Getting frustrated. I’m trying to purchase an alarm panel and integrate it into Vera. My Security system requirements are roughly as follows:
3 window sensors in the basement on a separate zone that is always armed. We never open those windows. Must be wireless.
3 door sensors on main floor. Armed at night while sleeping or away in the day. Mostly wireless.
Probably a few motion detectors for when away and armed. Mostly Wireless. These will only be armed when away from home.
Multiple keypads. 2 could be wired, the other 2 must be wireless.
Most sensors must be wireless. House is completed.
Might add a better Garage Door sensor too. My MimoLite setup is NOT working well. Needs restarted every 2 months.
Not monitored. I will self monitor. Would like something that can send me alerts (SMS or Phone call or email). SMS would be best I suppose. So perhaps EVL 3?
Smoke alarms through this system too. Currently have AC smokes with 3 wire (one goes off, they all go off). So perhaps just a relay into the panel (I can actually get from panel to first smoke). Or additional wireless smokes. Please don’t start the 3 page conversation on regulations for smokes. Just make a suggestion. I’m fine with more wireless smokes if that’s the right thing to do. Obviously (Canada) requires the AC smokes, so I’m assuming those are not going anywhere.
That’s about it I suppose. I’d also like access to the alarm system events to turn lights on via Vera (I have a Vera Lite). I’d like to be able to remotely view the status of the alarm via an iPhone. And perhaps arm if I forgot.
Anyhow. I’ve seen DSC, GE CADDX, Honeywell, ELK, Paradox.
So
What alarm systems did I miss?
Which one is the best for my application?
Which alarm system is the best in general from those? I know from what I’ve read they all seem to suck. Old unencrypted technology capable of being Jammed, etc. The NEO seems better, but no integration support that I could see.
Which one has a good range of wireless devices?
Overall, just get me going in the right direction. Thanks.
Honeywell and DSC are the most popular on here. I use GE myself.
All have wireless and range is great on alarm stuff and all about the same. I think around 300ft is what the GE and honeywell advertise.
Bottemline is they all meet your requirments its more of a personal choice now. Which keypad do you like the looks of, which can you buy cheaper (not just the panel, but the sensors and adaptor also)
All have more zones then you posted but sometimes we look at how many zones you can have.
My GE is probley harder to program then maybe honeywell and DSC? But the system was cheaper then other and the adapter to connect it to vera is like 15.00 vs. 89.00. Ebay is full of cheap honeywell sensors also tho.
Alerts I would just get from VERA. It sends you email, sms but “Vera Alerts” are my choice.
Keypads for the alarm I haven’t touched since I installed my last sensor. My wife don’t even know the code. Keypads are so 1990’s. You might want to reconsider the more then one decision also.
The 10.00 relay for the smokes works fine on all of the panels. Go with that.
[quote=“Theboob, post:1, topic:186890”]Getting frustrated. I’m trying to purchase an alarm panel and integrate it into Vera. My Security system requirements are roughly as follows:
3 window sensors in the basement on a separate zone that is always armed. We never open those windows. Must be wireless.
3 door sensors on main floor. Armed at night while sleeping or away in the day. Mostly wireless.
Probably a few motion detectors for when away and armed. Mostly Wireless. These will only be armed when away from home.
Multiple keypads. 2 could be wired, the other 2 must be wireless.
Most sensors must be wireless. House is completed.
Might add a better Garage Door sensor too. My MimoLite setup is NOT working well. Needs restarted every 2 months.
Not monitored. I will self monitor. Would like something that can send me alerts (SMS or Phone call or email). SMS would be best I suppose. So perhaps EVL 3?
Smoke alarms through this system too. Currently have AC smokes with 3 wire (one goes off, they all go off). So perhaps just a relay into the panel (I can actually get from panel to first smoke). Or additional wireless smokes. Please don’t start the 3 page conversation on regulations for smokes. Just make a suggestion. I’m fine with more wireless smokes if that’s the right thing to do. Obviously (Canada) requires the AC smokes, so I’m assuming those are not going anywhere.
That’s about it I suppose. I’d also like access to the alarm system events to turn lights on via Vera (I have a Vera Lite). I’d like to be able to remotely view the status of the alarm via an iPhone. And perhaps arm if I forgot.
Anyhow. I’ve seen DSC, GE CADDX, Honeywell, ELK, Paradox.
So
What alarm systems did I miss?
Which one is the best for my application?
