ParadoxAlarmInterface
Utilities keys
Hi to everyone and many thanks for this great work, I've just a simple question, is there a possibility to use utilities keys with PAI? I've got some automations with this function such as gate open, lights and so on so it's something foundamental for me. Thank'you
I do not personally have any utility keys. So it is not possible for me to develop the support.
mmm... ok but, how do you act with "external" relays such as on PGM4 board with PAI? I use utilities key with Paradox keyoard (TM70), mobile application and also with remote (REM2)
So, even without using utilities key there're no possibilities to interact with "external" PGMs isn't it? Is there some possibilites at least to integrate in PAI the external PGMs?
It is possible, but requires not an easy development. First of all it is required to understand where in memory PGM statuses for external modules are located. How this location will change if more than one module is connected. How to understand how many external modules are connected and what corresponding memory blocks needs to be read. Then a more simple thing is to capture what packets BabyWare sends to trigger PGM on external board and do we receive any LiveEvent payload in return. Repeat this in next rounds for EVO192, EVOHD(might differ) and SP/MG hardware (certainly differs).
So in near future we could have that functionality, sounds cool, could be implented even utilities keys or there are no hope about that? I ask you because action a pgm it's not the same think as use a utility key, for example, to open the gate the pgm must close the relay just for a second (simulating a button press), or to open/close the blinds, there is a counter in order to completly open or close them
If someone will implement it then yes, you can expect that. I stopped making new development in the project. New functionality requires a lot of time and extra hardware that I do not have and do not need for my personal needs. I would need a separate stand because I do not want to mess with my own setup. Additionally, encrypted serial is starting to make problems. It seems that in future there will be no new panels that PAI would support if we won't figure out the used encryption. That is a more critical problem for the life of the project than adding PGM support from external modules. Plus latest Python version support cannot be added because latest version of dependency Construct to which we would need to update lost some of the functionality that we used. Fix requires breaking backward compatibility.
If you have skills then I always welcome PR's, but learning curve is steep because there is no documentation and all is reverse engineered.
@BsCmOD If you need to emulate a utility key you can use a Paradox PRT3 board.
Connect it to the bus and it will expose a very simple ASCII protocol which allows arming/disarming the panel with a user code or emulating virtual keys, zones and PGMs. Very useful, except its protocol doesn't support bypassing zones...
Interesting, so this interface could be connected to alarm main panel bus and the other side via usb to HASS server, are there any library or add on to use this alternative way?
No idea if such an add-on exists, but it would be easy to create one, as the ASCII protocol is very simple. Programming manual here.
Additionally, encrypted serial is starting to make problems. It seems that in future there will be no new panels that PAI would support if we won't figure out the used encryption.
Panels can be unlocked through an installer, as long as you have a TM50/TM70 to enter the unlock key it can be done without them having to even visit the site.
Some distributors even sell the panels pre-unlocked, so that's another option too if you're desperate.
Source: I'm a Paradox installer.
Additionally, encrypted serial is starting to make problems. It seems that in future there will be no new panels that PAI would support if we won't figure out the used encryption.
Panels can be unlocked through an installer, as long as you have a TM50/TM70 to enter the unlock key it can be done without them having to even visit the site.
Some distributors even sell the panels pre-unlocked, so that's another option too if you're desperate.
Source: I'm a Paradox installer.
I tested the procedure to unlock the serial port of my EVO HD+ panel. You need to obtain an unlock code and enter it via programming section 3000 (it could be different on other panel). I did this on a K641+ keypad (it is not easy because you have to switch to alphanumeric mode for certain characters in the code). To obtain the unlock code, i found two options : 1 - Purchase one from Trikdis site (https://mobilamb.eu/paradox-alarm-system-control-panel-serial-port-unlock). It costs €15, and the code is sent by email. You need to put the panel serial number in the request. 2 - Obtain one via the BlueEye application. This option requires having an installer-type user account with Paradox. I managed to get one by simply requesting it on their website (i should mention that i'm not a professional), yet they still created a user account for me). Once logged into BlueEye, go to the menu in the top right corner, select "installation menu", then tap the "..."in the top right again and choose the "Panel unlock" option. Next, you need to enter your details and make payment (card, PayPal or ApplePay). This costs $6 per request and you can set 5 serial number per request. I tested the two options and the two received code were not the same... Once i entered the unlock code (the one purchased by trikdis), my serial port was unlocked, and i was able to use PAI.
