Re: Tying in GEM-X10 into Napco Gemini 816 Alarm System Controller

[yeahprolly@xxxxxxx]

On Mar 6, 12:51 pm, yeahpro...@xxxxxxx wrote:
> I have recently had Slomins security (a central station alarm
> management company) install an alarm system in my house. They used a
> Napco Gemini 816 Central Controller. I'm trying to tie this into a
> home automation system I am starting to build. I see there is an X10
> integration module I can purchase (GEM-X10). I will be installing 3-
> way Switchlinc dimmer switches (2494m3) for my lights, which support
> both the Switchlinc protocol and X10 protocol.
>
> The following are some reference links for the products mentioned
> above:
>
> Napco Gemini 816 Central Controller:http://www.basshome.com/napco_gemini_p816_662_ctg.htm
>
> X10 integration module:http://www.napcosecurity.com/testframe.html?g-24gemx10.html
>
> Switchlinc dimmer switches:http://www.smarthome.com/2494m3.html
>
> I have all the installation and configuration docs in PDF format which
> I can send to anyone interested.
>
> What I want to do initially is have an event from the Napco Gemini 816
> (e.g. Alarm triggered) to send an X10 command to all dimmer switches
> to turn all of the lights connected through these dimmer switches.
>
> Before I purchase all of this equipment, I have a few questions:
>
> 1) Do I need to reconfigure the Napco Gemini 816 Central Controller
> for the X10 module? Do I need an "installers password" which would
> have been installed by Slomins?
>
> 2) Is there anything I am missing or is this a pretty straightforward
> thing to set up?
>
> 3) Any "gotchas" I need to worry about?
>
> Thanks!

I just wanted to provide some more information on what I am thinking
right now, assuming the GEM-X10 module works with the small GEM-P816
box.

I guess what I want to do right now is start making investments that I
won't need to throw away, even if I am limited for the first 5 years
due to my contract. My current thoughts and questions in my head are:

1) If I get the GEM-X10 module, would I not need this if I upgrade the
panel in the future to the 9600 panel or one of the other larger non-
Napco boxes? Would I need an "installers code" to install and/or
configure this module?
2) I think there is a serial connection I can get to connect from my
computer into the GEM-P816 to grab some intelligence, even if it's not
automated. If I can grab a log, I'm hoping I can easily interpret when
various zones were open and closed, when codes were typed in, etc. If
this has to be a manual process with my unit, I'm OK with that,
provided my investment is not that great to grab this stuff. I know
Slomins can connect in to grab this information remotely, so I think I
should be able to grab it locally if I have the right equipment.

Thanks in advance for your help.
Ken