Affordable Z wave security?

[ozorowsky]

Hey all,

I have an alarm (409b) I bought from www.alarmsellout.com and also zmodo security cameras I bought from cctvhotdeals.com. As I delve into the home automation world I am considering buying a vera 2 system to allow me to control my z wave lights remotely and from my phone.

What are your thoughts on how to best integrate everything? I would like to have a setup where if there is no motion in my house say mon-fri 9a-5p an alarm auto sets itself and if there is motion detected it sends me a text message warning or something of the sorts. Then I can go on my phone hit my security camera see if front door is open or figure out what is going on.

Any guidance?

 

[ozorowsky]

Can I get a Vera 2 and a Z wave motion sensor and program the vera 2 to "arm" if no motion for > 2 hours or something along those lines?

 

[electron]

Well the first thing you will need is an alarm panel which is supported by the Vera 2 controller, so you should probably check their forums to see if a plugin exists (seriously doubt it).

 

[ozorowsky]

Well the first thing you will need is an alarm panel which is supported by the Vera 2 controller, so you should probably check their forums to see if a plugin exists (seriously doubt it).

Hey Dan, THANK YOU for all your help and guidance. Stupid question here though lol Aside from the Elk how do I find an alarm panel that is supported by vera 2? Yes, I'm going to google it right now, just trying to get some education/info as I don't want to waste money on another alarm panel.

Any guidance you have is apprecaited.

 

[Rupp]

You may want to read up on the Vera2 system. There are a few HomeSeer users that have moved away from that platform stating it wasn't ready for prime time.

 

[electron]

Rupp,

I am guessing you would recommend Homeseer (based on most other posts on this forum which contain a link to Homeseer.com )?

While I still have to test many features of the Vera 2, initial impressions are positive, and I still think it delivers the most bang for the buck, especially for people who don't want to maintain various controllers and PC's.

As for the alarm panels supported, that's a question to ask on their forums if you want an accurate answer. I saw references to a DSC plugin, but that's about it.

Maybe the 2GIG Go! Control Panel would be a good system for you. It's powered via alarm.com, so there is an app for every smartphone platform, and it supports Z-Wave hardware. It's all wireless too. Not as advanced as having your own home automation controller, but it might be worth considering.

 

[Rupp]

Rupp,

I am guessing you would recommend Homeseer (based on most other posts on this forum which contain a link to Homeseer.com )?

Yes I sure would. I'm just going on what other new users have stated when they make the switch. I'm sure it's a nice starter system and that may be all many users need but most of us continue this hobby and want/need a little more as time goes.

 

[ozorowsky]

Home seer seems expensive at about $400 for the software

I'm looking at a vera 2 which seems nice, BUT I'm researching z wave motion sensors and door/window sensor and also a z wave strobe EACH device seems to be $50!!!!

Anyone know of any packages to reduce the cost?

 

[Rupp]

Home seer seems expensive at about $400 for the software

I'm looking at a vera 2 which seems nice, BUT I'm researching z wave motion sensors and door/window sensor and also a z wave strobe EACH device seems to be $50!!!!

Anyone know of any packages to reduce the cost?

Yes, unfortunately this hobby is no longer inexpensive. You would most likely be better off buying a real security system like the DSC systems which are very affordable anextremelyrememly well. This is the system many HomeSeer users use and they really like the affordability of this hardware.