This month I replaced a 2nd generation HAI 1503 V2 unit with a 6th generation HAI OmniPro II unit. I have an OP2 early version - 3 not 5 serial ports, and physical chip change-out for firmware update. I'm at firmware version 3.16 so that's it - no more updates possible just like how I existed for all these years with the 1503 V2.
My 1503 V2 was in continuous operation from 1992 until now, including connection to monitoring for burglary and fire protection (4/2 format). Kind of sad to see the HAI '90s vintage 1503 V2 unit go - it was a faithful and reliable system for 2.5 decades.
Through the years I added to the 1503 V2 for an extensively automated residence: a HomeVision unit to provide for robust automation (covering a lot of things the 1503 V2 didn't do), an X10 whole-house amplifier, a WELServer (Ethernet) for data logging and interdiction detection, a Rachio Gen 2 controller (WiFi) for real time automated landscape sprinkler control, four Network Thermostat network (Ethernet) controlled thermostats, and Rheme gas water heater control (WiFi).
OP2 capabilities allowed for elimination of the HomeVision. My Node 0 closet is much simplified now.
All of on-site sensors (except RH) were hardwired to either the 1503 V2 or the Homevision. They all physically transferred over to the OP2 nicely: opening contacts, PIR motion, 4-wire smoke, 2-wire heat, CO, natural gas, presence of water, and room temperatures.
I used X10 for lighting for decades. Started with the Radio Shack X10 units. For this upgrade to the OP2 I decided to change most of the switches to Lutron motion sensing switches with no connection to the OP2. A small number of switches, for setting lighting at night for security, remain X10. I continue to use the X10 amplifier.
I continue to have email and text messaging capabilities - tight HomeVision / 1503 V2 integration did it before, now it's done by an Omni Notifier board as part of my OP2. Likewise I continue to have voice announcement capability, now with a voice board in the OP2.
I have the OP2 reasonably well integrated with other stuff - if fire then shut down down air handlers, turn on all lights, etc; if water detection then shut down air handlers, send out text messages, etc., if outside temp below 45 degrees temporarily hold up on landscape watering, if a room is unoccupied then change tstat temperature setting, if room temp greater than threshold then turn on ceiling fan, and many other integration examples.
I have a couple of Alexa units. My guess is they'll stay unconnected to my OP2 - I just don't have the energy to again go down the road of having something like HomeSeer to enable the integration (like I did with HomeVision). Instead I'll maximize what I can do with the OP2 and call that good.
My data logging, measurement and verification, and interdiction system remains separate. Max data logging capability for the OP2 appears to be 25 entries per hour, and it's via email. What I'm doing separately with WELserver is far advanced ( http://www.welserver.com/WEL0043/ and http://www.welserver.com/WEL0343/ ).
I also don't have integration with the gas hot water heater (WiFi) control system.
My current challenge is learning more advanced skills with PCAccess programing of the OP2. I do have the dealer version. It's interesting that I still can't put variable values into email from the Notifier board (i.e., "Outside temp is 45 degrees; freeze protection turned on").
My biggest interest is implementing geo fencing. This lets me adjust automation actions based on who the person is - not just the presence of motion. And, it solves the can't keep track of room occupancy when sleeping, or sitting in front of TV for long period situations. Don't know yet if the OP2 gives me enough capability to do this.
I'll read up on what all of you are doing here. I just found here what appears to me to be the largest forum of HAI users around - thank you for sharing your knowledge. Perhaps I'll be able to occasionally contribute.
Best regards,
Bill
My 1503 V2 was in continuous operation from 1992 until now, including connection to monitoring for burglary and fire protection (4/2 format). Kind of sad to see the HAI '90s vintage 1503 V2 unit go - it was a faithful and reliable system for 2.5 decades.
Through the years I added to the 1503 V2 for an extensively automated residence: a HomeVision unit to provide for robust automation (covering a lot of things the 1503 V2 didn't do), an X10 whole-house amplifier, a WELServer (Ethernet) for data logging and interdiction detection, a Rachio Gen 2 controller (WiFi) for real time automated landscape sprinkler control, four Network Thermostat network (Ethernet) controlled thermostats, and Rheme gas water heater control (WiFi).
OP2 capabilities allowed for elimination of the HomeVision. My Node 0 closet is much simplified now.
All of on-site sensors (except RH) were hardwired to either the 1503 V2 or the Homevision. They all physically transferred over to the OP2 nicely: opening contacts, PIR motion, 4-wire smoke, 2-wire heat, CO, natural gas, presence of water, and room temperatures.
I used X10 for lighting for decades. Started with the Radio Shack X10 units. For this upgrade to the OP2 I decided to change most of the switches to Lutron motion sensing switches with no connection to the OP2. A small number of switches, for setting lighting at night for security, remain X10. I continue to use the X10 amplifier.
I continue to have email and text messaging capabilities - tight HomeVision / 1503 V2 integration did it before, now it's done by an Omni Notifier board as part of my OP2. Likewise I continue to have voice announcement capability, now with a voice board in the OP2.
I have the OP2 reasonably well integrated with other stuff - if fire then shut down down air handlers, turn on all lights, etc; if water detection then shut down air handlers, send out text messages, etc., if outside temp below 45 degrees temporarily hold up on landscape watering, if a room is unoccupied then change tstat temperature setting, if room temp greater than threshold then turn on ceiling fan, and many other integration examples.
I have a couple of Alexa units. My guess is they'll stay unconnected to my OP2 - I just don't have the energy to again go down the road of having something like HomeSeer to enable the integration (like I did with HomeVision). Instead I'll maximize what I can do with the OP2 and call that good.
My data logging, measurement and verification, and interdiction system remains separate. Max data logging capability for the OP2 appears to be 25 entries per hour, and it's via email. What I'm doing separately with WELserver is far advanced ( http://www.welserver.com/WEL0043/ and http://www.welserver.com/WEL0343/ ).
I also don't have integration with the gas hot water heater (WiFi) control system.
My current challenge is learning more advanced skills with PCAccess programing of the OP2. I do have the dealer version. It's interesting that I still can't put variable values into email from the Notifier board (i.e., "Outside temp is 45 degrees; freeze protection turned on").
My biggest interest is implementing geo fencing. This lets me adjust automation actions based on who the person is - not just the presence of motion. And, it solves the can't keep track of room occupancy when sleeping, or sitting in front of TV for long period situations. Don't know yet if the OP2 gives me enough capability to do this.
I'll read up on what all of you are doing here. I just found here what appears to me to be the largest forum of HAI users around - thank you for sharing your knowledge. Perhaps I'll be able to occasionally contribute.
Best regards,
Bill