Question: I'm looking at purchasing a new home and am considering buying a security
system. I am also interested in home automation and was thinking of adding a
separate home automation system that could talk to the security system
(likely a year or two later).
Are there any recommendations for a security system that allows for external
status/information? If I did attach a home automation system to a security
system, could the security system still be monitored from a central site? Or
are central monitoring and home automation mutually exclusive
Answer:I sell this stuff so I'm not entirely unbiased.
There are several alarm systems that can fulfill your requirements. Napco
Security makes two of them in their Gemini series. The P3200 is an 8-32
zone system and the P9600 goes up to 96 zones. (Note: A zone is a sensor
loop. Ideally you would install one sensor per zone). Both of these
systems have Home Automation interface options which allow the alarm to
communicate 2 ways with a PC-based or stand alone HA system.
Another system worth considering is the Caddx NX-8e. Like the Napco system
it can communicate over a 2-way serial connection.
I have extensive information on these in my online store. You can download
installation and user manuals if you like. These will give you a better
idea of the scope of the various systems than simply reading the brochures.
One of the more popular apps among home automators is a program called
Homeseer. Although I don't sell it, I do highly recommend it. The program
is very powerful, especially considering the price and the company gives
excellent support. Here's their site: http://www.homeseer.com/.
