Project - A Home Security System

A Home Security System

Keywords: BeagleBone Black, Python, Tkinter, Raspberry Pi, RPi, Arduino, Security System, Home Automation

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Overview

March 24, 2013
Last updated 5/18/13

• Have decided to go with BeagleBone Black instead of Raspberry Pi.

Last updated 3/25/13

Keywords: BeagleBone Black, Python, Tkinter, Raspberry Pi, RPi, Arduino, Security System, Home Automation

I'm going to be replacing my current home security system with one I'm building.  This will ultimately morph into a Home Automation System.

Here are some of the highlights and design decisions:

• Replace the current security system main board with by a Raspberry Pi.
• It may make use of an Arduino to interface with the various contacts - not yet sure on this approach.
• It will interface to the Internet
• It will have a web server interface, where it can display the current status, as well as accept commands (such as "bypass a specific door alarm as I am leaving it open").
• It will make use of IP Tunneling for web pushes to a browser via HTML5 (web sockets).
• It will feature SMS text messages to registered cell phones
• It will replace the existing commercial security main board
• It will utilize the existing window and door alarm contacts
• It will use Python for the development language
• It will make use of Tornado for the web server
• It will be Object Oriented in it's design
• It will utilize an Object Persistence framework rather than a SQL database.  I am currently researching this framework, and no technology has yet been chosen.  Update 3/25/13 - I have chosen Python's Shelve.
• It will display multiple video cameras, and offer pictures and video retention.
• It will interface to fire, carbon-dioxide and water-flood detectors.
• It will be open source
• It will eventually use thermocouples for multi-room temperature monitoring and possible individual-room control.
• It will control multiple HVAC units for multi-floor homes.
• It will be capable of controlling a BBQ smoker's dampers at temperature, with alarms and alerts.

I will document the design, development and deployment of this system.

My Background: I have significant electrical, electronic, and software capabilities, and this project is within my scope of expertise and experience.