HKC Lan Card

conor06

Hi All,

Cant seem to find a thread about this but apparently HKC have brought out a Lan Card to fit on the Securewave products. Has anyone installed one of these? Is there an app to control your alarm over the internet or will the Lan Card only allow you to connect to a monitoring station?

Thanks.

Evolution1

conor06 wrote: »

Hi All,

Cant seem to find a thread about this but apparently HKC have brought out a Lan Card to fit on the Securewave products. Has anyone installed one of these? Is there an app to control your alarm over the internet or will the Lan Card only allow you to connect to a monitoring station?

Thanks.

The app hasn't been released yet but it's being worked on .

conor06

So what does the lan card actually do now?

Evolution1

conor06 wrote: »

So what does the lan card actually do now?

Its used for monitoring.
But the app should be out soon .

KoolKid

HKC have been going on about this for quite a while & very little information is forthcoming.
From the last time speaking with them they would only say its another comms path.
There is no clarification on what way the app will work. Whether the panel will act directly as a server the way Siemens does.
There was talk of the IP being a subscription service.:eek:
Its all still wait & see for now..

If your looking for a good IP panel that's available now Siemens is the best there is IMO.

Evolution1

Even if it was a subscription service wouldn't that mean the user would get a push notification if the Internet was cut ?

KoolKid

Don't know, they seemed very unsure last time I was asking.
If there was push notifications as well as a decent app its may be worth a few bob for the app.

Evolution1

Little birdie told me its going well

KoolKid

Well in fairness I've never heard them saying its going badly...;)

altor

Evolution1 wrote: »

Little birdie told me its going well

They are just waiting on the app for the iPhone. Android is up and running.
Properly Christmas or early January.

Evolution1

altor wrote: »

They are just waiting on the app for the iPhone. Android is up and running.
Properly Christmas or early January.

Indeed they are

KoolKid

altor wrote: »

They are just waiting on the app for the iPhone. Android is up and running.
Properly Christmas or early January.

Why not release the Lan so?
Or the app thats there?
Seems strange to have a finished product and not wanting sell it?

Evolution1

Could you imagine the chaos that would cause ? Installers would be ringing HKC non stop asking why it's not available on IOS and when it will be ..
It's not as if they're losing money by not releasing it

KoolKid

Are you for Real??
There was no chaos when Siemens released IOS before Android. Their IP via browser was available before that again and installer's weren't ringing non stop asking about it.
Not losing money by not having it??
Why bother at all so??
I'm installing IP panels every week and so are plenty of other installers.
Basic business if you are eliminated from a section of the market of course you are losing money.
Anyway good to see you back on the other side of the fence again this week. TBH you have lost all credibility in my book.

Evolution1

KoolKid wrote: »

Are you for Real??
There was no chaos when Siemens released IOS before Android. Their IP via browser was available before that again and installer's weren't ringing non stop asking about it.
Not losing money by not having it??
Why bother at all so??
I'm installing IP panels every week and so are plenty of other installers.
Basic business if you are eliminated from a section of the market of course you are losing money.
Anyway good to see you back on the other side of the fence again this week. TBH you have lost all credibility in my book.

I'm so disappointed over that
I have neither Siemens nor HKC In my house so I'm on no ones side ....
yes but installers who are using HKC gear are holding off and telling customers that an app is on the way ..
Consider it pre- ordering .... So HKC will catch up in no time ...

Belfunk

If HKC go down the subscription route for IP they've lost me as a customer.

How does the SPC notify you if the alarm is triggered, with no push does it even send an email?

KoolKid

Evolution1 wrote: »

I'm so disappointed over that
I have neither Siemens nor HKC In my house so I'm on no ones side ....

You really need to make up your mind. Wasn't that long ago you were slating HKC from a height , then you come on here saying the opposite. Some people just love to argue.

Evolution1 wrote: »

yes but installers who are using HKC gear are holding off and telling customers that an app is on the way ..
Consider it pre- ordering .... So HKC will catch up in no time ...

In my experience most installers know better & give HKCs estimates a wide berth. How can you pre order something you havn't seen working??

Belfunk wrote: »

If HKC go down the subscription route for IP they've lost me as a customer.

How does the SPC notify you if the alarm is triggered, with no push does it even send an email?

You can get notifications using a digi or an external device with an SMTP server.
GSD are planning push notifications on their i70 . When I know more on that i'll let ye know.I'd imagine that will be before HKC , as at least I've seen a working version of that.

altor

KoolKid wrote: »

Why not release the Lan so?
Or the app thats there?
Seems strange to have a finished product and not wanting sell it?

