Link the ISY994 to a DSC Security Panel via the Network Module?

[km782]

I have a DSC security panel and will likely buy the Envisalink 4 to add networking capability to it.  I haven't found any way online to connect a DSC system to the ISY994 other than DSC Link which requires a running computer 24/7.  The Envisalink API is available online (http://forum.eyez-on.com/FORUM/download/file.php?id=194&sid=9c65577d45a7eda163feab0810be0da0).  I'm an okay programmer but definitely not an expert.  It looks like a fairly simple TCP connection to send commands and receive status information from the panel.  I saw that there is a Networking module for the ISY994.  Would it be possible to write code to link the two via this module?  I don't own an ISY994 yet so I am somewhat unfamiliar with how programming it works.  How difficult would that be to do?  Are there any drawbacks to doing it this way?  Thanks

[paulbates]

Hi and welcome to the forums!

 

You can use the networking module, but it supports outbound TCP/IP packets from the ISY in different formats only, and not responses back.

 

In short, no matter if you use DSClink in ISY V4 FW,  Nodelink which is its V5 FW incarnation, or write your own code, you'll need an external server for that interface code to execute. 

 

Similar to automatioshacks DSClink, I've used Venlink on V4 FW and now Nodelink on V5 FW. I'm currently using a raspberry pi but have also run them on a windows desktop.UDI has hinted at offering a product that is an ISY and Nodeserver platform in one, but there is no date that I've heard of on the horizon. 

 

Paul

[km782]

Hi and welcome to the forums!

 

You can use the networking module, but it supports outbound TCP/IP packets from the ISY in different formats only, and not responses back.

 

In short, no matter if you use DSClink in ISY V4 FW,  Nodelink which is its V5 FW incarnation, or write your own code, you'll need an external server for that interface code to execute. 

 

Similar to automatioshacks DSClink, I've used Venlink on V4 FW and now Nodelink on V5 FW. I'm currently using a raspberry pi but have also run them on a windows desktop.UDI has hinted at offering a product that is an ISY and Nodeserver platform in one, but there is no date that I've heard of on the horizon. 

 

Paul

 

Thanks, Paul.  If the module only supports one way communication, then that's obviously not going to work.

[paulbates]

Thanks, Paul.  If the module only supports one way communication, then that's obviously not going to work.

 

Yes,

The ISY does have a robust rest API for writing back into it, but that code has to run on something to generate the rest call

 

Paul

[rahnee]

I use DSClink on an RPi  and it works great (I am running 4.5.4).  It communicates both ways almost instantly and I have events triggered off of open doors, alarms etc.  I also have KPL and remotelinc buttons set to turn the alarm on/off and show status etc.  I haven't used v5 Nodelink yet but I imagine it works almost exactly the same with regards to functionality.

 

Spend $50ish on an RPi and it will accomplish what you want and then some.  Once you have the RPi I can almost guarantee that you will find other uses for it as well.  You don't need to be a programmer to get it working, there are fantastic How To's on the forums.  Check it out.

[paulbates]

Agreed with Rahnee

 

I don't do unix development, but was able to follow the step by step directions for venlink/nodelink to set the Rpi up from scratch and load the programs. Now, I don't even look at the Rpi any longer, it just runs like any other appliance. There are template ISY watchdog programs for seeing if the services died, but they've only run when I've tested them by pulling the plug

 

Whether you write your own code or run DSClink, you'll need something like this. The users of DCSlink are usually very complimentary of its capabilities.

 

Its a small .net program. If you have a windows desktop, set it up and see if you like it. If it works, then think about how to permanently deploy it.

 

Paul