Digiplex Alarm and CBUS

Still learning about all this stuff, so apologies if this is a stoooooopid question.

Cbus system is installed and functioning. I have two colour touch screens, one of which is positioned at the front entry.

I plan to set it up with a number of scenes to enable (when first entering the home) to push one button, which will ask you for password and disarm the alarm, turn on lights, AC etc etc. I really only need simple interaction with the alarm panel (arm, disarm, maybe log events)

The alarm system is a paradox (www.paradox.ca) "digiplex" system with a home automation/cbus interface. The interface has a serial port for connection to the cbus network.

My questions are

1. Do I connect the alarms serial port to my pc serial port? I assume then that I need some software that will communicate with the Cbus network.

2. Do I need homegate software on my pc to make the alarm communicate and interact with the cbus network? I assume then that I need to have my 5500CNI network interface connected to the LAN permanently to facilitate communication between the alarm and the cbus network?

Your guidance would be appreciated.

Dak.

 

Guys,

When you guys get around to answering Dak, I would like some feedback if anyone has heard of or successfully integrated a DIGIPLEX - DGP-848 (by Paradox) with CBUS. I am led to believe there has not been too many installed in Victoria but there are quite a few in NSW.

Would like some opinions please.....

Regards

 

Have been thinking about my initial post, and about what I am trying to achieve.

If the digiplex alarm needs to communicate via null modem cable and serial port, then I assume that the only way it can communicate with the CBus network will be via a 5500PC, rather than my 5500CN which is installed. I know my query is very simple, but can somebody please confirm.

If this is the case can I have both the 5500PC and my 5500CN connected at the same time to the Cbus nework.

I also assume that for the alarm panel and the Cbus to communicate the null modem cable will need to be connected to the 5500PC continuously. If I have other gear in the future which will need to communicate with the Cbus network via serial, can multiple 5500PC be installed on one Cbus network? - Or is my thinking totally wrong?

Dak

 

Thanks Daniel,

The documentation that was provided by paradox says

"The APR3-PRT3 Printer Module can be used as an interface between C-Bus and your Digiplex system. When in home automation mode, the Printer module can receive and send commands to and from the C-Bus PC interface and the Digiplex control panel, linking your building automation capabilities with your security system."

So in theory they should communicate directly.

So i still need to have C-Gate on my computer?

And yes, the original alarm keypad is behind the CTC, on the other side of the wall.

 

Dak
My understanding is that the system your refering to can talk direct to C-Bus much like a Concept 3/4K.
To answer you first question you will need to plug the alarm rs232 cable into a C-Bus PCI. You don't need to connect it to your computer or need a computer connected to the network for the alarm to talk to C-Bus.
Which in turn answer's your second question no you don't need homegate or C-Gate running on a PC.
Cheers