New alarm system... is Network/IP-based possible?

[canuck88]

Hi everyone,

New to the forums and to home security. We currently have a DSC PC2500 system with 2 keypads, 4 motion sensors (Aleph XP-1A), and 4 door sensors (including 1 on the garage doors). Becuase all of the wiring is in place, I'd like to upgrade the system. Ultimately I would like to enable some sort of internet connectivity (so I can use my mobile device to either control it or at the very least receive notifications - I prefer to monitor it myself over a monitoring company), but realize that may not be possible. I've discovered the very cool Abus Secvest IP-based system, but it's only in Europe... anything like that in N. America?

If it's not possible to have an IP/network-based system that I can control online, can anyone recommend a nice system as a drop-in replacement to what I have now (perhaps with new PIRs and keypads, but using the current door sensors).

Any help would be wonderful!

 

[Neurorad]

Check out the Elk M1 Gold and HAI OPII.

Subforums for each of those here at cocoontech, hidden in the Marketplace subforum. Elk Chief Engineer and HAI employees post there.

http://www.cocoontech.com/forums/index.php?showforum=36

I know it's hard to search cocoontech for 3-letter words - Elk, HAI, M1G. Maybe search 'alarm'.

Can't go wrong with either of those systems. Several comparison threads.

Edit - and welcome to CT.

 

[tmbrown97]

As neuro said, those are the two favorites because they're full fledged automation systems and pretty comparable.

Using my Elk M1Gold I have control of my security, lights, irrigation, and HVAC all via any touchscreen, iPad or iPhone (there's android versions too).

Read all over here - there's a lot to learn but the options are limitless - you just need to know what you want.

Also - almost all wired sensors are compatible (there can be EOL resistors but they're rarely used in residential) - your wired motions and doors will be just fine.

 

[apostolakisl]

Agree with all the above.

It sound like you have a relatively small setup at present. If you plan on expanding the system a bunch then you should for sure look at a more capable system like the hai or elk.

However, if all you want is to add some ip communications to your current system, the cai webcontrol can do that for cheap. My buddy has a warehouse with the same dsc you have, 2 overhead doors, 1 regular door, and a motion detector. The cai has 8 inputs on it, 8 outputs, and is IP enabled with programing and email capacity. I added it to his system connecting a couple of the cai's outputs to 2 of his zones and one of the dsc outputs to one of the cai inputs. Via the internet he can now turn the alarm on/off and get an email if the alarm trips. You could add additional connections if you like. The best part is that it only cost $60 including the relay board. There is also an iphone app.

I also wired in his thermostat so he can turn the AC on/off remotely. One of these days I am going to write a program for the cai and get rid of the thermostat completely (let the cai be the thermostat).