Omni Pro and CCTV integration with DVR

[Anthony A.]

Im looking to tie in some automation to the OP2 panel using my cctv dvr. The dvr has alarm inputs and outputs so I got thinking if it would be possible to trigger some commands with its alarm outputs. For example, if I setup a camera to do motion recording, is it possible to send out a command to the OP2 that that zone is suddenly unsecure and I can turn on some lights? Basically, im trying to not have to wire in an outside motion detector to turn on security lights as I would like the camera motion detection to do the logic of triggering the zone as unsecure. Any thoughts on this?

 

[iostream212]

Sounds like it depends on the capabilities of your DVR, but there should be no reason that you couldn't add the alarm outputs of the DVR as a zone in your omnipro. I do something similar with ispy and my automation software for the exact reason you mention (avoiding an additional motion detector). I can't give you specifics as I am an elk man.

 

[pete_c]

I would like the camera motion detection to do the logic of triggering the zone as unsecure. Any thoughts on this?

 
I have both camera motion and outdoor sensors and have been testing using each and both at the same time. 
 
My preference though is using the outdoor hard wired sensors.
 
I am using X-10 and xAP right now out of the ZoneMinder (http://zoneminder.com) (http://zoneminder.com) (http://zoneminder.com) box for the motion sensor alarms.  The X10 stuff goes to the OPII panel.
 
I have recently integrated the HAI Omnitouch / camera server stuff to the OPII panel such that I can see both the analog and IP cameras on the Omnitouch 5.7 and Omnitouch 5.7e touchscreens.  It is working OK.  I would like more choices though in PCA for the IP camera views of 16:9 though.  The image quality on the serially connected screens is OK and it is a bit slow.
 
I take that back.  It seems way faster now on the OmniTouch 5.7 screens.  I used to have to wait for the video image; its there instantly now.

 

[HAI_fjh]

Hi Anthony A.,

Yes it is possible to use a motion detecting camera/DVR with contact outputs as a motion detector. Just wire the contact to a zone on the Omni. If you have zone resistors enabled, don't forget to add a resistor to this zone too.

In programming you can do something like:
WHEN ZONE X NOT READY
THE TURN ON LIGHTS

If you have the zone type set to an alarm type it can also trigger an alarm without any additional programming.

A couple of things you should consider. Cameras trigger motion on any visible motion this includes trees or shadows of trees blowing in the wind, stray dogs birds etc. So be careful with an outside camera that triggers an alarm as you may get a lot of false alarms. These sort of things typically do not trigger an IR motion detector which is looking for motion from a hot body. You can play around with the sensitivity settings but my experience is that you will still get a lot of false positives.

Places where motion detecting cameras work great are things like watching an entry exit from the inside. Not only will it trigger an alarm if someone violates the zone when the system is armed, but you also get a video log of everyone coming and going.

 

[Frunple]

I agree with Fred. EVERYTHING triggers my DVR's motion. Especially bees that love the heat coming off the cameras. They crawl all over them.
My DVR lets me chose a (or many) parts of the image to 'watch' for motion. If yours does this it's probably the best way to go.
BTW, I do not use the DVR for motion. 

 

[Anthony A.]

thanks for the info guys.  upon looking at the dvr specs, it says that the alarm outputs are actually relays.  the specs can be found here.
 
http://www.smartvisiondirect.com/index.php?ca_id=278&it_id=1682&query=item
 
so will that still work?  i know that i can set multiple spots for motion detection so im not too worried about that part, but not sure if the "relay" outputs they call alarm outputs will work.  any thoughts on this?

 

[Frunple]

Relays are opened or closed. It's exactly what a zone needs.