Vangelis wrote:Assuming these door contacts are linked to an alarm.
jmiked wrote:Vangelis wrote:Assuming these door contacts are linked to an alarm.
They are linked to an alarm for the next week or so. Then it's going to be wires dangling from a hole in the wall. I'm getting rid of my old alarm system with wired sensors, but thought I might do something with the leftover magnets/switches that are in the doors.
jmiked wrote:I have a 20-year-old ADT system installed now. It's being replaced by a cellular/wireless system from another company. Based on other people I know that have moved or discontinued ADT service of that age, ADT didn't even want the system back. Even if they did, I doubt they would remove all the wiring for the door sensors and such. I was thinking that surely I could tie those sensors into Indigo and do something with them. If I can't easily or inexpensively do it, it's no loss.
FlyingDiver wrote:jmiked wrote:I have a 20-year-old ADT system installed now. It's being replaced by a cellular/wireless system from another company. Based on other people I know that have moved or discontinued ADT service of that age, ADT didn't even want the system back. Even if they did, I doubt they would remove all the wiring for the door sensors and such. I was thinking that surely I could tie those sensors into Indigo and do something with them. If I can't easily or inexpensively do it, it's no loss.
You can almost certainly do it. It's just a question of how. It would actually be better to use the existing sensors (if in good shape) for the new system. Wired contact sensors are better than wireless ones. No batteries to deal with. Is the new system you're getting compatible with Indigo? Is there a plugin for it?
jay (support) wrote:Also there are I/O Lincs and EZIO Insteon devices as well, depending on what technology you want to use.
berkinet wrote:jay (support) wrote:Also there are I/O Lincs and EZIO Insteon devices as well, depending on what technology you want to use.
As Jay makes clear, there are LOTS of options. I would guess in your case the issue is going to be density - how many digital inputs (contact closures) you will want to monitor. For a small number (<7) something simple like the EZIO makes sense. For more inputs, you will probably want to look at products like the Phidgets 16 input card or the EasyDAQ cards with up ton 96 inputs. You will also need to think about how your digital n interface board will connect to your Indigo Mac. The easiest is via a network, but that will limit your choices. USB is quite common, but it complicates the connection to Indigo unless yourMac is next to the old alarm termination.
So, I'd suggest: decide on direct USB (or possibly serial with a serial to USB converter) or IP/Ethernet/Wi-Fi. Then determine how many contacts you want to monitor. Post back here and someone, can certainly make some specific recommendations.
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