matapan Posted April 4, 2009 Posted April 4, 2009 A lot of people have alarm systems in their homes. These systems usually come with door, window, and motion sensors to detect occupancy. The basic principle of operation with all of these sensors is the same. There is usually a magnetic switch of some type in the door and window sensors. Motion sensors work the same way, whether they're used by an alarm system or for home automation. Some sensors are embedded or "built in" when the home is built. It would be to the automator's advantage, IMHO to use the same sensors to automate lighting and automation events. Is this a worthwhile endeavor? If it is, is it best to capture and forward the detection event at the sensor, or at the security panel, where all the signals go? It just seems like a duplication of resources to have a separate set of equipment for different systems. It is not in spirit of Green to deploy systems in this manner, in my opinion.
Michel Kohanim Posted April 5, 2009 Posted April 5, 2009 Hello matapan, You are 100% correct and this is partly why ELK/ISY integration has been so successful. Of course, ISY cannot read the status of the sensors from ELK but you can use ELK rules and ISY to turn on/off your devices based on sensors and alarm conditions. We are planning for more integration with ELK (and possibly some other systems) when we have more time and resources. With kind regards, Michel A lot of people have alarm systems in their homes. These systems usually come with door, window, and motion sensors to detect occupancy. The basic principle of operation with all of these sensors is the same. There is usually a magnetic switch of some type in the door and window sensors. Motion sensors work the same way, whether they're used by an alarm system or for home automation. Some sensors are embedded or "built in" when the home is built. It would be to the automator's advantage, IMHO to use the same sensors to automate lighting and automation events. Is this a worthwhile endeavor? If it is, is it best to capture and forward the detection event at the sensor, or at the security panel, where all the signals go? It just seems like a duplication of resources to have a separate set of equipment for different systems. It is not in spirit of Green to deploy systems in this manner, in my opinion.
gregoryx Posted April 5, 2009 Posted April 5, 2009 Echoing that answer - and your idea, matapan: I've got rules in the Elk and programs in the ISY that look at doors opening / closing, motion, light/dark outside, status lights (to report or override things) all working together thanks to the Elk / ISY integration. FTR, most standard alarm devices can be connected to an Elk M1G: replace the main panel and wire everything to the Elk, program (admittedly a bit of work) and you're up and going.
matapan Posted April 9, 2009 Author Posted April 9, 2009 Are there any national companies that monitor Elk systems?
someguy Posted April 11, 2009 Posted April 11, 2009 I was considering using the (non-elk) alarm motion sensor that is in my living room to activate programs in the ISY. I was going to use an EZIO2x4. I found the wire that comes into my alarm system and it is hooked up with two other motion sensors. I can't tell if the wire is the wire that powers the motion sensor or if it is the wire that tells the alarm system that the motion sensor has tripped. Does anyone know how many wires do most motion sensors have? two wires to power it and one to tell the alarm system that the motion sensor has been tripped? Am I trying to make this too simple?
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