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

["Robert L Bass" <no-sales-spam@bassburglaralarms>]

> 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?

Yes, if you upgrade to the P3200 or P9600
you'd still need the GEM-X10 kit for Napco
to control X10 devices directly.

> Would I need an "installers code" to
> install and/or configure this module?

Yes.

> 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.

The port on the Napco board is for use
with their PCI-MINI or PCI-MINI-USB
dongles.  Either of those will connect
the panel to a PC or laptop.  The
PCI-MINI is for programming and testing
the panel, as well as reading the log.
It is not designed for use an automation
device.  A similar, but more advanced
version called a GEM-RS232 Kit is
available for connecting the P3200 or
P9600 to a PC or other HA device.

Several years ago Napco decided to
limit home automation functionality to
the P9600 panel.  They recently
decided to make it available on the
P3200 again as well.  There is no
support for HA functionality on the
smaller Napco Gemini panels.

> 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...

Those are standard functions of the panel.
Using the PCI-MINI you can do all of that
as well as operate the panel.

> If this has to be a manual process
> with my unit, I'm OK with that...

It does, though you might be able to
write an app to do some of the manual
stuff for you.  That would require
programming skills.

> 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.

You can but any connection at all will
require knowledge of the dealer code.
The default is 456789 IIRC.  Slomins
may have changed it though.  If worse
comes to worst, you could just replace
the board.  They're not expensive.

> Thanks in advance for your help.

My pleasure.

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

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Bass Home Electronics
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http://www.bassburglaralarms.com
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