[smsazzy]

I have an HAI Omni LT. When I arm it to away, I would like HAL to speak a message. However, there is no "during the delay countdown" condition to trigger a rule. So HAL's announcement comes after the delay is over, and thus, I am out of the house.

Suggestions?

[jlipsit]

I have a Napco alarm system that does the exact same thing, but I think that this is how the alarm system is designed and has nothing to do with HAL. I think that the alarm system is designed to delay the time after the code is put in before it actually arms. I suspect that HAL does not receive any serial message over the RS232 port to act on any sooner. In fact if you can get deep into your panels programming, you may be able to adjust this time delay in the panel.

[smsazzy]

I know how to adjust the delay, I am just trying to figure out a way to trip a flag or something immediately upon arming - not after the exit delay finishes. The only thing I can think of is to have an output on the alarm set to trigger when the code is put in - which I know the panel can distinguish between immediate action and after the delay has ended. The issue is, then I have to use up an input on an SECU16 or something. Perhaps I could have the panel send an X10 signal that HAL receives?

Anyone know if the panel can send a phantom ASCII signal that HAL could receive?

[jackwoods]

There IS a way to send a command (considered a 'message') on the serial port, upon initial arming. What I don't know, is how to tell HAL so that it knows what to do with it. I also don't know if it can be sent on the same connection as the 'communication' serial for the computer. I've seen it be used to send commands to other RS-232 communication devices.

[smsazzy]

What about sending an X10 command from the alarm that HAL would "see" and then take action?

[smsazzy]

I created a device in the HAI Alarm on an unused X10 code, then created a sensor called "Armed Away Trigger" in HAL. Made my rules based off that. Works great.

[bob in canmore]

How comfortable are you with an x10 command making it through all the time?

bob

[smsazzy]

Considering how long I used X10 devices, and that the vast majority of my lights are still X10, fairly comfortable. It doesn't hurt that the HAI and HAL are both plugged into the same circuit foir their X10 trx/rx. I also have a Leviton Coupler/Repeater on the breaker box, so I find X10 to still be extremely reliable in my case.

The only thing triggered off the X10 command in this case is for HAL to give me a proper send off when I leave. Worst case scenario, HAL does not see the command, and doesn't tell me to have a nice time while I am out.