Brinks Door Sensor --> connect to z-wave?

[heitjer]

I have been searching for a few days and I feel a little bit overwhelmed right now with all the different technologies.

I have an old (7+ years) Brinks system that is not in use anymore. Rather than going with all the wireless battery operated sensors I am trying to figure out if I can connect the wired Brinks window and door sensors to a module that allows me to connect to a z-wave network?

I assume it is recommended that I have to setup a security system first and then connect this to the separate home automation system - correct?

Can you point me in the right directions for a basic system so I can start reading up on this?

In the end I like to have a home security & automation system that I can access remotely via broadband connection.

Thanks in advance!

 

[tmbrown97]

I'm not sure what your plan is in going with wired to Z-Wave... if you're looking to get rid of the Brinks panel, you should replace it with the panel of your liking and you should be able to reuse the wired sensors - just wire them into the new panel (put the new panel where the old one was or move the wires). Some installers use End Of Line Resistors - but they're not common in home installs - to test, you'd disconnect the zone from the panel, then use a continuity tester across the two leads - then open the door and close it - and monitor the values - it'll most likely be a full short when the door is closed, and infinite resistance when the door is open - that means no EOL and you can wire them into any panel. If they do anything different, post back here and we'll point you in the right direction - in any case you should be able to reuse the existing wiring and sensors.

You have a million options for getting to a "smart home" with remote access via the internet - you can pick a security system and other controllers and make a package system... what many of us do is use either an HAI or Elk M1 security panel which also has automation built in - then when we get more advanced, tie in a control system or software to take things to the next level - but I get by with 90% of my automation via just an Elk M1G.

Your other route is to go with a security system that doesn't have any smart features - but will let you connect it to a control system - then use a central controller - for example,. the Vera will connect with some panels like the DSC panels and give you remote access as well as tying into lights, locks, HVAC and others.

 

[Del91574]

Any Brinks panel within the last 10 years or so uses Honeywell/Ademco wireless.

 

[heitjer]

it'll most likely be a full short when the door is closed, and infinite resistance when the door is open - that means no EOL and you can wire them into any panel.

This is confirmed!


In addition to the door sensors I also have

• 2 x Glassbbreak Sensor
• 1 x Heat Sensor
• 1 x Smoke Senor
• 1 x Carbon monoxide Sensor
• 1 x Siren

These are wired with 4 wires (except the siren with 2). I noticed on some that they have a resistor across the lines.

Do you see any chance utilizing the senors? I think the siren should not be a problem.

 

[johnny]

all of the devices that need power should be 4 wire. if you can get the model number off the sensor you should be able to find the color code for the wiring. all of these should connect to a modern security system without converting them over to zwave.