5.7e - a few questions...

[Jrock]

I just installed an OmniIIe in my house a couple weeks ago. I setup security and basic lighting control with some x-10 devices I already had. I have big plans for the system but was going to do things in stages to keep costs down. Well. after 2 weeks I couldn't wait any longer and I ordered a bunch of stuff from AO. Anyway, one of the things I ordered was the 5.7e so I have been researching it and have a few questions...

I currently have 1 console which I was planning on replacing this console with the 5.7e. First of all, is that even possible? Do I have to have a console? Is it recommended to have a console as well in case the touchscreen fails?

Next, can I view my cameras on the touchscreen? I have a dedicated server running Bluecherrys linux based software. There is a web interface so can I use that to view the cameras? Ideally I would like cameras to be displayed based on triggered events, but that's another thread!

Lastly, does the touchscreen get connected directly to the OIIe or to my router? I wish I would have asked that before I ran the cat5 earlier today!

 

[aard3]

I just installed an OmniIIe in my house a couple weeks ago. I setup security and basic lighting control with some x-10 devices I already had. I have big plans for the system but was going to do things in stages to keep costs down. Well. after 2 weeks I couldn't wait any longer and I ordered a bunch of stuff from AO. Anyway, one of the things I ordered was the 5.7e so I have been researching it and have a few questions...

I currently have 1 console which I was planning on replacing this console with the 5.7e. First of all, is that even possible? Do I have to have a console? Is it recommended to have a console as well in case the touchscreen fails?

Next, can I view my cameras on the touchscreen? I have a dedicated server running Bluecherrys linux based software. There is a web interface so can I use that to view the cameras? Ideally I would like cameras to be displayed based on triggered events, but that's another thread!

Lastly, does the touchscreen get connected directly to the OIIe or to my router? I wish I would have asked that before I ran the cat5 earlier today!

Jrock,

We recommend a console in every installation, you'll need it to do the initial network setup of the controller, and it's good to have in case something happens to your 5.7e (power failure, network goes down, etc). If nothing else, I would at least leave it connect next to the panel.

On the 5.7e, you can view JPEG and MJPEG cameras. I'm not familiar with Bluecherry, but I went to their website, and it looks like they support MJPEG. You'll need to contact them and get the URL for the camera feeds. it will probably resemble something like

http://ipaddress/mjpeg/video.cgi?camera=1&...olution=320x240

You will need to purchase Automation Studio, which is our software package for touchscreen customization, in order to configure the cameras. It will also allow you to add background images, change colors, graphics, add a floorplan, etc.

The 5.7e will connect to a POE switch or router, since it's a Power-Over-Ethernet product. I would recommend getting an UPS for your POE switch, so that the 5.7e will be powered in case of a power outage.

Aaron

 

[Jrock]

Aaron,

Thank you for you reply...

I was reading on the Worthington forums about someone who was having issues with the 5.7e locking up so I can see how it is definitely good to keep the console. Maybe I will throw it in the master bedroom or something. I live in a small ranch so none of the rooms are too far from my entry/exit zones. Would a non ethernet 5.7 be okay to use since it connects straight to the OIIe or would you recommend having a regular console no matter what?

The Bluecherry dvr supports JPEG and MPEG and their support team is very helpful so getting the camera URLs should not be a problem.

I have 2 3000VA UPSs in my rack so unless the power goes out for an extended period I should be alright. I may look into another UPS just for critical components (ie. firewall, switch, dvr server...)

My 5.7e is scheduled to be delivered on Tuesday! I am very excited to start playing around with it, however I am a little disappointed I now have to order AS and wait for that to arrive before being able to really take advantage of the screen. I thought AS was more for customizing the appearance than it was for setup.

Thanks again!
-Jeff

 

[aard3]

Aaron,

Thank you for you reply...

I was reading on the Worthington forums about someone who was having issues with the 5.7e locking up so I can see how it is definitely good to keep the console. Maybe I will throw it in the master bedroom or something. I live in a small ranch so none of the rooms are too far from my entry/exit zones. Would a non ethernet 5.7 be okay to use since it connects straight to the OIIe or would you recommend having a regular console no matter what?

The Bluecherry dvr supports JPEG and MPEG and their support team is very helpful so getting the camera URLs should not be a problem.

I have 2 3000VA UPSs in my rack so unless the power goes out for an extended period I should be alright. I may look into another UPS just for critical components (ie. firewall, switch, dvr server...)

My 5.7e is scheduled to be delivered on Tuesday! I am very excited to start playing around with it, however I am a little disappointed I now have to order AS and wait for that to arrive before being able to really take advantage of the screen. I thought AS was more for customizing the appearance than it was for setup.

Thanks again!
-Jeff

Jeff,

The regular 5.7 is powered from the panel, and is directly connected, so you should be fine, but I still recommend a console in every install (you actually need it to meet UL requirements). The regular 5.7 doesn't support IP Cameras though.

The 5.7e has built in support for HAI's camera server, since we know everything about it. It unfortunately it just wasn't feasible to try to add in support for every camera directly into the 5.7e, we decided that using a PC was a much better way of entering in the cameras, changing settings, etc. I suspect that you'll find yourself using some of the other features of AS, like being able to have cameras display when an event occurs, etc. This wouldn't be possible with out AS

Aaron

 

[Jrock]

Aaron,

Thanks for all your help! I have decided to install the 5.7e in my living room instead replacing the LCD console in the kitchen.

I checked with the support team at Bluecherry and their software currently does not allow for individual camera feed URLs, so I am currently out of luck there. However, they will be releasing a new version of the software soon which should support it.

Thanks again!

-Jeff