Faircount International's Year In Computing Book
May 2000
By Dawn Marie Yankeelov
Homeowners who hanker for automation but aren't ready to fork out for
a full-fledged system can start small and add automation technology later.
The first step is prewiring the home with cables suitable for shuttling
control commands to household devices. Next, install a security system
that provides basic protection out of the box but can be easily upgraded
by a professional installer to perform a number of automation routines.
Many of today's security systems-with some software programming and hardware
adjustments by a qualified installer-can operate lights, appliances, thermostats,
motorized drapes and other devices.
Automation Aspirations
To get the most out of your investment, specify an automation-ready security
system that meets your needs today and can be enhanced for the future
needs of your family. Starting at under $1,000, automation-capable systems
can be installed now and expanded as your budget allows.
Like so many homeowners, Joe and Patty Ingegno, of Long Island, NY, were
reluctant to put in a security system. "Patty just didn't believe
we needed it, " Joe recalls. "But, when she saw that it could
be operated by telephone and could control lighting…that sold her,"
and the couple invested in a Destiny security system from Apex. The base
Destiny system monitors as many as 16 hardwired zones (i.e., sensors and
detectors), but expansion modules can be added to handle more zones. Optional
wireless zones also can be added if the family decides to expand the range
of the security system to places where wires can't reach.
Up to 32 lights and appliances can be controlled through the Destiny via
X-10 technology, by which commands travel over the home's AC powerlines-no
additional wiring required. Lights and appliances, as well as the security
system itself, can be controlled via telephone touchtone commands thanks
to a dual-tone multifrequency (DTMF) interface. A 270 word vocabulary
(English or Spanish) helps users operate the Destiny-whether by keypad
or telephone-by announcing which buttons to press and responding with
information requested by the user.
Finally, the Destiny can control up to four thermostats with Apex's optional
Energy Management Module. Simply hit the AWAY button on the security panel
and the thermostat sets back automatically to an energy saving setting.
Stat Now, Add Later
Apex isn't alone in offering extra-capable security systems. At least
a dozen other manufacturers offer sophisticated systems with built-in
automation abilities and the smarts to grow. Some manufacturers like Ademco,
Caddx-Caddi Controls, Digital Security Controls (DSC), Interactive Technologies
Inc, (ITI), Napco and Optex have offered top-notch security systems for
years, and are just now building smarter versions of staple products.
Other manufacturers like Apex and Home Automation Inc. started out making
security/home automation systems, and they haven't looked back.
To help homeowners expand their systems as gradually as they want, many
of the manufacturers offer bare bone systems and a full complement of
add-on modules, or "expansion boards." When you're ready to
turn your alarm system into an intelligent home manager, your security/automation
dealer can return to your home and install the required hardware for lighting
control, thermostat control, wireless capabilities or intercom communications.
The software is already built into the original system. Extra hardware
for additional features can run $100-$300 each, plus some labor costs
for installation and configuration.
Other security panels are sold with a full range of automation and enhance
security features already built in. The initial cost of these systems
is naturally higher than their scaled-down counterparts, but homeowners
won't have to spring for the expense of system upgrades later on.
The HAI Omni, for instance, starts at about $2,500 installed, but for
that price you get control o lights, appliances and thermostats, plus
the ability to control your home automation system by touchtone phone.
What to Look For
Light/Appliance Control. The most popular and easiest way to beef up a
security system is through powerline carrier (PLC) technology, commonly
referred to as X-10. PLC-based security systems are particularly amenable
to after-installation automation add-ons because no additional wiring
is required.
Based on conditions programmed into a security panel by a professional
home systems installer, on and off switching signals are expedited over
the home's existing AC powerline to X-10 lamp and appliance modules plugged
into wall outlets throughout the house. Upon signal reception, these modules
relay the on or off command to the intended devices.
Several rooms of the Ingegno home contain X-10 modules so that Patty and
Joe can switch off several lights at once as they leave the home. Pressing
the away button on an Apex keypad, or hitting the corresponding button
on any touchtone telephone, does the trick.
A professional home systems installer can program PLC-capable panels to
signal lights according to alarm conditions (when the alarm goes off certain
lights snap on), the time-of-day (every night at 11 p.m. the family room
and kitchen lights switch off), or through manual button presses at a
security keypad or telephone.
For the greatest functionality, look for a security system with "two-way"
X-10 capability. This feature allows your system to monitor the status
of the lights and appliances in the home: If some of the lights involved
in a disarm routine are already off, the panel won't accidentally turn
them on. Furthermore, two=way capability means that a system can receive
signals from X-10 devices, and respond appropriately. For instance, an
inexpensive X-10 switch ($15) can be added to your installed system to
send a goodnight signal to the security panel. HAI, Apex and Napco offer
systems with two-way X-10 capabilities.
Inputs/Outputs. The best security panels come with relay outputs for activating
sirens and voice annunciators. For instance, if a motion detector trips
(the input), the security system might respond (the output) by announcing
through an intercom, "Stay off the premises." These same outputs
can be used to operate devices like electronic door locks, electric gates,
motorized draperies or a hot tub. If such control sounds appealing, look
for a security panel that provides plenty of extra outputs. Most automation-ready
systems come with at least two relay outputs with room for expandability.
The number of inputs in a security panel also affects its functionality
as a whole-hours controller. The more inputs, the more sensors) flood
detectors, motions detectors, occupancy sensors, temperature sensors,
etc.) can be integrated into the controller.
