Outside CBus Keypad, security issue?

Hi,

I have a NEO keypad on my patio(covered), I was thinking of a possible security issue if someone clever opened the box and connected their own unit to scan my network. I thought of using a relay to cut either one or both of the power/data wires running to the keypad when the alarm is enabled. This will disconnect the keypad and ensure that no one can connect to my home network when I'm not there. When the alarm is disabled I then reconnect it and have full functionality back again. Is there a better way to protect an outside CBUS unit or is this acceptable?

Thanks,
Ingo

 

This is getting excessive, but could you add a reed switch to the unit to act as a tamper switch? On tamper, it could cut power/data to your Neo until such time that you re-activate it yourself later. That way you could still turn lights on/off whether your alarm was armed or not. But, like I say .. probably a tad excessive

 

How about installing a PIR in the patio?

 

How about a big black dog?

 

Good point

It does however raise a good point. There are quite a few installs with PIR's installed on the front of a garage etc.

Probably goes with the argument that Minder is not really an alarm and that one shouldn't combine security with CBus touch screens as I was going to do in the shed.

 

The PIR is a better option than the dog, the dog requires daily maintenance - soft stuff all over the lawn...

I think my initial idea will work, when the gardener does the lawn I don't want him to put lights on and off. We all know people... very inquisitive creatures.

 

Why black ???

 

Pigmentally challenged dog might be a better choice

 

I couldn't make my mind up personally.. Black dog? white dog? I ended up with an each way bet..



I got a black dog with white patches.

 

Perhaps you're getting paranoid? What are the chances, really of the switch being pulled off and someone plugging in a PCI or similar and doing something? And what could they do anyway? turn a light off and on? They certainly couldnt disarm the security system.. If you're that concerned for your security and the potential for this to happen maybe remove the switch from outside and put a bus coupler in a more secure location inside the cavity and a hardware switch outside.. There's a limit on how far the coupler can be from the actual switches, its not a big distance, but enough to tuck the coupler away somewhere in the wall.

What you;'ve suggested is probably the best solution if you really are concerned and need a full functioning Neo outside.. but bear in mind that when you switch the unit back in the Bus might take a second or two to re-stabilise so when you disarm the security system you might want to make switching the relay to re-enable the outside switch the last thing you do..

 

At the very least make sure you're using the keypad disable feature of the Neo so that the buttons on the unit don't do anything when your alarm is armed.

If you want to go with the Bus Coupler idea (which is a good idea) but cable length is an issue (1m for Bus Coupler) then you can use a DIN Aux Input unit. These allow much longer wiring runs for remote contacts.

If you're after a "belt-and-braces" solution, a remotely-mounted DIN Aux Input unit wired to external switches with relays in series with the switch connections to the unit would be the most robust solution.

 

Hmm... all valid points. I'll think about all of them and when it comes to installation time I'll test a couple of them.

 

Because black is the "in" colour this season, that's all

 

I thought that was white with black patches.
I guess it all depends on how you look at

 

Black/White - White/Black

Now if you could program it so the black switches to white and the white to black, that would be very cool!

 

Ask and you shall receive.