Napco Gemini GEM-P1632 compatibility?

[rselte]

Hello,

I was looking to purchase a HomeTroller Zee S2 and use the plugin to connect it to my GEM-P1632 panel. It isn't listed in the compatibility list, but is it possible it may work anyway?

I'd rather get the HomeSeer Zee S2 but if it doesn't work I may have to purchase the IBR-ZRemote instead :-(
http://www.napcosecurity.com/images/...Flow_large.jpg

Thanks for any help.

[nfrobertson]

Hello. Thank you for checking on compatibility before purchasing.

Unfortunately the Zee S2 is a linux based solution and this plugin does not support linux. The serial I/O communications are very specific and a working Linux solution has not been made. I'm not sure if it ever will.

This plugin should be considered legacy Napco support. I originally ported this from HS2 to HS3 so my circa 2005 P9600 with GEM-AUTOMATION didn't need to be replaced. I've since worked with a few people here to gather more information on compatibility with newer/older panels and GEM-AUTOMATION chips. The new vs old P3200 is a good example.

I wish you luck on finding the best solution that will work for you

Nathan

[rselte]

Thank you very much for for your help and hard work. I really appreciate it. I'm not sure if I'm going to get napco's z wave device or dust off an old pc and dedicate it with homeseer software. I really like how customizable homeseer seems to be.

Do you know if a Windows machine would work with my panel?

[nfrobertson]

Do you have a GEM-AUTOMATION firmware installed in this GEM-P1632 panel?

How old is the panel?

[rselte]

I had the new panel installed this summer by a local security company.

I'm not sure exactly how old the panel or the current firmware is, but the model has been around since at least 2007.
http://www.csaaintl.org/NAPCO_Tech_Support_DST_2007.pdf

I don't believe I have GEM-AUTOMATION installed yet. Is that something I can do myself?

[nfrobertson]

After writing my response below, I feel compelled to advise you talk with that local security company and see what new Napco automation options exist. You may be much happier using some of their new integrated options instead of trying to hook into HS3 via this legacy style plugin. Just my 2 cents.

------

If the local security company provides monitoring of your system then this route may affect that. I can't advise on what you should or shouldn't do, only give you information. If unsure, please don't attempt any changes.

The GEM-AUTOMATION chip may not be compatible with the newer Napco boards. Only a licensed Napco dealer could confirm. I seem to recall someone trying a newer board out and had some level of success with it.

You might be able to try a PCIMINI connection to your panel to see. You'll need a USB to serial adaptor, a PCIMINI and the trial version of this plugin. If it doesn't work you may be stuck with the cost of the USB to serial adaptor and PCIMINI.

TrendNet USB to 9pin serial. In previous testing I was successful with this adaptor.
http://amzn.com/B0007T27H8

http://www.spytown.com/napco-pci-mini.html

If that does happen to work, the RS232 kit is a better solution than the PCIMINI but it's more expensive so not sure if you want to try it or not:

http://www.spytown.com/napco-gem-rs232.html

All of this requires some level of technical expertise and since it involves opening your panel may involve some risk to your panel or yourself. Again, if you are unsure then please don't attempt any changes.

[rselte]

Wow. Again I greatly appreciate your help. I'm not sure which route I'll take yet. I'll start doing more research.