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

[yeahprolly@xxxxxxx]

On Mar 6, 2:01 pm, Marc_F_Hult <MFH...@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> On 6 Mar 2007 08:49:53 -0800, yeahpro...@xxxxxxx wrote in message
> <1173199791.480559.94...@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>:
>
> >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.
> >snip>
> >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!
>
> As Robert points out, the [greatly] preferred Napco controller for Home
> Automation is the 9600. Not too that incorporating a Napco 9600 in a
> overall HA system with other HA subsystems typically requires using a PC
> running HA software 24x7 which may not be what you want.
>
> Nine years ago I started the HA system in my house around an existing Napco
> security system by upgrading an older, simpler Napco panel to a model 9600.
> This was similar to your current status. In retrospect, the decision to
> retain the existing contractor and monitoring company was a good one.
>
> If I had it to do today, I might have reused the wiring and sensor
> infrastructure and installed an Elk M1G panelwww.elkproducts.comor Omni
> Prowww.homeauto.comor Stargatewww.jdstechnologies.comself-contained HA
> controller instead. (I now have both Napco 9600 and an Elk M1G --  a
> Belt-and-Suspenders approach, as it were).
>
> Consider re-evaluating what you have installed that is of value given your
> objectives. It may be that Napco is not the best route and that you are
> early enough in your HA planning that you can easily and cost-effectively
> change trajectories.  This depends in large part on what you want to do and
> whether having a PC with software (egwww.HomeSeer.com,www.charmedquark.com,  www.automatedliving.com/) running 24 x7 is in your
> plans.
>
> Depending on how extensive the security wiring and sensors you have are,
> most of the value may be in the wiring (=labor) and sensors  rather than
> the panel itself.
>
> 1) What specifically did your contractor install in the way of wiring and
> sensors?
> 2) Do you have a contract with the monitoring company that limits your
> options?
> 3) What other security panels does the monitoring provider support
> (assuming your high comfort level with them) ?
>
> ... Marc
> Marc_F_Hultwww.ECOntrol.org

Marc,

Thanks for the complete response and for your thoughts - I certainly
appreciate your insight.

My concerns mostly relate to having a 5-year contract with Slomin's
for alarm monitoring. Were you in this situation when you changed out
your panel? I'm a bit unsure as to what might unravel if I swap this
panel in terms of the alarm monitoring.

I have a wired/wireless system with window contacts and glass break
sensors everywhere. All entry doors (3) are alarmed similarly, and I
have two keypads. I also have two fire sensors tied in. Right now I
only have an internal siren, but I plan to hook up an external one as
well (I believe that part should be pretty easy, even given the fact
that I have the GEM-P816 panel right now).

The contract is written such that it is pretty binding - to the order
that "customer cannot touch any of the equipment installed". I don't
know how firm these contracts are though, given that I wouldn't be
calling them for "tech support" on a new panel (which is what I'm sure
they want to avoid). I'm sure they also want to continue receiving
their $30 or so a month monitoring fee for 5 years).

I do plan to have a 24x7 monitoring system running (I already have
other servers running 24x7 for other purposes). That's definitely in
the plan.

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 one of the ones you mentioned? 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