Which alarm system is the best in general from those? I know from what I’ve read they all seem to suck. Old unencrypted technology capable of being Jammed, etc. The NEO seems better, but no integration support that I could see.
Which one has a good range of wireless devices?
Overall, just get me going in the right direction. Thanks.[/quote]
Interesting that you have GE. My installer friend likes the Caddx over DSC. But I’m not sure what his reason was (yet). Haven’t had a chance to speak with him. I don’t know anything about the GE stuff yet. Just been looking at DSC so far.
Which GE system do you use?
Why no more than 1 keypad? Are you using your iPhone to arm/disarm?
Is it normal to leave one zone (the basement) always armed and then just arm/disarm the rest as required?
What interface do you use from the Vera to the GE system?
[quote=“Theboob, post:3, topic:186890”][quote=“Theboob, post:1, topic:186890”]Getting frustrated. I’m trying to purchase an alarm panel and integrate it into Vera. My Security system requirements are roughly as follows:
3 window sensors in the basement on a separate zone that is always armed. We never open those windows. Must be wireless.
3 door sensors on main floor. Armed at night while sleeping or away in the day. Mostly wireless.
Probably a few motion detectors for when away and armed. Mostly Wireless. These will only be armed when away from home.
Multiple keypads. 2 could be wired, the other 2 must be wireless.
Most sensors must be wireless. House is completed.
Might add a better Garage Door sensor too. My MimoLite setup is NOT working well. Needs restarted every 2 months.
Not monitored. I will self monitor. Would like something that can send me alerts (SMS or Phone call or email). SMS would be best I suppose. So perhaps EVL 3?
Smoke alarms through this system too. Currently have AC smokes with 3 wire (one goes off, they all go off). So perhaps just a relay into the panel (I can actually get from panel to first smoke). Or additional wireless smokes. Please don’t start the 3 page conversation on regulations for smokes. Just make a suggestion. I’m fine with more wireless smokes if that’s the right thing to do. Obviously (Canada) requires the AC smokes, so I’m assuming those are not going anywhere.
That’s about it I suppose. I’d also like access to the alarm system events to turn lights on via Vera (I have a Vera Lite). I’d like to be able to remotely view the status of the alarm via an iPhone. And perhaps arm if I forgot.
Anyhow. I’ve seen DSC, GE CADDX, Honeywell, ELK, Paradox.
So
What alarm systems did I miss?
Which one is the best for my application?
Which alarm system is the best in general from those? I know from what I’ve read they all seem to suck. Old unencrypted technology capable of being Jammed, etc. The NEO seems better, but no integration support that I could see.
Which one has a good range of wireless devices?
Overall, just get me going in the right direction. Thanks.[/quote]
Interesting that you have GE. My installer friend likes the Caddx over DSC. But I’m not sure what his reason was (yet). Haven’t had a chance to speak with him. I don’t know anything about the GE stuff yet. Just been looking at DSC so far.
Which GE system do you use?
Why no more than 1 keypad? Are you using your iPhone to arm/disarm?
Is it normal to leave one zone (the basement) always armed and then just arm/disarm the rest as required?
What interface do you use from the Vera to the GE system?
Thanks so far…[/quote]
I use a NX8-E in two of my houses. I never recommend it because programming seems hard for some. Alot of keypad punching numbers and a think manual. Ofcourse I’m good at it now, but I’m only assuming DSC or Honeywell are easier and they are more popular too.
For the longest time I never even set it. I don’t monitor externally and Vera sends me alerts if anything opens or sees motion while no ones home. I also have cameras that alert me of motion if no ones home. So arming or not doesn’t affect any of that. Only thing it does is trips the small siren in the house if I set it.
I have since had PLEG arm it.
VERA or any of its apps can arm and disarm it, but I never use the apps to arm or disarm.
Each sensor when you program it has options on when to trip. You can set a door or window to trip or setoff the alarm even if the alarm is not set. For example smoke detector. It’s gonna set off the alarm panel no matter if the alarm is set or not assuming you programmed it right. Some doors have a delay entry, some are exterior sensor that don’t trip when home. All of this is in the programming when you install your alarm.
Personally I would just use those windows like any other. If the alarm is set trip the siren. If you want notfications during the day when your home that those windows open, then setup up a vera alert.
GE has a serial port on the board, you just use a USB to Serial. I use this one for both houses.
I was able to put somthing together for around 12 bux I think total. One of the houses I extend the Serial line like 25ft from the vera to Panel. Every install is a bit different.
