Tying in GEM-X10 into Napco Gemini 816 Alarm System Controller

[[email protected]]

I have recently had Slomins security (a central station alarm
management company) install an alarm system in my house. They used a
Napco Gemini 816 Central Controller. I'm trying to tie this into a
home automation system I am starting to build. I see there is an X10
integration module I can purchase (GEM-X10). I will be installing 3-
way Switchlinc dimmer switches (2494m3) for my lights, which support
both the Switchlinc protocol and X10 protocol.

The following are some reference links for the products mentioned
above:

Napco Gemini 816 Central Controller:
http://www.basshome.com/napco_gemini_p816_662_ctg.htm

X10 integration module:
http://www.napcosecurity.com/testframe.html?g-24gemx10.html

Switchlinc dimmer switches:
http://www.smarthome.com/2494m3.html

I have all the installation and configuration docs in PDF format which
I can send to anyone interested.

What I want to do initially is have an event from the Napco Gemini 816
(e.g. Alarm triggered) to send an X10 command to all dimmer switches
to turn all of the lights connected through these dimmer switches.

Before I purchase all of this equipment, I have a few questions:

1) Do I need to reconfigure the Napco Gemini 816 Central Controller
for the X10 module? Do I need an "installers password" which would
have been installed by Slomins?

2) Is there anything I am missing or is this a pretty straightforward
thing to set up?

3) Any "gotchas" I need to worry about?

Thanks!

 

[secure15]

GEM X10 doesn't work with GEM 816

 

[Robert L Bass]

Sir,

The P816 does not support the GEM-X10 module. You'll need either a P1632, P3200 or P9600 control panel to do X10. Also, if you
want to do more than very basic (lights on alarm, for example) automation, the preferred panel is the P9600.

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

=============================>
Bass Home Electronics
941-925-8650
4883 Fallcrest Circle
Sarasota · Florida · 34233
http://www.bassburglaralarms.com
=============================>

 

[AlarmCoJoe]

I have recently had Slomins security (a central station alarm
management company) install an alarm system in my house. They used a
Napco Gemini 816 Central Controller. I'm trying to tie this into a

man they stuck you with the elcheapo panel huh?

 

[Crash Gordon]

They probably forced him into buying the cheapest eh?


|
| | >I have recently had Slomins security (a central station alarm
| > management company) install an alarm system in my house. They used a
| > Napco Gemini 816 Central Controller. I'm trying to tie this into a
|
| man they stuck you with the elcheapo panel huh?
|
|

 

[Jim]

I have recently had Slomins security (a central station alarm
management company) install an alarm system in my house. They used a
Napco Gemini 816 Central Controller. I'm trying to tie this into a
home automation system I am starting to build. I see there is an X10
integration module I can purchase (GEM-X10). I will be installing 3-
way Switchlinc dimmer switches (2494m3) for my lights, which support
both the Switchlinc protocol and X10 protocol.

The following are some reference links for the products mentioned
above:

Napco Gemini 816 Central Controller:http://www.basshome.com/napco_gemini_p816_662_ctg.htm

X10 integration module:http://www.napcosecurity.com/testframe.html?g-24gemx10.html

Switchlinc dimmer switches:http://www.smarthome.com/2494m3.html

I have all the installation and configuration docs in PDF format which
I can send to anyone interested.

What I want to do initially is have an event from the Napco Gemini 816
(e.g. Alarm triggered) to send an X10 command to all dimmer switches
to turn all of the lights connected through these dimmer switches.

Before I purchase all of this equipment, I have a few questions:

1) Do I need to reconfigure the Napco Gemini 816 Central Controller
for the X10 module? Do I need an "installers password" which would
have been installed by Slomins?

2) Is there anything I am missing or is this a pretty straightforward
thing to set up?

3) Any "gotchas" I need to worry about?

Thanks!

Well, first off, I'm sorry to hear that you let Slomin's anywhere near
your house but you're in it for the duration now. I still haven't
figured out why people actually think that they're getting a good
designed system from a cookie cutter alarm company. Fortunately
they're no longer using proprietary equipment and they've cut down on
the length of their contracts, so you may eventually be able to get
someone in when your contract is up, who isn't only in the alarm
contract business. But anyway, I digress.

I don't use the smaller Napco panels, so I can't tell you if the 816
is compatable with their X10 module. However, whether it is or not you
don't have to use it to accomplish what you're trying to do and you
can save some money in the mean time. There's draw backs using either
device.

Instead of the X10 interface, get yourself a X10 Power Flash module.
( also available at Smarthome) Set the house code for the Power Flash
module the same as the X10 house code of the Switchlinc switches. The
Power Flash module input terminals can be hooked to the bell output
terminals of your 816.

