EnvisaLink connection to wired DSC/Honeywell Panels

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  • Last Post 04 January 2015
Axial-User posted this 27 July 2013

There is lots of extra features involved (beyond just an interface), but I am wondering if anyone has tried this product.

They offer a programmer guide, so it could be an interesting integration opportunity.

My situation is one where I have an existing hard-wired solution at home. I wanted something to integrate with InControl while keeping as many of the hard-wired sensors intact (re-use for cost and the door sensors are hidden).

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Ryan-Scott posted this 27 July 2013

There is lots of extra features involved (beyond just an interface), but I am wondering if anyone has tried this product.

They offer a programmer guide, so it could be an interesting integration opportunity.

My situation is one where I have an existing hard-wired solution at home. I wanted something to integrate with InControl while keeping as many of the hard-wired sensors intact (re-use for cost and the door sensors are hidden).



Are you a programmer? I'd help you with integration...

Would you be integrating with the Honeywell panels themselves or directly to the sensors?

Axial-User posted this 28 July 2013

I'm thinking something that could connect directly to the sensors would be best, but through the panel if needed. I found this interesting device - a Fibaro universal sensor. It seems it was built for the task.

http://www.fibaro.com/en/support#

The only problem is I don't think it is sold in the US.

It would need to be a similar device, maybe without the temperature functionality, but with additional binary switch inputs. A typical home security system has 8 "zones", so a matching solution that had 6 or 8 binary inputs would be perfect. The idea would be to re-use any existing door/window switches that exist (and are wired back to a central location in the home). The consolidated, single z-wave device would just need to respond to any change when a switch opens.

bratcliff7 posted this 01 February 2014

Any update on this? I have DSC panels and would like to keep these panels and add zwave connectivity. I see the wave panels for sale, online (http://www.dsc.com/index.php?n=products&o=view&id=1395) but not sure if this would give me full InControl integration to each zone. New to InControl, any help is much appreciated.

Axial-User posted this 01 February 2014

I ended my search for this type of a solution. I would have needed to update my panel, purchase the additional components to make it web-enabled, then build a plug-in for In-Control. Instead, I am slowly building out similar functionality through dedicated z-wave devices. Regarding the desire for recessed door sensors, they are now available from Aeon Labs:

http://aeotec.com/hidden-z-wave-door-sensor

bratcliff7 posted this 01 February 2014

Thanks and understood. I recently purchased InControl, but I must say the amount of plugins avail for Micasa Verde is enticing. I have been a developer/developer for the past 20 years, but find the need to write my own plugins too time consuming these days with everything going on...one of the reasons I am looking to automate our lives. I see the DSC It-100 provides Zwave connectivity...shouldn't I be able to add this module to the DSC control board and then add the DSC as a zwave device in InControl? This would provide zone control and basic functions on my DSC based alarm...correct? Thanks again.

Axial-User posted this 01 February 2014

Best I can tell the DSC-IT100 is just an RS232 link for the control panel. You would still need to write a program to host on a PC that would read/interpret/send the commands to the control panel. It would also require a cable from this card in the control panel to a PC.

The EnvisaLink product goes a step further and extends your control panel to your home network, presenting itself as a html interface (it has a built-in web server). You would need to be able to connect it via a network cable to your home router.

In both cases you would still need to develop an interface (plug-in) to InControl to allow it to take part in the z-wave automation it provides.

I think everyone probably has a different set of requirements for what they are trying to get out of a home automation solution. For me InControl has been the perfect choice to get started. It's not very expensive, very extendable (if you don't mind writing a few scripts) and has been a solid platform.

For me the perfect future state of z-wave and home automation is one that integrates the robust nature of direct network access to foundation devices such as security panels, thermostats, and web cameras with the ability to integrate those devices with automation software (since the individual vendors don't seem to have their sights set on integration unless you use only their products).

Just my 2 cents for what it is worth.



Axial-User posted this 12 March 2014

I am very interested in add DCS to the program. It would be very useful. I am not a programmer but I dont see how it would be that difficult considering the envisalink 2/3DS connect the board to the network. I know programs like openremote can do it. Is there any hope for this?

catboxer posted this 02 January 2015

Bump for this plug-in. http://forum.eyez-on.com/FORUM/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=301 I just ordered my Envisalink. I have a Veralite (which has a working plugin) but would rather stick with InControl!

Ryan-Scott posted this 03 January 2015

Bump for this plug-in. http://forum.eyez-on.com/FORUM/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=301 I just ordered my Envisalink. I have a Veralite (which has a working plugin) but would rather stick with InControl!


There's a lot of requests for this solution - I'd love to create a plugin, but I don't have any of the required hardware for it. Would anyone be willing to assist in the creation of the plugin? I'd do most of the coding, but I'd probably need someone who could provide remote access to the Envisalink board to test things out against.

Ryan-Scott posted this 04 January 2015

I've created a feature request for this idea to see what kind of votes it receives. If you would like to see this feature, go vote on it at our Uservoice portal.

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