Reviews of the hottest home gadgets

Home Automation Security System

Ever wonder what’s going on in and around your home while trying to relax on 00004000 a much needed vacation. Vacations are supposed to be relaxing but we can’t help but to worry about our home and possessions. We worry about burglars, fires, weather, and wasting electricity, among other things. If you’re lucky you’ll have a neighbor you can trust that you can call to check in on things for you, but most of us don’t.

Today’s technologies can relieve, if not eliminate, the need to worry so much while far away from home. Today’s home automation options are like the things we saw in science fiction movies when we were kids but are very real today. They enable us to control, automate, and monitor our home from virtually anywhere in the world.

Imagine seeing what’s going on in your backyard at night while vacationing in Hawaii. Imagine the relief of knowing that the storm that blew through your community the night before didn’t cause damage to your home. And if anything ever does happen to your home while you’re away, your home can alert you to let you know.

<object id=”vg_store2_multView” classid=”clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000″ width=”300″ height=”279″ codebase=”http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,0,0″ hspace=”15″ vspace=”5″ align=”right” name=”vg_store2_multView”> </object> All of these things are possible and much more affordable than you think. With the advancements in X10 technology and home automation, now anyone can have the luxury of keeping an eye on their assets, no matter how far away from their home they are, via an internet connection and a software tool.

One useful software tool is Vanguard, which was developed specifically for X10 products so it works perfectly with x10 cameras, modules, and transceivers. Vanguard allows you to view and control x10 cameras at home via the internet. You can even pan and tilt your cameras to sweep across your yard or inside your house. It’s pretty neat what you can do with it. Most importantly is that it brings a sense of comfort knowing that you can keep an eye on your assets while away on vacation, which is supposed to be time to relax.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. QUESTION:
    What is the best product for Home Automation/Security System?
    I am looking for the product with very flexible, customizable and most importantly, reasonably priced.

    • ANSWER:
      Hey looked around the internet for you and i thought these were the best deals. Check out all the security systems here they have everything from cameras to motion detectors to alarms. All very good priced around 0

      http://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=3180341&ref_=sr_tc_2_3&qid=1235531045

  2. QUESTION:
    I am going to install intellicence home automation security system.How can I get more detail about this unit.?
    i need to get more detail abut this unit. when I installed the unit zone 6 flikering continusely. but no any fault.

    • ANSWER:
      ask producer…
      are many types…

  3. QUESTION:
    How do I restore an OnQ home automation and security system after the RAM was cleared?
    I would like to know how to restore a configured home automation and security system. The system combines a programmable security system made by OnQ and controlled lights, electrical hardware, and outlets made by X-10. The system has 2 collections of stored user settings: EEPROM and RAM.

    Among other things, the RAM keeps track of the current date and time, as well as the event log of tripped sensors and user code entries. Other things, such as user codes, device and code names, security and phone dialing settings, as well as all customized programs and buttons remain intact when the RAM is reset.

    When the RAM is cleared, more configuration settings than just the items mentioned above are lost. The system is currently unable to control most (but not all) of the lights and other electronics. They can no longer be turned on or off through programs or by manually initiating a command on the door entry panel. I need to determine what specific settings were lost when the RAM was cleared.

    • ANSWER:
      Go to SETTINGS then select SECURITY then select OPTIONS then RAM then select OTHER and change it from the default.

  4. QUESTION:
    I have a “Smart Home” With a Omni Automation Security system. I need help getting the land line phone to Work!

    I have a main “mother board” I guess you would call it. It is loaced in our bedroom/closet where all the wiring is located. There is a phone light that is solid red but the status light next to it is blinking.. I don’t know why this isn’t working. About a year ago we had a land line phone and it worked. I haven’t touched the wired since.. and we just got the phone turned back on yesterday. But it does not have a dial tone anywhere. If you call the phone number it is busy. I am having a service texh come out to make sure it isn’t on the phone service side. But if it is wiring or something needs to be reset.. I don’t know how to fix it. Thanks for helping

    • ANSWER:
      Ah, nice system. I am installing the HAI Omnipro 2 in a home in Vancouver right now.

