Home security/automation recommendations?

[Jazzbass]

I want to install a nice DIY home security/home automation system. Basic security (window/door alarms), cameras, etc. Would also like automation integration for stuff like "close the garage door". Anyone have/install/know of anything? Most of what I find using the google are links to services that will install their system or what look like fake "review" sites that are really just shilling some company's products.

[Lupin..the..3rd]

I've used Zoneminder before for video security. Works well, very customizable. It can send out alerts when defined events occur. It has a web interface, so you can monitor the cams, review footage, etc. from your iPad on the couch. It's Open Source software too, so the price is right.

Put a camera at the front door. Doorbell rings at midnight? You can see who it is without getting out of bed. Dog poo in the yard? Go back and review the footage, see which neighbor it was. Expecting a package delivery, but don't want it left sitting on your steps all day? Get an alert when front door cam detects motion, check the cam and see the package. There's all kinds of nifty uses for this.

http://www.zoneminder.com/

Zoneminder also has X10 integration, for home automation, so you can turn lights and stuff on and off, and automate things. I haven't played with the X10 integration however.

I used IP network cameras from Axis, that used Power over Ethernet, so just a single CAT5 cable run to each camera handles both power and video data. Axis has tons of different models for indoor, outdoor, extreme temps, night vision, high-def, anti-vandal, etc.

http://www.axis.com/products/video/camera/index.htm

Be aware that recording multiple simultaneous streams of HD video can have significant CPU and disk I/O requirements, so once you've picked out your camera type/resolution/quantity you'll want to size your Zoneminder server appropriately.

[cmartin]

I just bought a system from safemart.com.

A friend setup an Elk M1 from http://www.smarthome.com/ , sounds like what you are looking for.

[Dr K]

For security, use both wired and cellular connection to monitoring service.

[tbernard]

I put X10 in 16 years ago when we moved in. It works, but there seems to be lot more stuff now and have only recently started looking at upgrades. Found that there's a number of new systems out there. Zigbee and Z-Wave look interesting. Like the thermostat option and ipad control.

http://www.zigbee.org/Standards/ZigBeeHomeAutomation/Overview.aspx

[realroadrage]

Wires? That's so 1990s. Funny, I was thinking about posting a similar thread. I would like to monitor access to my house and would love to set up day/night vision cams for the perimeter. What I've found is that most non-open source products are centered around charging you a monthly fee to use. No thanks.

[Jazzbass]

Wires? That's so 1990s. Funny, I was thinking about posting a similar thread. I would like to monitor access to my house and would love to set up day/night vision cams for the perimeter. What I've found is that most non-open source products are centered around charging you a monthly fee to use. No thanks.
My experience as well. I want what we'll call an "early warning system". Make noise to scare away stupid neighborhood kids and wake me up with enough time to call my Austrian friend for backup.

[Dr K]

My wife is home alone at times - I wouldn't consider a non-monitored system. That's what makes horse races.

[hoophead]

Don't use anything with X10 - you'll end up needing isolator modules for everything to keep the signal up. Seems like every modern piece of electronic equipment has an RF filter on its AC input that kills the X10 signal (even my washer).

I originally did the whole house in Leviton X10, but now have 2/3rds of it switched over to z-wave. It's much more robust and I don't have to mess around with isolators and 220 bridges at the breaker box.

My main gripe now is that the dimmer need a minimum load to function correctly, so the new LED bulbs sometimes don't play nicely with the dimmers if you don't have enough bulbs on a particular circuit. I keep waiting for the manufacturers to address this problem, since I think LEDs are going to be the future of lighting. The CFLs also have issues, even the dimmable ones.

[Der ABT]

Most of the LED bulbs need a new dimmer not the old version (WXM) in order to dim correctly, they will work on the old school ones but not as well. new dimmers are pretty expensive but not terrible.
aquarium industry is slowly starting to switch over to LEDs and there are some Guru's out there that have done some amazing stuff to their tank and house.



One thing that you should look into if you have your trailer at your house is the new break away switches they have. meant mainly for A/C units (people steal for the copper etc) but can work great on the trailer as well, just have to unhook the trailer from the house and good to go. also been looking at a motion sensor inside my trailer as well, just redid the entire house system and they are coming out with some really nice new features.