I have nothing bad to say about the panel, I just point people to DSC or Honeywell as there is alot more support and help as they are the most popular. All will end up with the same results and work in your application.
[quote=“Theboob, post:5, topic:186890”]Thank you. I sort of guessed ahead and you confirmed the system I assumed you had! Thanks for the info.
It’s too bad we can’t integrate some of the later systems like a DSC NEO. At least the technology is from this century! LOL[/quote]
It’s really un needed. You only need to have one controller which for me is VERA. The alarm panel is just a cheap way for me to get all my windows, door, motion and smokes into VERA cheaply. I could have bought 30.00 z-wave sensors for everywhere.
VERA is the one that sends me the alerts not the panel. Vera knows if I’m at home, Work, where the wife is, what the outside temp is if the doors are unlocked (not just closed). I don’t need a z-wave alarm or one that tells me the weather or controls the a/c’s. My 135.00 Vera edge does that already.
Ever heard of to many chiefs and not enough Indian’s? Kind of my motto on this home automation setup. I could have wifi thermostats like NEST and Alarm panels that tell weather and show cameras. But instead of a NEST i just have a 70.00 z-wave trane and my alarm is basic. VERA and my apps pull all the information together and present it nicely on a layout of my choice using HOMEWAVE on the Ipad or Imperihome on the Android.
If you didn’t have a VERA then maybe a nice alarm that has cameras, an app, weather and everything would make more sense. But then you would pay 60.00 a month for the web service. Stick to VERA and get a bunch of little Indians.
So how are you controlling “when” you receive alerts if you’re not arming the GE system? You must have an “arm” for Vera events? Or is it much smarter using geo fences or something (you and wife are out of range of the home).
Also, what about at night while sleeping? Same question I suppose. You’d want to arm something to only alert you (or set the siren off) when armed.
[quote=“Theboob, post:7, topic:186890”]So how are you controlling “when” you receive alerts if you’re not arming the GE system? You must have an “arm” for Vera events? Or is it much smarter using geo fences or something (you and wife are out of range of the home).
Also, what about at night while sleeping? Same question I suppose. You’d want to arm something to only alert you (or set the siren off) when armed.
Did you write all that code?[/quote]
I use GeoFences and PING sensor to determine if any of us are home or away.
I use Geofence to determent when I get to or leave work.
I use PLEG for logic of what to do when. If no one home send me an alert if anything moves.
I have camera’s around the house which are also used in vera as motion sensors (virtual motion sensor plugin). If the doors haven’t been opened in the last few min it assumes no one has went out so any motion outside will trip the notification. If I open the door and am moving around outside it keeps resetting the timer, until there is no motion. If I just got home no alerts for 5 min.
So I have alerts setup here and there to determine certain things. My house is not fort knox, Some nights I sleep with the windows open. Alarm set or not someone can crawl threw and no motions are armed at night. So I’m not saying that what I do is crazy secure. But I have had mail stolen from my door and sun glasses taken from my car in the driveway (Before I had alerts but I had cameras and I was 10ft away in the house) even with cameras catching it nothing happened haven’t seen the guys since. But I know what happened vs. if I didn’t have any alerts.
I have 2 weimaraners that stay inside at night and outside during the day. Some of my logic is set around them not tripping things. So motion in the back yard during the day is hard to watch. Sides and front I’m covered.
I have thought about but have yet to install a z-wave siren. I think that might be a nice addition for me. I can manually trip it even If I get a front yard alert and check my cameras to see someone even looking in a window vs. waiting until they inside.
Probley one of my favorite parts, getting alerts of people even walking up the driveway or across the grass I’m watching them before they even hit the actual front door or gates of the house. I always feel like robbers are more likely to knock on the door with some BS excuse to see if the coast is clear (no one answering the door) before they peak in and around the house finding away in.
Wow. That’s pretty complex (and interesting). I’m a programmer, so it’s interesting to see how far you’ve taken it. When I get a bit further along, I’ll know who to ask for some help!
It looks like the Honeywell panel is well supported too. EVL-3 or Serial. Does anyone have any compelling reason to pick the DSC over the Honeywell (or vice versa). Or Caddx too.
Have you checked into the price you can get everything for? Especially how much each window or door sensor will cost?
I already said Caddx is hard to program, but I haven’t heard anyone saying anything about that part with the DSC or Honeywell. Any takers on that part?
