New home - new security system - Canadian TV, Computing and Home Theatre Forums

KenN · 2012-06-25, 03:32 PM

Hey all,

So, I moved into a newly built house a couple of months ago and I've started to look into putting in my own DIY security/automation system. There isn't a system in the house now, but the builder did pull wire to all the typical locations that you'd expect for window/door/motion sensors and for keypads. Wiring is all 4-conductor with exception of a cat 5e cable to the front door jamb to allow for a video entry system. All of this wiring goes to a smart panel located in a closet.

I've been doing a bunch of research into available systems, looks a lot like the Elk M1 is the system of choice from reviews on this site and a few other places I've looked (eg., aartech). At this point I'm thinking either M1 or a small PLC as the controller, favouring the M1 in my mind at the moment. I've eliminated Control4 as it seems to be more focused on automation than security and also looks to require more input from an installer or other 3rd party. I'd be interested in hearing some comments on using a dedicated security/automation controller vs an industrial PLC controller as well as any experience with the M1 vs other s/a controllers.

My background - I'm an electrical/automation engineer with 25+ years experience designing, programming, installing and commissioning industrial automation systems. Everything from small PLC-controlled pump stations to plantwide DCS-controlled pulp/paper mills. So I feel pretty confident that I can get my head around the programming and installation requirements of a home s/a system.

My goal is to get a fully functional security system with the usual sensing points, including a basement water detection, with ability to expand to include some automation such as selected light switches and possibly some thermostats for setback control. Automation features, while important, are less so than the security functionality. Also I will not be having the system connected to a monitoring service, but will rather self-monitor using smartphone/email/SMS text.

So with that in mind, some things I'm looking to learn;

1. Advice on choice of controller as described above.
2. Is there any way to get an evaluation copy of the Elk M1 configuration software? I'm well and truly familiar with software vendors in my industry claiming "simple and intuitive" software interface - experience has told me to doubt any such claims until I try the software for myself.
3. Some thoughts on choosing the correct sensors and contacts for doors and windows ... how do I know what configuration works best for my style of window (for example)? Lots of sensors to choose from, little info on specifics of where they fit and how.
4. Automation hardware - what's good and bad? I see that aartech has an M1 package that includes an Insteon comm module. How usable and reliable is Insteon compared to Z-wave or other similar? I like that Insteon has available dual comm system (powerline and wireless) for reliability, but is it worth it? Is it necessary?
5. Any other things that I should consider in the planning process so I don't get tripped up during the install and setup?

Thanks,

Ken.

pfcsoap · 2012-06-29, 07:10 PM

I would start from schematics:
http://www.elkom.com.tw/m/PLC2011A0_...0_circuits.pdf

99semaj · 2012-06-29, 08:09 PM

M1 is a nice choice.

The alarm industry is a niche bunch, so while youre obviously tech adept, you should expect some head scratching, since most controls have lots of weird legacy options to make them compatible with the last 25 years

Really cant comment on your other questions since there a thousand different sensor types for a thousand different situations. Youre probably best talking to a distributor like aartech who can sit and consult with you.

North_of_Calgary · 2012-06-30, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KenN

...
4. Automation hardware - what's good and bad? I see that aartech has an M1 package that includes an Insteon comm module. How usable and reliable is Insteon compared to Z-wave or other similar? I like that Insteon has available dual comm system (powerline and wireless) for reliability, but is it worth it? Is it necessary?
5. Any other things that I should consider in the planning process so I don't get tripped up during the install and setup?

I don't know about all of that but I can tell you from my experience that the VeraLite works great as a Home Automation system including tie in with almost any of the more common security systems. No monthly fees and only $200 from aartech. (+1 for them too)

If you put in a DSC for example then you can email/SMS yourself on just about any possible event. And hence not use the monitoring service.

KenN · 2012-07-06, 11:56 AM

Thanks for replies!

So after many days of searches and comparing, I have settled on the Elk M1 as the security platform. Ordered it in a kit with an Insteon controller package so I'll be automating some of the house lighting soon enough and maybe changing out the thermostats so they can be remotely controlled too. Looking forward to a fun project.

Now I'm running around the house ringing out all the pre-pulled alarm wiring as the original installer didn't do a very good job labelling and mapping!

Ken.

