Elk M1 panel?

[James Russo]

Hello,

Anyone have the Elk M1 panel? I am looking to replace a home alarm
system (DSC for which I don't have the master code) and do a little home
automation. My plan is to use some UPB devices from simply automated for
lighting control. Any Elk M1 users out there want to share their
experiences with the panel?

Thanks,

-James

[Frank Olson]

"James Russo" <jr@halo3-nospam.net> wrote in message
news:j1Vwe.192465$w15.54826@tornado.tampabay.rr.co m...
> Hello,
>
> Anyone have the Elk M1 panel? I am looking to replace a home alarm system
> (DSC for which I don't have the master code) and do a little home
> automation. My plan is to use some UPB devices from simply automated for
> lighting control. Any Elk M1 users out there want to share their
> experiences with the panel?
>
> Thanks,
>
> -James

Download the "ElkRP Demo" software for a good idea of the power and
versatility of this unit. It does "everything". http://www.elkproducts.com

[James Russo]

> Download the "ElkRP Demo" software for a good idea of the power and
> versatility of this unit. It does "everything". http://www.elkproducts.com

Yes, I've played with the demo software and it seems very complete. I
was also looking at the Aprilaire communicating thermostat. Seems like
you can control the thermostat from the keypad as well. That would be
very nice to be in the bedroom and be able to adjust the air, or lower
then air when alarm is armed away, etc. I'm sure I'll kill more then a
few weekends playing with this thing if I end up getting it.

Does anyone have the ethernet module yet? I know it was recently released.

-jr

[Brett Griffin]

Have you considered HAI Omni series?

HAI makes a good competing product and offers touchscreens, lightswitches
and thermostats, all coordinating wiht a soft blue light.

I have been watching ELK, but I am waiting to see some more interfaces like
touchscreens, and third party support. I think in another year they are
going to be a compelling product. I got the chance to have a long
conversation with the president of Elk back in February at the EHExpo in
Florida. Definitely a company to watch.

However, I cannot give you actual experience of the Elk.

--
Brett Griffin, Home Technology Consultant

Architechtronics, Inc.
get to know home technologyT
p. (610) 825.7018 f (215) 827.5484

*top 10 reasons to use Architechtronics for your next project
http://www.architechtronics.com/top10.html

**keep up on cutting-edge technology... join "the EDGE" for free at
http://www.architectronics.com/edge.html

-------------------------------------------


"James Russo" <jr@halo3-nospam.net> wrote in message
news:18Xwe.133456$VH2.101057@tornado.tampabay.rr.c om...
>> Download the "ElkRP Demo" software for a good idea of the power and
>> versatility of this unit. It does "everything".
>> http://www.elkproducts.com
>
> Yes, I've played with the demo software and it seems very complete. I was
> also looking at the Aprilaire communicating thermostat. Seems like you can
> control the thermostat from the keypad as well. That would be very nice to
> be in the bedroom and be able to adjust the air, or lower then air when
> alarm is armed away, etc. I'm sure I'll kill more then a few weekends
> playing with this thing if I end up getting it.
>
> Does anyone have the ethernet module yet? I know it was recently released.
>
> -jr

[Robert Green]

"Brett Griffin" <brett@architechtronics.spamkiller.com> wrote in

> However, I cannot give you actual experience of the Elk.

Well, dang, son, get on the phone and get them to lend you a product demo!!
If you want to be considered a true pro in the field, you've got to know
your own preferred product AND the competition's offerings inside and out.

--
Bobby G.

[Brett Griffin]

They will lend you a demo? I have not heard of that before. HAI would give
demonstrations, in rare cases would we lend products, which basically meant
we would not see it again.

Brett Griffin


"Robert Green" <ROBERT_GREEN1963@YAH00.COM> wrote in message
news:vu2dnTqxE6C4NVnfRVn-jg@rcn.net...
> "Brett Griffin" <brett@architechtronics.spamkiller.com> wrote in
>
> > However, I cannot give you actual experience of the Elk.
>
> Well, dang, son, get on the phone and get them to lend you a product
demo!!
> If you want to be considered a true pro in the field, you've got to know
> your own preferred product AND the competition's offerings inside and out.
>
> --
> Bobby G.
>
>

[Robert Green]

"Brett Griffin" <brett@architechtronics.com> wrote in message

> They will lend you a demo? I have not heard of that before. HAI would
give
> demonstrations, in rare cases would we lend products, which basically
meant
> we would not see it again.

