Connection to a home automation system

[dth122]

I haven't come up with any good solution to replace or repair my OP2 in the near term. Since the only failing capability is the network port, my main issue is that Snaplink doesn't work anymore so I can't control my thermostats or view/control the system remotely.

Presumably I could connect the OP2 over RS232 to an independent control system that would be accessible remotely. I'm thinking something like UD Eisy, RTI XP processor, etc.

Has anyone done this successfully and have any guidance? I'm concerned about the security implications of something like this. Not sure how secure the home automation systems are against hacking. Are there best practices for this type of integration?
- Dave

 

[pete_c]

Hello Dave,

I use OpenVPN to access my home network. That said PCA works fine via a serial connection from one of the OP2 serial ports. Nothing else would be needed. Here using PFSense + for my home firewall router. Way back in the early 2000's used Homeseer 2 with a serial connection which worked fine for me.

I had networking issues many years ago documented by Leviton due to a promiscuous network port. (when network went over 100-150 devices) My personal fix worked and is still working today.

I have never been an installer / alarm security person and only am familiar with the HAI OmniPro 2. @dwalt was a OmniPro 2 installer and rarely saw this network issue per post:

OP2 network troubleshooting and repair

I wanted to see if anyone is successfully repairing the network ports on OP2 boards. I posted a few weeks ago about replacing my system, but it seems that the cost and effort involved isn't worth it if I want to try and keep the other components in my system... lighting, audio, stats, etc. Too...

cocoontech.com

My solution is documented here:

Microrouter DIY for use with the Omni Pro Panel Ethernet port

 

[dth122]

Thanks for the input. PCA+VPN would technically get the job done, but isn't the way I would typically use the system. It really needs mobile access so you can adjust the temperature on the train or flight home, or disarm the system when the cleaning lady says she's arriving, etc. Having to use a PC and VPN works but doesn't really cut it.

I actually sent my board in to Leviton once already while they were still repairing them. Maybe I just got unlucky with the frequency of my problems?

Anyway, thanks for sending your info and solution. I'll definitely check it out. If that works for me, it would save a lot of headaches. Or at least delay the inevitable.
- Dave

 

[pete_c]

Use VPN / Snaplink on my current mobile set up and same on my Windows 11 tablet. I also utilize Homeseer / Omni (IP) and Home Assistant / Omnlink Bridge (IP). That said never touch the thermostat. (Omnistat 2).

If you can purchase an old Homeseer 2 box you could run the OmniPro software and connect via serial link.

 

[dth122]

Just to make sure I understand... when you refer to your "current mobile setup", that includes your OP2 on the network, correct? That makes sense. Or are you connected RS232? That's what I'm trying to do but so far have been unable.

Homeseer is an interesting angle I hadn't thought of. Not sure how hard it will be to hunt down a v2 box, but I'll give it a shot. I'll also have tolook into what functionality it has vs. the newer versions.
- Dave

 

[pete_c]

The OP2 is on my home network. It is connected to a microrouter. The LAN side of the microrouter connects to the OP2 and WAN side connects to the home network. The OP2 is also connected to 15 OmniPro Touch screens, Snaplink, Home Assistant, IP Cameras and Homeseer via the home network.

The OP2 is also connected via RS-232 to old Homeseer 2 running on Windows 2003 Standard on a VM. Been running fine now since the early 2000's. Folks used the serial plugin with the old serial only OP2 boards had NIC ports.

Overdoing it a bit...

9/18/2024 3:27:02 PM Plug-In Initializing Plug-in: HAI_System
9/18/2024 3:27:02 PM HAI System Default polling interval overridden with INI value of 300
9/18/2024 3:27:02 PM HAI System HAI Plug-In Version 2.1.2746.29695
9/18/2024 3:27:02 PM HAI System About to initialize HAI System on COM5
9/18/2024 3:27:03 PM HAI System Panel Model: 16 (HAI Omni Pro II) with Panel Software Version: 4.0 Rev: C
9/18/2024 3:27:03 PM HAI System Security code is number 1, which has a level of Master
9/18/2024 3:27:03 PM Plug-In Finished initializing plug-in HAI_System

If you NIC port is damaged it will cause serial communications issues when it is connected. I saw this on my old Omnitouch 5.7 (serial) and old Omnistat.

Functionality is related to what the panel is connected to.

 

[LarrylLix]

I haven't come up with any good solution to replace or repair my OP2 in the near term. Since the only failing capability is the network port, my main issue is that Snaplink doesn't work anymore so I can't control my thermostats or view/control the system remotely.

Presumably I could connect the OP2 over RS232 to an independent control system that would be accessible remotely. I'm thinking something like UD Eisy, RTI XP processor, etc.

Has anyone done this successfully and have any guidance? I'm concerned about the security implications of something like this. Not sure how secure the home automation systems are against hacking. Are there best practices for this type of integration?
- Dave

Which thermostat do you have? eISY does wonderful job with ecobee stats, as well as supporting many other protocols. The mobile app has been in development for a few years now and works quite well.

eISY has an excellent support forum, huge support base, knowledge wiki, and UDI excellent support that usually responds within 24 hours, along with their support ticket system. I have had a few dial in to fix low level coding on my polISY box when they were newer and experiencing system style changeovers. Their Matter dongle is just coming online as they work out some of the bugs from the Matter definition updates with new manufacturers devices coming online.

 

[dth122]

@pete_c Thanks for the info. It sounds like I'm at somewhat of a dead end. If a damaged NIC will cause serial comms issues, that could be a problem. I think I'll give your microrouter solution a shot. If that doesn't work, it's time to replace. I don't think I want to spend the time and effort to go backwards to HS2 at this point.

Right now, if I need to replace, I'm looking at an Eyezon Uno + Homeseer. That seems to give me robust security and configurable HA without too much setup or coding hassle. It also seems like it will support most of my existing devices.

@LarrylLix I have the HAI Omnistats which are currently connected to the HAI OP2 panel. I agree that the Eisy seems to do most of what I need moving forward and the support is great. However, it doesn't seem to have the support for legacy devices that Homeseer has. I prefer not to have to write custom code to get my old RS232 based systems operational. That being said, the X10 support is appealing given what I currently have in place.
- Dave

 

[pete_c]

If a damaged NIC will cause serial comms issues, that could be a problem

It was what I saw. I did not attribute this to a damaged NIC but rather a promiscuous NIC that saw everything on the network.

When my OP2 NIC got overwhelmed it would cause comm issues and disconnect. If I disconnected the NIC then the comm issues would go away.