security system for ZWave integration?

Other Devices & Integrations Door Locks & Sensors
1

My wife and I are building a house in the next year. As part of the project, my plans are to buy the micasaverde 3 with the intent to automate everything from lighting, geothermal HVAC, security and to interface with my AMX system.

For the security portion, I would like to hear from members who have installed systems like the Ademco, GE, etc. and have successfully integrated them with the micasaverde systems. Can anyone elaborate on why they prefer one brand to another? Are there any particular brands to stay away from? Thanks in advance for the responses.

2

Jeff,

Welcome to the forum. You might want to dig through the forum as this question has been answered a few times. Also have a look in the plug-ins sub-forum as there are many discussions about the integration of the supported alarm systems with their associated plug-ins.

  • Garrett
3

@jeffc,

Welcome, as well!

Adding a link to the DSC plug-in topic, as it is still the most popular thread on the forum (by replies), and perhaps the code repository gives a quick overview of the various alarm system plug-ins.

4

GeoThermals are typically near the top of the line units for an HVAC manufacturer.
(Mostly because they get Gov subsidies and they charge a higher price to you so they pass right to them!). Many of these have sophisticated thermostats for controlling the HVAC unit. They are nice but they do NOT typically integrate with Vera. They can typically be remotely accessed but through a monthly service … that uses a closed API. You need to check with your installer to make sure you can use a generic multi-stage heat pump thermostat for your system. Then there are a number of options for this that will integrate with your automation system.

5

I know that the question about security integration is a little old, but I’m going to recommend DSC.

The main reason being is because of the Envisalink IP communicator / integrator. It simplifies life immensely.

  1. You don’t need to program the alarm to it’s fullest needs. If you use the IP communicator to do alarm transmission, you program the DSC system as a ‘local’ system. All the brains end up being handled by the Envisalink itself. From a DIY perspective, this is a wet dream. Just be sure to back up the LAN with a UPS if you intend to have it monitored this way.

  2. Most alarm systems must integrate to automation systems through RS232. The Envisalink works through IP, simplifying things here as well.

  3. I can vouch that DSC is a quality make with a robust hardware ecosystem. I’ve worked with Envisalink much as well. I’m a professional alarm tech, and have about 30 clients on a DSC / Envisalink platform. Many hundreds on DSC using a phone line, or GSM communications. Of all IP based alarm systems I’ve worked with, and Vera integration components, I’ve found this to be the easiest to set up, the most reliable, feature rich, and DIY friendly.