Keypad to CTouch Interface

Can anyone tell me if there is a way to get a keypad entry system to interface to C-Bus in a residential installation? I would like to be able to trigger additional C-Bus events (via Logic on CTouch) in addition to activating the electronic strike-plate when a correct entry code has been entered.

The ideal solution would allow the keypad to pass the entered code to the CTouch so I can trigger a variety of actions from Logic.

I'm comfortable with the logic, (ex Software Developer), but not the electronics.

Thanks in advance.

 

What type of keypad entry system are you using?

 

That is actually part of what we are trying to find out - is there a type that will work?

Cheers

 

I interfaced my Paradox Evo48 alarm system to my Wiser. Paradox make a module called a PRT3 (from memory) that talks either CBUS or ASCII over a serial port. I use the ASCII protocol, connected to a MOXA 5150 serial to IP convertor, but you could also use a PAC. Its turned out to be jolly handy ... my house has 'central locking' on the entry doors, and the garage doors have their openers wired into the alarm system, and each has a 'closed' detector reed switch. Arming the alarm closes all the house doors, disarming opens them all. The Wiser can also do all of this by sending commands over an IP socket, and see the status of any zone by watching commands as they pour out the same socket. Its really handy because the alarm isn't smart enough to 'close all open doors' when I go to bed at night, but the Wiser code is. It also tracks the alarm PIRs, just for fun, so you can see if anyone is moving around the house from the Wiser. Lastly my trusty B&W CTouch can watch/change a few Groups that the wiser responds to, so even it controls the doors etc.

After I did this interfacing I removed an old HomeMinder from my system that was controlling skylight blinds and door opening buttons as the alram had free outputs that I used for those functions.

For what its worth, the same Wiser is interfaced to my Compool swimming pool controller (its RS485 via another MOXA5150), and my Daikin VRV AC system (via a Coolmaster 1000D and a third MOXA 5150), so the Wiser is running a fair chunk of code ... its taken a while to partition the code so that the Logic Engine doesn't get swamped.

PM me if you would like the Paradox manuals, or the code (its a couple of hundred lines for the alarm interface).

 

There are three main options:
1. There are security panels which are "C-Bus Enabled". These will send messages for the keypad key presses onto C-Bus. C-Touch can read these and act accordingly.

2. Some systems have dry-contact outputs to signal various events (correct code entry and so on). These outputs can be fed into a C-Bus bus-coupler and the messages from this can be used in C-Touch.

3. Some systems have a serial or TCP/IP connection which can be used to communicate with C-Touch, such as the paradox system described above by djagger.

 

And I'm using an access keypad with RFID sensor that uses dry contact switching to release a PADDE electric door strike. On entry of the correct code, or swiping of the RFID key tag, the keypad just opens or closes a relay for a pre-set time. 12V AC/DC power is routed through the relay and it releases the strike on the lock (the strike can be mechanically configured to release with power applied, or power removed). There is another micro switch in the lock to detect whether the door is open or closed.

I had intended to interface this with CBUS using the 5500AUX to detect the state of the various contacts, and thus to trigger CBUS events. So instead of the power to the door strike going through the keypad relays, it goes through a CBUS ELV relay which responds to orders from CBUS. This arrangement doesn't need logic, it can be done through Toolkit. However, if you wish to utilize the function of the door open/closed micro-switch then you could use logic to do some neat stuff, like activate an alarm if the door is supposed to be closed and locked, but isn't.

Unfortunately I don't have the time or knowledge to write the logic, but I'd be happy to test something (I have a CTC).