This system is perfect when security is your prime concern but you also want to integrate home automation features. You can use hardwired sensors or wireless sensors if you add the wireless module. By hardwiring your sensors you are less likely to have false alarms, and the sensors do not have batteries that need replacing. In situations where it is difficult to hardwire the sensors, you can substitute some or all of your sensors for the high-quality 900Mhz spread spectrum wireless sensors if you add the wireless expansion module. A back-up battery and power supply are required (sold separately). This is a top-quality unit with a list of features so long that we don't have enough space to list them all. It also has one of the nicest looking control keypads we have seen. The alphanumeric LCD keypad is our favorite. It will give you very user-friendly plain-English messages and will handle from 8 to 32 zones. A flip-up cover conceals the keypad when not in use. The LED keypads provide a lower cost alternative and are a good choice for extra keypads in locations not used often. Although this system functions very well as a standard security system, it has a number of features that makes it particularly suitable for home automation use. With the X10 expansion module this system can control up to 32 X10 lights and other devices by time or when triggered by a system event (armed, dis-armed, entry delay, etc.). For example, have your X10 lights come on after opening the door to help you find the alarm's keypad. Arm/disarm the system through contact closure, through the keypad or even by phone (with optional phone module). You can also use the phone to check the status of the system, or to control X10 devices. Both in house and outside phones can be used for this. You can call home and turn on the system if you forgot to do so when you left, or check to see if you left any doors or windows open. Using the phone you can disarm the system and unlock a door (using an optional electric door strike controlled through a low-voltage output and relay) to let a maid or tradesman in. You can use one of the outputs to indicate the armed/disarmed status of the system. Most home automation systems such as the JDS Timecommander Plus with digital input capability can read this signal. There is also an output that becomes live when the system is in alert mode. This can be used by automation systems to initiate your desired response, from flashing lights, to video camera recording. Arming from the keypad is accomplished by entering your security code and the "arm" button. You then have a programmable delay period during which to exit. If you do not exit the house, the system automatically arms in at home mode. In this mode only the sensors designated as perimeter sensors will be armed. Interior motion sensors will remain off so that you can wander freely inside the house while being protected from intrusion. To disarm the system, you enter the security code and the disarm button. You can program one or more entryways as a delayed entrance to give you time to enter and disarm the system. Up to eight control panels can be used with the system. A built-in digital communicator can be programmed to call your choice of central monitoring station. It handles virtually all of the common monitoring station communication codes. The system can be used without monitoring stations. Using a programmable output and an optional voice dialer it can be programmed to dial a individuals you specify and play a recorded message and/or to dial a pager number should there be an alarm condition. When disarmed you can program the control panels to chime when certain zones are entered. Panic buttons allow you to trigger the system in one of three distress modes. Wiring the sensors is simply a matter of running two-conductor wire from the system enclosure to the magnetic sensors (NC), and four-conductor wires to motion sensors (NC) and smoke detectors (NC). The power for motion sensors is provided by outputs in the system enclosure. Virtually all the accessory sensors available in this catalog including water, temperature and power outage sensors can be used. Individual zones can be programmed for these types of sensors. An optional Audio Interface Module allows you to add intercom features. You can intercom from station to station, broadcast music or use it as a baby room monitor. A door intercom module allows you to use it as a door intercom station. The minimum required configuration for this system is the eight-zone panel with case, an alphanumeric LCD keypad, a power supply and a backup battery. Add PIR motion sensors to monitor internal areas, magnetic contacts to monitors doors and windows. Other sensors such as glass break detectors, smoke detectors, infrared beam detectors, temperature sensors, in fact virtually any NC or NO sensor sold in this catalog can be added if desired. To add additional zones, X10 capability, low voltage outputs, telephone control, etc. simply purchase the appropriate expansion card. The standard metal case will house up to three additional expansion cards; to add more you will need to purchase an expansion case. This system is only recommended for installation by those comfortable with complex technical manuals and programming. We suggest finding a local installer who has experience with DSC security panels. The Power 8 Security Systems Manual is included free with purchase of this system.