Omnitouch 7 to replace standard console?

sjht

Active Member
In getting a new Omnitouch 7 and would like to replace my standard console as the location would be ideal in our home. I know that HAI recommends having one, but why? I also have an older 5.7 which seems to be able to do about everything that a standard console can do and is also wired directly to the console. I use PC Access for all configuration. The orignal console looks a bit dated compared to newer ones. Am I missing something important? I likely would not replace if I didn't have the 5.7 as if my network failed I would not have any control. SJ
 
Unlike the Omnitouch 5.7, which is wired into the serial bus the same way as the HAI console, the 5.7e and the 7 are POE-powered and rely on an IP connection to the panel.  I think this makes it less reliable in practice, at least for me.
 
I have noticed times when my 5.7e is not as responsive, e.g. when my alarm has been tripped and i need to deactivate it (i have a number of rules which trigger on alarm); the OP2 is slow to respond to IP commands (including from phone apps), but the serial console remains responsive at these times. 
 
Also if you don't have a battery backup for all network switches/routers between your touchscreens and the panel, a power outage may prevent connection between your IP touchscreen and the panel.
 
Finally, the 5.7e doesn't have support for all the features that the console and the 5.7 have (the 5.7 and consoles appear functionally equivalent AFAICT), and it appears the 7 will support even fewer functions than the 5.7e.
 
Personally, now that I have upgraded my 5.7s to 5.7es and I better understand the various limitations, I'm thinking about adding a second serial console.
 
Here I have left one keypad in place and left the Omnitouch 5.7's in place adding the Omnitouch 5.7e's here and there. 
 
I do see occasional issues with the Omnitouch 5.7e's POE connected (with backup).  I do not see any communications issues with the serial connected Omnitouch 5.7's.  I am too utilizing a legacy Omnitouch hub with video panel with its own battery backup et al. 
 
On another endeavor putting in small footprint low power POE connected capacitance touchscreens.  Just testing UPS backup to these.
 
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