I’ve done quite a bit of reading on this forum + the web, and gotta say, feeling quite overwhelmed. I wouldn’t normally post a newbie/help thread on a forum, as searching and reading will usually give you all the answers you need…but boy is this stuff complicated! I’m looking for a little guidance/help as to narrow my research and focus more where I should be and less on “everything” in this field.
I’ll try to best explain what I’m looking to do (the end product) and then the troubles/questions I’m having as to how to execute.
Looking for a home security system with a little bit of automation. I don’t need to automate everything in the home, as I was strongly urged as a child to turn off all lights and tv’s…so to this day there’s nothing left on in a room if there’s nobody in that room. However, I am looking for “some” automation with my security system.
Here’s what I’m looking for as the game plan and what I want to install now:
Things I don’t need:
I would like to install this myself, for the most part. I have an electrician friend who doesn’t dabble in home security or automation (union guy, so usually they have other people do that, he just runs power). The problem I’m having is I seem to be reading and learning a little bit about a lot of stuff. If I can get pushed towards the best solution for this, or best system, I can then focus on learning just that, and will be able read, learn, and focus all energy on doing it myself.
That’s mostly where I need help right now. Where should I focus!?!
The “brains” of this will be located centrally on the first floor, and any wiring will have to work from that closet.
If anyone can recommend X system with Y parts, that would be great. I’m mostly confused as to what extra modules or controllers I need to operate the devices necessary to get the above outcomes.
Looking at an Elk M1 setup vs. Omni. (??)
Looking at Insteon vs. Zwave. (??)
Say I run an Elk M1, I then connect an Ethernet Module (XEP?) to be wired to the cameras. And if I can’t run a wired camera in a certain spot, then what? How does that connect to the Elk?
How do I program the Elk? I’m assuming there’s some program to download or buy? Do I connect a laptop to it to program and then disconnect and the Elk runs it all…or is it done over the air (wifi)?
So all the window and door sensors will run wireless. What about the water detectors? How do they get power and or run wireless? Added modules to them? Battery operated?
I’m still lost as to how the ISY-994i works into this but understand I need this if running Insteon?
Like I said, I feel like I’ve learned just a little bit about a lot of stuff and any help to guide me in the right direction would be appreciated!!
*Lastly, I have 3 Belkin WEMO light switches setup to turn on/off at sunset/sunrise for 3 specifics lights in the house. Will these work with any of the 2 systems above?
Any help is much appreciated!!
I’ll try to best explain what I’m looking to do (the end product) and then the troubles/questions I’m having as to how to execute.
Looking for a home security system with a little bit of automation. I don’t need to automate everything in the home, as I was strongly urged as a child to turn off all lights and tv’s…so to this day there’s nothing left on in a room if there’s nobody in that room. However, I am looking for “some” automation with my security system.
Here’s what I’m looking for as the game plan and what I want to install now:
- Security system tied to ADT. Currently no system in the house.
- Install 1 touchscreen panel in the foyer (both garage and front door entrances enter into the foyer, and is the only way we enter/exit the house)
- Install 4 outdoor and 3 indoor security cameras w/recording capability (24 hr memory or whatever)
- Install 4 exterior motion sensing lights.
- Install 1st floor door and window sensors (8 total).
- Install 3 wireless smoke/co alarms (1 on each floor of the house).
- Install 6 total water sensors (3 on 1st floor, 3 in basement).
- Ability to control 5 total lights.
- Would be nice to have an audible alarm/voice in the master bedroom to tell me "where" the alarm was triggered (ex. patio door), if not too complicated to install.
- Everything to be controllable via tablet/phone
- Text me if water sensors sense water
- Text/call me if the alarm goes off or Fire/CO goes off
- Turn 4 specifics lights on if the alarm goes off
- Have 3 of the lights turn on and off at sunset/sunrise
- Watch live camera feeds on phone/tablet
- Text me if any of the motion lights get activated after sunset
- Very nice/modern touch screen display (possible iPad mini as wall mount control?)
Things I don’t need:
- Thermostat control. We have these programmed and leave them alone. With people always in and out, and pets…we have it set as we like it and prefer to keep this way.
- There's no mood lighting or home theater or any other of this type control needed.
- We’ll probably install exterior landscaping lights, and would like to control these.
- Expandable to control fans and misc. lights but nothing crazy.
I would like to install this myself, for the most part. I have an electrician friend who doesn’t dabble in home security or automation (union guy, so usually they have other people do that, he just runs power). The problem I’m having is I seem to be reading and learning a little bit about a lot of stuff. If I can get pushed towards the best solution for this, or best system, I can then focus on learning just that, and will be able read, learn, and focus all energy on doing it myself.
That’s mostly where I need help right now. Where should I focus!?!
The “brains” of this will be located centrally on the first floor, and any wiring will have to work from that closet.
If anyone can recommend X system with Y parts, that would be great. I’m mostly confused as to what extra modules or controllers I need to operate the devices necessary to get the above outcomes.
Looking at an Elk M1 setup vs. Omni. (??)
Looking at Insteon vs. Zwave. (??)
Say I run an Elk M1, I then connect an Ethernet Module (XEP?) to be wired to the cameras. And if I can’t run a wired camera in a certain spot, then what? How does that connect to the Elk?
How do I program the Elk? I’m assuming there’s some program to download or buy? Do I connect a laptop to it to program and then disconnect and the Elk runs it all…or is it done over the air (wifi)?
So all the window and door sensors will run wireless. What about the water detectors? How do they get power and or run wireless? Added modules to them? Battery operated?
I’m still lost as to how the ISY-994i works into this but understand I need this if running Insteon?
Like I said, I feel like I’ve learned just a little bit about a lot of stuff and any help to guide me in the right direction would be appreciated!!
*Lastly, I have 3 Belkin WEMO light switches setup to turn on/off at sunset/sunrise for 3 specifics lights in the house. Will these work with any of the 2 systems above?
Any help is much appreciated!!