Reality check for a newbie...

[pete_c]

I keep it simple relating to the programming directly on the HAI OPII such that the OPII can run on its own should the HA server not be available (if you add an HA server to your mix )

Like my outside lights are programmed to go on should motion occur after their scheduled off time. Like at 3 AM.

Doing a bit more (and I believe you can also do same with the HAI application software) with my HA server I utilize a motion sensor, mail box sensor , video and other variables for more complex events triggered both in part by the HAI OPII devices or variables. I also utilize TTS from the HA server (with a bit more choices) and some customized touchscreens along too with the HAI 5.7 TS's.

Mixing and matching programmed events I sometimes lose track of what is running what. If I choose to test a particular function / event with numerous variables I either use debug statements in the VB scripts or turn logging on with time stamps so I can validate functions.

While I'm at it: one of my intents is to use a 'task' or 'button' as an alarm system for my wife and I. I would have two, one preset for each of our work wake up times. Before we go to bed, we would turn the 'alarm' on, which I presume would be a flag of some sort. Then in the morning I'd have my bedside lamp come up slowly, followed by a time annunciation of some sort, and then turn on the bathroom lights and the heater. Any thoughts on implementing this with UPB? Any advantages of one system over the other?

With both systems you can do this. With customized screen scraps or weather data or email data you can do said lamp, alarm, heater "stuff" but even a short TTS synopsis of local weather, news, house status, etc. Its up to you and your imagination on what and when you want to do it. The HW panels offered by HAI & Elk offer the initial infrastructure base and from their you can continue to add / suppliment what you can do by adding more modules to either panel.

 

[RagnarD]

Thanks Pete for the quick response.

At the moment, I have no plans to integrate HA or any other hardware based solutions... frankly my house just isn't large enough or complex enough to warrant the effort, and being in the military, I'll likely only be living in it for 4 years.

That being said, I was following another thread that said HAI is NOT capable of scraping info from the internet and using it in scripts... is Elk capable of that? You mentioned VB... I'm marginally fluent in VB, but I assume your talking about additional systems right? Neither of the hardwire systems has a VB capability, do they?

 

[pete_c]

Not sure on the Elk.

With the HAI OPII by itself with no software inteface you are limited to the basic command and event structure methodology.

The HAI OPII panel in itself will provide a base of HA for you. (as will the Elk Panel) with ability for multiple device controller integration for HA (lights, audio, security, touchscreens, speech, etc). The base programming accessible via PCA will allow interaction of all connected HW devices to the HAI panel.

You cannot though send emails with it as you can with the Elk. You cannot sync the time on it via NTP (I'm kind of ADD relating to time on my network).

The HAI OPII though has a smaller footprint than the Elk with all of the connectivity built in via serial cables or ribbon cables versus added HW modules. Mostly all fitting inside of the 18" cabinet (IE: I have additional zones which fit on top of main board, relays etc). I currently only utilize one 16 zone addition but am to a point of adding another daughter board.

I have my base HAI OPII panel (2 setups) in an 18" cabinet. I believe most folks here utilize a 27" or 42" panel cabinet for their Elk setups (for additional module space).

Your mention of a "morning task" can be done with a not too much effort on either panel.

 

[Steve]

That being said, I was following another thread that said HAI is NOT capable of scraping info from the internet and using it in scripts... is Elk capable of that? You mentioned VB... I'm marginally fluent in VB, but I assume your talking about additional systems right? Neither of the hardwire systems has a VB capability, do they?

No, neither panel can. Think of these as your typical ADT/Brinks alarm panel but with more capability to add stuff. They are not PC's. While the Elk can see the internet, it has no way of running scripts or anything. They do what they do great but they are not pc's where you have total programmatic control.

 

[felixrosbergen]

Keep in mind that the KP2's are really nice since they can flush mount but DO NOT have a voice speaker in them. The box to mount the KP2 has the capability to mount a separate speaker (they sell one that fits..SP12 i think) but you have to put the wiring in place to drive that speaker that speaker IS NOT powered by the KP2.

Just keep that in mind for the pre-wire or you'll be disappointed.

I had looked closely at the databus hub and believe it does distribute all 8 cat5/RJ45 conductors which ELK doesn't need all 8. I looked into seeing if i can use the spare conductors in the cat5 to drive the speaker, but i wasn't comfortable drive a speaker (even a small one) with just a single cat5 conductors. In the end i didn't want to buy extra speaker wire just for that so i run an extra cat5 run and tied a bunch of conductors together to get higher gauge.

In your considerations also look at the compatible thermostats for HAI and ELK. I believe HAI may have a slightly better offering than ELK in this regard. I have an ELK system and AprilAire T-stats, but am not terribly impressed with the looks of the T-Stats.

 

[RagnarD]

In your considerations also look at the compatible thermostats for HAI and ELK. I believe HAI may have a slightly better offering than ELK in this regard. I have an ELK system and AprilAire T-stats, but am not terribly impressed with the looks of the T-Stats.

I was under the impression that Elk could run HAI thermostats? That was my intent was to install the RC1000.

 

[pete_c]

I currently have an HAI RC1000. I like it. I had the RC80 for many years. Nice little thing is having the thermostat light up when you walk up to it.

 

[tmbrown97]

I was under the impression that Elk could run HAI thermostats? That was my intent was to install the RC1000.

Yup - it can. Instructions are in the XSP manual.