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: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/.
