Detecting events from GE Concord security system

[sparky7]

Reading through some of the posts here, I see it is possible to detect events, such as a trigger on a motion detector that's wired to a security system. In the examples I saw, it looked like there were devices for the motion detectors connected to the security system. I don't see those in my ComposerHE setup (but I do see a 'security system' device). Do these devices have to be set up by a dealer? If not, could someone point me in the right direction in finding these items in ComposerHE? I have a GE Concord security system.

Thanks in advance.

[RyanE]

The 'contact input' devices you're referring to must be added like any other driver by a dealer, using ComposerPro.

They add those devices (which are listed under 'motorization' or something like that), name them, and then bind (connect) them to the contacts that your security panel exposes. The programming goes on the 'contact driver', not on the security panel driver. Because of this, if you have a contact on the security panel, and you decide to instead wire it into your automation system, your programming is not lost, you just have to have the binding changed to connect to the automation system's contact input binding.

RyanE

[sparky7]

Thanks RyanE.

My dealer/installer didn't think it was possible to monitor a security contact through C4 when they set up my system. Any recommendations for a dealer in the Seattle area that could help me with this?

Thanks.

[dgbrown]

sparky7 - insure the installer setting up your panel configures the proper names for the sensors/contacts. The nice thing about the Control4 driver for the Concord4 panel is that when your dealer sets up the security panel in Control4 it will pull over the names and populate the devices based on the configuration/naming in the Security panel -- insuring continuity in the naming between the automation system (Control4) and the security panel.

Just an FYI.

[sparky7]

Thanks dgbrown. That a nice feature.

Are these features available in the earlier s/w releases? I'm running 1.8.2.

Thanks.

[RyanE]

Yes, security panel functionality has not changed in a *long* while, and monitoring security contacts as well as partition status has been available from day 1 of security panel support.

RyanE

[sparky7]

Thanks for the info. I emailed my dealer and he still is saying what I want to do can't be done, even after reading this post. Just to make sure I understand, this is what I believe is possible (and what you're telling me):

*When detecting motion on a motion detector hardwired to my GE Concord security system, I want to trigger a light scene, independent of the state of the arming (unarmed, or armed to stay).

*This should be possible without any hardware changes (currently have GE automation module connected to HC300 through serial port).

*This can be done by following the steps outlined by RyanE in his first post by a dealer with ComposerPro. This will put the motion detector in the device list; after that, I can add the lines of code in ComposerHE to trigger a light scene (or whatever) when motion is detected.

Is this right, or am I way off base?

Thanks.

[sparky7]

I should point out that when I stated that I emailed my 'dealer' and he said it couldn't be done, I was referring to a sales rep. I don't believe he's gone through the C4 training.

[dgbrown]

Correct. Tested, verified and in production

Perhaps you're dealer is not familiar with security panel integration.

If you have the automation module connected to the HC300 via serial, then you also just need the automation module connected to the a/b superbus of the Concord4 panel via 18-22 gauge 4 wire to complete the physical connection.

* Reset the Concord4 panel to get the automation module recognized.

* Have your dealer load the driver (and configure)

* Have your dealer confirm your controller is receiving status updates from the panel in the debug window of the driver

Program away in HE

[sparky7]

Thanks for the reply dgbrown. I'll have him reread this post and see if that will be enough to convince him.

Thanks.

[takitezsdc]

It CAN be done and its a fact! I have a GE alarm panel and it works great! You might need to get a card that plugs into the alarm board that connects to your C4. As DG has said above. GE can provide that for you.

Your dealer is wrong and needs to call C4 and get training on it.

[sparky7]

Thanks, takitezsdc for the info. I only described part of my hardware setup earlier -- I do believe the GE automation module is already wired as dgbrown described (I've seen the cable, but didn't check exactly where it is connected). I am able to arm/disarm the security from my C4 touch panels, so I know the communication path is working.

Even after reading this post again, the (non-technical) dealer/sales rep. doesn't believe it can be done. So I need to find a new dealer. Any recommendations for a good dealer in the Seattle area? Besides this, I would also like to get a couple of outlet dimmers (for Christmas lights), an outlet switch, and an ELV dimmer and have them 'recognized'.

Thanks.

[pharmdsmith]

Hey sparky7 you don't have an email listed. Email me if you're still looking for a dealer and don't mind using a remote dealer. We have worked with several other customers remotely. In fact we have one in Seattle also.

[sparky7]

I've updated my profile so that you can send emails... I will try for a day or two to find a local dealer; if no luck, I'll talk to you guys about remote support.

Thanks.

[sparky7]

A local dealer (Brett) got the security motions and door sensors added for me. I'm able to trigger events on motion as expected. Thanks, everyone, for the pointers.