You have three options on the Power Flash module on how you want your
lights to come on. But usually the option to flash all the switches
set to the same house code is used in conjunction with an alarm system
output. That doesn't mean you have to program all your light switces
to the same exact code. (Or you may want to). Lets say you set the
house code of the Power Flash module to "B". Now if you're using the
house code "L" and unit codes 1 through 5 for one section of your
house ...... and House code "B", and unit codes 3 through 8 for
another section of your house .... When your alarm panel applies 12VDC
to the Power Flash module input terminals, only the light switches
programed to the "B" house code are going to flash, during an alarm.
So if don't have more than 16 switches and can keep them all programed
to the same house code, you'll get them all to flash.

I haven't used the Napco X10 module for quite sometime but I don't
think it will do this. If I remember right, you have to program all
the switches you want to come on, to both the same house code and unit
code, which eliminates them from being able to be controled
individually for other lighting control. Of course the advantage of
using the Napco X10 module ( if it *is* compatable with the 816) is
that you can cause things to happen to different X10 devices,
determined by different conditions that occur at the alarm panel. You
may want to use both modules and have the best of both worlds.

There's more to it, but that should get you started.

 

[Crash Gordon]

Yah who needs more than 4 zones anyway?

I just bid against some idiot company, they bid this monster house with a 6
zone panel. The house has 35 opening wnds, 9 doors, 1 waterflow, one smk
zn,...blah blah blah. I figured a min. of 40 zones just in the main house,
not to mention the RV garage and guest house. Sheesh that was an easy close
for me.

Some companies just don't have a clue.



| If that were the case they'd have installed an XP-400
|
| | > They probably forced him into buying the cheapest eh?
| >
| >
| > | > |
| > | | > | >I have recently had Slomins security (a central station alarm
| > | > management company) install an alarm system in my house. They used a
| > | > Napco Gemini 816 Central Controller. I'm trying to tie this into a
| > |
| > | man they stuck you with the elcheapo panel huh?
| > |
| > |
| >
| >
|
|

 

[[email protected]]

Sir,

The P816 does not support the GEM-X10 module. You'll need either a P1632, P3200 or P9600 control panel to do X10. Also, if you
want to do more than very basic (lights on alarm, for example) automation, the preferred panel is the P9600.

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

=============================>
Bass Home Electronics
941-925-8650
4883 Fallcrest Circle
Sarasota · Florida · 34233http://www.bassburglaralarms.com
=============================>
















- Show quoted text -

Multiple people have said the X10 module will not work with the GEM-
P816, but the napco gemini website says it will:

http://www.napcosecurity.com/gemp816.html

<<X-10 Support with optional GEM-X10 interface >>

Any thoughts on this? I'd like to know if I need the installers
password to install/configure this X10 module (if it works with my
unit).

Thanks!
Ken

 

[[email protected]]

I have recently had Slomins security (a central station alarm
management company) install an alarm system in my house. They used a
Napco Gemini 816 Central Controller. I'm trying to tie this into a
home automation system I am starting to build. I see there is an X10
integration module I can purchase (GEM-X10). I will be installing 3-
way Switchlinc dimmer switches (2494m3) for my lights, which support
both the Switchlinc protocol and X10 protocol.

The following are some reference links for the products mentioned
above:

Napco Gemini 816 Central Controller:http://www.basshome.com/napco_gemini_p816_662_ctg.htm

X10 integration module:http://www.napcosecurity.com/testframe.html?g-24gemx10.html

Switchlinc dimmer switches:http://www.smarthome.com/2494m3.html

I have all the installation and configuration docs in PDF format which
I can send to anyone interested.

What I want to do initially is have an event from the Napco Gemini 816
(e.g. Alarm triggered) to send an X10 command to all dimmer switches
to turn all of the lights connected through these dimmer switches.

Before I purchase all of this equipment, I have a few questions:

1) Do I need to reconfigure the Napco Gemini 816 Central Controller
for the X10 module? Do I need an "installers password" which would
have been installed by Slomins?

2) Is there anything I am missing or is this a pretty straightforward
thing to set up?

3) Any "gotchas" I need to worry about?

Thanks!

I just wanted to provide some more information on what I am thinking
right now, assuming the GEM-X10 module works with the small GEM-P816
box.

I guess what I want to do right now is start making investments that I
won't need to throw away, even if I am limited for the first 5 years
due to my contract. My current thoughts and questions in my head are:

1) If I get the GEM-X10 module, would I not need this if I upgrade the
panel in the future to the 9600 panel or one of the other larger non-
Napco boxes? Would I need an "installers code" to install and/or
configure this module?
2) I think there is a serial connection I can get to connect from my
computer into the GEM-P816 to grab some intelligence, even if it's not
automated. If I can grab a log, I'm hoping I can easily interpret when
various zones were open and closed, when codes were typed in, etc. If
this has to be a manual process with my unit, I'm OK with that,
provided my investment is not that great to grab this stuff. I know
Slomins can connect in to grab this information remotely, so I think I
should be able to grab it locally if I have the right equipment.

