Re: Need more input

["Bill Kearney" <wkearney-99@hot-mail-com>]

> Project involves a Main House with Detached Garage/Shop(500') and
> Studio(400').

If you ever have lightning issues in your area you may want to consider
fiber cabling if you're going to run computer networking between the two
buildings.  Simple CAT5-to-Fiber adapters are around $100 on each end.  They
act as completely transparent bridges.  You DO NOT want to get into trying
to use serial converters.  Just go with fiber and be done with it.  It works
and STAYS working.  Granted, fiber cabling is a bit more expensive but the
hassle is saves is well worth the cost.

The problem with joining alarm and automation is you often get the least
flexible of both.  But you're not describing just what level of automation
you desire.  Personally, I'd want to avoid mixing the two, if just to make
sure the security folks won't screw up the automation system, and vice
versa.

Also, is it 500' and 400' of conduit between three buildings, with nothing
in between?  So where would the central gear be located?  Is that 500' and
then 400' to each (in a star) or 900' total (in series), stopping at one in
between?

What climate is this (how cold does it get)?