      I don’t know if you had the system monitored in the past, it is possible that the system is trying to dial out to the monitoring station. One option, before calling out the telco, is to look for the 8-position alarm jack. This looks like a telephone jack but is a little wider, like a data jack. It might be labeled RJ-31X. Just make sure you don’t disonnect any of the network connections to the system. If the panel is at fault, unplugging this cord on the wall jack end should give you back your phone lines.

      If you are still under some sort of service contract, you may want to contact the company responsible.

  5. QUESTION:
    How can I get my home security system to turn on lights?
    I’m looking for some answers, guidance or even just a point in the right direction. Alright a little background on myself and my system to get started.

    I have extensive experience running networks, so pulling lines is not a problem. I have the average joe experience in working with electrical lines. I ran power 60 ft to my shed into a second box, and then wired my shed lights, switches and outlets. No issues working with this.

    I have an Brinks security system which is now ADT. The system has a centralized box with battery backup.

    My shed got broken into a month ago, and 00 worth or tools stolen. Other neighbors have been hit recently as well. I’m going to take my money from the insurance co and install a nice CCTV system. So after that I’ll have alarms and video when they break in. I’m going to install a siren/light on the front of my house, neighbors might not like it, I don’t care. I’m actually going to try and get them to do the same. We look out for each other and that would help, it’s a good neighborhood.
    So I was looking at alarm parts because I’m going to install window/door sensors, a motion sensor and one of the CCTV cameras in the shed. Well I found out that alarm systems have a relay installed to sound the alarm inside. That got me to thinking, so this is what I want to do. Use the relay to turn on a handful of my lights on inside and outside the house when the alarm goes off. I’m heading down the path of using home automation equipment to do so. This is where my knowledge is limited. I am looking for some sort of relay wired or wireless, than I can place in between my light switches and lights that can be triggered by the alarm relay.
    Any help or guidance would greatly be appreciated.
    I have a brinks system, I will have to get home to state the model. It is not a DIY security system. It is a it was in the house when I purchased it.

    • ANSWER:
      This is one of those subjects that you really want to just wade in, but before you know it you are swept toward a waterfall, http://www.x10.com/security/x10_pf284.htm will flash any x10 connected component. Guard your wallet!

  6. QUESTION:
    information regarding home security with an automatic weapon system controlled through sms?
    sir/mam
    i want your opinion and guidance regarding an home automation which will help in home security if any person tries to break the security. the system will send an SMS to the owner and the system would have automatic weapon system by which owner can be able to protect the home. the system would also include an camera by which the owner can see that person and able to take necessary action. i also have an idea that if the camera get activated as somebody inserts key in keyhole or try to break it, and the system send live video to the user.
    i want your ideas on it and some help regarding the same , like how to start this project and what it should include and how it can be done.

    • ANSWER:
      Sanj

      In the USA, and probably in India…. it would be considered murder. The remote operator is using deadly force, when they are not under any threat or danger. The proper response would be to alert the authorities of the break in.

      Soccerref

  7. QUESTION:
    what exactly is a video input in reference to a home security camera ?
    I am looking to buy a home monitoring system and I found some but they mentioned hooking up the cable to any video input so what are my options ? I am looking to do this myself so I dont want to hire a company or an electrician to install these for me .

    http://www.homedepot.com/Electrical-Home-Automation-Security-Video-Surveillance-Systems/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xg4Zbm4p/R-202040373/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

    • ANSWER:
      Any source of video is “video output”.
      Any video monitor or video recorder can have a “video input”.

      The security camera will provide video out. In order for you to see that video, the camcorder needs to be connected to a video input. This could be a monitor or Digital Video Recorder (DVR).

      If the camera’s video output is connected to the DVR’s video input, then the DVR’s video output must be connected to the monitor’s video input.

      When you look at the connectors, they should be marked.

      This is not much different than any other video you may already have. The cable box, satellite dish, DVD player or VHS tape deck is the video source and has a video output that connects to the television’s video input…

      The link you gave us if for a small, low-end, night vision camera. The cable attached to the camera will have three plugs.
      One for power. An AC adapter is included with the camera.
      One for audio. This will be a RCA, male, jack – it could be black, red or white – color does not matter but it will NOT be yellow.
      One for video. This will be a yellow, male, RCA jack.

