So I am ditching my current security system(locked down, no api) and going with something that supports the EnvisaLink EVL-4, but there is about a dozen or so panels that are compatible. I am hoping that some of you will have to good input on which panel to use as I have been trying to compare them but it is driving my nuts. Any help would be appreciated. I also want this initial setup cost to be as low as possible.
[quote=“gibby, post:1, topic:192551”]So I am ditching my current security system(locked down, no api) and going with something that supports the EnvisaLink EVL-4, but there is about a dozen or so panels that are compatible. I am hoping that some of you will have to good input on which panel to use as I have been trying to compare them but it is driving my nuts. Any help would be appreciated. I also want this initial setup cost to be as low as possible.
Other than that, I will just need something that can expand to more wireless sensors and wireless keypads.
Thanks in advanced![/quote]
What system do you have now? If you stick with the same brand your current wireless sensors should work. So for example if you have a Honeywell wireless system but it’s a all in one El Chepo unit you can ditch the main unit but all your honeywell wireless sensors will work with say a Honeywell vista panel. That will save you alot of money considering sensors are 20-30.00 each.
So what do you currently own?
EDIT: Looks like you have LifeShield which I have no idea what equipment they use or wireless freq. on their sensors. Most alarm companies obviously don’t make their own hardware and most rebrand or name equipment. I can’t say I know anything about them or where their equipment comes from.
I use GE panel myself (but it was in the house already). I would say Honeywell vista 20p is probley the most well know and popular panel to use. DSC would probley be the 2nd and I would say stick with only one of those two for your requirements. The outcome would be the same with either so I would say which ever you can source cheaper and if all else fails which ever keypad looks the cutest. But either DSC or Honeywell is what you should go with.
[quote=“integlikewhoa, post:2, topic:192551”][quote=“gibby, post:1, topic:192551”]So I am ditching my current security system(locked down, no api) and going with something that supports the EnvisaLink EVL-4, but there is about a dozen or so panels that are compatible. I am hoping that some of you will have to good input on which panel to use as I have been trying to compare them but it is driving my nuts. Any help would be appreciated. I also want this initial setup cost to be as low as possible.
Other than that, I will just need something that can expand to more wireless sensors and wireless keypads.
Thanks in advanced![/quote]
What system do you have now? If you stick with the same brand your current wireless sensors should work. So for example if you have a Honeywell wireless system but it’s a all in one El Chepo unit you can ditch the main unit but all your honeywell wireless sensors will work with say a Honeywell vista panel. That will save you alot of money considering sensors are 20-30.00 each.
So what do you currently own?
EDIT: Looks like you have LifeShield which I have no idea what equipment they use or wireless freq. on their sensors. Most alarm companies obviously don’t make their own hardware and most rebrand or name equipment. I can’t say I know anything about them or where their equipment comes from.
I use GE panel myself (but it was in the house already). I would say Honeywell vista 20p is probley the most well know and popular panel to use. DSC would probley be the 2nd and I would say stick with only one of those two for your requirements. The outcome would be the same with either so I would say which ever you can source cheaper and if all else fails which ever keypad looks the cutest. But either DSC or Honeywell is what you should go with.[/quote]
Yes it is LifeShield, was Ingrid before that… I had created a set of PHP screen scrapper scripts that worked up until 5/31/16 when they updated some of their site code. I was able to get all the functionality back except seeing the status of the system(armed/disarmed). I can still arm/disarm and see what sensors are tripped which feed virtual sensors in Vera, but I am done trying to get LifeShield to work.
Your probley right in the ball park for any alarm you go with. Wireless sensors are expensive and bulky compared to 1.50 hidden magnets. I personally don’t like a block stuck on each door or window. But here’s a better price on the sensors
This would be your VISTA option.
Your probley close to the same price or within 30.00 of each other. Both are good but I think Honeywell has the longer track record and more popular. Probley have to look at the small details to find the clear winner for you case. But your on the right track.
[quote=“gibby, post:7, topic:192551”]Looks like the EnvisaLink provides a couple more options when using it with DSC.
Also I am surprised at how big those wireless sensors are. The ones I have now are quite small in comparison and batteries last 2+ years.[/quote]
What options might that be? The EVL is only the middle man for vera and vera is the limiting factor.
Also I would use hidden sensors even if not wired they do come in wireless too.
Honeywell 5818MNL is one to look at and I’m sure DSC also has them too.
[quote=“integlikewhoa, post:8, topic:192551”][quote=“gibby, post:7, topic:192551”]Looks like the EnvisaLink provides a couple more options when using it with DSC.
Also I am surprised at how big those wireless sensors are. The ones I have now are quite small in comparison and batteries last 2+ years.[/quote]
What options might that be? The EVL is only the middle man for vera and vera is the limiting factor.
Also I would use hidden sensors even if not wired they do come in wireless too.
Honeywell 5818MNL is one to look at and I’m sure DSC also has them too.[/quote]
Here are the 2 options I see:
Create and save PGM labels for one button PGM execution (DSC only).
Add, remove and modify user codes directly in your panel (DSC only).
[quote=“gibby, post:9, topic:192551”][quote=“integlikewhoa, post:8, topic:192551”][quote=“gibby, post:7, topic:192551”]Looks like the EnvisaLink provides a couple more options when using it with DSC.
Also I am surprised at how big those wireless sensors are. The ones I have now are quite small in comparison and batteries last 2+ years.[/quote]
What options might that be? The EVL is only the middle man for vera and vera is the limiting factor.
Also I would use hidden sensors even if not wired they do come in wireless too.
Honeywell 5818MNL is one to look at and I’m sure DSC also has them too.[/quote]
Here are the 2 options I see:
Create and save PGM labels for one button PGM execution (DSC only).
Add, remove and modify user codes directly in your panel (DSC only).[/quote]
Neither of those will have anything to do with VERA, VERA connection, Or VERA labels and setup. If anything that will help someone that is not using a Smart Home Controller and using the alarm as a stand alone or direct phone to alarm control. It also unlikely you would ever use those functions either way.
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