Nothing strange about it at all.
There is no point releasing a product that is not supported by all apps.
The iphone app is what is holding all this back.

KoolKid

I think you need to do your research on mobile apps...
Most of the major companies would release an app on one platform before another. Most apps an an enhancement of a product.
Eg we had online banking before the BOI app.
We had online tickets before we had a ticket master app.
We had Sky TV before we had an app.
I could list the vast majority of app and the same would apply.
Has HKC put all this time into a Lan card just for an App?
So are you saying if there's no app the lan card is useless?
Is there no Web server built into the panel?
Could you not use the lan card to connect to the panel?
Is there no configuration software that can connect via IP
Sounds like it's very limited.
How long is it now since version 3 was released? I remember hearing then the lan card was just ready.

Evolution1

KoolKid wrote: »

I think you need to do your research on mobile apps...
Most of the major companies would release an app on one platform before another. Most apps an an enhancement of a product.
Eg we had online banking before the BOI app.
We had online tickets before we had a ticket master app.
We had Sky TV before we had an app.
I could list the vast majority of app and the same would apply.
Has HKC put all this time into a Lan card just for an App?
So are you saying if there's no app the lan card is useless?
Is there no Web server built into the panel?
Could you not use the lan card to connect to the panel?
Is there no configuration software that can connect via IP
Sounds like it's very limited.
How long is it now since version 3 was released? I remember hearing then the lan card was just ready.

The LAN card works for central station monitoring ............ Surely you know this

KoolKid

So it's only for monitoring or an app?
Is that what your saying?

altor

KoolKid wrote: »

I think you need to do your research on mobile apps...
Most of the major companies would release an app on one platform before another. Most apps an an enhancement of a product.
Eg we had online banking before the BOI app.
We had online tickets before we had a ticket master app.
We had Sky TV before we had an app.
I could list the vast majority of app and the same would apply.
Has HKC put all this time into a Lan card just for an App?
So are you saying if there's no app the lan card is useless?
Is there no Web server built into the panel?
Could you not use the lan card to connect to the panel?
Is there no configuration software that can connect via IP
Sounds like it's very limited.
How long is it now since version 3 was released? I remember hearing then the lan card was just ready.

Yes the Lan card is ready. Apple are the ones holding this up.
We will just have to wait and see what the finished product does.

KoolKid

Are you saying the lan card & all the panel features are ready including the Android app & HKC aren't releasing the hardware or the software untill apple puts the app on the app store??
Baffling way to do business if true.
I find if baffling that any company would let apple hold them up if they have the dominant app available.
The only App on the Android Store for HKC is this and they are in Hong Kong.
Must be waiting to get it to there as well.
The logical thing on any project like this is test & release hardware then test & release the Apps.
Again, going on previous form I won't get excited just yet.
I wish I could, I would love to see all the major manufacturers with IP access ,its a great selling feature & the way forward for everything.

altor

I agree, it will be a great selling point.
As for the releasing side of things from my experience HKC will only release it when everything is available. Same with when the GSM-Q, wire free keypad and panic button where released. Software for the system to allow the use of the Lan card with these functions will also be released then. I suppose there is no point releasing different versions of software all the time.

KoolKid

In my experience HKC often have released panels etc when other parts and options weren't available. What were waiting for again when the quantum was released????

altor

GSM-Q, wire free keypad and panic button as I have said. They where not released as there would of being 3 different software upgrades to allow each of these to work. Being released at the same time allowed one software upgrade.

KoolKid

And would that not mean that the panel was released without these things ready??
And your argument is the Lan card isn't released just because the app is not in the App store???
A strange logic your applying there..????

altor

I am not arguing, just telling you what I know
These where added devices to the Quantum and 10/70 range.
The system as a whole was ready with a full suite of devices upon release.

KoolKid

You make a statement that HKC don't release something unless everything is ready but You then follow that up with examples of how they do..?
How can you tell us that panic buttons and digis are not part of the system but one app on one platform and none of it gets released.?
Again, the lengths you goto here just to argue for the sake of it really baffles me sometimes.

altor

Again, I am not arguing. I am just telling you what I have being told

They are additional devices that where added to the range.

The GSM-Q was an additional device. The GSM-P was always there to be used.
Like wise A Wired Panic button could be wired into a wire free sensor and set up as a panic. HKC then added a Wire free version.
Again with the Wire Free Keypad it was an additional device added to the range.

