I’m setting up a small office and am trying to create a home automation situation. After reading enough forums to make my head explode, I settled on the z-wave technology. This is the current plan:
Vera 3
2 x Schlage Locks
1 x Trane Thermostat
1 x GE 3 way switch
5 x GE Dimmer Switches
2 x Zwave Compatible Outlets.
My Question is how do I get a proper security setup. I can get door sensors and a motion detector. I haven’t seen a z-wave smoke detector. HOWEVER, I then need someone to monitor them (i.e. a company like ADT (I think)(and I am not interested in the ADT Pulse system (very high monthly fee))). I tried to call around today locally to see who could do the monitoring, but everyone said they would only monitor a system that they installed. Or they said that they didn’t know what I was talking about with the whole z-wave thing. One company said they would consider monitoring Ademco equipment, but I haven’t been able to identify a system that has z-wave that isn’t already locked into a security “system” (like the ADT Pulse or Honeywell Total Control).
So my question is what do I do about having the alarm and smoke alarm monitored so that the police or fire station get called if there is a problem. Thanks a ton in advance for any help or light that someone can shed on this. I’m in the Nashville, Tn. area if that information is important. Thanks again.
For security monitoring, z-wave is not the way to go for motion and door sensors. Your best bet is to go with an actual security system. These systems are certified for monitoring companys and comply with your local regulations. There are a few systems that you can integrate with Vera. Here are a few:
DSC Power Series 1616, 1832, and 1864
Elk M1 system
GE Caddx Networx NX-584 NX-8E
Honeywell Ademco Vista Alarm
Paradox Alarm
Visonic Powermax
There are several companies that will allow you to setup a system and than you can have them monitor it. If you are in the US, have a look at homesecuritystore…com
Thank you very much for your reply.
I still have a few questions . . .
I have investigated some of those models that you listed. I also saw that they have some information listed under the mios developer section. I’m a bit of a newbie at this stuff, and picked the vera because it looked like it was the most plug and play/ intuitive type of system (vs the ISY-99i), but the stuff under the mios section looked like french to me (and I don’t speak french). Is it as hard as it seems to integrate the alarm system. Is there one of the Ademco or DSC models that is easier than the others to incorporate. I can do some mild arranging of a system, but programming makes my head spin. Should I be thinking about a different technology? (the vera web site made linking things together look very easy but it may not be quite the case). Also, I will try that website you mentioned and get back to y’all with followup. Again, Thanks for your help, and any more guidance that you could give would be very much appreciated.
-riverv
Advertising is the refined art of lying. If you wish to turn on a light from your cell phone, then the Vera system is in fact a really easy system. The Vera advertising is disingenuous to suggest the system can give you a sophisticated home automation system with minimal technical skills or effort.
If you are completely serious about securing your property, you must purchase a reliable system. Perhaps a compromise is to add a Vera system in addition to your professional installed system.
Don’t get me wrong. I really enjoy my Vera system and I am implementing “alarm” functions. I know without a doubt I can do some really cool things with this system but has consumed untold hours of testing and playing (for me, that’s a benefit, not a detractor). I’m not betting my life that it will work when I need it. Should I survive, I’ll fix it and try again ;D
If you are like me and enjoy programming and the technical challenges then knock yourself out. However if you dislike programming, technical trouble shooting or have a wife who just wants the dang thing to work NOW, you’re in the wrong line.
[quote=“rivervolunteer, post:3, topic:169961”]Thank you very much for your reply.
I still have a few questions . . .
I have investigated some of those models that you listed. I also saw that they have some information listed under the mios developer section. I’m a bit of a newbie at this stuff, and picked the vera because it looked like it was the most plug and play/ intuitive type of system (vs the ISY-99i), but the stuff under the mios section looked like french to me (and I don’t speak french). Is it as hard as it seems to integrate the alarm system. Is there one of the Ademco or DSC models that is easier than the others to incorporate. I can do some mild arranging of a system, but programming makes my head spin. Should I be thinking about a different technology? (the vera web site made linking things together look very easy but it may not be quite the case). Also, I will try that website you mentioned and get back to y’all with followup. Again, Thanks for your help, and any more guidance that you could give would be very much appreciated.
-riverv[/quote]
Adding an alarm system is not that hard. The hard part is installing and configuring the actual alarm panel if you decide to go that route. Another option is to have the alarm panel installed by a professional and have them give you complete access to the panel (you may have to buy the equipment outright). If you decide to go the diy route of installing a panel, many of us on the forum are willing to help with your questions and problems.
I can not vouch for the ademco stuff as I have a DSC power series 1832 and an it100 interface that is hooked up to my network and incorporated into my vera. Configuring the DSC panel can be confusing, and will take some time to understand.
Garrett
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