Hello All,
I'm interested in getting a replacement/retrofit security system for a 2800 sq ft Colonial, built in 1960s. There is an existing wired system, brand name is Dictograph, probably dates from when house was built. From what I can tell, the wiring is one or more "loops" that cover multiple contacts, so there is no way (from what I know) to be able to isolate which contact tripped. And the system is prone to tripping. Better than nothing, but it's time to replace it.
To give you an idea how the current system is wired, it looks like a contact (let's say a window) is wired by running 2 strand wire by that window. One strand stays down in the wall, and the other runs up and across the contact for the window, then back down to join it's brother in the wall. Hopefully that's enough info about the current wiring to let someone address whether it's completely useless, or could somehow be retrofitted.
So, I'd like to install a replacement system. If there's some way to make use of the existing wiring, I'd like to, but of course in the 21st century, we have to be able to tell what tripped
. I have some level of DIY skill, having done several A/V and Home Automation projects (zoned lighting control, whole house zoned audio, video, network, WiFi, etc.) I'd be willing to do some or all of the replacement in wireless, if my existing wire can't be used, but I'm curious about whether interference/jamming could be an issue, or is that just the stuff of urban legend?
I may be moving within the next few years, so whatever I choose, I want to be able to offer it to my future buyers as something that could be externally monitored. The idea is that the chosen system would allow PC monitoring/control and also be externally monitored by some service. My thought is that when it comes time to move, I just unplug it from the PC, and it continues to work as externally monitored, but while I'm here, I can also use/monitor with the PC.
So, where should I start? Know any systems that interface well with Homeseer (PC based Home Automation software)? Thanks for any suggestions.
I'm interested in getting a replacement/retrofit security system for a 2800 sq ft Colonial, built in 1960s. There is an existing wired system, brand name is Dictograph, probably dates from when house was built. From what I can tell, the wiring is one or more "loops" that cover multiple contacts, so there is no way (from what I know) to be able to isolate which contact tripped. And the system is prone to tripping. Better than nothing, but it's time to replace it.
To give you an idea how the current system is wired, it looks like a contact (let's say a window) is wired by running 2 strand wire by that window. One strand stays down in the wall, and the other runs up and across the contact for the window, then back down to join it's brother in the wall. Hopefully that's enough info about the current wiring to let someone address whether it's completely useless, or could somehow be retrofitted.
So, I'd like to install a replacement system. If there's some way to make use of the existing wiring, I'd like to, but of course in the 21st century, we have to be able to tell what tripped

I may be moving within the next few years, so whatever I choose, I want to be able to offer it to my future buyers as something that could be externally monitored. The idea is that the chosen system would allow PC monitoring/control and also be externally monitored by some service. My thought is that when it comes time to move, I just unplug it from the PC, and it continues to work as externally monitored, but while I'm here, I can also use/monitor with the PC.
So, where should I start? Know any systems that interface well with Homeseer (PC based Home Automation software)? Thanks for any suggestions.