Keypads necessary (new HAI install)

[rismoney]

I am doing a new wire install for a house that is open (no walls).
I will be using HAI Omni Pro II. Its a colonial house about 3500 ft.
I will be using the HAI for security (window, door sensors) and lighting controls.

Originally I was going to put keypads in the garage, master BR, and front hall? They are kind of ugly, and feel they are leaning towards obsolete single purpose utilities. Are these required for alarm control, or can I do away with these altogether and go exclusively with ipad/droid/ipod touch's, and notebook pcs? Would I be losing any core functionality, or ease?

Rich

 

[Steve]

I agree the HAI consoles are not the nicest. I would always keep 1 console in the system, even if by the panel itself then you can use whatever other interface(s) you want.

 

[fabriziojoe]

I am doing a new wire install for a house that is open (no walls).
I will be using HAI Omni Pro II. Its a colonial house about 3500 ft.
I will be using the HAI for security (window, door sensors) and lighting controls.

Originally I was going to put keypads in the garage, master BR, and front hall? They are kind of ugly, and feel they are leaning towards obsolete single purpose utilities. Are these required for alarm control, or can I do away with these altogether and go exclusively with ipad/droid/ipod touch's, and notebook pcs? Would I be losing any core functionality, or ease?

Rich

If you do not have the dealer version of PC Access you will need a keypad to program. In addition, I believe you need to initially obtain the 2 key codes from the keypad.

 

[relay]

What was pointed out to me by other members with more experience is: What happens when your WIFI fails or a power outage that takes out your Internet access or any other unforseen circumstances. Without a keypad, how do you disarm the panel?
It was recomended to keep at least one keypad by an entrance so you can disarm manually in the event of a problem.

 

[cornutt]

You can't use PC Access until you set up an access code for it, and the only way to do that is through the keypad.

 

[ano]

If it were me I would still want a keypad in the master bedroom and by each door that leads in and out of the house. If for no other reason to see the alarm status. You will get lots more false alarms if that red LED isn't there to remind everyone that the alarm is on. You could use just an LED if you wanted to be fancy. And as others have said, consider the case of the power being off. Can the alarm be fully controlled and are the alarms fully being communicated? Its not unrealistic to think that a fire could knock out the power.