Is the X10 Voice Dialer Console (PS561) worthwhile for security?

[RichTJ99]

Hi,

I get all those X10 emails for deals on this or that. I was curious, how helpful is the Voice Dialer Console (PS561) (http://www.x10.com/security/ds7000_s_ps99.html)?

I know you get what you pay for. I do not have any type of alarm. My setup is Insteon with X10 motion sensors all over the place (door sensors too). I use Homeseer for my automation.

Is this worth getting & installing?

Thanks,
Rich

 

[nsisman]

I don't have one myself but I would suggest that you go to the X10 site and get the manual for that alarm unit and read through it.

If I remember correctly I don't think it was overly user friendly for the other family members who might need to use it or set it ?

Hopefully others will chime in here.... I am quite happy with just DS10 sensors on the garage and shed and MS13's in the cars and lots of noisemakers. (chimes and sounds and lights coming on)

 

[Skibum]

$15 and you can have mine. I consider it efluvium.

 

[RichTJ99]

$15 and you can have mine. I consider it efluvium.

suddenly I am more interested in what the word efluvium means?

Im guessing that this device isnt worth much. I will look at the manual but something with a keypad & a code you could punch in would be what I am looking for.

 

[Skibum]

effluvium: A byproduct or residue; waste.

 

[ver0776]

It is junk compared to HS, or any other software for that matter. What features are you missing in HS that would would want this thing for? I am sure Rupp or someone could advise you on how to do what you want with HomeSeer without buying this hardware.

If they can't come see me ;-)

Vaughn

 

[davefred99]

It is junk compared to HS, or any other software for that matter. What features are you missing in HS that would would want this thing for? I am sure Rupp or someone could advise you on how to do what you want with HomeSeer without buying this hardware.

If they can't come see me ;-)

Vaughn

It is not fair to compare a hardware interface to a software solution. I will agree that the Ps561 console which is part of the DS7000 alarm system is not a full fledged alarm. However it does do exactly what its supposed to do. It works with simple wireless door contacts and motion sensors and will call up to 4 different numbers until it reaches a live voice ( no answering machines).
If you can afford it then by all means get a full fledged monitored hardwired alarm system. On the other hand if you just want to set something up thats cheap and your not trusting your life on it then its a viable entry level option.
I would also not suggest that any software solution is the way to go because if the PC fails then the whole system fails. In the best of all worlds solution I would use a system like the elk that works both standalone and also interfaces with many software solutions.
Just my 2 cents, Dave

 

[RichTJ99]

Hi,

Mostly what i am looking for (in a perfect world) is something inexpensive, that will work with HS & can use the X10 motion / door contacts. I would like some sort of keypad entry at the front & rear doors (again something wireless might be nice). All of these things could send data to HS for other scripting options.

Its not life or death, right now I have nothing, so something that could page or text me would be great. Plus if it at least gives the illusion of an alarm system, thats fine by me too. Again if it costs me under 200 bucks to do this, that is great.

Really I am just playing around & I might decide to go for a real alarm solution but this is better than nothing for now (plus its always fun to tinker).

If I go away, it would be nice to have the house call a neighboor (granted not at 3am but hey).

I just have not added anything to my house in a few months & want to play with something cheap.

It is not fair to compare a hardware interface to a software solution. I will agree that the Ps561 console which is part of the DS7000 alarm system is not a full fledged alarm. However it does do exactly what its supposed to do. It works with simple wireless door contacts and motion sensors and will call up to 4 different numbers until it reaches a live voice ( no answering machines).
If you can afford it then by all means get a full fledged monitored hardwired alarm system. On the other hand if you just want to set something up thats cheap and your not trusting your life on it then its a viable entry level option.
I would also not suggest that any software solution is the way to go because if the PC fails then the whole system fails. In the best of all worlds solution I would use a system like the elk that works both standalone and also interfaces with many software solutions.
Just my 2 cents, Dave

 

[RichTJ99]

bump