OmniPro II or IIe?

[nfmmalice]

I'm looking at the OmniPro II system, and I'm trying to figure out which unit will better suit my needs.

I'm looking to install it into a 1600sqft house, and incorporate it with an UPB LIghting system.

I'm looking back and forth between the II and the IIe and am wondering if the II wont just be overkill for the area?

What are the major Baseline differences between the two?

 

[Steve]

You mean the OmniPro II vs the Omni IIe? Did you look at the detailed comparison chart?

 

[nfmmalice]

You mean the OmniPro II vs the Omni IIe? Did you look at the detailed comparison chart?

I did, and on the surface, it seemed like basically the same system with more limited zoning. I was just wondering if anything went deeper than that. Sometimes things aren't always what they appear. =)


What is the difference between Lighting Scenes, Lighting Addresses and Zones?

 

[Steve]

A zone is a security contact - a door, window, motion, glass break, etc. Anything that is monitored - could also be water detection, and thing like external power supply monitoring, etc.

A lighting address is an individual device, so its like a switch or module (appliance, lamp, inline). A scene is basically a group of addresses/devices.

Assuming you know for absolute sure you will never exceed the limits, the Omni IIe should be fine. The biggest limitation I think is the lack of support for the expansion enclosures which means you are limited to your 8 onboard outputs. If you use the Omni and/or relays to switch things like garage doors, irrigation valves, other high current devices, etc. you can quickly run out of outputs. In fact, I opted for a Rain8Net for my irrigation this time instead of using 4 dedicated relays/outputs since I need to save some for my pool equipment. You just have to be sure about your limitations as in time your needs change so don't think short term, think longer term. Of course, you could always double up zones if you absolutely needed to. I would probably look at the price of the two and if it wasn't that much more I would opt for the Pro just to know I had the room to grow.

 

[nfmmalice]

That is what I was trying to figure out.

Ultimately I will want to add in my Pool Equipment, Irrigation, Garage Door etc.

So the IIe has no expandability in that department?

I guess my biggest hurdle at this point is trying to figure out what controls what.

I need to look into Video Cameras, Security contacts, and everything else to make sure I know I will have enough room for future additions without having to upgrade the panel.

 

[Steve]

Well the IIe does not support the Expansion enclosure which is what you would need for zones past 48 and Outputs past 8. Usually 48 zones will be plenty for an average size house unless you want an extreme amount of granularity, but 8 outputs imho are kind of limiting. As I alluded to in another thread I am not a fan of having to get a whole expansion enclosure just to add some outputs, but it is what is is. An exp enclosure is also really needed if you have a separate detached garage, workshop or similar that you want to tie in also.

Call Automated Outlet and see if they can give you a good enough deal on a Pro II to make it worth it to you .

 

[pete_c]

Personally went with Omni Pro II (2 setups). I've expanded the one in the MW 3 times so far. The one in FL only once.

 

[nfmmalice]

Where would cameras be located? I need to make sure I have support for 6-8 cameras as well.

I'll try and call Automated Outlet and see what they say.

 

[nexus99]

I'd go OPII. I have a IIe now and wish I had a OPII.

 

[nfmmalice]

Another question is, how much of the Load can be Dumped off to a Software based controller?

My initial response was to go with a software based system like CQC or Homeseer, but they don't have as robust of a security system as I would like.

I could, theoretically, offload a ton of my needs to the PC (Cameras, UPB, etc) and not worry about the expandability of the controller.

If i'm not mistaken (which I could very well be) I can offload the Garage Door relays and irrigation to the PC, thereby freeing up a ton of room on the controller?

I'm still not sure of what the advantages of a Controller like the Omni are over the software based versions like Homeseer.

Again sorry I keep asking silly questions, but I'm trying to figure out the best way for me to go here.

 

[pete_c]

I primarily utilize the OmniPro II for my security, lighting and thermostat with some simple script lines. I utilize my Homeseer Pro and TTS to run more complex scripts talking to OPII. I utilize Rain8's for irrigation via software. My cameras go to a separate server. I utilize Russound for sound. I am playing with different types of powerline via both HAI panel and HSPro. Old is X10/Insteon and new is UPB and Z-Wave; all concurrently connected.

One script run on HSPro involves delivery of a package utilizing PIR's, cameras, doorbell, etc. I get a video of the delivery.

 

[nfmmalice]

I primarily utilize the OmniPro II for my security, lighting and thermostat with some simple script lines. I utilize my Homeseer Pro and TTS to run more complex scripts talking to OPII. I utilize Rain8's for irrigation via software. My cameras go to a separate server. I utilize Russound for sound.

In my "Pre mapping" for my system, that was almost the exact layout I was looking at.

OmniPro II/Elk M1 for Security, lighting and thermostat
Rain8 For irrigation
Russound for Multi Zone.
HomeSeer pro for Touch Panel Programming/Setup and scripting

But then I was looking at it and noting that I could Use Homeseer for the Lighting and Irrigation, as well as Russound. So I was trying to figure out the "need" for the OmniPro, aside from the Relays for 12v relays...

 

[Steve]

I try to do as much in the panel as I practically can first, then supplement with software. These things are really high end security panels with automation functions added in. To me, if you need a security system, its a no brainer to start with one of these and put all of the most important stuff in it. They are usually rock solid reliable and will run damn near 24 hours (or even longer depending on your batteries) in a power outage. There are going to be some things only the panel can do or do well, some for the pc and then many others that can go either way.

 

[pete_c]

Actually most important is the security piece of OPII.

 

[ASIHome]

Also decide if you are ever going to add whole house audio. The Omni IIe only supports HAI's HiFi system. The Omni Pro II supports that and much more from companies such as Russound, Xantech, Nuvo, etc.