Grumpy Smurf
New Member
The extent of my experience was having bought an X10 starter kit many years ago, and used it for a few months, then decided it was too much hassles and unreliable / unfriendly to continue use.
I found the biggest problem with it was that
- I needed to change batteries
- It did not work well with un-trained people (my wife could not turn on the light without being shown)
- Slight unreliability as it can turn on / off by itself.
Now I am building a new house and will be installing structured cabling with LAN, Video, Phone throughout. Included will be a PC PVR with 6 CCTVs hooked to it and distributed to all TV points. I am OK with this, and quite clear of my requirements.
Second part of my installation would be a need for an intercom system (3x door stations) that can ring my home phone. I have not found the right device to do this yet. Globaltech's FoneLinq is the closest thing, but it seemed expensive (US$750) and is only capable of 1 door station.
Third part of my requirement is a security system. All I needed here is any system that is capable of calling me AND announcing in a VOICE if a zone has been penetrated.
Fourth part is some sort of automation.
I think by combining requirements 3&4 together using the Elk M1G would be perfect.
With automation, my utmost need is to be able to turn on and off 2x reverse cycle ducted air conditioners. Other needs like turning on/off some lights/appliance would be handy.
What are your thoughts? Am I heading the right direction?
I found the biggest problem with it was that
- I needed to change batteries
- It did not work well with un-trained people (my wife could not turn on the light without being shown)
- Slight unreliability as it can turn on / off by itself.
Now I am building a new house and will be installing structured cabling with LAN, Video, Phone throughout. Included will be a PC PVR with 6 CCTVs hooked to it and distributed to all TV points. I am OK with this, and quite clear of my requirements.
Second part of my installation would be a need for an intercom system (3x door stations) that can ring my home phone. I have not found the right device to do this yet. Globaltech's FoneLinq is the closest thing, but it seemed expensive (US$750) and is only capable of 1 door station.
Third part of my requirement is a security system. All I needed here is any system that is capable of calling me AND announcing in a VOICE if a zone has been penetrated.
Fourth part is some sort of automation.
I think by combining requirements 3&4 together using the Elk M1G would be perfect.
With automation, my utmost need is to be able to turn on and off 2x reverse cycle ducted air conditioners. Other needs like turning on/off some lights/appliance would be handy.
What are your thoughts? Am I heading the right direction?