Existing GE home upgrade possible?

[radiohead]

Hi there,
 
Does anyone know if there is a way to update the wired GE system/control panel? in a home we just
bought with a new control panel etc? that would allow us to monitor it ourselves and add some 
home automation like thermostat control, maybe a camera etc? 
 
Saw many people on here using the ELK system which looks as though it offers the functionality we are looking
for, though not sure which and how many components would need to be replaced to allow its use?
 
Thanks,

 

[JimS]

Since it is a wired system all the sensors and door switches should be reusable.  If you have 2 wire smoke detectors they might need replacement.   Except for that the only things you should need to replace are the keypads and main panel. 
 
Virtually any panel will work to replace your existing panel.  Your choice of a new panel will depend on what additional functionality you want to add. 

 

[radiohead]

Thanks for the confirmation Jim.
 
So eventually I would like the system to handle some automation, ie adjust thermostat remotely, perhaps some lighting, and have a
few web cams if that is possible.
 
Is there one manufacturer I should stick with in regard to these functions?  Is there a 'package' out there that would
achieve this end?
 
Appreciate the help.

 

[neillt]

There are 2 main ways you can do this - get a hardware controller (such as from the HAI Omni series or an Elk M1) that does both the alarm and HA in one unit, or the other way is to use a more basic alarm panel that has an interface that a software package like HomeSeer can monitor.
 
Both methods have their pros and cons, and in the end it turns into a "what kind of oil is best" debate.  Personally I have an OmniProII doing all of the heavy lifting and then HaikuHelper running on a Mac Mini to provide some more advanced functionality under the direction of the OmniPro.