Vancouver, BC checking in

[KenN]

Hey all,

I moved into a newly built home just over a month ago. There's no security system at the moment, but the builder has pre-wired 4-conductor cable to all of the usual locations for door/window sensors, motion detectors and keypads. Rather than hiring someone to do the supply/install, I've decided I want to get my hands dirty. Also, installing the security system seems like a pretty decent springboard to building in some home automation in small steps.

I've worked for 25+ years in industrial automation, programming PLCs, Operator displays and the like, so I've done lots of that kind of wiring, programming, testing and commissioning. So I figure I can take on this animal.

After two weeks of browsing websites and reading stuff, I've pretty much settled on the Elk M1g as the base platform for the system. The HAI looks pretty good, but seems to be more limited availability in my area. I checked out your google doc with the comparison matrix (great resource!!) and looks like either will do. I think the HAI has a slight edge from a programming capability viewpoint, but as I said, a little more difficult for me to get my hands on. Is there any way to get evaluation copies of the PC software for either of these platforms?

As I go through the planning stages, I'll be looking for some advice on some of the simple bits that I don't have experience with, like choosing the best door/window contacts so I don't have to do a lot of fiddling installing, or buy something that just won't work! Once I advance to the HA stage, will be looking for some thoughts on the best choices for comm network to light switches, thermostats, etc. I'm going back and forth between Insteon and Z-wave at the moment. Some practical experience from users would be great.

One big question for me is the software. I assume software such as Homesense and the like provide a user interface for easy access to HA control and configuration functions. Is it necessary (ie., will the Elk/HAI do many of the same things w/o the software) or does it just make life a lot easier and provide more functionality?

Anyway, cheers and hello.


Ken.

 

[edselrt]

Hi Ken,
Welcome!

Hai is more commonly available here in Vancouver than Elk. If you need help finding these items Pm me

 

[electron]

Welcome to CocoonTech!

Check my sig for the complete list of home automation software. That said, both ELK and HAI offer a lot of functionality without having to rely on a PC/software combo, but software gives you some useful options, such as a better more flexible GUI, better Text-To-Speech voices, and more.

Also, don't forget to check out both AARTech (Canadian company), and Automated Outlet (American, but ships to Canada), as they are both part of the CocoonTech Vendor Alliance (so you can't go wrong either way, it's a free program, so it isn't biased).

 

[KenN]

Thanks for the replies, gents.


As it turns out, I got tempted by the "Canada day sale" at AARtech - order before July 1 and get 50 bucks off the order (and an additional $10 coupon code), so I pulled the trigger on an Elk M1 kit just this Thursday evening.

Homeboy, thanks for the info. I initially went to the HAI website and looked up their vendor list for the Van area. There were a few places listed, but when I checked the retailer websites they didn't appear to carry much product so my conclusion was that it isn't well supported here. My initial thinking was that the Omni appears to have an edge on the Elk when implementing rules-based logic. Not sure whether that's really important in the bigger picture though.

Dan, the link to the automation software was pretty helpful, good use of the filtering options!

So, looking forward to getting hardware in my hands so I can play about with the gear

 

[KenN]

First step, though is to ring out all the pre-wired cables for the door and window contacts. The goon that pulled in the wire was smart enough to label each wire with a number ... but he only labelled the panel end!


Grrr.

 

[tmbrown97]

I'll take ringing out wire over pulling wire any day! Welcome to the forum... you won't go wrong with either system.

 

[edselrt]

First step, though is to ring out all the pre-wired cables for the door and window contacts. The goon that pulled in the wire was smart enough to label each wire with a number ... but he only labelled the panel end!


Grrr.

the company who did the rough-in must have a wire list. Maybe your builder can help you get that. Otherwise, you have no choice but to trace the wires yourself.
I normally don't trace all the wires. Install door contacts and just trace the motion and keypad wire. Power up after you install the keypad and use the console or keypad to know which door or window is open

 

[KenN]

the company who did the rough-in must have a wire list. Maybe your builder can help you get that.

Hehe ... true, but to be honest, taking the time to beep it all out myself is keeping me occupied as I wait for the shipment to arrive! Really anxious to get my hands on the real gear and start playing.