Cheapest window sensors to connect to girder

[justinm001]

Currently I run girder with insteon lighting and everything. I'm looking to upgrade and install a bunch of 1 wire thermometers throughout the house and have window and door sensors also. What would be the cheapest way that my girder pc can monitor if they're open or closed. I really don't want to spend $600+ on a ELK M1. Is there any cheap solution?

 

[Rupp]

The X10 DS10A's are an inexpensive sensor that works well with any software that can connect to a W800.

 

[jwilson56]

Is this for a security system or just to monitor them? Personally I would never rely on a PC for security. I myself use an Elk EZ8 which works well with my Girder based Now Playing skin for Netremote. It is a cheaper solution as Girder handles the Text to Speech stuff as well as emailing and texting alerts.

 

[jumbodogs]

I agree with jwilson56 if this is for security just get the EZ8. I am doing the same thing that he is and the EZ8 is pretty cheap.

 

[Quixote_1]

I have to agree with the last two posts. I'm talking from experience when I say that a PC based security system is not a good idea, especially if you're running Windows. I broke down and bought an Elk M1G since security is mission-critical and I let the PC handle the bells and whistles like media playback.

 

[justinm001]

It's mainly for HA. I'm planning on setting something up like if windows are open then A/C off unless it's super hot then A/C on. I do plan on adding something like if windows open after 2am then send email/text and flash master lights or something. I was hoping for a cheap ($100) way to wireup windows since a security system isn't really needed in my area.

x10 ds10a is $20
Insteon Triggerlinc is $35
standard window sensors are like $2
insteon I/O Linc $45

I'm thinking the easiest/cheapest route would be to buy standard window sensors and connect the whole 2nd floor to one I/O linc then connect the whole 1st floor to another I/O linc. Will this work? I figure I could wire the windows all together, I won't be able to see which window is open but atleast will know that A window is open.

 

[Rupp]

It's mainly for HA. I'm planning on setting something up like if windows are open then A/C off unless it's super hot then A/C on. I do plan on adding something like if windows open after 2am then send email/text and flash master lights or something. I was hoping for a cheap ($100) way to wireup windows since a security system isn't really needed in my area.

x10 ds10a is $20
Insteon Triggerlinc is $35
standard window sensors are like $2
insteon I/O Linc $45

I'm thinking the easiest/cheapest route would be to buy standard window sensors and connect the whole 2nd floor to one I/O linc then connect the whole 1st floor to another I/O linc. Will this work? I figure I could wire the windows all together, I won't be able to see which window is open but atleast will know that A window is open.

The X10 DS10A's go on sale all the time for 6 for $20
http://www.x10.com/promotions/ds10a_ed_6f1_1023.html

 

[justinm001]

sweet. i'll just pickup a bunch of those

 

[justinm001]

How long does the batterys last in these things on average? Also when they die do they just quit sending a signal? so I could have it send an email to replace batteries for window x.

 

[Rupp]

How long does the batterys last in these things on average? Also when they die do they just quit sending a signal? so I could have it send an email to replace batteries for window x.

I've got some of these that the battery has been in for over 2 years on main entry doors. These devices can be used for other things as well like leak detection, power monitors, etc. This device does send a low batter warning. I use a HomeSeer plugin that monitors the battery level and sends me a text message when they go low.

 

[justinm001]

Sweet that's what I was hoping. Leak detection and power monitor???? I've read through the 5+ page ds10A thread on here but didn't see anything about power or leak. I have a large aquarium that I really needs 5+ spots to monitor leak detection. How could I use these to monitor for water on floor.

 

[justinm001]

google is the best!

http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=12763.15

Thanks!!

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

some water leak detection posts that might interest you...

http://www.cocoontech.com/forums/index.php...f+wetness+ds10a
http://www.cocoontech.com/forums/index.php...f+wetness+ds10a