Thanks in advance for your help.
Ken

 

[[email protected]]

I have recently had Slomins security (a central station alarm
management company) install an alarm system in my house. They used a
Napco Gemini 816 Central Controller. I'm trying to tie this into a
home automation system I am starting to build. I see there is an X10
integration module I can purchase (GEM-X10). I will be installing 3-
way Switchlinc dimmer switches (2494m3) for my lights, which support
both the Switchlinc protocol and X10 protocol.

The following are some reference links for the products mentioned
above:

Napco Gemini 816 Central Controller:http://www.basshome.com/napco_gemini_p816_662_ctg.htm

X10 integration module:http://www.napcosecurity.com/testframe.html?g-24gemx10.html

Switchlinc dimmer switches:http://www.smarthome.com/2494m3.html

I have all the installation and configuration docs in PDF format which
I can send to anyone interested.

What I want to do initially is have an event from the Napco Gemini 816
(e.g. Alarm triggered) to send an X10 command to all dimmer switches
to turn all of the lights connected through these dimmer switches.

Before I purchase all of this equipment, I have a few questions:

1) Do I need to reconfigure the Napco Gemini 816 Central Controller
for the X10 module? Do I need an "installers password" which would
have been installed by Slomins?

2) Is there anything I am missing or is this a pretty straightforward
thing to set up?

3) Any "gotchas" I need to worry about?

Thanks!

Hello again - sorry for all the questions, but you guys are the best
people to ask!

I was doing some more research and realized that the GEM-P816 doesn't
have a serial interface on it - However, I found a NL-MOD and NET-COMM
module that can tie into either a serial port or, in the case of the
GEM-P816, the bell and PGM wires.

http://www.napcosecurity.com/images/a482b_netlinkSpecSheet.pdf

quote: "The NL-MOD module is connected to the on-board serial port of
the GEM-X255, GEM-P3200 and GEM-P9600 NAPCO GEMINI Control Panel, or
is connected via the bell and PGM wires from the GEM-P1632, GEM-P816,
NAPCO Express and other control panels."

Does anyone have any experience with this module? Any idea how much it
goes for (and does the price include the computer software)? What
would I be able to accomplish with this? And again, would I need the
installers code to install/configure/use this module?

Also, what is the difference between the NL-MOD and the NET-COMM
module?

Thanks so much for your help!
Ken

 

[Jim]

Hello again - sorry for all the questions, but you guys are the best
people to ask!

I was doing some more research and realized that the GEM-P816 doesn't
have a serial interface on it - However, I found a NL-MOD and NET-COMM
module that can tie into either a serial port or, in the case of the
GEM-P816, the bell and PGM wires.

http://www.napcosecurity.com/images/a482b_netlinkSpecSheet.pdf

quote: "The NL-MOD module is connected to the on-board serial port of
the GEM-X255, GEM-P3200 and GEM-P9600 NAPCO GEMINI Control Panel, or
is connected via the bell and PGM wires from the GEM-P1632, GEM-P816,
NAPCO Express and other control panels."

Does anyone have any experience with this module? Any idea how much it
goes for (and does the price include the computer software)? What
would I be able to accomplish with this? And again, would I need the
installers code to install/configure/use this module?

Also, what is the difference between the NL-MOD and the NET-COMM
module?

Thanks so much for your help!
Ken- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

You need the dealer code to get into the panel to program the events
you want the X10 module to react to. And, so far as I can remember,
all accessory modules need some sort of set up within the dealer
programing.

I'm not too sure about the 816, but on the other panels the end user
can change a few of the items that only pertain to the user, like the
time, the user codes etc. Other than that, you need the dealer code.

In a previous post, I gave you an alternative to get X10 to work with
the panel. You also have to keep in mind that Slomins may have
provision in their contract that would prohibit you from adding
anything to this panel yourself. I'd suggest you read it before you
proceed. Their concern would be that you would add something to the
panel that would prevent it from doing it's job. They have no idea
what your proficiency is in doing things of this sort so it' likely
they have something in their contract.

 

[Robert L Bass]

Multiple people have said the X10

module will not work with the GEM-
P816, but the napco gemini website
says it will...

Any thoughts on this? I'd like to know
if I need the installers password to
install/configure this X10 module (if it
works with my unit)...

