Interfacing a home security system to ZM

[BobS0327]

I currently have a Home Automation Incorporated security system installed in my home. I plan to develop a Windows app using HAI's SDK to constantly monitor the security system. This system has several outside Passive InfraRed (PIR) motion detectors attached to it. My app will constantly monitor these PIRs. I wish to have the app send a Record function request to a particular camera whenever the app detects a change in status of the PIR. That is, I wish to send a Record function to a particular camera when the PIR is activated and then change it back to a Monitor function when the PIR goes back to an inactive state.

So, my question is, how does the ZM web page change the function of the camera from Monitor to Record since I wish to emulate this same type of functionality in my app? Specifically, what commands does it send to ZM to change the function?

thanx

[bb99]

Maybe have a look at x10: http://www.zoneminder.com/wiki/index.ph ... on#X10_Tab

[BobS0327]

I'm very reluctant to use X10 because my security system uses it to control most of my house lighting. Unfortunately, it's not too reliable. I'd say the accuracy is about 80% I've discussed this accuracy issue with security system professionals and they also agree that X10 is not reliable. They suggest upgrading to UPB Universal Powerline Bus.

Bottom-line is that I would be very hesitant using X10 for mission critical tasks such as starting the recording of a potential break in. On the flip side, the failure of X10 to turn my bathroom light on is of no importance.

[Flasheart]

I can't lay my hands on the exact command right now, but you can change the state of monitors from the command line. zmdc.pl, zmcontrol.pl or zmtrigger.pl - one of those ought to allow you to set a monitor to record.

That could then be shelled as a system command from your control program (although as you're developing on windows you'll also need some way to get that across - such as a php script on the zm box that you call via http).

[BobS0327]

Thanx Flasheart.

It's zmpkg.pl. Initially, the selected cameras must be put into a recording state. Then this state must be saved by clicking on the "running" indicator at the top of ZM and saving the state. Once this recording state is named and saved, it can then be executed as follows assuming my state is named RECORDING:

zmpkg.pl RECORDING

[Flasheart]

Cool. Sure there's a way to address individual monitors as well - (command -m1 record|stop|modect) where m1 is the monitor number. Could be wrong, as I say, not had to do this myself.

[Flasheart]

Had a quick look at zmtrigger.pl seems to be the bunny.

http://www.zoneminder.com/sites/zonemin ... .22.3.html

If I'm reading that right, setting a monitor to Monitor would allow you to generate alarm events (on and off) for specific monitors via any system call.

[BobS0327]

Yep, Flasheart, your right, zmtrigger.pl is the bunny. From what I can gather, it's a very basic script and has to be customized to meet one's specific needs. In my case, I have add record and monitor functionality to the "action" option.

I did a search on zmtrigger.pl and did find a couple of posts that actually had an updated script which added my needed functionality but one was a dead link and the other was on a website seized (and closed down) by the FBI for racketeering. That's just my luck.

Well, I guess I'll have to learn perl programming.

[BobS0327]

Just an update. I decided to write a .Net util to change the individual camera functions after realizing that it would take me quite a while to learn perl and eventually write the perl script to do the same.

So, if anybody is interested in the C# source code to change camera functions, just send me a PM request.