Thermostat Control. Setting back the thermostat while the house is unoccupied
and a t bedtime is a good idea that often slips the mind. Any security
system with relay outputs can be programmed to set back the thermostat
automatically when you arm or disarm the system. For this task you must
have a communication thermostat ($100 and up), available from Enerzone,
Residential Control Systems and Xencom Communications.
For a grate level of climate control, some security systems come with
special energy management modules that enable two-way communications between
the thermostat(s) and the security panel. In addition to providing more
setback opportunities, these modules allow thermostats to transmit signals
to the panels. Thus, when the temperature in the home drops too low, the
security system can be programmed to page you.
The UltraGard from ITI, Ranger 9000 from Caddx-Caddi, Destiny from Apex,
Aegis from HAI, and Gemini from Napco offer tow-way energy management
modules.
HAI offers a line of thermostats designed specifically for its automation
systems. The RC-Series of thermostats not only responds to automation
commands, but keeps the system apprised of the temperature in every zone.
You can view the temperatures on the LCD screen of any HAI keypad or hear
status reports via phone.
Intercom/Audio Features. The Audio Matrix module form Digital Security
Controls (DSC) turns the company's Power 832 system into a full-fledged
intercom system. Up to seven intercom stations, measuring just 1-by-4
inches, can be linked via the Audio Interface, giving the entire family
a convenient, shout-free means of communication with each other. A weather-hardy
station can be situated outdoors of conversing with visitors before you
open the front door.
In addition to supporting cross-home communications, the Audio Matrix
module can broadcast voice announcements from the security system, music
from the stereo, and the ringing of a doorbell or telephone. You can even
answer the phone by pressing a button on the intercom. Engaging the DO
NOT DISTURB button turns the intercom into a monitoring device, allowing
parents to listen in on children in the nursery.
Intercom interfaces, offered by several other manufacturers as well, are
useful features for homeowners who plan to tie several automation features
into affordable security systems.
Telephone Access. Installed within the security panel, a telephone control
module converts touchtone tones into home control commands. Any command
you can enact at the security panel, you can now do from the keypad of
a touchtone phone. If you forget to arm the security system as you leave
the house, no problem. Just press a few keys on the car phone to enact
the AWAY mode which sets the alarm, switches off the lights, and sets
back the thermostat. Many of the telephone control modules talk you through
the control procedures, verbally confirm that the commands you sent were
carried out, and announce the status of electronic components connected
to the system.
Ideally, the system also should offer automatic dial-out, allowing the
system to page you, call the neighbors, or alert the monitoring station
during certain alarm events.
RF Control. Wireless controllers on the form of a keychain or pendant
simplify the process of turning devices on and off. Instead of punching
in numerical codes at a keypad or telephone, you can arm or disarm the
security system as well as operate select lights and appliances with a
single button press on a radio-frequency-based remote.
PC Links. X-10 interfaces and hardwired inputs and outputs are two ways
of establishing communications between the security panel and other electronic
devices or systems. But to perform the most fantastic feats, pick a panel
with an RS-232 computer-style port.
Two-way RS-232 accommodates smoother communications between a security
panel and a computer or an RS-232-endowed home automation system. When
a Creston automation system, for instance, connects via RS-232 with a
Europlex security system, users can operate and monitor their security
system from any Creston home control touchpanel.
"The real benefit of the RS-232 connection is that there is now one
central console and menu item list for lighting control, security, home
theater, etc., as opposed to independent, standalone control systems for
each," explains Gail Hoffman, director of sales for Europlex.
Several other companies in addition to Europlex make security systems
with two-way RS-232 capabilities. Among them, Napco has been the most
aggressive at convincing home automation manufacturers to develop RS-232
interfaces specifically for its security system. Even inexpensive automation
software for home computers-like CyberHouse from Savoy and HAL2000 from
Home Automated Living-can now be used to control Napco's Gemini security
panel.
More manufacturers, like Caddx-Caddi, are following suit: "People
traditionally turn the (home) PC off, so it hasn't functioned well for
security, because of backup problems, crashing disks, and memory requirements,"
says Joe Hurst, president of Caddx. "But we know with more and more
home offices your high-end tinkerer is going to want this (PC Link)."
Caddx recently unveiled a control platform with an RS-232 module.
For homeowners who want to purchase a security system today, and add high-end
automation later, investing in an RS-232-capable system is a wise choice.
Small Doses
Security is no longer a standalone system. Through the integration of
automation interfaces, basic security panels have become home managers
rather than home protectors.
For homeowners who prefer to take automation in small bites, automation-ready
security systems offer an economical way to take control of the home.
Dawn Marie Yankeelov is president of Dawn Marie Interactive based in Louisville-Ky.,
offering marketing, advertising and public relations services to technology
companies.
Who to call: Automation-Ready Security Systems
Ademco, 800-645-7568, www.ademco.com
Apex, Inc., 800-272-7937, www.ademco.com/apex
Caddx-Caddi, 800-727-2339
Digital Monitoring Products, 800-641-4282
Digital Security Controls, 416-665-8460
www.dscltd.com
Europlex Technologies, 800-899-7539
Home Automation, Inc. 800-229-7256, www.homeauto.com
Infinity Technologies, 800-600-5541
Interactive Technologies, Inc., 800-777-1415, www.securitypro.com
Integrated Security Technologies, 702-222-9835
www.isintegra.com
Napco Security, 800-645-9445
Optex, 800-966-7839
Silent Knight, 800-446-6444
|
