Sorry if this question was asked here many times… I know there were many developments and movements in the community, so I’d like a more up-to-date info on this:
What is currently the most/best supported security system (US-based) for Vera from a plugin and integration perspective? Is it still DSC? Something else?
At my current place I got an old and outdated Moose Z900 hardwired for necessary doors and windows with 3 keypads throughout the house. I’m thinking to replace it with a system that has several wired zones and maybe few wireless for future expansion. I’m assuming the existing wiring and maybe even sensors can be re-used with the new security system, just replace the main module and keypads, right? Of course, the system will need to be connected to the monitoring service, like ADT, etc.
I’ve looked at DSC and I like the modular approach and I thought there was a good Vera plugin for it. Any other recommendations? Any specifics, like known incompatibilities, etc?
I don’t have a basis for comparison, but I have a DSC 1864 and the integration into Vera via EVL-3 was painless. I have only bench tested my system, but checked all of the 29 zones in Vera, and everything worked perfectly. I have CO detectors I had to classify as smoke detectors, but the zone description clears up any confusion. It is also supported in the AuthomationHD and HomeWave apps.
If you do decide to get a monitoring service, I don’t believe that the EVL-3 will work as a gateway for anyone except Envisilink and I don’t believe they are a UL certified monitoring service. You would have to rely on a phone line for monitoring or install a separate GSM or Ethernet card.
I have a 15 year old Vista and use the ademco compatible ad2usb device and plugin on my vera lite. I am very happy with it but I think I would have been happier with the EVL device (not compatible with vista) which I understand can connect via the internet. I now have to keep my vera near the alarm panel due to the lack of a better house wiring solution and the requirement of using a usb connector between the alarm and the vera box.
UL certified monitoring is usually required by your insurance company in order for you to get a break on your insurance. Envisilink, according to their website, is ‘UL quality’ monitoring. I haven’t investigated it any further, but every UL certified monitoring service has the UL symbol plastered all over it. Envisilink does not.
I still don’t know which one is better - DSC, Paradox, Honeywell, Elk or GE. Using Vera for almost 6 years I expect that each of them have some quirks or limitations. Anyone care to mention those?
Also, will replacing the old system and re-using the wiring be possible and should I buy components and install myself, or get the security company that provides monitoring professionally install it?
@Vodden, thanks. I thought Envisalink was only the manufacturer of the IP-based interface board for DSC… All the monitoring services I ever encountered (not many though) use phone line for monitoring. Digging deeper I now see Envisalink also provide EnvisAlarms/EyezOn monitoring service… Interesting.
All of your wired sensors should work with a different system, regardless of who’s system it is.
Wireless is a different story tho. There are wireless translators available to make a wireless sensor from one system communicate with another.
It appears that all of the plugins work well and have plenty of support here on the forums.
As far as the monitoring interface, there are many more options than POTS now with IP and GSM available pretty much universally across all the manufacturers.
I’m investigating moving from an ADT Pulse solution to the DSC 1864 and components. I’m tired of paying ~$50 a month for basic monitoring that doesn’t integrate with my HA. I haven’t moved past the research phase.
I saw that EnvisAlarm was mentioned here. Does anyone have any experience with them, or any other monitor service? From their information page, the price seems good (EyezOn - Smart Home Security No Monthly Fees).
Interestingly, I contacted Alarm.com and they said they don’t support DSC panels.
I guess what I am fishing for is…can anyone recommend a monitoring service.
If you go over to diyalarmforum.com, there are tons of people using it, and all very happy. The text/mobile notifications are a popular feature with the EVL-3, as well as remote access, but that will all be rolled into the HA package if you go that route, and I personally only want notifications from one source, not the HA, Alarm, Cameras etc., but the EVL facilitates that at the end of the day. Remember though, no UL Certification. They provide exactly the same service that all the others provide, for ~$9/month, but because they don’t have that UL badge, your insurance may not recognize them for your discount.
I’ve used them for going on 3 years now to monitor my old Ademco 10SE that interfaces with my Vera via the AD2USB and plug-in. Works well for my needs.
Alarm Relay is $8.95/mos. I’ve never had any problems. They are helpful and quick to call after alarms. UL Certified. If you’re comfortable programming your own alarm and fixing any issues, there’s no reason to pay more for ADT. I think they have a referral program. Let me know if you’re interested in my details and I think we can both get a discount.
I am currently running a Vera 2 that is about at its performance limits. Before moving to the DSC platform I will need to upgrade to a Vera 3 (to prepare for the explosion of alarm related devices), so after I have the controller upgrade done I will start moving forward with the alarm switchover.
Once I am ready and if I decide to go with Alarm Relay I will shoot you a PM.
[quote=“denix, post:7, topic:180887”]Thanks to everyone who replied so far!
I still don’t know which one is better - DSC, Paradox, Honeywell, Elk or GE. Using Vera for almost 6 years I expect that each of them have some quirks or limitations. Anyone care to mention those?
Also, will replacing the old system and re-using the wiring be possible and should I buy components and install myself, or get the security company that provides monitoring professionally install it?
Thanks.[/quote]
I just rewired my alarm system the past 2 days. I went from an old DMP panel and sensors to a DSC panel with an envisalink adapter. All of my motion sensors and door sensors worked perfectly and I can access them all individually with my veralite now. I paid around $260 for a new DSC motherboard, a PK5500 keypad, and the envisalink adapter. Not too hard to wire up if you have an old system since the wiring will be extremely similar. I took pictures of the old system before disassembling and used that as a cheat sheet for the new wiring. Only thing different were the resistors for each sensor (the new ones are included with the new motherboard).
I’m the newbie to Vera, but had my elk for a lot of years. Serial number in the 400’s and I think they are sequential.
Anyway, the Elk plugin for Vera is strong so far. I recently moved and am working on getting things back up and running (no Vera before). So far, seemless, anything I add to the Elk just appears in Vera for me to use as desired. From temps at keypads to new sensors. I wish the Elk alerts ( like low battery) came over…and they may and I just don’t know how to see/act on them yet.
Elk is powerful - even for it’s age. I’m hoping as I move forward that between Elk and Vera I can do all I used to do with Elk/Homeseer. So far so good - but my needs are simple…
I just rewired my alarm system the past 2 days. I went from an old DMP panel and sensors to a DSC panel with an envisalink adapter. All of my motion sensors and door sensors worked perfectly and I can access them all individually with my veralite now. I paid around $260 for a new DSC motherboard, a PK5500 keypad, and the envisalink adapter. Not too hard to wire up if you have an old system since the wiring will be extremely similar. I took pictures of the old system before disassembling and used that as a cheat sheet for the new wiring. Only thing different were the resistors for each sensor (the new ones are included with the new motherboard).
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This is exactly what I am planning on doing myself also. I have a current wired system with doors and windows with motions but have discontinued monitoring due to the expense. I want to replace with a system that I can self monitor and incorporate with my veralite system and the z-wave door locks, switches, etc. My question is from your experience switching from a similar system is that does the DSC now allow you to arm certain zones etc once you instal the z-wave module? Any info would be appreciated! Thank you.
That is what I’m going to do very soon - I just received my 1864 panel and RFK5500 keypad.
I’m just not very sure about the resistors for wired sensors. I’m not yet sure if my old system has them (need to check that first), but the manual says if supervised zones are desired, use 2200 Ohm, while new DSC system requires 5600 Ohm. If my house was wired with EOL resistors, I don’t even know where to find them…