      We don’t know which TV you are using so we do not know if it has any available audio or video inputs.

      If you want to record the video (and audio), you would plug the camera’s AV-outputs into a recorder’s AV-inputs, then connect the recorder’s AV-outputs to a TV’s AV-inputs…

  8. QUESTION:
    I want home automation and security?
    I have an old brinks bhs-4000a system in my house and I was think of taking that out and put a system in where i can hook up all the door/window/PIRS/smokes/ etc. up and then hook up relays to lights, A/C, mag locks, dorr latches and other devices to turn on and off. I would also like to get a mic and speaker to do 2 way and ptz cameras and record temperature or if there is flooding (inputs that are digital for sure but analog would be nice but analog is NOT a must). I want a system that can hook up to my computer or the network/internet so I can control devices via the web and get text messages (or emails about troubles and alarms) and have many zones like 40 to 100.

    What would be the best way to do this? What brands and products would work best? Cheaper the better but I do under stand that I may have to pay $$$ to get what I want. I’m an experienced electrician and just started in the electronics systems industry. I can program about anything (may take me some time but I’m a fast learner and can figure out about anything (with some help of people I know))

    Thanks in advance.

    • ANSWER:
      if you really want a flexible installation you should take a look at lonworks. Echelon corperation licenses the technology and it will do everything you want and more.

      www.echelon.com
      www.engenuity.com

  9. QUESTION:
    Is there an employment agency that deals in the Private Investigator or Security fields?
    I’m in Edmonton AB and looking for an agency that finds employment as a private investigator or alarm system/home automation system salesperson. Anyone know of any?

    • ANSWER:
      In regards to private investigations jobs, from my experience there is not an employment agency. However, I generally search indeed.com or monster.com for investigator jobs. You might want to do a search in Google for private investigations associations in your area and then ask each member for work. Good luck!

  10. QUESTION:
    Dream-home, What’s yours?
    Dream -houses. [Thread] discussing my/your dream home. Or are you not a dreamer?[/thread]

    So my dream House in short.
    1 – Shell – Garage/Hall Like structure, yes that means no walls.
    2 – Walls– However few will be painted all white.
    3 – Top of the range home automation system, installed by myself which will control
    Video, Audio, Heating, Lighting, Security from points all around the house, And also away from home with my Smartphone via the internet and SMS messages.
    4 – Garage will be inside the house – Yes that means living with my vehicles.
    5 – My Bed to be set in the center of the house – Everything same distance away from bed.
    6 – Contents of the house would include, High tech Gaming PC’s, highest speed broadband, LAN capable, all new consoles out at that time, with games to boot. Epic home theater system. Bean bags would replace the traditional
    sofas and chairs, fully solar /wind powered, with geothermal heating.
    7 – Computer hard-drives will hold a fully functional Wikipedia to quench my thirst for knowledge in all fields for use in times of internet outages caused by the dictatorial European regime that will be in place by then.
    8 – The traditional Kitchen/bathrooms randomly placed somewhere in the big open room.
    9 – I will definitely be a crazy cat man, with a few bichon frise dogs(Don’t Shed),and are cute as they get.

    And of course that’s not covering half the contents you’d usually find in an average house,(Art,phones,shelves (which will be cool), windows (obviously),brand of toilet paper etc etc)
    I’m 18,in college studying my first year of a computer science and information technology degree. Covering programming,computer systems,electronic engineering,and energy and enviorment informatics.
    Just thought that might show people where i’m coming from with all these techie ideas.
    I will definitely be a crazy cat man, with a few bichon frise dogs(Don’t Shed),and are cute as they get.(cough not gay)

    Well that’s the plan. what are yours?

    • ANSWER:
      My dream home is definitely an open concept large roomed home. It would be a glass house and would have a ton of light shining in. I’d have stainless steel appliances and dark cherry wood shiny cabinents. It would have beautiful granite counter tops but one would have a stainless steel top where I could use it as a cutting board and food prep area.

