rykman
New Member
Hi,
I am looking too get some advice on selecting a new security system. I am not familiar with security systems but I have over 20 years of computer technical back ground. I don't think I'll have many problems with setting it up myself as long as I can get my hands on the manuals for installation & user guide (with assistance when I get myself in a situation as we all do). I currently have a very old (25 years) ADT Caretaker system so I plan on using the wires that are already there. If I have to I'll replace the contacts but first I'll see if they work.
I was looking at ELK & HAI systems but am leaning toward the ELK for cost savings. I was looking at either Honeywell or DSC Neo system but the cost can be so close to an ELK system once you add automation via Vera or Homeseer and it is all in one system instead of interfacing.
If you have the time please provide the components or options you would purchase to accomplish the requirement.
This is my requirements list:
Control board in enclosure, I probably go with a kit like the M1GSYS4.
Battery & transformer Backup
Need minimum 8 wired zones (these are the ADT pre-wired ready to go zones)
(Dining room windows (2 contacts wired together) – living room windows (2 contacts wired together) – slider – bath window – kitchen bow window (3 contacts wired together) – kitchen window – front door (door jamb contact) – kitchen door – door jamb contact)
Indoor Sound /speaker device – current system has one but not sure if it will work
My current system has wireless zones for 2 back doors that I think I can easily wire so I’ll need contacts for these.
Wireless zones (some I might be able to wire)
Window contacts - 3 (finished basement windows would be hard to hardwire)
Garage door contact – 1 (I could wire this easily so if that would be better than please provide both options)
Motion sensor (pets) – 2 – I could wire these easily so if that would be better than please provide both options)
Outdoor contact for shed (about 50 ‘ from house)- 1
Outdoor speaker/siren/strobe – only if I can control it to only go off on a time delay
Fire alarms – 3 (would be nice if they all sounded if one is tripped) (There is one wireless from the ADT system) I can wire these if that would be a better solution, if yes please give me both options so I can select if wires are not possible.
Carbon monoxide/natural gas sensor alarm – 1 – wireless would be easier but I can wire this, the problem I have is our town just passed a new law stating we have to have CO2 detectors that provide a constant readout of current CO2 level. Not sure such a thing is possible yet.
Keypads 2 (front & rear doors) – talking or very easy to use, would be nice if one (front door could display items like weather in addition to alarm status. One is already wired and I think I can wire the back door.
Wireless keypad or ability to use Android phone/tablet (for bedroom) – easy to use, display items like weather, time, system status (window doors open)
It would be nice to be able to connect via a pc for programming if that is possible.
I have a few Z-Wave lights in my home currently controller by a Harmony 890Pro. I want to integrate these (and add new ones) so I’ll need the interface module and I assume some type of stick to pair the devices.
Monitoring – I’d like to be able to monitor this system myself via android app and I’d like to subscribe to a central station (good cheap one) with both a phone line (I have cable company phone service) and ability to have cell type backup.
Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Rykman
I am looking too get some advice on selecting a new security system. I am not familiar with security systems but I have over 20 years of computer technical back ground. I don't think I'll have many problems with setting it up myself as long as I can get my hands on the manuals for installation & user guide (with assistance when I get myself in a situation as we all do). I currently have a very old (25 years) ADT Caretaker system so I plan on using the wires that are already there. If I have to I'll replace the contacts but first I'll see if they work.
I was looking at ELK & HAI systems but am leaning toward the ELK for cost savings. I was looking at either Honeywell or DSC Neo system but the cost can be so close to an ELK system once you add automation via Vera or Homeseer and it is all in one system instead of interfacing.
If you have the time please provide the components or options you would purchase to accomplish the requirement.
This is my requirements list:
Control board in enclosure, I probably go with a kit like the M1GSYS4.
Battery & transformer Backup
Need minimum 8 wired zones (these are the ADT pre-wired ready to go zones)
(Dining room windows (2 contacts wired together) – living room windows (2 contacts wired together) – slider – bath window – kitchen bow window (3 contacts wired together) – kitchen window – front door (door jamb contact) – kitchen door – door jamb contact)
Indoor Sound /speaker device – current system has one but not sure if it will work
My current system has wireless zones for 2 back doors that I think I can easily wire so I’ll need contacts for these.
Wireless zones (some I might be able to wire)
Window contacts - 3 (finished basement windows would be hard to hardwire)
Garage door contact – 1 (I could wire this easily so if that would be better than please provide both options)
Motion sensor (pets) – 2 – I could wire these easily so if that would be better than please provide both options)
Outdoor contact for shed (about 50 ‘ from house)- 1
Outdoor speaker/siren/strobe – only if I can control it to only go off on a time delay
Fire alarms – 3 (would be nice if they all sounded if one is tripped) (There is one wireless from the ADT system) I can wire these if that would be a better solution, if yes please give me both options so I can select if wires are not possible.
Carbon monoxide/natural gas sensor alarm – 1 – wireless would be easier but I can wire this, the problem I have is our town just passed a new law stating we have to have CO2 detectors that provide a constant readout of current CO2 level. Not sure such a thing is possible yet.
Keypads 2 (front & rear doors) – talking or very easy to use, would be nice if one (front door could display items like weather in addition to alarm status. One is already wired and I think I can wire the back door.
Wireless keypad or ability to use Android phone/tablet (for bedroom) – easy to use, display items like weather, time, system status (window doors open)
It would be nice to be able to connect via a pc for programming if that is possible.
I have a few Z-Wave lights in my home currently controller by a Harmony 890Pro. I want to integrate these (and add new ones) so I’ll need the interface module and I assume some type of stick to pair the devices.
Monitoring – I’d like to be able to monitor this system myself via android app and I’d like to subscribe to a central station (good cheap one) with both a phone line (I have cable company phone service) and ability to have cell type backup.
Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Rykman