Recent content by gizzmo

Use supervision signal to block an alarm signal? I wouldn't want to be in court explaining the logic in that.

I consider a three year old battery as being dead. It make more sense to replace it than to make a return trip later. Anyway the best test is to place it under a load without the AC input connected. A siren is usually a good load. A bad battery will show and major voltage drop when the load is...

Here's what I do for zone 2 on my Onkyo. I plug chomecast into a HDMI pass thru switch that has an analog audio output. I then plug both the HDMI and analog audio into the "game" input on the back of the Onkyo. I don't play games so game = chromecast. Now if I am watching or listening to chrome...

@ Del That's why I said let's assume it does, which I know it doesn't. The only gain is a nuisance trouble each time the power blinks.

I am with Del on this one. JP I think the devise your working with is a smoke alarm which is different than a smoke detector. Without listing the definition of both here let's assume the perfect world where the HV is looped in and out of each detector and can be monitored or supervised via the...

I never use the screw auger drill bit. The first time you hit anything not wood it's toast. The conventional bit I can sharpen with a flat file to like new in minutes. I have 30+ years drilling and can feel what the bit is doing. That said, along the way I have drilled through roofs, wires...

Only way I can best a cat that is high on espresso is to use two detectors in the same space with a cross zone setup. With one detector I like unfurnished hallways, limited view and no furniture to jump on.

Is it possible that you may need more zwave devices to improve the network?

I agree with Del, two 22 guage wire twisted together does not an 18 AWG make.

Here's what I do for zone 2 on my Onkyo. I plug chomecast into a HDMI pass thru switch that has an analog audio output. I then plug both the HDMI and analog audio into the "game" input on the back of the Onkyo. I don't play games so game = chromecast. Now if I am watching or listening to chrome...

I think the best batteries out there are the ELK 12V 8ah. Lowest fail rate and longest over all life span in my opinion.

Not likely but if the glass breaks or cracks, yes. Most likely cause other than the switch is poor or corroded connections. Like Del said, mechanical switches have even more issues.

Something else to consider if the panel can handle the larger batteries. Use the proper leads to parallel the batteries, ones with fuses or breakers. If you have a cell short out you could get one hell of a battery fire with large batteries. I also recommend using power supplies to shed the...

I also don't do automation other than my own home and even then its minimal. So I am hardly an expert. I have a friend that does Control4 and hates security, I hate automation and like security/fire. We work well together.

Del, I may not have been clear here. The V20 is not a very good piece of hardware for automation. The tux costs a fortune and is a fancy keypad with zwave control added. Not that is better than other panels but once I had the zwave modules I settled on vera to control them. In fact the only...