small scale home automation

[tomwittkower]

Hello!

To set the stage for discussion, I am mainly interested in home security with added automation/remote monitoring. I just purchased a home and it came "pre wired", the previous homeowners never installed an alarm. So I have wiring running to every door, window, and to a keypad and motion sensor area. I am wanting to use this feature if it makes sense... my initial thoughts were to purchase an alarm system and install it myself. But I would like to be able to do these things as well.

-install a couple exterior cameras
-install exterior motion sensor lights that can trigger events
-be emailed security alerts

nice to have:
-web interface
-it would be nice to check the status of my door locks from web based/iphone

i dont plan to dive too far into HA like replace all of my switches, etc. I like the idea of my home alarm triggering my TV with security camera views, sending me emails, etc. I have been looking at insteon and z-wave... I have been looking at homeseer.

All that comes down to 2 main questions...
Do I use the hardwired "pre wire" security to install a system that can notify homeseer to take automation steps or do I just skip the hard wired system altogether and install all z-wave wireless door/window/motion detect connected to homeseer. What would be the advantage/disadvantage of either?

I don't have the $600-$700 to install Elk and I don't find any low end systems that can notify homeseer... so I may be forced to use only zwave devices instead. Ideas?

Knowing my situation does z-wave inteon or some other platform make more sense? I am leaning z-wave simply for the number of devices.
For my purposes would you recommend z-wave or insteon.. or something else?

Thank you so much!

 

[AlexCuster]

Hello Tom, welcome to CT!

It sounds like the Vera 2 by Mi Casa Verde may be a good option for you. The Vera unit is much cheaper than an ELK or HAI and is a powerful Zwave/Insteon controller. Typically Vera has been used for automation processes but used with Zwave contacts such as the HRDS1, and Zwave siren/strobe combos you can add an element of security to the system.

Some highlights of the Vera 2:

• Wireless communication to Zwave locks such as the Kwikset or Schlage
• Web interface for programming & status viewing (either local network or portforwarding to the Vera for outside access)
• Easy integration with IP cameras such as the VistaCam
• Ability to use a combination of Zwave and Insteon products
• View cameras and control lights from your IPhone
• No pre-wiring needed for anything
• No monthly service charge

The only caveat to the Vera is security monitoring. As far as I know, there isn't a monitoring service for the Vera so when an alarm goes off there is noone to call the police or fire department.

Another option is 2gig's Go Control panel. It also can communicate with Zwave devices and communicate directly to the Kwikset locks (not Schlage as of now). The 2gig system is more of a mass market security panel so there are plenty of options available for monitoring services.

There is also an IPhone app that allows you to view cameras, control lights, and arm/disarm the system from your phone. 2gig uses alarm.com for communication between the panel and your phone/computer which does have a monthly fee associated with it.

Either the Vera or 2gig system sounds like a viable option for you if you don't plan to dive very far into home automation.

 

[tomwittkower]

Thank you for the information. It seems like the Vera 2 is more of a replacment to HomeSeer. I do see that the 2gig Go Control can have 2 hardwaire zones... that may be an interesting setup.

I am still wondering what would be the differences between these two setups.
1. Install a hardwire alarm to my security "pre wire"(like 2did go control) and have that output to a control system like homeseer, then also use other z-wave components like thermostat, motion lights, etc.
2. Install all z-wave security products (door and window contacts, motion sensors) and have that output to homeseer, then also use other z-wave components like thermostat, motion lights, etc.

Is there a reason to have the hardwired alarm since it is already prewired?

I assume door/window contacts are available for z-wave

Hello Tom, welcome to CT!

It sounds like the Vera 2 by Mi Casa Verde may be a good option for you. The Vera unit is much cheaper than an ELK or HAI and is a powerful Zwave/Insteon controller. Typically Vera has been used for automation processes but used with Zwave contacts such as the HRDS1, and Zwave siren/strobe combos you can add an element of security to the system.

Some highlights of the Vera 2:

• Wireless communication to Zwave locks such as the Kwikset or Schlage
• Web interface for programming & status viewing (either local network or portforwarding to the Vera for outside access)
• Easy integration with IP cameras such as the VistaCam
• Ability to use a combination of Zwave and Insteon products
• View cameras and control lights from your IPhone
• No pre-wiring needed for anything
• No monthly service charge

The only caveat to the Vera is security monitoring. As far as I know, there isn't a monitoring service for the Vera so when an alarm goes off there is noone to call the police or fire department.

Another option is 2gig's Go Control panel. It also can communicate with Zwave devices and communicate directly to the Kwikset locks (not Schlage as of now). The 2gig system is more of a mass market security panel so there are plenty of options available for monitoring services.

There is also an IPhone app that allows you to view cameras, control lights, and arm/disarm the system from your phone. 2gig uses alarm.com for communication between the panel and your phone/computer which does have a monthly fee associated with it.

Either the Vera or 2gig system sounds like a viable option for you if you don't plan to dive very far into home automation.