Help System Design

[peedlej]

WHAT I AM LOOKING TO DO
I am wanting to have greater control over my home security system and add some automation. After all my reading, zwave and insteon seem to be most cost effective for my tight budget with possible open source HA software(what kind?) or something like mControl if really needed. Would like Future Flexibility... perhaps upb, arduino etc.

SPECIFICALLY I WANT...
to be able to monitor doors, fire(c02) and 2-4 motion sensors. Maybe adding water sensor, and a few light/appliance switches. I also want to be able to have custom scenes and ability to SMB for certain conditions.

WHAT I CURRENTLY HAVE
I have a computer that is running all the time with xp pro and can add computer running linux workstation or server(if really needed). I currently have Powerseries+ security system(self monitored). Asee dvr and wired cameras and Android phone systems and WIFI.

My home was built in 1950's and has no ground wires (all 2 prong).

EXPERIENCE
Comfortable with programming and hardware. Tried x10 many years ago with terrible results.

Any suggestions will be appreciated.

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

Budget?
Do you have a current system in place and want to modify (or start fresh)?
Security?
Rely on a PC 'all' the time or central controller?
Do you want mobile access?
Do you want security integrated with automation?
What types of automation?

 

[peedlej]

BraveSirRobbin... thanks for responding.
 
WHAT I THINK I WANT... I am in the process of making decisions but there are so many not-so-clear areas...

Open hardware, software options for managing motion detectors(with scenes). I'm thinking mControl riding on my xp home server is the easiest way to get my feet wet. I would really prefer something open source that is capable. If anyone could point me at software, it would be appreciated. Technology in this (BEST-GUESS) order... zwave, insteon, upb. I really like the "ZIGBEE IDEA".

Besides the Powerseries Security system. I have some motion detectors that beep from Household Alert? Everything has worked fine for years... but they only do what they do. For example, I would like to have my motion detectors do certain things at certain times. I want some options.

I really don't want to jump in with both feet, but I don't want to have to do a lot of backing up down the road. My automation needs really are limited for now but depending on the upcoming experience, may grow to more than 10-20 devices. Immediately, motion sensors, perhaps 1 or 2 IP cameras on top of "in place" cameras, intrusion and fire stuff secondary and not immediate.

If I am getting the gist of all the comments etc I've been reading, I'm thinkng I could probably phase out my in-place security system and approach it from a truly scalable, programmable diy point-of-view while also incorporating some home automation in the process.

I already have an xp machine acting as a server so I was thinking that could be my controller for now with proper software. Prefer open source but not above something like mcontrol.

Something like the Raspberry pi with a debian build also intrigues me. After reading a zillion opinions on ISY and Vera, I feel that I would like to keep hardware/software separate.

I've looked at arduino/android adk, but would rather just use SMS for notifications and something already available for the limited amount of remote programming, button pushing etc. I have static ip with dyn updater.

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

Hmmm, why not play around with Premise with your XP machine as it's totally free (though I would not recommend it for long term).  Maybe get a raspberry pi that includes the z-wave stack  if you are interested in both Z-Wave and the Raz...