PC Access

[gf5300]

I will be installing an Omnipro IIe in the next couple of weeks. Is the dealer version of PC Access required for A DIY person?
Will end user version be sufficient for an install from scratch?
Would love to hear any input as to the degree of difficulty (if any) to learn PC Access.

 

[htsource]

I'm fairly new to OmniPro II so my answer may not be 100% accurate, so you've been warned

My understand is that the end-user version will still allow you to set rules and all, the only thing you can't touch would be the security stuff - defining the zones and others around security. I was told by my installer that some monitoring companies will not monitor if the security isn't "Professional" installed by an installer. Or at least in Canada that is.

Anyway, the installer did give me the Dealer software so I do have access to the whole system. Programming is quite easy. But it doesn't allow in-depth programming (i.e. multiple IF..THEN statements), so you have to make use of "Flags". OmniPro called it flags but I refer it as variable. I was working with Homeseer before and I find OmniPro is much easlier - point and click pretty much.

Also, if I can find the PDF or a link to it, I'll post it. There's a nice document from HAI for programming tips and ideas. It's very good.

 

[htsource]

Found the link:

http://kb.homeauto.com/default.asp?id=92&Lang=1&SID=

Get both Application Directory PDF's. You can also browse through the Knowledge base, it has wealth of information.

 

[AutomatedOutlet]

You definitely want to purchase the "dealer" software.

 

[gf5300]

htsource,
I too use Homeseer but I have found it to be unreliable (at least without a hardware controller). Are you able to replicate most of the HS functions with PC Access? I am real big into light time outs (kids and wife leaving lights on all the time).
have you used the new PC Access ( as per 2008 HAI catalog)? If so, any improvements?

 

[htsource]

Homeseer was working very reliable for me, but nothing beats a hardware based controller. Or at least to run the core functions - security and basic lighting control. Being said that, I'm able to replicate everything I had from Homeseer with HAI. I do have the MediaCenter, WebLink, and SnapLink. WebLink works great from my PocketPC phone, I can even see my cameras right from the phone with HAI WebLink. SnapLink runs on all touchscreens, although I would have liked MainLobby as my touchscreen interface, but that will be later once I update all the scenes.

I have not tried the new PC Access, I don't believe it's available yet. According to the catalog, it allows you to write programs similar to in Homeseer. So this will allow much complex environment I hope.

 

[gf5300]

htsource,
I sure do appreciate all your inputs.
Seems like your setup is much like what I have in mind: all HAI except the touchscreens which, in my opinion, do not do justice to the rest of the line.
What touchscreens are you running? Have you seen the new Omnitouch 8 (in the catalog) screen with Windows XPe? It would be very cool if this screen could run third party interface software.
Thanks.

 

[ASIHome]

The dealer version of PC Access is required to fully configure the system via software. You could always do it all through the keypad. :blink:

 

[htsource]

I recently purchased a 4" Omni touchscreen and that's installed in the kitchen. One advantage with HAI touchscreen is you can integrate video display, for example, someone rings the doorbell, you can set all touchscreens (or a particular one) to show who's at the front door.

So far I have Fujitsu 600 Tablet (it's few years old with a 10" touchscreen), Asus R2H UltraMobile PC, and 2 Robu 15" touchscreen PC's. I looked at the HAI catalog, lots of good stuff but I have to wait. My budget for this install ran out pretty quickly :blink: For the touchscreen to show video, an encoder board is required and a touchscreen hub if you plan on installing multiple touchscreens.

With the HAI in-wall touchscreen, I plan on doing more in the future, it looks so clean!

 

[upstatemike]

One advantage with HAI touchscreen is you can integrate video display, for example, someone rings the doorbell, you can set all touchscreens (or a particular one) to show who's at the front door.

This is the number 1 best application for a touch screen. I wish more HA platforms supported this!

 

[electron]

I am pretty sure that can be done with the Elk M1 and the Elk TS07 screens. I still have to try this, but pretty sure I am right :blink:

 

[upstatemike]

I am pretty sure that can be done with the Elk M1 and the Elk TS07 screens. I still have to try this, but pretty sure I am right :blink:

I've heard others say this as well but so far nobody has posted that they have actually done it (so I remain skeptical).

 

[Frunple]

Cortexa dispays video on touchscreens also.

 

[upstatemike]

Cortexa dispays video on touchscreens also.

It's not just displaying video; it needs to switch to the correct camera when a given doorbell button is pushed.

 

[htsource]

And you can do that easily with HAI, pick the camera and which touchscreen and you're all set