Re: IP Based security monitor/controller?

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

>> All of the residential security companies/solutions
>> we've researched so far REQUIRE a land line
>> telephone to connect to their monitoring station.
>>
>> Is anyone aware of an IP based device and/or a
>> service that supports this?

> Here's an interesting "IP based device"
> although it's maybe not exactly what
> you're looking for...

That isn't even remotely related to what the OP is seeking.
There are a few alarm systems on the market which can
be connected to the Internet.  One which has been
discussed in this newsgroup from time to time is the
ELK Products ELK-M1G.  It's a full-blown home automation
controller as well as a UL listed security control.

The ELK unit is not cheap though.  A complete system
can be had through various online stores for just under
$1K, including panel, keypad, TCP/IP daughter board,
backup battery, siren, etc.  The panel supports all of the
standard wired sensors, as well as the GE Security (ITI
and Caddx) wireless sensors.

Another popular model is HAI's Omni Pro which does
most of what ELK does.  It costs a bit more than the
ELK system.  On the plus side HAI has more lines of
programming than ELK.  On the down side, it can't
read analog (i.e., 0-10 VDC) devices such as temperature
and humidity sensors which ELK can do.

Both brands offer all kinds of add-ons.  HAI sells dealer
and end user software (both $$).  ELK includes it with
the system though ELK also now offers special-purpose
software ($$) for remote control.  The ELK TCP/IP
board does not require additional software -- just a
browser.  HAI's Internet control requires software ($$).

Another option which the OP should investigate is
Honeywell Security (nee: Ademco).  They now offer
Internet based monitoring of conventional security
systems, such as their Vista-20P via an add-on module
and a service agreement.  The Internet service adds
an incremental cost to the monitoring, over and above
the basic fee which the central monitoring station will
charge.

There are several companies that are willing to
monitor and support DIY installed alarms over the
Internet.  Prices are typically between one half and
one third what alarm dealers charge for the identical
monitoring service.

I don't know for certain if 911Alarm offers Internet
monitoring but they're a decent outfit -- definitely
worth checking.  I believe NextAlarm is currently
offering TCP/IP monitoring primarily for people who
use VoIP telephone service.  If there's a broadband
connection at the house, installing VoIP might be
a good idea anyway.  It's cheap and it will give
you a second means of calling for help in case the
cell service ever fails.  If you happen to use Cingular,
that is a very real possibility.  :^)

I mainly cater to people who want to install their
own alarms and home automation systems.  I don't
sell monitoring service but I do sell the rest of the
hardware.  If you need more information, feel free
to contact me during the day.

Note:  On Weds, June 13, 2007 our phones and
email will be out of service all morning as we switch
over to a new fiber service.

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

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