I am trying to decide on which alarm system I want to pair with my recently purchased VeraLite. My current plan is to used the VeraLite as the brain of my home automation (I have already bought a few Z-wave items: Schlage locks, Trane thermostat, and a few light switches). I want the alarm system for the security aspect, but also to use the sensors to trigger events in the Vera. I have spent a decent amount of time on this forum, plus cocoontech and others, and I am leaning towards a DSC 1832 based system. The DSC 1832 seems to work well with Vera, be well supported, and reasonably priced. Though before I buy it, I have a couple of things I would appreciate comments on:
My house has an older (late 1990’s) Ademco Honeywell (ADT branded) Safetywatch Pro alarm. It has 4 wired zones and 10 wireless zones (using Ademco 5816 sensors). I could buy a new Honeywell VISTA 20P panel that should work with these existing sensors and keypads. That would probably save $200-$400. BUT connecting it the Vera would be a problem since there is not currently a plugin for the Evisalink3 with the Honeywell and running a serial cable to use AD2USB would not be possible (at least I don’t think it would be since the Vera is in the living room and the panel is in the garage). Any thoughts on if it is worth choosing the Honeywell option?
Is there any major value in choosing an ELK M1 over a DSC/Honeywell system when I plan on using the Vera for the brains of the automation? I know that the ELK is very flexible and can interface with many different types of sensors (if you buy the right ELK interface modules, which are expensive). The ELK M1 is much more expensive. I think I would need the following just to get started: a M1 kit ($500), M1XRF2H wireless receiver ($150), M1XEP ethernet module ($200); so about $850. Versus a DSC 1832 kit with wireless ($150) and Envisalink ($90), so about $240. So is it worth $600 to get the ELK? I am I really giving up anything by going with DSC/Honeywell?
i may be able to shed some light on this subject. I am a security system installer by trade and i personally use the DSC 1832 and it ties in well with my vera lite. Although Ademco is easier to program i find that it is lacking in the automation area… dsc seems to have a good grasp on integrating its system with zwave. As far as elk is concerned its my least favorite system to work on (programming it is not user friendly)… as far as using your current systems hardware, you wouldn’t need to replace any of the wiring but you would need to replace the devices with ones that are dsc compatible. If you have hardwired contacts (for your doors, windows or water bugs) you can still use them on your new system (just make sure to use the right resistors with your new panel.)
Using the existing would be a lot cheaper and easier. My understanding is that the AD2USB may be compatible with your existing panel. If that’s the case, a lot of money and time saved. You can check directly with NuTech: general@support.nutech.com
In this case, you would need to run a wire back to Vera, or you could run an ethernet cable from the panel to your router and buy a vera lite to control your alarm. You can bridge it to your other unit. It may help extend the range of your network as well.
Some sweat, Cat6 cable and $150 for a 2nd vera lite looks like a good option. Just check compatibility on the panel.
good luck. Alarm system integration is one of the best capabilities of vera.
I would investigate the cost of the above post as it may work out cheapest overall.
Search the forum for post by @strangley for DSC to Honeywell wireless adapter… Or the internet. If you switch to DSC and you can’t use the wireless, you will need to include this in your overall conversion cost model.
Thank you for the responses. integlikewhoa is correct is saying that I stopped looking at the post after a couple of weeks, plus I got distracted with other things and have not worked on the alarm project for a couple months. I am still trying to figure things out.
I as aware of the AD2USB, but Bulldoglowell suggestion made me look at it closer. I think I am now going to use my existing alarm system and the AD2USB.
Though, my biggest open question with this option is how I am going to have third partying monitoring. My plan had been to use a Envisalink3 to monitor over the internet (it would also be the way to connect to the Vera if I went with DSC). My current Vista 20se is not compatible with the Envisalink3, plus I do not have a phone line. I have not researched it too much yet and should probably start a new thread to discuss, though I would appreciate any suggestions.
Monitoring is unaffected by adding the AD2USB. You can have it or not have it.
The device is essentially a panel which, when you add the plugin, allows you to:
Receive notifications regarding your system status
Utilize your alarm panels existing zones, contact switches and motion sensors
Control your alarm system via Vera’s Internet access
[quote=“Wenz, post:1, topic:178807”]I am trying to decide on which alarm system I want to pair with my recently purchased VeraLite. My current plan is to used the VeraLite as the brain of my home automation (I have already bought a few Z-wave items: Schlage locks, Trane thermostat, and a few light switches). I want the alarm system for the security aspect, but also to use the sensors to trigger events in the Vera. I have spent a decent amount of time on this forum, plus cocoontech and others, and I am leaning towards a DSC 1832 based system. The DSC 1832 seems to work well with Vera, be well supported, and reasonably priced. Though before I buy it, I have a couple of things I would appreciate comments on:
My house has an older (late 1990’s) Ademco Honeywell (ADT branded) Safetywatch Pro alarm. It has 4 wired zones and 10 wireless zones (using Ademco 5816 sensors). I could buy a new Honeywell VISTA 20P panel that should work with these existing sensors and keypads. That would probably save $200-$400. BUT connecting it the Vera would be a problem since there is not currently a plugin for the Evisalink3 with the Honeywell and running a serial cable to use AD2USB would not be possible (at least I don’t think it would be since the Vera is in the living room and the panel is in the garage). Any thoughts on if it is worth choosing the Honeywell option?
Is there any major value in choosing an ELK M1 over a DSC/Honeywell system when I plan on using the Vera for the brains of the automation? I know that the ELK is very flexible and can interface with many different types of sensors (if you buy the right ELK interface modules, which are expensive). The ELK M1 is much more expensive. I think I would need the following just to get started: a M1 kit ($500), M1XRF2H wireless receiver ($150), M1XEP ethernet module ($200); so about $850. Versus a DSC 1832 kit with wireless ($150) and Envisalink ($90), so about $240. So is it worth $600 to get the ELK? I am I really giving up anything by going with DSC/Honeywell?
I appreciate any feedback.[/quote]
There is a plugin available now for the Vera. Ademco Vista Panels now appear to be compatible with the EVL3. Check out this link to be sure though.