Security system integration

acheslow · Post by **acheslow** » Thu Feb 26, 2004 10:18 am

Has anyone connected their security system to HouseBot? I'm shopping for a new panel and it seems Caddx is popular for RS232 integration but if there are already any hardware definitions or plugins for other panels I'd be interested in knowing.

Thanks, Alan

P.S. I know many panels can integrate via X10 but I'm looking for one that has serial control of arming/disarming/zone reporting, etc.

gorfllub · Post by **gorfllub** » Mon Mar 08, 2004 7:53 pm

Check out DSC

They have some computer stuff, its supposed to be for the installer only, but if you can get your hands on the cable/software it may do what you want. If nothing else, zones can be programmed to arm or disarm on trigger. So you could use some sort of I/O card or device to trigger certain zones on the panel that are programmed for arm or disarm etc.

I have a DSC Power 832 that I am going to eventually give this a try on, although its quite a ways away for me. You can also get boards to run x10, thermostats, video surveylance, etc......

Good luck!

acheslow · Post by **acheslow** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 9:46 am

Thanks, I have read about the DSC but for my needs I think the Caddx is best. I plan on using a number of zones not just for security but to trigger Housebot events - like if the door to the basement is opened then the light turns on. I'd prefer to have a single serial connection between the panel and the PC instead of having to use separate trigger inputs. The Caddx protocol is very robust and will support just about anything I could ever imagine wanting to do with a security system. My only concern is how difficult it will be to implement in Housebot.

The protocol is documented at http://www.bass-home.com/Manuals/Caddx/HADoc_1.cfm. Does anyone have a feeling as to how hard this would be to do a hardware definition for?

Automate · Post by **Automate** » Fri Mar 12, 2004 3:35 pm

Have you considered using the Ethernet interface module they have?

http://www.caddx.com/pdf/spec/NX-590E.pdf

acheslow · Post by **acheslow** » Fri Mar 12, 2004 3:51 pm

I thought that was just for monitoring? Can you also control the system with the full set of commands available through the serial protocol?

Automate · Post by **Automate** » Fri Mar 12, 2004 6:54 pm

You could be right. I am sure you know more about the Caddx system than I do.

This looks like the full install manual for the Ethernet module.

http://www.caddx.com/pdf/install/NX590EIA02.pdf