Releasing these devices at different times would of meant an installer having to upgrade the software to add them. HKC released the additional devices together so only one software upgrade was needed.

The Lan card is released to use with monitoring station set up to use it.

The end user version is being held up by Apple. HKC dont want to release this as what is the point if not every end user can use it. Now to be honest if they just turned around and said, to hell with apple we will just do an android version then I would understand but they are not.

KoolKid

Sorry but your making no sense to me here..
Your not arguing? Your even arguing about whether your arguing on not.
Your history speaks for itself in these matters ,Arguing just for the sake of it. Read back & see are you honestly making sense to yourself.
I have given you loads of examples where products are released first & then the apps follow. This is quite normal. Updates are very normal. No reason not to release something because an update may be required afterwards.
That being the case there would be no apps in the Play Store or App Store.
Again you ignored by questions earlier about all the other features the LAN card could be used for & instead come out with

HKC will only release it when everything is available.

Quickly followed by the Quantum being released without...

GSM-Q, wire free keypad and panic button

Which according to you are extras...
But an App isn't . Not only that , but only one app on one platform.
So have HKC got the App on Play Store yet?

The Europlex SigNET was a very successful panel with a working LAN , Giving browser access, mobile phone access & IP access as well as monitoring and the Signet Secure Portal. It was only later that the iPhone App came & that was followed by Android.
Now answer me honestly here, please.
With something working successfully like that what would be the benefit on that not being released untill Siemens & SPC came along with SPC Anywhere?

I have 100s of those panels in where people use the browsers, not the apps.
I have 100s that were sold prior to the Apps being available.
There have been numerous updates before during and after the apps were released.
Updates are simple & can even be done remotely via the LAN connection, so I don't see what the problem is about updates.

altor

To be honest you can read it as you want !!!

The Lan card is released for monitoring through a monitoring station.
Apps to follow for end users.

KoolKid

As usual you ignore the questions you don't want to answer or don't know the answers to.
As I said your history here on posts like this speaks for its self.
So is the LAN card only for monitoring?
No Portal?
No Web browser?
No Remote Config software?
Sounds very limited compared to what's already available in the market.

Evolution1

Smart link can be used with the LAN card AFAIK.

KoolKid

Thanks for that. Not very many answers coming unfortunately.
I'm still living in hope that this system will do more than Altors expectations and have multiple functions. Otherwise its going to be a bit short of what's already available.

Evolution1

The LAN card is only for monitoring and for using Smartlink 700 at this time ..
When the app is released along with software it will allow remote access to the system via an app .
IF the service is a subscription service it will allow for push notifications .

Will GSDi70 not be a subscription service ? Haven't heard anything from them here on boards.. Proving difficult to source the panel

KoolKid

I would really like to see a free option for anyone who has another form of monitoring.
I I said before I am limited as to what I can say re GSD because of an NDA in place between me & them.
I'd imagine there will be a free app with free access there as well.
Possibly another level with subscription may be acceptable at some level.
But there's so many ways to do this for free.
I certainly would not agree with a subscription charge just so you can connect to , what is effectively your own server.

mickjohnlong

I have been reading this thread I am a bit confused. The way I see it from this thread is hkc have a lan card ready to connect to a monitoring station but wont release it cos the apps are not ready. But in one post its stated its only being released to connect to a monitoring station. So why has it not been released if its ready to be connected to a monitoring station. And why are apps being made if they cant be used . Maybe I am wrong or being stupid but hopefully someone can clear it up

KoolKid

I, m not sure HKC know themselves TBH.
The last time I asked I got very vague answers.
They didn't even seem to know if the panel would have a webserver to allow you direct connection.
They weren't sure whether this would be a free service or whether it was to be a paid service.
Anything with a network connection on your own network should be accessible directly very easily.
I also find the iPhone app story a very strange excuse. Unfortunately those making these statements just want to argue and not answer the obvious questions.
They say they are just waiting for the app to get onto the app store, but it doesn't seem to be on the Play store either.
I have never heard of holding off on hardware release just because an app isn't on the App Store. As I said Europlex and Siemens had all their IP /Lan hardware successfully working long before either apps were available. Even after that apps are very rarely released on all platforms at the same time.
From my experience take what HKC say with a pinch of salt. It's been a long time since we were told this Lan card was ready.

altor

mickjohnlong wrote: »

I have been reading this thread I am a bit confused. The way I see it from this thread is hkc have a lan card ready to connect to a monitoring station but wont release it cos the apps are not ready. But in one post its stated its only being released to connect to a monitoring station. So why has it not been released if its ready to be connected to a monitoring station. And why are apps being made if they cant be used . Maybe I am wrong or being stupid but hopefully someone can clear it up

The Lan card is released. It can be used for Monitoring of your system through a monitoring station.