I wasn't sure so I asked Napco tech
support. They said it wouldn't work.
You do need the installer's code to
change the program though.

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

=============================>
Bass Home Electronics
941-925-8650
4883 Fallcrest Circle
Sarasota · Florida · 34233
http://www.bassburglaralarms.com
=============================>

 

[Robert L Bass]

1) If I get the GEM-X10 module, would

I not need this if I upgrade the panel in
the future to the 9600 panel or one of
the other larger non-Napco boxes?

Yes, if you upgrade to the P3200 or P9600
you'd still need the GEM-X10 kit for Napco
to control X10 devices directly.

Would I need an "installers code" to
install and/or configure this module?
Yes.

2) I think there is a serial connection I
can get to connect from my computer
into the GEM-P816 to grab some
intelligence, even if it's not automated.

The port on the Napco board is for use
with their PCI-MINI or PCI-MINI-USB
dongles. Either of those will connect
the panel to a PC or laptop. The
PCI-MINI is for programming and testing
the panel, as well as reading the log.
It is not designed for use an automation
device. A similar, but more advanced
version called a GEM-RS232 Kit is
available for connecting the P3200 or
P9600 to a PC or other HA device.

Several years ago Napco decided to
limit home automation functionality to
the P9600 panel. They recently
decided to make it available on the
P3200 again as well. There is no
support for HA functionality on the
smaller Napco Gemini panels.

If I can grab a log, I'm hoping I can
easily interpret when various zones
were open and closed, when codes
were typed in, etc...

Those are standard functions of the panel.
Using the PCI-MINI you can do all of that
as well as operate the panel.

If this has to be a manual process
with my unit, I'm OK with that...

It does, though you might be able to
write an app to do some of the manual
stuff for you. That would require
programming skills.

provided my investment is not that
great to grab this stuff. I know Slomins
can connect in to grab this information
remotely, so I think I should be able to
grab it locally if I have the right equipment.

You can but any connection at all will
require knowledge of the dealer code.
The default is 456789 IIRC. Slomins
may have changed it though. If worse
comes to worst, you could just replace
the board. They're not expensive.

Thanks in advance for your help.

My pleasure.

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

=============================>
Bass Home Electronics
941-925-8650
4883 Fallcrest Circle
Sarasota · Florida · 34233
http://www.bassburglaralarms.com
=============================>

 

[Robert L Bass]

I wasn't sure so I asked Napco tech

That goes against what is found in the
latest revision of the 816 installation
manual

I didn't check the manual. I needed to
contact Napco about something else so
I asked. They said it won't work. I
haven't tried it. If you have one, try it
yourself and let us know how it works.

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

=============================>
Bass Home Electronics
941-925-8650
4883 Fallcrest Circle
Sarasota · Florida · 34233
http://www.bassburglaralarms.com
=============================>

 

[secure15]

So tell us Marky-Mark,
Do you believe EVERYTHING you read?

 

[Robert L Bass]

Okay, you send me the 816 and

X-10 module and I'll give it a whirl.

So you don't know either?

 

[Robert L Bass]

I merely stated that the instructions for

the P816 v10 mention that it is compatible
with the X-10 module.

Yes, and I merely stated that Napco tech
support said it won't. Apparently you've
not tried it. Neither have I.

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

=============================>
Bass Home Electronics
941-925-8650
4883 Fallcrest Circle
Sarasota · Florida · 34233
http://www.bassburglaralarms.com
=============================>

 

[Robert L Bass]

Installation manuals do tend to be

reasonably accurate and as of yet
nobody has shown that it will not
work (yet)

Napco has made a few changes to
several of their panels recently. I
didn't ask the TS guy if this was
something new or old. I have no need
to call them for now. If you have time
you might check for yourself.

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

=============================>
Bass Home Electronics
941-925-8650
4883 Fallcrest Circle
Sarasota · Florida · 34233
http://www.bassburglaralarms.com
=============================>

 

[Robert L Bass]

Recently? Try 2004

Do you know to which changes I was referring?

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

=============================>
Bass Home Electronics
941-925-8650
4883 Fallcrest Circle
Sarasota · Florida · 34233
http://www.bassburglaralarms.com
=============================>

 

[Robert L Bass]

Well see there's the problem, the

conversation was about the P816

The point is they make changes.
There are four possibilities:

1. Napco changed the P816 and
it's not reflected in the document
which you read.

2. Napco's tech support guy made
a mistake.

3. You misunderstood the document.

4. I misunderstood him.

Then again, you insist that there is no
#4 so... :^)

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

=============================>
Bass Home Electronics
941-925-8650
4883 Fallcrest Circle
Sarasota · Florida · 34233
http://www.bassburglaralarms.com
=============================>