Danno100 · 2012-09-05, 07:36 AM

I think M1 is a good choice. As for Insteon, it is even more reliable with it's dual comm system. Each dual comm device acts as a repeater. I have about 25 Insteon devices in my house. I also have two dual comm LED light bulbs ($30@) that have the Insteon controller built in. I also have the Teledoorbell for front door intercom. The one feature my wife likes is that if we don't answer the phone when it rings, we have chosen to forward the call to her cell phone so she can answer the door from anywhere. You can integrate a door strike as well. I'd like the M1 because it would intergrate my existing alarm system with home automation.

2012-06-25, 03:32 PM	#1
KenN Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 110	New home - new security system Hey all, So, I moved into a newly built house a couple of months ago and I've started to look into putting in my own DIY security/automation system. There isn't a system in the house now, but the builder did pull wire to all the typical locations that you'd expect for window/door/motion sensors and for keypads. Wiring is all 4-conductor with exception of a cat 5e cable to the front door jamb to allow for a video entry system. All of this wiring goes to a smart panel located in a closet. I've been doing a bunch of research into available systems, looks a lot like the Elk M1 is the system of choice from reviews on this site and a few other places I've looked (eg., aartech). At this point I'm thinking either M1 or a small PLC as the controller, favouring the M1 in my mind at the moment. I've eliminated Control4 as it seems to be more focused on automation than security and also looks to require more input from an installer or other 3rd party. I'd be interested in hearing some comments on using a dedicated security/automation controller vs an industrial PLC controller as well as any experience with the M1 vs other s/a controllers. My background - I'm an electrical/automation engineer with 25+ years experience designing, programming, installing and commissioning industrial automation systems. Everything from small PLC-controlled pump stations to plantwide DCS-controlled pulp/paper mills. So I feel pretty confident that I can get my head around the programming and installation requirements of a home s/a system. My goal is to get a fully functional security system with the usual sensing points, including a basement water detection, with ability to expand to include some automation such as selected light switches and possibly some thermostats for setback control. Automation features, while important, are less so than the security functionality. Also I will not be having the system connected to a monitoring service, but will rather self-monitor using smartphone/email/SMS text. So with that in mind, some things I'm looking to learn; 1. Advice on choice of controller as described above. 2. Is there any way to get an evaluation copy of the Elk M1 configuration software? I'm well and truly familiar with software vendors in my industry claiming "simple and intuitive" software interface - experience has told me to doubt any such claims until I try the software for myself. 3. Some thoughts on choosing the correct sensors and contacts for doors and windows ... how do I know what configuration works best for my style of window (for example)? Lots of sensors to choose from, little info on specifics of where they fit and how. 4. Automation hardware - what's good and bad? I see that aartech has an M1 package that includes an Insteon comm module. How usable and reliable is Insteon compared to Z-wave or other similar? I like that Insteon has available dual comm system (powerline and wireless) for reliability, but is it worth it? Is it necessary? 5. Any other things that I should consider in the planning process so I don't get tripped up during the install and setup? Thanks, Ken.

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2012-06-29, 07:10 PM	#2
pfcsoap Rookie Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 13	I would start from schematics: http://www.elkom.com.tw/m/PLC2011A0_...0_circuits.pdf

2012-06-29, 08:09 PM	#3
99semaj Veteran Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: /dev/null Posts: 2,662	M1 is a nice choice. The alarm industry is a niche bunch, so while youre obviously tech adept, you should expect some head scratching, since most controls have lots of weird legacy options to make them compatible with the last 25 years Really cant comment on your other questions since there a thousand different sensor types for a thousand different situations. Youre probably best talking to a distributor like aartech who can sit and consult with you.

2012-07-06, 11:56 AM	#5
KenN Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 110	Thanks for replies! So after many days of searches and comparing, I have settled on the Elk M1 as the security platform. Ordered it in a kit with an Insteon controller package so I'll be automating some of the house lighting soon enough and maybe changing out the thermostats so they can be remotely controlled too. Looking forward to a fun project. Now I'm running around the house ringing out all the pre-pulled alarm wiring as the original installer didn't do a very good job labelling and mapping! Ken.

2012-09-05, 07:36 AM	#6
Danno100 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Outside of Toronto Posts: 292	I think M1 is a good choice. As for Insteon, it is even more reliable with it's dual comm system. Each dual comm device acts as a repeater. I have about 25 Insteon devices in my house. I also have two dual comm LED light bulbs ($30@) that have the Insteon controller built in. I also have the Teledoorbell for front door intercom. The one feature my wife likes is that if we don't answer the phone when it rings, we have chosen to forward the call to her cell phone so she can answer the door from anywhere. You can integrate a door strike as well. I'd like the M1 because it would intergrate my existing alarm system with home automation.