For self monitoring using the APP you will need it connected to the HKC server. I am not sure how much this will cost but it will be a yearly subscription fee. From what I am told less than €20 per year but dont hold me to that as prices are not agreed yet.
The control panel will not have a built in web browser and can only be controlled by the APP.
The benefits will be push to mobile notifications. You will be able to control your system from anywhere in the world using your Phone. Also for controlling outputs and so on.
Please note that only PSA engineers will be able to set this up as they are the only ones with access to HKC to do so.
Engineers will also have access to the panel for remote configurations using Smartlink 700.

mickjohnlong

A that clears things up. I thought from previous posts it wasn't relased due to the app not being ready. Is the lan card part of the pcb or an add on

altor

mickjohnlong wrote: »

A that clears things up. I thought from previous posts it wasn't relased due to the app not being ready. Is the lan card part of the pcb or an add on

It is an add on.
Here is a link.

KoolKid

altor wrote: »

The Lan card is released. It can be used for Monitoring of your system through a monitoring station.

For self monitoring using the APP you will need it connected to the HKC server. I am not sure how much this will cost but it will be a yearly subscription fee. From what I am told less than €20 per year but dont hold me to that as prices are not agreed yet.
The control panel will not have a built in web browser and can only be controlled by the APP.
The benefits will be push to mobile notifications. You will be able to control your system from anywhere in the world using your Phone. Also for controlling outputs and so on.

A bit of a let down for me if they are going down that road.If your panel has a LAN connection a web server would be the simple & logical connection.
Connection via a separate server seems unnecessary and purely there to facilitate a charge. I would like to see a free direct connection available for those with other forms of notification. Suppose I already have central station monitoring why should I have to pay just to connect to my panel over IP. ?

altor

Like the SPC?

KoolKid

altor85418 wrote:

Like the SPC?

Not sure what your asking or saying there.
Perhaps you could clarify.
Can you also confirm the Lan card is released..
Asked 3 different suppliers today and they all said it's not.
Also still wonder is the App available on the Play store?

altor

The App not on the playstore as it has not being released. I too have tried to source one of these Lan cards today and have being told the same. Although I am aware of them being in place on a number of sites. I will make more inquires tomorrow.

My question Re the SPC is, it does have the App in place but not push notifications to a mobile. So if you have an alarm activation while logged in you need to refresh the page to see this. This should be a feature which I am sure you agree it lacks.

Evolution1

Is the app for the GSD out yet ?

altor

Evolution1 wrote: »

Is the app for the GSD out yet ?

The only one I could find for GSD was this one.

KoolKid

altor wrote: »

The App not on the playstore as it has not being released. I too have tried to source one of these Lan cards today and have being told the same. Although I am aware of them being in place on a number of sites. I will make more inquires tomorrow.

My question Re the SPC is, it does have the App in place but not push notifications to a mobile. So if you have an alarm activation while logged in you need to refresh the page to see this. This should be a feature which I am sure you agree it lacks.

I thought all that was holding the app up was getting it to the app store.?
Are they waiting to get it to both then?
I agree push notifications would be good on SPC, but at least you have free access to your panel directly. I don't get why you should have to pay for this .
Re GSD .. still some testing.

KoolKid

altor wrote: »

The Lan card is released. It can be used for Monitoring of your system .

Just got this checked out from one of my suppliers and HKC.
The Lan card is not released.
It is still being tested.
The latest date for release is the 2nd or 3rd week in December.
Hope this clarifys much of the conflicting information posted in this thread.

altor

KoolKid wrote: »

I agree push notifications would be good on SPC, but at least you have free access to your panel directly. I don't get why you should have to pay for this.

Free access to view and control. It is a big let down for the SPC App.

KoolKid wrote: »

Re GSD .. still some testing.

I hear there is going to be a charge for there service to push to mobile.

KoolKid wrote: »

Just got this checked out from one of my suppliers and HKC.
The Lan card is not released.
It is still being tested.
The latest date for release is the 2nd or 3rd week in December.
Hope this clarifys much of the conflicting information posted in this thread.

That is correct, although being used on a lot of sites this is for testing purposes only and wont be released until December early January.