New Construction - Best Alarm for Vera?

Other Devices & Integrations Door Locks & Sensors
1

Hi,

I’m new to vera but have been using Z-wave through Newia/Schlage for 2.5 yrs. in my vacation home in FL. We are embarking on construction of a new house in LA [Louisiana] and am planning to do a Vera3 [I’ve already purchased and am fooling around with in my temp home] system.

If you’re starting from scratch, what alarm system is most easily integrated with Vera? I’ve read through this forum and don’t see anything that stands out. Any and all help would be appreciated!

Thanks, Shannon in New Orleans…

2

Anybody have an alarm system which integrates with their vera that they are happy with? I’d like to know if the door and window sensors [for the alarm] would integrate with Vera UI. For instance, if the only sensor on a particular door is an alarm sensor, would I still be able to fire a scene when that sensor is triggered? or, would i need a z-wave sensor [battery operated] installed on that door??

Thanks!

3

You’ll need to look harder on the forum. There are many topics about this. Many choose the DSC alarm system. Your question about using the sensors in vera for automation is the sole reason for integration and is possible.

  • Garrett
4

I just finished a DSC 1832 install with 24 hardwire zones which interfaces to Vera via the Envisalink EVL-3. As Garrett said, you should scrub the forum. You can also go to http://www.livewatch.com/forum/ and read up there. I kind of glossed over how everyone said how the DSC has a steep learning curve. It will take a few days to get your arms wrapped around the programming scheme.

5

I was able to see a bunch of the DSC references last night. I appreciate the reinforcement from the previous 2 posts!!

I’ll be looking at the 64-zone as I have a big house planned. Also, I was so relieved when i finally understood what ‘integration’ entailed!!

Thanks, Shannon

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk.

6

If you’re going down the DSC route here’s a few things I learned

[ul][li]Get at least one RFK5500ENG. With the cheaper 5501 it’s almost impossible to program/configure the system. The “RFK” part means you’ll have the OPTION for RF add-ons later. It’s not that much more expensive than a non-RF keypad.[/li]
[li]The system programming/configuration learning curve is steep. Everyone said so over the forums, and I really didn’t appreciate how difficult it is. Once you get over the hump, it’s does become easier.[/li]
[li]If you go with the EnvisaLink for Vera integration, be aware that the EVL3 is mostly for status only: you cannot program the DSC with it. You can do things like arm the sytestem though.[/li][/ul]

Good luck