[LHA-misc] Security System Recomendations

[Jon F. <fi...@rp...>]

Folks,

This might be marginally off topic, but I have a great deal of respect for
the opinions of the folks who contribute to this list.

I recently aquired the house next door to my present home.  It is need of a
gut rehab (pictures and stuff can be seen at my web page,
http://www.rpi.edu/~finkej).  Part of that includes rewiring everything,
power, phone, network, catv, security.  I have been using X10 for many
years, have an HCS-II and Slink-e controllers.  My plans are to eventually
bridge the two houses and make them into one big house.

My current issue is installing a security system.  While I am alarming the
new house, I might as well redo my old house.  What I am looking for, is a
system that can be initial partitioned into to logical buildings (well, it
is two physical buildings), each with their own set of entrances, etc.
Then when I bridge the buildings, reprogram the system to act as one house
(or possibly move the partioning to handle an office in one part of the new
house.)

One important consideration, would be to have this alarm system drive parts
of the home automation - since I need motion detectors and door switches
anyway, I would like to have that info feed into lighting control systems,
either X10 or otherwise.

So my question is, what makes/models of alarm systems interface well to
home automation systems (ideally HCS-II, but others are ok).  I do intend
to have a Linux based system available 7x24 to assist in home control if
needed.)  Oh, I plan to do the wiring myself, so I need to be able to buy
the hardware from dealers and not have to go through an installer. 

TIA..

Jon Finke                                        fi...@rp...
Senior Systems Programmer            http://www.rpi.edu/~finkej
Server Support Services         518 276 8185 (voice) 2809 (fax)
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 110 8th Street, Troy, NY 12180