I started out wanting just a robust security system (8 window sensors, 4 doors, 3 motions, indoor siren, outdoor siren) then decided I wanted to add a Z-wave Yale Deadbolt. Then decided it be cool to have lights turn on and off automatically triggered by different events. Would be cool to possible put some audio video equipment by the controller and distribute it throughout the house at some point.
Then I realized a lot has changed since I tried to start a HA Business to go along with a computer repair company back around 2000 when I was playing with a HAI Omni. So I went out and brought a DSC 1832 kit and all the sensors and wiring I need to get that up and running......its been sitting in the box for a week........ starting to question my decision to go DSC
The original plan was:
DCS 1832 with the 8 wireless windows, 4 wireless doors, and 3 hardwired motion
Old PC running Homeseer Pro
Homeseer Z-Troller
Yale Deadbolt
Z-Wave switches and outlets
HS Touch for android phone and tablet
lighting control was still up in the air
I would be great if you guys could help me narrow down the components that would work best for me
I/O CONTROLLER - security panel
I would love to go HAI but plain and simple can't afford it
ELK M1 - still quite expensive and seems redundant if I will be running HA software on a computer
DSC 1832 - Very inexpensive option that has good record of reliability
Other........
Software
Homeseer - seems to do everything, plugin support issues, good community forum
CQC - dont know much about it but seems very focused on audio and video
Elve - know the least about this one
Z-Wave
Homeseer Z-Troller
Leviton VRC0P - not sure about the compatibility of this with controllers or devices
USB Dongle - heard these are crap
Lighting Control (are insteon or upb worth is If I already need Z-Wave for the door lock?)
Z-Wave - wireless so reliability is a concern
Insteon -
UPB -
*looks like Inteon and UPB are very similar, both with report status when operated manually, both can be polled, both require a neutral. The last time I looked at lighting control was over 10 years ago so things seems to have changed drastically since then. Could use some help on this one.
Controlling the system
I believe with just about any of the software programs I can control them from a web interface remotely or locally. Ideally I would like to have a few android tablets laying around with a slick interface to control anything and everything. I would also like a slick interface on my android phone to control everything as well remotely. Are there any that stand out or work well?
Audio and Video
Right now I have windows media center set up with media manager plugin running on a single computer next to the tv. At some point I would like to be able to send video from multiple sources in an AV rack to any TV in the house without additional equipment at each tv. This is a long way off as money is tight and my workaround is using laptops to plug into the TVs as needed
I thank you guys a million times in advance. It was this forum that got me back into HA after a 12 year break, Your knowledge and time is much appreciated. I also plan on documenting my project and posting my experience to serve as a "getting started guide" so I can help those looking to get into this addiction as well
Then I realized a lot has changed since I tried to start a HA Business to go along with a computer repair company back around 2000 when I was playing with a HAI Omni. So I went out and brought a DSC 1832 kit and all the sensors and wiring I need to get that up and running......its been sitting in the box for a week........ starting to question my decision to go DSC
The original plan was:
DCS 1832 with the 8 wireless windows, 4 wireless doors, and 3 hardwired motion
Old PC running Homeseer Pro
Homeseer Z-Troller
Yale Deadbolt
Z-Wave switches and outlets
HS Touch for android phone and tablet
lighting control was still up in the air
I would be great if you guys could help me narrow down the components that would work best for me
I/O CONTROLLER - security panel
I would love to go HAI but plain and simple can't afford it
ELK M1 - still quite expensive and seems redundant if I will be running HA software on a computer
DSC 1832 - Very inexpensive option that has good record of reliability
Other........
Software
Homeseer - seems to do everything, plugin support issues, good community forum
CQC - dont know much about it but seems very focused on audio and video
Elve - know the least about this one
Z-Wave
Homeseer Z-Troller
Leviton VRC0P - not sure about the compatibility of this with controllers or devices
USB Dongle - heard these are crap
Lighting Control (are insteon or upb worth is If I already need Z-Wave for the door lock?)
Z-Wave - wireless so reliability is a concern
Insteon -
UPB -
*looks like Inteon and UPB are very similar, both with report status when operated manually, both can be polled, both require a neutral. The last time I looked at lighting control was over 10 years ago so things seems to have changed drastically since then. Could use some help on this one.
Controlling the system
I believe with just about any of the software programs I can control them from a web interface remotely or locally. Ideally I would like to have a few android tablets laying around with a slick interface to control anything and everything. I would also like a slick interface on my android phone to control everything as well remotely. Are there any that stand out or work well?
Audio and Video
Right now I have windows media center set up with media manager plugin running on a single computer next to the tv. At some point I would like to be able to send video from multiple sources in an AV rack to any TV in the house without additional equipment at each tv. This is a long way off as money is tight and my workaround is using laptops to plug into the TVs as needed
I thank you guys a million times in advance. It was this forum that got me back into HA after a 12 year break, Your knowledge and time is much appreciated. I also plan on documenting my project and posting my experience to serve as a "getting started guide" so I can help those looking to get into this addiction as well