Re: Automation Panel vs. Components

[MFHult@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Lee:

Consider starting with a review of the _software_ and programming
interface/environemnts and chose what you like of them that _also_ meet your
hardware needs. Other than lighting, hardware choices are wide and good. The
achilles heel is the software in my experience.

Recognize that a system you install that depends on your programming may
have positive value to you but negative value to the next occupant/owner
(especially if you try to cobble the security system together with an
Ocelot!)

HTH ... Marc
Marc_F_Hult

On Thu, 14 Jul 2005 18:33:19 -0400, "E. Lee Dickinson"
<lee@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
<db6p7g$hi9$1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>:

>So, assume HomeSeer with a number of remote clients (Touchscreen PC, PDAs,
>voice, phone, etc) as the primary front end:
>
>I'm now faced with a decision between a number of discreet components, and
>the selection of "all-in-one" automation panels.
>
>I'll be integrating lighting control, HVAC, Security, Home Theater, and
>whatever else I can think to do. Girl's as big a geek as I am, so WAF is
not
>a problem. :)
>
>I'm leaning towards an Ocelot for HT, and a Secu16I for security inputs,
and
>a Secu16 for the various outputs and a few more inputs.  I'll also be
>needing an interface for whichever lighting system I use (X10, UPB, Insteon
>are the contenders, for me). A pair of HAI-RC80 thermostats should handle
>HVAC nicely.
>
>So going that route, I'm looking at around $500 in hardware, plus a messy
>wiring cabinet and probably a good bit of coding work.
>
>Compare that to one of the all-in-ones that integrates security, such as
the
>ElkM1G.  It looks to me like my starting cost is around $500 for an
>all-in-one, plus I *still* need a bunch of daughter boards.. more IO (I
like
>discreet zones on my security sensors), etc.  The thermostats are at least
>as expensive as the HAI, etc.
>
>So the all-in-one approach seems significantly more expensive.
>
>The benefits? Rock-solid security performance, and tighter integration.
>
>My own background is in Entertainment Technology, where we're used to
>cobbling systems together to make them work. So to me, the lower cost
>approach is more appealing.  I can see how the all-in-one approach is more
>appealing to someone with a background in security systems.
>
>My usual question: What am I missing in my comparison, particularly in
terms
>of implied costs and possible pitfalls?
>
>I yield to the experience and expertise of others.
>
>:Lee
>