emrosenberg
Member
We've just begun construction on an addition along with full renovation of our existing home. Virtually every wall will be opened up, and I'm using an electrician (licensed of course) who is very flexible in putting in what I am looking for. He's not terribly familiar with most home automation technology, but is happy to follow my lead and install what I ask.
My needs/desires/plans are as follows:
Security:
I have 2 options and I'm looking for advice. We bought the house 3 yrs ago and it has an existing Omni LT panel + 2 keypads and a couple of PIRs and door sensors and siren, but I'm going to have to re-install the sensors because of the new layout, and I have no idea how old they are. I've never actually used this system. We'll end up with 9 windows (4 zones), 3 doors (3 zones), and 5 PIRs, and I'll be putting in a cellular board for communication to the central station.
Option 1 is to upgrade the board to an LTe, keep the keypads and refresh the sensors and battery. I'd use OmniStats for my HVAC in this case. I like this option because of the easy integration with the RR2, and the automation functionality. I dislike it because the HAI apps aren't great, adding wireless receivers (security and/or z-wave) is expensive, and overall it seems like Leviton isn't putting many resources into it and in general its not a widely used system.
Option 2 is to put in a Vista 20p, with a 6160RF keypad and a Tuxedo Touch Wifi for my other keypad, and the 4232CBM for integration with the RadioRa2. I like this because I'll be able to easily add wireless (security) sensors and/or z-wave devices (since lighting is RR2, I'd use it for door locks and thermostats right now). The TT would be at the main entry, which is nice because it's more attractive and 'cool' than an old fashioned keypad. I also feel that Honeywell is very well supported and widely used and they continually put resources into their products. On the downside, the Honeywell/RR2 integration is limited to triggering based on general alarm states and not individual zones, but it's probably sufficient.
Cost wise it isn't a huge difference between the two, so that doesn't impact my decision.
Cameras: Haven't decided on the exact system just yet, but I'll run Cat6 for PoE IP cameras with an NVR in the cabling room. In theory integration with the security system sounds great, but it seems there are as many issues created with overly sensitive motion detection that a simple NVR with the ability to back view recorded data in the event of an incident will suffice, and remote access for when I'm notified of an event will be fine.
Fire: Local regulations have us installing a hardwired 120V system. I'm thinking that I'll put in a separate 2 detector LV system hooked up to the alarm panel for protection of the home when we are away.
Automation:
Lighting - I'm going with RadioRa2. I've passed my essentials training (perfectly adequate as I'm in the 30-50 device range), and am putting together my plan. Electrician will install all the switches/dimmers/keypads/drivers as he would in a non-automated setup, and I'll do the programming. Seems like a high WAF, and its a well supported system.
Shades - nothing for now - out of budget
A/V - We're not big movie watchers, so no home theatre setup is necessary. I'll have basic 5:1 for the family room, and have a Logitech Harmony (with the base but non-touch screen remote) that I got for a great price. We use FiOS and I'll upgrade to the Quantum TV. That DVR will function as our 'home server' and is perfect for our viewing habits. I don't need distributed audio - we just don't listen to that much music.
LV wiring: I'd like to put in a basic structured wiring setup in the basement utility room. for most rooms I'm planning to go with 1 RG-6/ 1 Cat 5e (VoIP) and 1 Cat 6 (ethernet). I'm going to keep the FiOS modem/router in the utility room and hook up a couple of access points for the other floors.
I know this is lengthy - I'm trying to cover all my bases. Appreciate any feedback, particularly around the security alarm setup decision.
Thanks,
Oscar
My needs/desires/plans are as follows:
Security:
I have 2 options and I'm looking for advice. We bought the house 3 yrs ago and it has an existing Omni LT panel + 2 keypads and a couple of PIRs and door sensors and siren, but I'm going to have to re-install the sensors because of the new layout, and I have no idea how old they are. I've never actually used this system. We'll end up with 9 windows (4 zones), 3 doors (3 zones), and 5 PIRs, and I'll be putting in a cellular board for communication to the central station.
Option 1 is to upgrade the board to an LTe, keep the keypads and refresh the sensors and battery. I'd use OmniStats for my HVAC in this case. I like this option because of the easy integration with the RR2, and the automation functionality. I dislike it because the HAI apps aren't great, adding wireless receivers (security and/or z-wave) is expensive, and overall it seems like Leviton isn't putting many resources into it and in general its not a widely used system.
Option 2 is to put in a Vista 20p, with a 6160RF keypad and a Tuxedo Touch Wifi for my other keypad, and the 4232CBM for integration with the RadioRa2. I like this because I'll be able to easily add wireless (security) sensors and/or z-wave devices (since lighting is RR2, I'd use it for door locks and thermostats right now). The TT would be at the main entry, which is nice because it's more attractive and 'cool' than an old fashioned keypad. I also feel that Honeywell is very well supported and widely used and they continually put resources into their products. On the downside, the Honeywell/RR2 integration is limited to triggering based on general alarm states and not individual zones, but it's probably sufficient.
Cost wise it isn't a huge difference between the two, so that doesn't impact my decision.
Cameras: Haven't decided on the exact system just yet, but I'll run Cat6 for PoE IP cameras with an NVR in the cabling room. In theory integration with the security system sounds great, but it seems there are as many issues created with overly sensitive motion detection that a simple NVR with the ability to back view recorded data in the event of an incident will suffice, and remote access for when I'm notified of an event will be fine.
Fire: Local regulations have us installing a hardwired 120V system. I'm thinking that I'll put in a separate 2 detector LV system hooked up to the alarm panel for protection of the home when we are away.
Automation:
Lighting - I'm going with RadioRa2. I've passed my essentials training (perfectly adequate as I'm in the 30-50 device range), and am putting together my plan. Electrician will install all the switches/dimmers/keypads/drivers as he would in a non-automated setup, and I'll do the programming. Seems like a high WAF, and its a well supported system.
Shades - nothing for now - out of budget
A/V - We're not big movie watchers, so no home theatre setup is necessary. I'll have basic 5:1 for the family room, and have a Logitech Harmony (with the base but non-touch screen remote) that I got for a great price. We use FiOS and I'll upgrade to the Quantum TV. That DVR will function as our 'home server' and is perfect for our viewing habits. I don't need distributed audio - we just don't listen to that much music.
LV wiring: I'd like to put in a basic structured wiring setup in the basement utility room. for most rooms I'm planning to go with 1 RG-6/ 1 Cat 5e (VoIP) and 1 Cat 6 (ethernet). I'm going to keep the FiOS modem/router in the utility room and hook up a couple of access points for the other floors.
I know this is lengthy - I'm trying to cover all my bases. Appreciate any feedback, particularly around the security alarm setup decision.
Thanks,
Oscar