HELP -- I am a long time owner of OmniPro hardware and have an extensive program, but still learning more. However, we are totally Mac in our house now and I am search of a better way to access/program than the convoluted VirtualBox/Windows/PC Access solution I have now. Any suggestions??
HAI OMNI with a Mac
- Thread starter SteveFil
- Start date
Hahahahah I have a windows machine I use mostly for running PC Access, it also runs some stuff for Caller ID and filtering along with Russound programming. There was a program to do some Omnipro manipulation but its long gone. I think you're SOL unfortunately.... Someone should build a web based programming tool for it. That would be super nifty!
pete_c
Guru
PC Access dealer version was written for HAI Omni Installers in Windows. It is a very simple program with no eye candy.
It will never be updated to running on iOS or Linux. It was not written for the DIY Omni Installer or user.
There was a time a few years back that I did get it to run using Wine on Linux.
The smallest OS Windows build that it'll run on is old XP in an Oracle Virtual box. Works perfect and you can create a lite 10Gb or less container for it. Too here have created 8-16 Gb embedded XP/W7 which works just fine these days. There is also embedded Win8.1 and today a very lite W10 (sort of embedded and runs mostly via the cloud).
You can also do what Ano has done above purchasing a less than $100 Windows 10 computer. You can also purchase a Windows 10 tablet with a keyboard these days for less than $100 and use that too (with a keyboard).
It will never be updated to running on iOS or Linux. It was not written for the DIY Omni Installer or user.
There was a time a few years back that I did get it to run using Wine on Linux.
The smallest OS Windows build that it'll run on is old XP in an Oracle Virtual box. Works perfect and you can create a lite 10Gb or less container for it. Too here have created 8-16 Gb embedded XP/W7 which works just fine these days. There is also embedded Win8.1 and today a very lite W10 (sort of embedded and runs mostly via the cloud).
You can also do what Ano has done above purchasing a less than $100 Windows 10 computer. You can also purchase a Windows 10 tablet with a keyboard these days for less than $100 and use that too (with a keyboard).
pete_c
Guru
Over the last twenty years there has been much user software created for the OmniPro panels.
On this forum there is mention of the software. IE: CQC and Homeseer.
That said as it a combination security and automation panel it was made not to tinker with; well set and forget.
Here it is seldom that I make changes to the panel as it works just fine for me.
I do not and have never spent much time watching my OmniPro 2 panel nor automation software remotely as it just works and really doesn't need eye candy to work.
On this forum there is mention of the software. IE: CQC and Homeseer.
That said as it a combination security and automation panel it was made not to tinker with; well set and forget.
Here it is seldom that I make changes to the panel as it works just fine for me.
I do not and have never spent much time watching my OmniPro 2 panel nor automation software remotely as it just works and really doesn't need eye candy to work.
I agree - my problem is that Haiku won't last IOS iterations and I need something to control my system when home and afar. If the omnipro development ends and there isn't something to plop on top of it I seriously have to consider something else - however most of the new-fangled systems all seem to be wireless junk.
pete_c
Guru
Yes and the Haiku folks have written new iOS automation software which includes a connection or plugin to the OmniPro 2 panel.
I think it is still called "new product" and still being developed from what I can tell reading the posts over here:
The new product
Here have always been able to control my OmniPro 2 panels locally and remotely since initial installation around the early 2000's. Never did have any issues with this. Two automobiles are connected to the internet and I can watch the panel on the HU display but would rather listen to my music when driving. But that is me.
I think it is still called "new product" and still being developed from what I can tell reading the posts over here:
The new product
Here have always been able to control my OmniPro 2 panels locally and remotely since initial installation around the early 2000's. Never did have any issues with this. Two automobiles are connected to the internet and I can watch the panel on the HU display but would rather listen to my music when driving. But that is me.
Listen, I love haiku helper. I don't wan to talk bad but I am going to! 
Space was a disaster - lots of people were very disappointed with it all together and I am one of them. I wasn't pissed but there were a lot of unhappy (MAD) customers with that. No updates or follow up and a on your own and talk about an update to space lingered for years. Now there is something "new" and some people are beta testers. I chose not to be one because I want my options of going off and writing something myself or having something written. Anyway - I don't know when or if the new product will ever come to fruition and I've stopped waiting. Its been a long time.... no progress report. This clearly isn't a full time gig for them as well as the original model wasn't money making. The idea is that this one will be product agnostic and then have a larger potential consumer base which I understand and can appreciate but as a omnipro owner I need something current. I can't believe Leviton has given up and can't write something equal or better to Haiku. If anyone would put their money behind the development it should be them. That lack of development is disconcerting at best.
