Best inexpensive system for small install (5 doors/windows)?

Now that I got my first HA system set up, it is time to look at Security systems.

What is the most cost effective system that can control five doors/windows?

Is the ELK better or the Omnipro? or are they both to much for a basic system?

I would be looking at 5 door sensors with 2 keypads.


Thanks

ghurty said:

What is the most cost effective system that can control five doors/windows?

Click to expand...

Take a look at 2Gig.

Take a look at the Elk EZ8

Do both of them interact with HA systems well?

What prices am I looking at?

Read the manuals, phone a distributor for quotes. Sorry, don't know much about either.

The EZ8, barring the voice, onboard serial and some inputs/outputs is the same platform as the M1G and has the same overall interfaces and capabilities. All the same hardware and barring the software support of items the panel doesn't have (voice and remote phone control) the software is exactly the same, and expandability is a lot more than the HAI offerings, which are more "tiers" based on maximum zones, etc.

I think the Elk EZ8 is a more robust package in a smaller install, as well as supporting all the same devices as the larger M1G, including the expandability.

What control system are you using? Your alarm choice may depend on that more than anything.

As of right now, I am fooling around with the vera2, but I have not commited to it yet, and I would swutch controllers if it would help me.

What would you suggest for a z-wave system. (even the z-wave system itself, I am not sold on yet, and would switch to UPB or INSTEON if would be much better.)

THanks

Search the micasaverde forum for Elk and HAI, to find out if they are easily integrated

Or, just get an Elk M1 or HAI OPII. Search here to find out how easy it is to integrate z-wave with Elk and HAI.

If you are looking for a monitored security system and already have a Z-Wave network, 2gig is a solid recommendation. However, the 2gig panel is more of a mass market security panel than an automation controller. If you are looking to setup complex rules an ELK may be more suited for you.

A few things about the 2gig panel...

2gig integrates with 345mhz and Zwave devices out of the box (including encrypted communication to locks). The panel is capable of building a Zwave network, as well as learning one from another controller. It has two hardwired zones on the back of the panel giving the panel a maximum of 50 total zones (48 wireless).

You must use the alarm.com service with a 2gig if you want to receive notifications or do not have a POTS line. The alarm.com service lets you arm/disarm, view/control Zwave devices, and view cameras from your phone or computer. If you just want the system monitored and are not interested in notifications/apps you can hook a 2gig up to a POTS line for CCID communication to a monitoring center.