GalaxyGuy

The apps have been free since the iPhone app was added a year ago. The Ethernet hardware is the biggest cost factor. If I could make it cheaper I would. Especially when you can pick up new G2 panels for £35.

The documentation is sparse from Honeywell. When the new V3 firmware for the Flex came along, they implemented the Intellibus (Honeywell's own version apparently) protocol on the comm's modules. The bus is exactly the same hardware wise RS485 differential pair, but runs at a faster rate than the old version.

The cheaper A083-IB module is only compatible with the Flex V3 and no other Honeywell panel. See the following for a full breakdown of module / apps / RSS compatibility across the range: http://www.sm-alarms.co.uk/apps/main/getFAQ.php

Also, regarding your concerns on connection to your security equipment from outside the premises. My advice would always be to implement a secure VPN to connect to any internal equipment and not to port forward as many people do. Even though the various panels / modules employ some form of encrypted communication, the implementations are vendor specific and may be vulnerable to attack. You can assess the risk of your installation and determine what's required.

Hi Leo, the Ethernet module works with Galaxy G2 where the panel firmware is version 1.44 or above. For self monitoring the firmware is best at 1.53 or above. Enter Display-》System gives the version. Android and iPhone keypad apps are available from the relevant stores. The module comes with a 4 wire flying lead for connection to the panel.

No, only Android. Really simple though, so wouldn't take much to put together for the iPhone. Note that the postcode doesn't really offer much as it's a known constant for any premises. Since you're having to give the patrol a seed value, you may as well give them a unique code for the site and leave the postcode part out. The app doesn't offer any level of security in the equation. It would be better if it were a password that the security patrol were given as their constant. The password + seed would then provide the code. That way, the seed values and passwords are of no use to the holding parties unless combined. If your patrol password becomes compromised, you generate a new one and the seed changes accordingly.

PM me and I'll give you the download URL. This means that you need to install manually on any phone, (Android allows this). If you want something polished to a level for Google Play or some IP web based interaction, then it's a bit more work...

Something like this

You need the c079 based portal and the IB Ethernet module for Flex V3 firmware.

Any Honeywell Galaxy G2/Dimension/Flex with RF portal fitted. You can locate the wired RF portal away from the control panel, negating the need to have the panel positioned central to the wireless sensors.

Yes, it can be done. There's no public API though.

I was meaning more at the alarm panel side. I wrote a Galaxy based program for a potential customer who had a green home project for hundreds of houses. They wanted to use the low cost G2-44 panel with my Ethernet module to interface into an automation controller. Now, the panel based commands would allow for four queries to take place to receive real-time information for all 44 zones, but the problem was that each query took three instructions and that all took time. This meant that you could be querying one chunk of zones and miss a zone transition on another zone. If I tried to speed the requests up, it would hog the comm's bus and slow things down. I had to let the customer know that the G2 wouldn't offer a reliable solution and that they would probably need a panel with more horsepower. The more reliable solution is the SIA based alarm reporting method where the panel would report each zone status change on a serial basis. These events are buffered by the panel CPU, so would never be lost. The problem is that where you have many zone transitions, you will create a queue that needs processing. The last event in the queue may take some time to be pulled by the external computer.

As previous posts. Load up OpenGalaxy software on a Pi, then fit it inside Galaxy Dimension or G3 Galaxy and connect to RS232 via TTL-RS232. OpenGalaxy has SIA options to request zone status. I haven't tested this myself, but it may be fast enough on the Dimension to repeatedly poll the zone status without impacting other panel functions.

I think the issue you will have is the real-time nature of the information you need. The standard alarm panels will pass events to printers/ARC's Etc. but they are normally serial and too slow to make real-time automation responses.

The CP2102 USB to TTL boards are normally pretty good for connecting to things like Emizon. Powered from the USB port. I had a look at the Emizon a while back to get root. If I remember correctly, you need to stop a watchdog program from rebooting when it detects that some other programs aren't starting up.

I've used loads of them. Only had a couple that were defective - due to cap's being open-circuit (knocked off). Just remember to set the desired output voltage before you start - some come preset to 5V, but many are as per the input voltage. About 20 anti-clockwise turns will do it.

If buying from Asia, then expect a couple of weeks for delivery.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-DC-DC-Buck-Converter-Step-Down-Module-LM2596-Power-Supply-Output-1-23V-30V-S-/261536112883?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Test_Measurement_Equipment_ET&hash=item3ce4c460f3 I suppose if buying from UK, then you'll pay a premium. Output voltage is adjustable via pot. If you only need a couple, then PM me.

You're better with the LM2596 based DC-DC buck converter. Higher current capability and step down efficiency. Around £1 though.

Third option is for hot keys + fob.

It's just a casing difference. You can remove the PCB from the C079 and place inside the Flex casing. There's a slot on the right hand side of the Flex plastics designed for the portal. Likewise, you can take the direct mount module and place it in a RIO casing, although you do need two plastic standoffs and tamper spring for correct installation. I suppose if you get the C079 based portal, then you have all the parts to go local or remote.

Only the detectors of your previous If you need all the detectors, then the first option is a good deal. Don't forget to add 20% VAT on to those prices. For your spec, you'll need to add the following which will add around £120: 1 x Internal 8Ohm Speaker 1 x 12V 7AH battery 1 x Unswitched fused spur 1 x External Sounder (Texecom Odyssey?) 1 x IP module if you want to play via the net 1 x 100M reel of 6 core alarm cable And if you want remote RF fobs, then about another £23 for each user.

Yes, when you add the C079 wireless portal, you can use two way wireless detectors along with RF set/partset/unset fobs. My thoughts are that the Galaxy is probably your cheapest option, but if you have a large home, where reception may be difficult, then it may be worth spending the extra on the Mesh based wireless system.

Replace the Gardtec unit with a Honeywell Galaxy G2-12 with Ethernet IP module and an RF portal module. You can then ditch the Domonial and reuse the Domonial PIR's and buy a door contact. Wire the keypad next to the panel in a cupboard.

The error relates to the maximum virtual RIO's per RF portal You can only set 3 (24 devices) virtual RIO's for your portal. If you try to set more than this, then you receive the error. See this thread for some RF portal info too. http://www.thesecurityinstaller.co.uk/community/topic/34564-galaxy-rf-portal/