alternative uses for "Micro On/Off Module"?

[dgeist]

I'm pretty new to HA/Insteon, but have some really grant plans for things that I want my systems to do (or perhaps not so grand). For example, I'd like to have a native tie-in to my fire alarm chain without having a wireless wall-wart. I'd also like to have some exterior motion sensors in light fixtures be usable as triggers for other things (like cameras, etc.).

 

It seems like there's only one kind of "insteon motion sensor" which is battery powered and wireless. Also the case for the "smoke bridge"; it seems like a good enough product, but requires the use of a wall outlet and leverages wireless as a requisite.

 

Based on what I've read, the "micro on/off" units have 2 trigger leads that can be connected generically to other items for 110v triggering. So, can I have one of these connected to a "sense" lead on a powered motion detector to make it a sender in my insteon net? Also, can I do the same thing with the fire alarm "trigger" lead, such that whenever any of them go logically hot, it senses and sends an insteon signal?

 

Thanks.

Dan

[shannong]

Have you considered an integration with your home security system and the ISY? I'm in the process of connecting my Elk M1 security system to my ISY. The security system already has facilities for monitored smoke detectors and wired PIR Sensors along with other things like water sensors, freeze detectors, etc. The ISY can receive events from and send commands to the M1.

[bleepblorp]

I would think so. It does seem to be a pretty versatile device with the different modes of operation - single momentary, dual momentary, and latched.

[dgeist]

My current security system is hopelessly antiquated, so I don't even want to bother with it. My hope is that my "smarthouse" efforts take the place of a named "security system" and simply perform security functions within the home automation and control realm. Hence the desire to use motion for lighting AND generic triggers (to other monitoring apps, cameras, email, SMS, solenoids on a shotgun, etc.)

 

Dan

[shannong]

A smart home built on the ISY may not meet the requirements for a security system. Smokes for a security system are "supervised" and powered by DC that the security system runs on meaning it's battery backed. Most fire codes require supervised smoke detectors to allow the fire dept to be notified in case of fire instead of waiting for you to call them. AC smoke ALARMS don't meet that requirement. If a supervised smoke detector on a security system stops working that causes an alarm. If an AC powered smoke alarm quits working you don't necessarily have positive notification of such. Power outages can cause false alarms or false negatives with AC powered smoke alarms. AC smoke alarms may still sound alarms without power using the on board batteries but your ISY won't see them or any other Insteon device since the PLM and all other outlets/switches will be out.

 

Same thing for physical security. Motion sensors for security systems are supervised such that tampering with them (opening the case) creates an alarm. If one loses connectivity that sets an alarm. They are either battery powered or run off DC of the security system itself thus still working during power outage. All Insteon devices will be off and the ISY blind during a power outage even if the ISY itself is on a UPS since the PLM will be down.

 

Power outages are a real concern during fire. For physical security, a nefarious person could simply cut the power to the house to disable all security functions built on HA technology.

 

All these shortcomings of using HA for your security in your home may not be an issue for you but wanted to point them out.

 

That's why I'm bringing HA and physical security together to get the best of both.

[dgeist]

Good points indeed. The engineer in me has immediately started thinking of ways to mitigate the system weaknesses and make both functions more powerful. Then the hobbyist in me reminds the engineer that I don't have unlimited budget, time, and manufacturing resources...

 

I'd still like to be able to leverage features of both types of systems with each other. I suppose there's no reason why multiple systems can't monitor trigger signals of sensors for different purposes (as long as they don't interfere).

 

Dan