Homeseer and DSC Integration...

[nfmmalice]

I'm looking at getting both a Homeseer (Probably the SE Pro) and, after all I've been reading, I think I'm aiming at a DSC Panel...

I would need Wireless Support, so I'm arguing between the Impassa and the Alexor.

Which one has better integration with the SE Pro?

[Rupp]

There are 2 DSC plugins and as far as I know neither work with either of these panels. Most users are using the DSC Power 1832 panel with the it-100 interface.

[nfmmalice]

Does that mean I'm not going to be able to go with a Wireless System?

Also, if I go with the SE-PRO, the system will have no RS232 ports.

If I need to use an RS232 Interface, do I need to upgrade to a Panel with those ports?

Just trying to make some last minute tweaks to my shopping list.

[nfmmalice]

The system that I was looking at the second time around was the PC1832 with the RFK5500 Keypad with built in wireless.

If I do this will the system allow me to monitor alarm events through the 1832 via the Homeseer?

[NicolaiL]

I would go with a DSC 1832 or DSC 1864 depending on whether you need 32 or 64 zones.

B oth can be had with a keypad with built in WiFi receiver so you can easily build a wireless system.

Get the IT-100 module for RS232 integration to HS.

NicolaiL

[nfmmalice]

Thank you Nikolai...

I guess that means I have to get the Hometroller Pro S3 for the RS232 ports then.

[NicolaiL]

Well, I use HS Pro on a custom built PC. It doesn't have any inbuilt COM ports so I just use a USB-Serial port converter.

So I guess, any of the HS boxes would do assuming you'd add the USB-Serial converter.

Cheers
NicolaiL

[nfmmalice]

I guess that makes total sense. LoL.

But then the SE PRo still only has 2 USB Ports.

I'm trying to figure out the best way to maximize my Cost vs Features ratio.

I originally considered just running the software on one of my Home PC's, but I'm a little worried about system crashes and long term sustainability.

Have you had any problems with the software and your PC?

[nfmmalice]

Even at that, what is the best OS to run the Homeseer Software on? I hate Vista with a passion, and I Love XP. I don't know if I need to run it 64bit though, and if Windows 7 is a viable/stable platform for it.

I just dont want to be stuck spending the majority of my time trying to keep the interface running instead of just enjoying the fruits of my labor.

[NicolaiL]

I guess that makes total sense. LoL.

But then the SE PRo still only has 2 USB Ports.

I'm trying to figure out the best way to maximize my Cost vs Features ratio.

I originally considered just running the software on one of my Home PC's, but I'm a little worried about system crashes and long term sustainability.

Have you had any problems with the software and your PC?

You can always throw a powered USB multi-port switch in your shopping basket as well ...

I've been using HS for over 10 years. When I purchased there was no hardware option, it was SW only. At least here in the UK.

If I was investing today I would go with one of the HS hardware based controllers rather than put it together myself. I just think you will get a platform more easily supported by HS if required.

NicolaiL

[nfmmalice]

You've been a great help Nikolai.

Initially I was looking at the SE.. Then the SE Pro Due to iDevice functionality being an almost necessary requirement.

Of course, as the "want" list grew, so did the Price of the controller.

Now I'm reading about Slow performance on some of the issues (mostly alleviated by CF Card swaps I think), so Obviously my Mind tells me to go with the faster Pro SE3 (500mhz vs 1.6ghz)...

Of course, I could DEFINITELY use the Extra $500 difference in cost for INterface goodies and Extras.

I have about a $2000 budget overall to play with, and that extra $500 goes a LONG way...

Decisions, Decisions.

[NicolaiL]

You've been a great help Nikolai.

Initially I was looking at the SE.. Then the SE Pro Due to iDevice functionality being an almost necessary requirement.

Of course, as the "want" list grew, so did the Price of the controller.

Now I'm reading about Slow performance on some of the issues (mostly alleviated by CF Card swaps I think), so Obviously my Mind tells me to go with the faster Pro SE3 (500mhz vs 1.6ghz)...

Of course, I could DEFINITELY use the Extra $500 difference in cost for INterface goodies and Extras.

I have about a $2000 budget overall to play with, and that extra $500 goes a LONG way...

Decisions, Decisions.

Tough call. If you search around the board you will see opinions are split on the OS. See this thread: http://board.homeseer.com/showthread.php?t=147877

Personally I would go with the HS hardware controller at the highest spec I felt I could afford to allow for future growth.

PRO should be a must these days as that gives you the touch screen option (plus obviously much more).

Another option I'd consider would be to start with a part objective and buy 'only' the parts needed for this (be it lighting, or motion, or security or). Then once I had achieved the first objective I would spend the next volley of cash and go for the bigger set of objectives. That would also ease the cash flow!

NicolaiL

[brientim]

I would go with a DSC 1832 or DSC 1864 depending on whether you need 32 or 64 zones.

B oth can be had with a keypad with built in WiFi receiver so you can easily build a wireless system.

Get the IT-100 module for RS232 integration to HS.

NicolaiL

There is alternative to the IT-100, the EnvisaLink 2DS there isn't a homeseer interface but it is TCP-IP with it own local web interface and external web access. There are also apps for IPhone as well. Hopefully, someone will port the IT-100 interface as the 2DS API is based on it.

[NicolaiL]

There is alternative to the IT-100, the EnvisaLink 2DS there isn't a homeseer interface but it is TCP-IP with it own local web interface and external web access. There are also apps for IPhone as well. Hopefully, someone will port the IT-100 interface as the 2DS API is based on it.

DSC also has their own IP asked interfaces, but as of yet these are not supported by HS' wn plugin (nor I believe by the BladeDSC plugin).

Personally I think it would be nice to have IP support and not use up a serial interface, but on the other hand having this direct physical communication between the DSC and HS reduces the number of failure points between two very important components.

[LeoS]

I'm also planning to get a DSC system with IT-100 to integrate with my HomeSeer.
Serial port shouldn't be an issue... I actually use a miniITX motherboard without any serial ports at all, but I'm buying a couple of GC-100-12 and digi edgeports off Ebay.

Global Cache GC-100 series provide serial ports, infrared beamers and contact relays. Someone is selling the GC-100-12 on Ebay for $100 which I thought was a great deal!

Digi edgeport gives 1,2,4 or 8 serial ports over USB.