Hardware based controler w/o security

[royalj7]

I know Elk is very popular with the folks here (if they don't have a Stargate that is ), but what do people recommend for a HW based controller with no security? I'm thinking of the folks in a retrofit situation that can't run the wires for door and window sensors, but still want to do lighting, HVAC, home theater, etc.

Obviously, a PC system like CQC or Homeseer would fit the bill, but what in solid state?

--Jamie

 

[WayneW]

HomeVision has a very solid history and good reputation.

 

[upstatemike]

Top choices are HomeVision, Stargate (or RCS Commstar), Ocelot, and Cortexa.

 

[Spanky]

In the M1 consideration, buy the M1Gold Control and metal box only package. Program the automation functions from ELKRP and do not do any security. This saves a lot of money.

If you do not need telephone remote control or voice, consider the M1EZ8 Control which will do all the automation functions and save even more money.

 

[royalj7]

Top choices are HomeVision, Stargate (or RCS Commstar), Ocelot, and Cortexa.

Good list. I rememeber you saying you wouldn't recommend the Stargate to new custumers as it's near the end of its cycle.

 

[opie]

Also, HAI has a new line of panels, based on the Omni line, that do not have security. They are called the Lumina Series controllers. One advantage here is HAI has their own wireless sensors and there is a lot of native support built in for things like Russound or NuVo. Also they have a plug-in for Windows Media Center.

A few people here have mentioned that HAI isn't all that helpful to the DIY market so that may be a factor. I just thought I would throw it out there as another option.

 

[upstatemike]

Top choices are HomeVision, Stargate (or RCS Commstar), Ocelot, and Cortexa.

Good list. I rememeber you saying you wouldn't recommend the Stargate to new custumers as it's near the end of its cycle.

I remember the comment about end-of-life but I don't think I was the one who made it. My concern with Stargate is that they stopped making the telephone/speach board which is it's best feature. I recall a lengthy discussion about what system, hadrware or software or combination, could do as much as the Stargate can do as easily as the Stargate can do it. In the end, no viable substitute was identified.

Most alternatives will have one or more of the following shortcomings:

Weak support for hardware inputs. (obviously does not apply security panel based systems)

Weak support for audio switching, particularly in connecting line level to speaker level, to phone level.

Weak support for telephone features such as dialing a phone system paging code and making an announcement.

Weak support for analog inputs, especially in applying scaling and offsets.

Weak support for triggering events on "any change" to a variable rather than just on crossing a preset threshold.

Overly difficult scripting or rules engine. No point and click rules builder.

Limited rules engine with no nested logic or complex formula options.

Limited number of rules or lines of code.

Limited or no support for inexpensive keypads and annunciators such as the RCS 7 button LED keypad or RCS 8 button LCD keypad.

Weak or no support for IR.

 

[upstatemike]

Also, HAI has a new line of panels, based on the Omni line, that do not have security. They are called the Lumina Series controllers. One advantage here is HAI has their own wireless sensors and there is a lot of native support built in for things like Russound or NuVo. Also they have a plug-in for Windows Media Center.

A few people here have mentioned that HAI isn't all that helpful to the DIY market so that may be a factor. I just thought I would throw it out there as another option.

I think the weak points with HAI are a limited rules engine and limited program space. Sort of like a ferrari with a governor that won't let you go faster than 45.

That fact that they don't want to deal with end users doesn't help much either.

 

[dwayne]

www.controlanything.com

www.ontrak.net

 

[royalj7]

In the M1 consideration, buy the M1Gold Control and metal box only package. Program the automation functions from ELKRP and do not do any security. This saves a lot of money.

If you do not need telephone remote control or voice, consider the M1EZ8 Control which will do all the automation functions and save even more money.

A quick question from someone that doesn't use an Elk. What can you do with the voice and telephone capabilities of the Gold? I can think of calling in to start an event, open the garage door, etc but anything else?

--Jamie

 

[royalj7]

Also, HAI has a new line of panels, based on the Omni line, that do not have security. They are called the Lumina Series controllers. One advantage here is HAI has their own wireless sensors and there is a lot of native support built in for things like Russound or NuVo. Also they have a plug-in for Windows Media Center.

A few people here have mentioned that HAI isn't all that helpful to the DIY market so that may be a factor. I just thought I would throw it out there as another option.

I actually think the Lumina systems look interesting. However, they seem to be priced higher than the Elk Gold but with pretty similar feature sets. Though it looks like the Lumina comes with several standard features that are optional on an Elk, ie ethernet port, multiple serial ports. So, I don't know if that would put them closer in cost. Good find, thanks!

--Jamie

 

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Jamie,

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Martin

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