Space was a disaster - lots of people were very disappointed with it all together and I am one of them. I wasn't pissed but there were a lot of unhappy (MAD) customers with that. No updates or follow up and a on your own and talk about an update to space lingered for years. Now there is something "new" and some people are beta testers. I chose not to be one because I want my options of going off and writing something myself or having something written. Anyway - I don't know when or if the new product will ever come to fruition and I've stopped waiting. Its been a long time.... no progress report. This clearly isn't a full time gig for them as well as the original model wasn't money making. The idea is that this one will be product agnostic and then have a larger potential consumer base which I understand and can appreciate but as a omnipro owner I need something current. I can't believe Leviton has given up and can't write something equal or better to Haiku. If anyone would put their money behind the development it should be them. That lack of development is disconcerting at best.
pete_c
Guru
Yes; Leviton doesn't care much for the OmniPro 2 these days. They will not be updating their software.
That said they are promoting 3rd party companies that do write software for the Omni panels.
Leviton is moving towards a cloud connected automation controller using all wireless trinkets. (the mention of security is there too).
or
contact your local ISP for their combination automation and security solution.
They want your business and will provide to you anything you want for a price.
That said they are promoting 3rd party companies that do write software for the Omni panels.
Leviton is moving towards a cloud connected automation controller using all wireless trinkets. (the mention of security is there too).
or
contact your local ISP for their combination automation and security solution.
They want your business and will provide to you anything you want for a price.
pete_c
Guru
Comcast / Xfinity does have security. (so does Verizon and smaller ISPs today)
A total home security solution
That said had it installed recently in one family members home.
It is not personally what I would want for my home.
In addition to remotely arming and disarming your system with the XFINITY Home app, you can also look after and control your home from anywhere. With additional equipment, get live video monitoring so you can see that your kids got home safely, control your thermostat and turn on lights so you never come home to a dark house again, and much more.
Think it starts around $29.99 for one year with a two year contract. Even better bundle it with your telephone and televison and get even a better deal.
Just noticed today that NextAlarm is posting Android and iOS applications to monitor your service with them.
Noticed the video monitoring now available on NextAlarm.
Also it appears that NextAlarm is owned by Numerex these days.
Noticed too here getting blaster emails from a company called alarmmonitoringservices (AMS). These guys are total con artists allowed to have a willy nilly business in the state of Washington. They have been sued for their willy nilly practices by the state and have changed their name. I wrote about this company a few years back.
If you want to just DIY your own alarm system (like many folks do these days - not recommended though).
You can just utilize the Smarthings Hub / Smart phone apps and an interface to your wired sensors via an Arduino Hardware interface board called Konnected Security.
Or run the HAILogger Smarthings Hub interface. Its easy and works fine with smart phones.
A total home security solution
That said had it installed recently in one family members home.
It is not personally what I would want for my home.
In addition to remotely arming and disarming your system with the XFINITY Home app, you can also look after and control your home from anywhere. With additional equipment, get live video monitoring so you can see that your kids got home safely, control your thermostat and turn on lights so you never come home to a dark house again, and much more.
Think it starts around $29.99 for one year with a two year contract. Even better bundle it with your telephone and televison and get even a better deal.
Just noticed today that NextAlarm is posting Android and iOS applications to monitor your service with them.
Noticed the video monitoring now available on NextAlarm.
Also it appears that NextAlarm is owned by Numerex these days.
Noticed too here getting blaster emails from a company called alarmmonitoringservices (AMS). These guys are total con artists allowed to have a willy nilly business in the state of Washington. They have been sued for their willy nilly practices by the state and have changed their name. I wrote about this company a few years back.
If you want to just DIY your own alarm system (like many folks do these days - not recommended though).
You can just utilize the Smarthings Hub / Smart phone apps and an interface to your wired sensors via an Arduino Hardware interface board called Konnected Security.
Or run the HAILogger Smarthings Hub interface. Its easy and works fine with smart phones.
The rates where nothing like $29.99/yr a couple years ago when we moved in to a new house with an existing Comcast Home system. And the 2yr contract with cancellation penalty was pretty steep. At least in our area, high speed internet is required for the Comcast Home system, plus the alarm contract, so you're looking at upwards of $80/mo for 2 yrs minimum. They support cameras and video on the system, but that comes at a higher price.pete_c said:
Its CRAZY. COX here charges $30/months with a two year contract and you get 2 door contacts and one motion detector. If you want video, or smoke alarms, or thermostats, or locks, its $45/month for two years, but you still need to buy the locks, smoke detectors, and locks. So for 2 years you have paid over $1000 for just monitoring.
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