[Jazzbass]

A friend setup an Elk M1 from http://www.smarthome.com/ , sounds like what you are looking for.

This does look like what I want. Spent some time reading more tonight. As I was afraid, this is going to be one of those "spend a lot of time reading about the different option, the different configurations, etc" kind of thing.

So far as I can tell right now, the ELK M1 is the best foundation for the type of system I want. It is a security system that will interface with all the major home automation systems. So install an ELK M1 and then figure out which home automation system to interface with.

[Lupin..the..3rd]

My main gripe now is that the dimmer need a minimum load to function correctly, so the new LED bulbs sometimes don't play nicely with the dimmers
It's an easy fix, just add a large enough resistor, so that it consumes the same amount of electricity as an incandescent bulb. Bam - problem solved.

[cmartin]

So far as I can tell right now, the ELK M1 is the best foundation for the type of system I want.

Pretty much word for word what my buddy described. It's 100% configurable and I'm sure you'll have it making coffee from a Jazz app in no time. Too tedious for me but like you, the guy who explained it to me can and likes to dive into stuff. Camera's, lights, internet access... it's in there.

[realroadrage]

Thread bump. Anyone done anything in this space recently? Recent too-close-to-home invasion has me looking once again.

[good hands]

a good start.

[cmartin]

Self installed system with wireless monitoring and internet access/montoring from http://www.safemart.com/Wireless-Home-Security/GE-Security-Simon-XT-Custom-Build-Your-Own-Wireless-Security-System-SIMONXT-CUSTOM.htm

Just one security measure in place.

[Cliff Claven]

One dog is good
Five dogs is better

[Dr K]

Wireless alarm: keep out most "sane" amateurs
German Shepherd: keep out most pros (unless you have something really special in there)
Ruger: Protect the inhabitants in the following cases (if you're also lucky--you also have to be lucky):

Insane amateur (or any other crazy person)
Determined professional
Dog whisperer

I happen to know of a person who allowed low-life into his home, at which time the low-life produced a knife and announced his intention to rob the house. The quick presentation of a superior weapon by the would-be victim very quickly defused the situation. Fortunately, the would-be victim had the presence of mind to foresee the situation and have the superior weapon at hand...

[Jazzbass]

a good start.
That's a good combo. Esp the German Shepherd.

[jsheiry]

Have been a dealer for many years to the HAI product line (Home Automation Inc)
Found in the past to have more integration options than the Elk M1 line-up. They also had their own line of stats for years before any of the wireless ones were released, in fact Elk M1 made themselves compatible with HAI Omnistats because for some time there was not much else out there. Nowdays with Elan G, Control 4, Crestron and other automation systems that sit on top of good subsystems like security, lighting, etc... you hardly need ElK or HAI for that matter. You can use any of the "good" sub systems for security, lighting, thermostats and then let the Elan G or Control 4 brain bring it all together under one integrated platform/App and or touchscreen. The Elan G or Control 4 can also integrate IP cameras through there App as well. The Elan G or Control 4 systems lend themselves to much better entertainment system integration as well. If you dont care about music etc.... then the HAI platforms are really good for security/lighting etc...

X-10 was OK for 20 years for the porch lights. Scene light sucked with X-10 and no matter what you need the phase couplers/repeaters properly installed to ever have reliability.

UPB is the newer digital form of X-10 and works really well, faster and more reliable. Decora switches are plentiful and integrate with other standard decora switches in multi switch banks.

Lutron Radio Ra II is the best combination of form, function, reliability for lighting in my opinion. They integrate with practically every automation controller on the market and their stuff is built better and flat works. Has the backing of a US company like Lutron with updates and REAL tech support if needed.

[1ED1]

How long does it take for the police to get to your house after the alarm goes off ? The last time mine went off it was over 10 minutes.

[good hands]

How long does it take for the police to get to your house after the alarm goes off ? The last time mine went off it was over 10 minutes.

14 minutes for me when I dialed 911. I thought it totally unacceptable. I live 2.5 miles from the nearest station.

[BlackTalon]

14 minutes for me when I dialed 911. I thought it totally unacceptable. I live 2.5 miles from the nearest station.Dispatcher was probably a VT Alum. Go Hokies! ;)