Suggestions for reliable automation/security system for new build

Forums › Gadgets, robotics, home automation, electronics (including wearables) › Suggestions for reliable automation/security system for new build

Taho

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

#208985 7-Mar-2017 21:38

Hi, apologies if this has been asked before.

I am an electrician/data installer and am about to start wiring for my new house.

I am looking for recommendations on automation products that I could use for my own house, but that would also be a reliable system to possibly put into prospective clients homes. Therefore i want something that is reliable enough for clients use and that does not need to be ripped out if I was to sell the house.

I have looked at the openhab system but am probably going to rule this out due to the amount of learning required and future ease of use.

Has anyone here seen or installed a proprietary system that they can either recommend or advise against? I have looked at Control4, Econnecx, C-bus, Protege and even tried to use the arrowhead alarm system for home automation but was not overly impressed!

Control4 looks great but has a high price tag.

Econnecx seems to do what I want but has a paid subscription requirement.

Fibaro/Zwave?

Gemlighting?

I would ideally like:

A full alarm system that notifies via app push notifications if there is a trigger and can be controlled remotely.

Smoke detectors

Temperature sensors

Light controls including dimming.

Timer for HWC, heaters etc (also controllable via app)

Garage door and gate opener.

IFTTT would be nice but not a necessity

Heatpump control

I'm may look at using a couple of different systems to get all of the features Im looking for. But to save me reinventing the wheel I would be keen to hear any ideas?

pipe60

127 posts

Master Geek

#1733852 9-Mar-2017 17:12

Currently wiring our new house. How I am doing some of the jobs below.

I would ideally like:

A full alarm system that notifies via app push notifications if there is a trigger and can be controlled remotely. Arrowhead alarm with app board.

Smoke detectors Wired in to alarm panel as well

Temperature sensors Wired to PLC and accessed via HMI can remote on to HMI or PLC

Light controls including dimming. PLC/HMI control + normal light switchs. Only dimming at this stage will be on led strips via 0 to 10v analog dimming from PLC.

Timer for HWC, heaters etc (also controllable via app) PLC/HMI (pt100 to 4-20ma monitoring) for temp + digital inputs for high level and flood,digital outputs for elements and underfloor pumps.

Garage door and gate opener. Fit remote kit(TRX) to alarm panel latest pcb now has the relay(4) for garage doors and extra relay board for gate.

IFTTT would be nice but not a necessity

Heatpump control Not planing on heat pumps but fitting ceiling fans in most rooms with auto control off PLC(PT100 temp monitoring).

Also IP camera system.

gregmcc

2147 posts

Uber Geek

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Lifetime subscriber

#1733911 9-Mar-2017 19:20

I've been have a bit of messing about with the AAP ip module & the 3G IP module (coupled to and Elite S alarm panel) and found that they have a good idea and are on the right track they are still no as good as they could be.

For example even though are plenty of options in the alarm panel for sending events to IP module, but the firmware in the alarm panel doesn't actually send the events even though they are selected.

The IP module won't push events such as arming or disarming, only pushes alarm triggered events.

As for the 3G IP Module, well the 3G side of it works, but again just alarm events, it won't sent out arming or disarming events (again this is a panel firmware problem) and the IP side of it is effectively disabled.

They have a series of products which have a lot of good features and potential to be a fantastic product, but they have so much of it disabled for who know what reason, Like most NZ'ers I love to support a kiwi developed product just like this, but there is a point where it's not worth the hassle and i'll go and get something that actually works, So they really need to lift their game or people will just go elsewhere {/rant off}

Taho

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1745331 21-Mar-2017 19:54

pipe60:

Currently wiring our new house. How I am doing some of the jobs below.

I would ideally like:

A full alarm system that notifies via app push notifications if there is a trigger and can be controlled remotely. Arrowhead alarm with app board.

Smoke detectors Wired in to alarm panel as well

Temperature sensors Wired to PLC and accessed via HMI can remote on to HMI or PLC

Light controls including dimming. PLC/HMI control + normal light switchs. Only dimming at this stage will be on led strips via 0 to 10v analog dimming from PLC.

Timer for HWC, heaters etc (also controllable via app) PLC/HMI (pt100 to 4-20ma monitoring) for temp + digital inputs for high level and flood,digital outputs for elements and underfloor pumps.

Garage door and gate opener. Fit remote kit(TRX) to alarm panel latest pcb now has the relay(4) for garage doors and extra relay board for gate.

IFTTT would be nice but not a necessity

Heatpump control Not planing on heat pumps but fitting ceiling fans in most rooms with auto control off PLC(PT100 temp monitoring).

Also IP camera system.

Thanks for that. What PLC and HMI are you using? I have had hit and miss experiments with PLC output control via IP so would be really keen to hear what you are using. Have you managed to tie this to an automation system or decent phone app?

Also, what temp sensors are you using?

Dunnersfella

4086 posts

Uber Geek

#1745396 21-Mar-2017 21:50

Control4.

It has a great reputation for a reason. They'll do the first 5 installations for you... it's not cheap. But it's the best out there by all accounts.

Failing that, Elan appears to have gone past RTI in the 'favourites' category right now.

Whether it ticks all the boxes / you can get access, who knows - but the feedback is good and it's due for some more re-investment from Core Brands in the immediate future.

pipe60

127 posts

Master Geek

#1745404 21-Mar-2017 22:05

Taho:

pipe60:

Thanks for that. What PLC and HMI are you using? I have had hit and miss experiments with PLC output control via IP so would be really keen to hear what you are using. Have you managed to tie this to an automation system or decent phone app?

Also, what temp sensors are you using?