Iflydrones
New Member
Hey yall. Just moved into a new construction home. Looking for ideas on a cost effective DIY security/HA set up that will be compatible with the homes features. Currently we have the following...
-Pre-wired sensors on all doors and windows terminating in the master closet (no panel yet).
-One year Nexia home automation with a few lights, door locks and wireless camera.
-2 x Trane Z-wave enabled thermostats
Live in Las Vegas with no-response police policy in effect so looking for a self monitoring system (no monthly fee) that will alert our phones if a sensor is tripped. I'd like to use the existing wired sensors, but add some wireless motion detectors and glass break sensors. I'd also like to be able to expand wireless features in the future. Can someone give me a general overview (30,000 feet) of the type of equipment I need to start with that setup? From what I gather so far I need something like an Elk M1 Gold kit to start? Then I hook the panel up to the wires in the closet, mount the keypad and start adding sensors? No landline so we'd need a cell antenna right? Things I don't understand are...
-How does the panel communicate with the keypad? Does it need to be hard wired or is it wireless communication? I obviously dont want the keypad in the closet, but I cant run wires now.
-How does the system interface with the automation app for computers/phones/tablets? Do I connect the cell antenna to the Elk panel? Do I have to purchase another monitoring brand system?
-Would my other components be compatible with the Elk system? I'm guessing the Schlage deadbolt and decor light switches use something like Z-wave on the thermostat?
I can gladly re-post in a more appropriate forum, I just saw other newbies posting here. Thanks!
-Pre-wired sensors on all doors and windows terminating in the master closet (no panel yet).
-One year Nexia home automation with a few lights, door locks and wireless camera.
-2 x Trane Z-wave enabled thermostats
Live in Las Vegas with no-response police policy in effect so looking for a self monitoring system (no monthly fee) that will alert our phones if a sensor is tripped. I'd like to use the existing wired sensors, but add some wireless motion detectors and glass break sensors. I'd also like to be able to expand wireless features in the future. Can someone give me a general overview (30,000 feet) of the type of equipment I need to start with that setup? From what I gather so far I need something like an Elk M1 Gold kit to start? Then I hook the panel up to the wires in the closet, mount the keypad and start adding sensors? No landline so we'd need a cell antenna right? Things I don't understand are...
-How does the panel communicate with the keypad? Does it need to be hard wired or is it wireless communication? I obviously dont want the keypad in the closet, but I cant run wires now.
-How does the system interface with the automation app for computers/phones/tablets? Do I connect the cell antenna to the Elk panel? Do I have to purchase another monitoring brand system?
-Would my other components be compatible with the Elk system? I'm guessing the Schlage deadbolt and decor light switches use something like Z-wave on the thermostat?
I can gladly re-post in a more appropriate forum, I just saw other newbies posting here. Thanks!