Re: Doubled up connections to security sensors? was Re: Z-WAVE question

[Robert L Bass <sales@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> What are the caveats to wiring two alarm systems in parallel
> to the same sensor?  (This is different that what you describe
> above if I understand correctly.)

One issue is the potential for unintended current flow between two systems.  The
advantage of some partitionable systems is that one sensor can act upon two
partitions (as it appears the OP has implemented this).

> My situation is that I have a complete, satisfactory Napco
> security system for which the wiring was professionally
> installed long ago with the usual mix of smokes, contacts,
> motion detectors, beams etc.
>
> When I set up the HA system in this house 7 or so years
> ago, I tried to use the built-in 'lighting vector' (aka "lighting
> path") feature of my CyberHouse HA software. This uses
> multip[e sensors to determine the location and direction of
> travel of a detected person  to turn lights on and off as the
> person walks through a space. But the Napco firmware is
> slow in reporting out through the RS-232 port to the HA
> computer. I've also tried using Napco relays to follow the
> sensors but this was also too slow. So I now I plan to use
> a different faster controller to create the lighting path
> function and so would like to 'double up' on some of the
> motion detectors.

There is another option which, depending on your controller, might do the job
for you.  If your HA controller has voltage- or relay-follow-input functionality
you could wire the sensors directly to the HA controller and thence to the Napco
P9600.

Also, it may be possible to accomplish your goals using a combo controller like
the ELK-MIG.  The unit has enough I/O to replace the Napco easily.  You'd need
to look at the total specs though to determine if it's HA functionality is
sufficient to handle your requirements.  ELK has timers which can be triggered
by a zone input.  You may be able to use these to watch for a second zone trip
for x number of seconds to determine movement and direction.

Full specs on the M1G are here:
http://m1dealer.elkproducts.com/index.php?module=documents&JAS_DocumentManager_op=categories&MMN_position=4:4
Tiny URL version of the above here:
http://tinyurl.com/fdykh

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Regards,
Robert L Bass

Bass Burglar Alarms
The Online DIY Store
http://www.BassBurglarAlarms.com

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Never underestimate the power of very stupid people in large groups.