Using Z-Wave sensors for an alarm - how to improve resiliance

Other Devices & Integrations Door Locks & Sensors
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[quote=“RichardTSchaefer, post:185, topic:174399”]With the size you are talking about … you are talking a number of sensors … So you will have a significant investment in this project. And I am sure you will want to be proud of it, and not have to make excuses why things are now working as your family expects.

I personally do not think you will be satisfied with the Z-Wave Motion sensors that are available. Some folks live with their deficiencies. The Z-Wave part is a great idea … the motion sensors they attached to the Z-Wave suck … partially because of the design workarounds because of battery power. It makes Home Automation tricky.

You can always hook a wired Motion Sensor to a Z-Wave or DCS Wireless contact switch. It’s not an out of the box solution. Or connect it to something like an iTach to get 3 input channels via Wifi from a common area.[/quote]

Coming back on this notion that Zwave in unreliable for security setups (from a non owner of the Vera, just defining what I need yet)
Lets say you have a small appartement (Paris style, like 700sq ft) and you just need to check the main door and eventually a couple windows depending on how accessible they might be.
Then I guess you need to double the condition with a motion sensors to avoid having this thing go on if only 1 condition is met (just guessing here, tell me if I’m wrong).

What would then the best best way to switch the “alarm” on and off?
Lets say I need both the door and the motion sensor to complete the condition and trigger the alarm, what happens if one of the 2 devices loose the contact to the vera (no battery or else)?
If the alarm starts in the middle of the night (I was thinking 2 different Zwave battery juiced alarms), what will I need to do to shut off this nightmare off in case of incorrect triggering?

Thank you for your help,
almograve

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Splitting this topic off, since it’s not related to the DSC thread it was posted in. Moving it back to the general security forum for discussion.

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You could add a third sensor to your television… if it get’s lifted off the table it trips. At that point are you now sure someone is in the apartment!?!

If a sensor loses contact with the Vera, it won’t cause a Tripped condition.

Most big alarm companies rely on this technology (different frequencies) without big problems.

Try your configuration for a few weeks before setting up the siren. just have vera send you notifications via email or test for the test period.

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[quote=“Bulldoglowell, post:3, topic:178716”]You could add a third sensor to your television… if it get’s lifted off the table it trips. At that point are you now sure someone is in the apartment!?!

If a sensor loses contact with the Vera, it won’t cause a Tripped condition.

Most big alarm companies rely on this technology (different frequencies) without big problems.

Try your configuration for a few weeks before setting up the siren. just have vera send you notifications via email or test for the test period.[/quote]

65 inch TV, I’m not too woried :slight_smile:
you being sarcastic makes me think it might even ben too much to have 2 sensors?
I sure can’t rely on a motion sensor that could “see” movement for no reason…then I understand that a door or window sensors is much more reliable,

Thank you for the idea of setting this up without the alarms for a start,

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it came off sarcastic, I was trying to be cute, Sorry!

You should be able to create your alarm scenes pretty easily with a handful of devices. Good luck