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BwiggleS
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Joined: October 26 2009
Location: Canada
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Posts: 35
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| Posted: October 29 2009 at 12:27 | IP Logged
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As part of the home automation upgrade the wife wants me to upgrade the security as well. Obviously integration into PH is a bonus and improves the functionality.
If I go with the Elk system, should I use the serial or Ethernet interface? My home will have 4 glass break sensors (wireless), 4 hardwired door switches, 4 motion sensors (wired or wireless), and probably another 8 wired/wireless door switches on windows.
I plan on integrating the Elk into PH so I can use the motion sensors to turn on lights, capture pictures from a cameral, etc.
So I guess the question is what is more reliable? Serial or Ethernet?
Thanks,
Brad
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spou
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Joined: July 28 2007
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| Posted: October 29 2009 at 12:59 | IP Logged
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Can I also suggest to add other functions to the wireless door sensors? Functions that are not security related, but still, uses the same basic emitters. I dunno how the ELK might interprets extra functions such as:
-dryer / dishwasher / washing machine alarm when finished (you'll find details on the board)
-water counter (i'm working on it, using 1 magnet and 2 reed switches)
-door locked (not only closed - magnet in lock button, reed switch embedded in the button cover)
Those are great additions to an automated home, gives big WAF, but have to (probably) go tru your Elk and then to PH, dunno how in your case.
As far as which comm link is better, I would opt for serial, less sensitive to EM because it speaks more slowly on the wire. But getting serial ports is getting more and more difficult, and I dont trust USB->serial adapters at all. So the best "future-proof" link is ethernet. Just take some precautions when pulling the wire, and it should be ok.
Spou
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BwiggleS
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Joined: October 26 2009
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| Posted: October 29 2009 at 13:22 | IP Logged
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Hi Spou,
Those suggestions are good, and will be part of the PH future (I already have insteon set up in the house).
For the networking its not a problem as the computer is in my utility room where the router and switches are. I program the PH computer remotely from my regular computer using teamviewer, so the PH computer does not have a monitor, keyboard or mouse.
Teamviewer is something I have yet to share with everyone, it's basically a free remote control for your PC. Works like PC anywhere or remote desktop, except you take over the remote completely. Really great cause it's free and works flawlessly. Also it works through most firewalls without additional configuration so you can be anywhere with your laptop and log into your home computer.
Hope someone else gets use from Teamviewer.
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smarty
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Joined: May 21 2006
Location: United States
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Posts: 728
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| Posted: October 29 2009 at 16:27 | IP Logged
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BwiggleS wrote:
| Hope someone else gets use from Teamviewer. |
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I will look at it, but I am happy with UltaVNC (also free, also does the items you mention, has a fairly large following etc etc).
__________________
Elk - Insteon - BlueIris - DMC1 - PowerHome - XLobby - HA_Bridge w/Dots - Brultech
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TonyNo
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Joined: December 05 2001
Location: United States
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| Posted: October 29 2009 at 20:24 | IP Logged
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I've been using TeamViewer for a while now. Good stuff!
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PowerHome Messageboard : PowerHome and Elk
Topic: PH to ElkM1, Eth vs Serial
