Subject: From: Date:

Re: [ECS] Best security setup w/ ECS HV-PC Scott Danks Thu, 26 Aug 1999 17:32:39 -0500

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 Thu, 26 Aug 1999 17:32:39 -0500
Oh I can reply to the list.  This was in the old house, and I'm doing things differently
now.  What I did was use the 12 volts from the auxiliary power output, (alarm panel-
power for smoke detectors etc.) and sent them to all the door and windows sensors. 
As they are Normally closed (door sensor contacts) , they supplied the 12 volt relays
with power to keep them actuated.  As you know, the DPDT relay is like two switches,
and I used one switch (one side) to go to the alarm panel zones and the other side to
the digital inputs on the computer interface.  The alarm panel supplies this voltage
even with the power off through the backup battery.  So, power flashes and stuff like
that had no effect on the relays.  (Of course it drains the battery a little quicker)
But most flashes due to weather in my area are in the few second range anyway.  induced
lightning strike voltage is usually not enough to burn out the relays.  A direct hit
might, but then I have other problems at that time. :)  Anyway, as you know digital
circuitry is noisy.  If I put a 100 foot wire on a ttl input, the radio waves etc. will
trigger it.  SO, by using the relay system, the relays are close to the computer, and
the digital input lines are only a foot or so in length.  I am thinking of using opto-isolators
this time and doing it right.  But that's another story.  If this doesn't answer the
question, I could probably draw a schematic or something.  Just let me know.  And I
know there are others who have better ideas....

Scott.


>>> "Bill Walters" <wtwalters@home.com> 08/26 4:28 PM >>>
Scott,

As an ECS'er also with a Magnum Alert 800 panel, could you be a little more
specific?  perhaps via direct e-mail instead of the list?

Thanks -

Bill Walters


----- Original Message -----
From: Scott Danks <sdanks@ci.tulsa.ok.us>
To: <ecs-list@netbloc.com>
Sent: Thursday, August 26, 1999 3:26 PM
Subject: Re: [ECS] Best security setup w/ ECS HV-PC


Just an idea.  My old home grown version used double pole double throw
relays.  I sent 12v to the sensors and back to the relays.  One side of the
relay went to the alarm system, and the other went to the digital inputs.
The 12volts was from the alarm panel for the relays, so since the alarm
panel (magnum alert 800) was always up. my system was completely
independant.  Also since it was relays, nearby lightning strikes didn't
bother the relays, so my digital wire runs were only a foot or two.

Scott


>>> <hutchins.ta@pg.com> 08/26 1:35 PM >>>
Carl,

So what you are saying is look around, find the security system that has
what I
want but run all / some of the hardwired sensors though the HV-PC digital
inputs
then to the security panel. That way I can have ECS do 'cool stuff' (make
announcements, phone calls ect) as well?
Sounds like a great system!!

Tom



From: "Carl Keyes" <carlkeyes@hotmail.com> on 08/26/99 01:15 PM

Please respond to ecs-list@netbloc.com 

To:   ecs-list@netbloc.com 
cc:    (bcc: Thomas Hutchins-TA/PGI)
Subject:  Re: [ECS] Best security setup w/ ECS HV-PC




Tom,

I've been using a Radio Shack 2 zone system
for about 8 years now with very few false alarms.
Our house is quite small so 2 zones is plenty, but
they have others with more. They're easy to install
and relatively inexpensive.I use all wired switches
for the windows etc. I've found the wireless units
to be very unreliable. Most any security system will
accomodate the sensors you've mentioned but the real
power does come from it's integration with ECS.
I've wired some of my window switches through my digital
inputs to ECS as well as back to the security unit
so ECS can report,in any way you like, what has occured
there. One of my favorite, "only with ECS" things is
when I open my garage door with the remote it disables
the alarm for 5 min allowing enough time to leisurely
unpack or exit the car before the alarm units buzzers
kick in. It reminds me verbally to enter the code to dis-
arm. I doubt there's nothing that's not possible with ECS
a decent alarm system, and some imagination.

later,

Carl


>From: hutchins.ta@pg.com 
>Reply-To: ecs-list@netbloc.com 
>To: ecs-list@netbloc.com, comp.home.aut@pg.com 
>Subject: [ECS] Best security setup w/ ECS HV-PC
>Date: Thu, 26 Aug 1999 07:49:41 -0400
>
>I want to buy a security system for my home and would like to interface it
>w/ my
>automation system (ECS / HV-PC). I need to be able to have the following
>capabilities:
>
>1) Latch-key (call me when kids get home from school)
>2) Smoke / CO / Flood / Freeze monitoring
>3) Be able to differentiate between the above and call me to let me know
>which
>one it is.
>4) Be able to differentiate between zones (ie. 'An intruder has entered
>through
>the kitchen window' ect)
>5) Wireless capability (retrofitting) but combination wireless / hardwire
>best
>6) Must be upgradable
>
>Obviously must be reasonably priced and be able to install myself
>Any recommendations?
>
>Thanks
>Tom
>
>


                                                               
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