For those following this thread I just wanted to say I’ve ended up with a Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet when they went on sale for $55 (Amazon Fire Tabs on sale for Prime Members 7" $35 8" $55). I also purchased the subscription to ActionTiles ([RELEASE: v6.7] ActionTiles (formerly called "SmartTiles V6")). Found some stuff online to remove the ads that come on it (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJU69Oj7ksU) and install Google Play (https://forum.xda-developers.com/amazon-fire/general/how-to-install-google-play-store-fire-t3486603) which was pretty nice. Also added a “auto launcher” to launch Firefox when the tablet starts up (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.autostart&hl=en) and a FireFox add-on that makes it run in full screen (https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/full-screen-for-firefox/).
The tablet comes with a 5v 1amp adapter. My existing wire from the alarm panel to the old keypad was 22ga which is kinda small but that gauge is rated for up to 3 amps so even for the distance (around 30’) it will be more then fine for powering the tablet (https://www.gore.com/IndustrialCableConfigurator/popup_hfr_wirespecs.html). I’ll just hack open a micro USB adapter, cut out the data wires (usually white and green) and use the power (red and black) to get the tablet powered from the panel in the basement. The only other thing is the old panel was slightly taller then the tablet when on it’s side so I’ll either have to fix the wall or what I’m going to try to do is find a small white plastic/abs panel thats slightly bigger then the tablet and put that behind it as a mount. This way it will also look just like the EcoBee with its black face and white mount which is right around the corner from the tablet.
And here is the tablet and what it boots right into (after you swipe the lock screen). Firefox auto loaded in full screen view with my ActionTile “Tablet View” panel displayed:
I only put my doors statuses and locks on it along with SHM and a couple routines that made sense to click when going in and out. I have some other “views” setup for everything else but don’t plan on using them on this tablet.
I’ll post a final picture once I get the tablet mounted decently.