Security System, Smart Thermostat and Home Automation Advice.

[elsmandino]

Hello,

Apologies in advance for this rather technical query.

I am looking to update my 3 bedroom bungalow with a bit of smart technology, which needs to include a security system, a smart thermostat and general home automation (ability to turn lights on and off with phone etc.).

I am currently putting together a mini server (based upon Raspberry Pi and a program called Domotics), which is going to link into various Arduino boards and sensors. At the moment, I am working on a mini motor for my blinds, so they will close when the Pi senses that it is getting dark (I can also do this remotely with a smart phone).

The problem - using a Raspberry Pi as a server has the potential to act as a security system and smart thermostat too but I want to avoid using this for two main reasons:

1. I cannot risk using a homemade system when it comes to the safety of my family and property.
2. The Pi just isn't clever enough to compete with the off the shelf smart thermostats.

This means that I am essentially going to have three systems running independently.

My question - is it possible at all to find any way to connect them at all?

For example:

If I were to get a third generation nest - can I tell it to go into away mode whenever I set the burglar alarm?

Can the Raspberry Pi use the signals being sent from the burglar alarm for its own purposes? For example, using the door sensors to tell me which doors are open at any one time?

More to the point, can anyone recommend any security system and smart thermostat for the above? The nest seems ideal for my house (single floor, smallish house, current thermostat in hall, hot water tank system) but I am open to any other brands.

With regards to a security system - I need to be able to add a smoke and CO2 alarm to it.

Any help would be very much appreciated.

 

[Aquaheat]

Keep the alarm system standalone and then use the 3rd gen nest which will connect to the Nest protects which are Co alarms and smoke alarms which will shut off your appliances. It will also control CCTV cameras that will switch on when auto away or Geo fencing is activated or can be manually operated. Nest can also operate lights.

There will also be a lot of IoT tech coming from the US soon that will allow further expansion of the Nest including voice control. Remote locks, and many more.

Jon

 

[stavros.london]

Have you looked at Samsung smartthings and compatible devices? The list keeps growing fast and you can already build a nice wireless system of cameras, smart sensors, blind controllers, light and socket controllers etc. Nest plays well with this.

And you can also use IFTTT (if this then that) to create complex interactions of all your interconnected devices.

 

[bernardgreen]

As Aquaheat said. Keep the alarm system as a stand alone system. And if you are gpoing to have a lot of wireless linked "home automation" equipment then use a wired alarm system and avoid the risk of the alarm being blocked by the radio signals from other wireless linked "home automation" devices.

ability to turn lights on and off with phone etc.).

Remember that guests may want to be able to turn lghts on and off. Or your phone battery may go flat.