Newbi question on Vista 20 installation & network security

[clabaca]

I am new to this forum!
I just finished the installation of a vista 20P system with two 6271C keypad (lcd type). At the time of purchase (4+ years ago!), I did not realize that in order to program the system I needed an alpha-numeric keypad (i.e. 6160), as the touch screen type don't work, or if they do, they are very slow/inefficient (as I read somewhere else).

As I was surfing the web, I encounter the Envisalink 3, and it was love at first sight. However, before I make the purchase, I had some questions I wanted to sort out. Although I have been doing a lot of readings on this forum, I could find simple answers to my questions (my apologies if they were previously addressed).

1- Can I use the Envisalink 3 to program the Ademco V20P system. Will I have all of the functionality as an alpha-numeric pad?
2- Will the unit act as a webserver, on which the pages are served? Or do I have to connect to an outside server?
3- I am a bit concern with security, and I found an answer to a post, in which "GrandWizard" answered by instructing the user to send the account name and MAC to esupport@eyezon.com so that they can look up the event log. I concluded that the Envisalink module is communicating with eyezon server. Is this correct? Is there a way to avoid such external communication? In other words, can the system be fully contained within the internal network, other than incoming port forwarding for my connection?

Those are my questions for now.
Thank you

[benkeim03]

the vista 20p will hold 2 touchscreen keypads you have to have an alpha keypad to program it you can pick up a cheap used one on ebay if just needing it for programming i have the same exact set up here at my house. not so sure about the network issues but your system shouldnt take but about 15 min to program if you need help just let me know.

[clabaca]

Does it mean I could use any brand keypad, or does it have to be an ademco brand with a specific model #?
I was thinking an 6160, around $50-60 used on eBay. That is why I was considering the envisalink 3, to save on unnecessary expenses. Do you know if one can use the envisalink to program?
I really hope someone will be able to address my other security question.
Thanks

[blakem]

The Envisalink 3 will give you a local web interface to arm/disarm and activate program outputs but that is all. If you want all the features you must activate it with the eyez-on server. You do have the choice to use it standalone if you want. If you do activate your EL3, you don't need to setup port forwarding, it will initiate the connection when it periodically phones home to the mothership.

[GrandWizard]

The Envisalink 3 will give you a local web interface to arm/disarm and activate program outputs but that is all. If you want all the features you must activate it with the eyez-on server. You do have the choice to use it standalone if you want. If you do activate your EL3, you don't need to setup port forwarding, it will initiate the connection when it periodically phones home to the mothership.

Just to expand on the excellent comments from blakem (need a job?), the Envisalink itself has a rudementary web-browser built-in which gives some basic control options, but if you want to be alerted to events on your system, you need to use the Envisalerts service. There's a recent thread on the security of Envisalerts so I won't repeat it here.

http://forum.eyez-on.com/FORUM/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=617

As well, DSC users already have access to the Third-Party-Interface (TPI) which is a local TCP/IP interface that app developers and Home Automation teams use to access the Envisalink. There will be a TPI announcement for Ademco users in the near future.

[clabaca]

I am still having hard time sorting out the standalone and subscription features, even after reading the web page (www.eyez-on.com/EZMAIN/envisalink3.php). Is there a manual that address these in more details, such that a potential consumer (like me) can get better educated before committing not only with the purchase, but, more importantantly, with the invested time in having everything setup, without being disappointed with unmet expectations.

Am I looking in the wrong place (this forum) to get my questions answered? I really want to get familiar with details features of this board.

In the above post, it says that the EV4 is running a rudimentary web-browser (did you mean a web-server?). If so, which one (apache/php?). Does the user have access to the code?

I have read the post viewtopic.php?f=6&t=617 which says "You could also VPN into your home and use the local interface but it's features are limited". What are these limited features? Are they documented somewhere?

I am anxiously waiting for someone to address these questions so I can finish my long waited alarm project

Thanks to all who contribute.

[blakem]

GrandWizard, I am sorry for my poor attempt at humor.

clabaca, here is a screen shot of the web interface hope it answers some of your questions. Also no so obvious viewing just the picture, as you mouse over each zone number it will display the last time since it was last opened and zones with red background indicate they have recently been opened.

[clabaca]

Thanks blakem.
This is a start!
I guess the system cannot be programmed from the browser. Correct?
Are there any other navigation pages for additional settings, or this is it?
Thanks

[blakem]

I probably should have mentioned that this was taken on a DSC system so it may be different with ademco. No it is not possible to program your system from the web interface. The other screen is more of for maintenance such as network settings, changing the web interface password, rebooting, and other information. All the features are on the home screen.

Personally as a user the Envisalink does everything I want it to do, but I rarely ever use the web interface unless I am sitting at my desktop and cannot see my alarm keypad. Mainly I use the mobile interface from the eyezon server. It is very convenient.

[clabaca]

Hi blakem,

I really appreciate your info. You have answered some of my important questions.
What alarm features can you access from the local web site (the one you showed)? Can you disarm, set different state (like away, etc.)?
Also, not sure I understand the PGM1 toggle feature. Is this related to the DSC or a general feature?
Sorry to bombard you with all of these questions! I really appreciate your time.
Thanks