Assuming i need to replace the board, what component should i purchase? What version of the omni system should I purchase? to ensure a) It remains backward compatible with the components already prewired in the house (thermos, X10 switches, alarm contacts) while giving me maximum "future proofing" and "gotta-get-me-some-of-that!!" features available today?
The original and only two security panels with automation that existed were provided at one time by Elk and HAI.
Not sure today if there is a commonly utilized DIY combo security / automation panel.
That said I personally went to an OmniPro II. Its may be way more than I need. I have the two generations of the Omni Pro II. The chip upgradable one with 3 serial ports and the flash upgradable one with 5 serial ports. I also utilize Leviton HAI Omnistats. I did originally start with the RC-80's (years ago) and currently utilize the newer Omnistats. I am at port capacity on the newest one because I like to play such that I do have X10, Z-Wave and UPB PIMs plugged into it. I have migrated most of the X10 to UPB today and upgraded much of the UPB today to multipaddle dual load switches to reduce the "switch footprint". The X10 still works fine for me today using the XTB dual phase TW-523 "emulator" which is an X10 PIM on steroids. I am using a HAI UPB PIM for my UPB stuff but my switches are a mixture of HAI, SA and PCS today.
Look at the comparison chart between the different panels to see what will work for you.
Using very rounded values assume around $1000 for the upgraded panel. If you want to go to in wall touchscreens; assume a bit less than $1000 per in wall touchscreen. Have a look here at Haiku for 3rd party reasonably priced iOS stuff. If you want to remote your home with your telephone; there are products that work just fine with most OS's of cell phones.
Upgrading the board is easy. The terminal strips with the little screws just lift up and you can slide the old board out and put in the replacement board in a few minutes.
The HAI OmniPro II is backwards compatible with the original OmniPro board. You may too need to run a network cable to the HAI can as there probably is not one there today. Older panels sometimes were wired with just a few loops; IE one alarm loop covering multiple sensors or single areas or rooms of sensors.
"future proofing" is sort of dependant on what it is you are looking to do. The panels last forever and there are folks still utilizing the original OmniPro panels installed in the 1990's. These panels are working just fine for those folks providing them with security and automation.
Note that your original system is a "closed" sort of to your new home. As you expand your system using the network please also consider adding resilence to said network in house adding those pieces required for said resilence especially if being dependant on a system that operates 24/7 365 days a year with no down time and 100% uptime; after all its more than just an automation system but rather its a combination of a security and automation system with security as the primary purpose (well unless it isn't).