Have you looked at the Comfort system by Cytech [url=http://www.cytech.biz/]http://www.cytech.biz/[/url] ? It supports Z-Wave with an add-on module and integrates well with Vera.
Have you checked into the price you can get everything for? Especially how much each window or door sensor will cost?
I already said Caddx is hard to program, but I haven’t heard anyone saying anything about that part with the DSC or Honeywell. Any takers on that part?[/quote]
Yep. Honeywell and DSC seem about the same for prices. Wireless sensors are not cheap, but not too bad. Caddx is in the same category. However, Honweywell and DSC have the EVL-3 interface which allows one to have the alarm panel away from the Vera. Which is a probability for my case.
Have you checked into the price you can get everything for? Especially how much each window or door sensor will cost?
I already said Caddx is hard to program, but I haven’t heard anyone saying anything about that part with the DSC or Honeywell. Any takers on that part?[/quote]
Yep. Honeywell and DSC seem about the same for prices. Wireless sensors are not cheap, but not too bad. Caddx is in the same category. However, Honweywell and DSC have the EVL-3 interface which allows one to have the alarm panel away from the Vera. Which is a probability for my case.[/quote]
Again I wouldn’t go with the Caddx, but they also have a network adapter that’s still cheaper. So that point is mute.
You can use a IP-to-serial bridge adapter. It cost around 45.00.
I would probley push you to a Honeywell VISTA 20P, just because of popularity, help and support. But No one with them seems to be throwing very useful info toward u.
All alarms systems must do the same basic functions and that is protect the premises. They are also governed by several standards and therefore, the distinct difference will come down to personal choice.
I use the DSC, but that is not to state it is the best because that is a subjective answer.
The wireless range is upto 300m (1000ft) but all system would meet your requirement. I have wireless motion sensor in a metal garage over 50 meters from the receiver without degradation. They work as designed. I suspect the others would too.
Life expectancy of battery is about 3-4 years, but longer is normal. I have some that have batteries over 5 years old working fine.
The DSC wireless motion sensors have a delayed reporting of 6 seconds which really isn’t great for Home Automation but this is because they are designed for security and the delay is to stop false reporting.
Keypad, you only need one and this is for programming and when things go pair shape I.e it is in alarm, it is easier and more reliable, quicker to use the keypad then your phone.
DSC has s two way wireless interface which includes keypads, but the primary should be wired. There are many options available.
Alarm, unlike your Vera, does not require tinkering all the time… Once it is setup, you should very rarely need to change anything, fit for purpose, fit for use.
The EVL3 is easy and robust and give the flexibility of use that is off the alarm, the interface to use for HA.
WRT HA, your current requirement are based on security and you may find other real scenarios, such as a door triggered a light, so allow additional scope for expansion but yes, we can all still the same as we do without that.
[quote=“Brientim, post:19, topic:186890”]All alarms systems must do the same basic functions and that is protect the premises. They are also governed by several standards and therefore, the distinct difference will come down to personal choice.
I use the DSC, but that is not to state it is the best because that is a subjective answer.
The wireless range is upto 300m (1000ft) but all system would meet your requirement. I have wireless motion sensor in a metal garage over 50 meters from the receiver without degradation. They work as designed. I suspect the others would too.
Life expectancy of battery is about 3-4 years, but longer is normal. I have some that have batteries over 5 years old working fine.
The DSC wireless motion sensors have a delayed reporting of 6 seconds which really isn’t great for Home Automation but this is because they are designed for security and the delay is to stop false reporting.
Keypad, you only need one and this is for programming and when things go pair shape I.e it is in alarm, it is easier and more reliable, quicker to use the keypad then your phone.
DSC has s two way wireless interface which includes keypads, but the primary should be wired. There are many options available.
Alarm, unlike your Vera, does not require tinkering all the time… Once it is setup, you should very rarely need to change anything, fit for purpose, fit for use.
The EVL3 is easy and robust and give the flexibility of use that is off the alarm, the interface to use for HA.
WRT HA, your current requirement are based on security and you may find other real scenarios, such as a door triggered a light, so allow additional scope for expansion but yes, we can all still the same as we do without that.[/quote]
Thank you. Hey has the EVL and plugin been stable for you? Also, for normal arming/disarming of the alarm, do you just use Vera? Or do you do like integlikewhoa does and just receive the alerts to your cell phone and decide what to do at that point (ie I don’t think he arms it. Just receives the events from it)