      I’d have white walls, and white furniture but dark cherry hardwood floors. I would have a huge huge walk-in shower and a jaccuzi bathtub. A huge bathroom.

      I’d have a huge backyard that would be fully fenced so that my Bichon Frise could play and play and run free in with a second dog that I would get for him to have a friend. :)

      I would love for it to back out onto a lake or ocean or have a beautiful view of the ocean.

      It would definitely have solar power!

      It would be in Paradise!

  11. QUESTION:
    NEC code question- DREAM HOME?
    would it be safe(within the national fire prevention agency’s national electrical code) to run EVERY circuit (except a few for some appliances and security/fire alarms) in my house going from my main panel to an enclosure,(not sure on size, probably a little bigger than the traffic control ones) in order for plc switching? what i am doing is basically making a home automation system from scratch. have been working in the electrical field years, specializing in control ckts and fire alarm systems. what i want to do is run a TON of low voltage sensors of ALL KINDS in and around the perimeter of my house. my goal is to have little or no switches in the dream home i am planning. if this is within code, how would i go about getting a permit for this? (i already have wiring diagrams and have estimated the cost of material to be over ,0000) I AM VERY SERIOUS ABOUT THIS AND WILL FOLLOW ALL CODES RELATED TO HOUSE WIRING

    • ANSWER:
      Depends, you may end up building this elaborate control panel and have an electrical inspector want to see a UL listing for it, don’t laugh, happens here in Minnesota all the time, but you can save yourself a lot of problems and buy the stuff all ready made from the factory with UL listing, just put your PLC in an approved enclosure and use whatever output cards you need to control the equipment you buy, you may even be able to do what you want without the PLC, we put in a bunch of GE stuff like that a couple years ago, the controller that came with it would do about anything you wanted to do, and cheaper than putting all of it together yourself.

  12. QUESTION:
    Crestron Or Control 4 Home Automation?
    What one is actually better? I wanted to do some of the following for what ever system: Music, Video, HVAC, Security, Automatic Locks all combined. What do you think? It seems like Control 4 has more partners

    • ANSWER:
      Well Crestron is still clearly the best system out there, is more versatile, and is the most expensive out there. It requires extensive programming by certified Crestron programmers. There really is no limit to what you can do with there system.

      Control 4 is significantly less expensive, easier to program, but has its limitations.

      One other system which falls in between is from Elan. It is less expensive than Crestron but is more customizable then Control 4.

      I have installed many systems from each of these manufactures and it really depends on your budget and what you want the system to do.

      Kevin
      40 years high end audio video specialist

  13. QUESTION:
    Other than a boat anchor, what can I do with my old 486 computer?
    Is it feasible to use it for home automation or some type of security system? Yes, it has a CD drive. Please help!!

    • ANSWER:
      You can write it off as a tax deduction if you give it to some local school.

  14. QUESTION:
    Web Based home automation. Is there a product out there?
    I need a product that is not too expensive. But can do some interesting things. I travel a lot and have to keep tabs on a lot of things at home. I have pets. I was wondering if there is a product, that I can plug things into, like a lamp, and it in turn plugs into the wall. Then, I log into my computer at home, or a web site, and give a command to the computer by pressing a button, and the computer in my house, which will have a remote transmitter, can turn on the lamp? Or not just the lamp but the power to anything? I would like to monitor things plugged into the system from anywhere. I know I can do this with web based security cameras and stuff, view from afar, but I want to be able to act from afar as well. This seems like really simple stuff. I’m sure it’s out there. But where? If it isn’t out there I have already done a poor man’s patent on a couple of methods for doing it.

    • ANSWER:
      Hi,

      I’ve been looking into this for a while now, though I have yet to own a home so never did anything. You might want to take a look at x10 products, it’s a standard so there are some programs that will do web based control for them too – it all depends on what you buy.

      Check out the links I’ve posted for some more information. The general thing to control tends to be light bulbs and plugs but there are some more complicated things including motors to close blinds.

  15. QUESTION:
    Browser Compatibility error. Please help?





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