I might stick a BCD encoder on it to add more inputs or stick it directly onto some opto isolators across the status LEDs,

I should be able to get Main Power status, Tamper, Attack and Daytime mode status back. With the BCD addition I could also monitor individual zone alarms as well.

EDIT: Sorry Brain fade, a BCD encoder won't help. I'll just blow a PIC to stat mux the data instead.

Quote:
That said, when I got done over, the first thing they did before entering the house was to cut the power.

Even more reason to invest in a UPS...

*thinks: put the battery back-up under the house and have the web server and file server in a locked cabinet securely attached to the wall. Link the webcams up and do the motion-detection thing. FTP pictures to my public server or to my brother's computer. Also do backups to remote servers*

The question is not "is it too much work." The question is "is it more work compared to replacing all my stuff."

Have fun,

Paul

There's alot of camera packages that do this out of the box.. my cheapo creative webcam has software which automatically looks for motion and uploads to an email/ftp/web server when it finds it..
-m