Loaner and demo programs *can* be run very efficiently and with little risk.
Apparently your company didn't crack that code. I've been asked for a
credit card number as ransom in case I did not return the unit (on
occasion), and always have to sign for it, but it's to Elk's great advantage
to convert young Skywalkers to their side of the Force. I'd just tell them
who you are, where you've been, what you're doing (give them your Web URL)
and that someone suggested you become familiar with them and that they might
have an 90 day evaluation or loaner program. Promise them a detailed
comparative writeup of the Elk v. HAI.

Many times, after the evaluation period expires, they offer to sell such
units at cost rather than dealing with the return factors of shipping,
insurance, and possible damage to the loaner unit although they may not
offer it upfront, so-to-speak. It never hurt me to ask.

--
Bobby G.

[Jeff Volp]

DSC makes a pretty good alarm system. You may be able to reset the system
to factory defaults & reprogram it yourself. If you have several DSC
keyboards, just replacing the alarm controller may be a cost effective
option. Then you can opt for a less expensive controller for automation

"James Russo" <jr@halo3-nospam.net> wrote in message
news:j1Vwe.192465$w15.54826@tornado.tampabay.rr.co m...
> Hello,
>
> Anyone have the Elk M1 panel? I am looking to replace a home alarm
> system (DSC for which I don't have the master code) and do a little home
> automation. My plan is to use some UPB devices from simply automated for
> lighting control. Any Elk M1 users out there want to share their
> experiences with the panel?

[James Russo]

Brett Griffin wrote:
> Have you considered HAI Omni series?
>
> HAI makes a good competing product and offers touchscreens, lightswitches
> and thermostats, all coordinating wiht a soft blue light.
>
> I have been watching ELK, but I am waiting to see some more interfaces like
> touchscreens, and third party support. I think in another year they are
> going to be a compelling product. I got the chance to have a long
> conversation with the president of Elk back in February at the EHExpo in
> Florida. Definitely a company to watch.
>
> However, I cannot give you actual experience of the Elk.
>

Thanks. I'll take a closer look at the HAI Omni. What I really liked
about the Elk was the software which I was able to demo programming it.
It really gave you a good idea of what is possible. I'm sure the same is
possible with the Omni as well.

-jr

[Robert L. Bass]

>> I have been watching ELK, but I am waiting to see some more interfaces
>> like touchscreens, and third party support. I think in another year they
>> are going to be a compelling product. I got the chance to have a long
>> conversation with the president of Elk back in February at the EHExpo in
>> Florida. Definitely a company to watch.
>>
>> However, I cannot give you actual experience of the Elk.
>>
>
> Thanks. I'll take a closer look at the HAI Omni. What I really liked about
> the Elk was the software which I was able to demo programming it. It
> really gave you a good idea of what is possible. I'm sure the same is
> possible with the Omni as well.

Omni offers the software as well. One difference is the price. ELK
software is bundled with the system if you buy it online. HAI charges a
pretty penny for the software. Also, if you buy HAI Omni be sure that you
order the dealer software. Their user software is not sufficient to program
the whole system. It also costs, though not as much as the installer
software.

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

=============================>
Bass Home Electronics
2291 Pine View Circle
Sarasota · Florida · 34231
877-722-8900 Sales & Tech Support
http://www.bassburglaralarms.com
=============================>

[James Russo]

Jeff,

Yes, I should look into it. The problem is if the lockout is enabled and
I reset it, then I'm left with a deal panel since they zones will no
longer be the correct type and I won't be able to change them. It's just
the panel and one keypad. I guess I really have nothing to loose though..

However, I do like the integration with the alarm system so that rules
like "when alarm armed away, raise AC to 80 degrees" or something like
that...

-jr

Jeff Volp wrote:
> DSC makes a pretty good alarm system. You may be able to reset the system
> to factory defaults & reprogram it yourself. If you have several DSC
> keyboards, just replacing the alarm controller may be a cost effective
> option. Then you can opt for a less expensive controller for automation

[AutomatedOutlet.com]

Yes, I have an Elk M1 installed in our office. It's truely an amazing
panel. I was so impressed with it that I also yanked out a 6 month old
Caddx system out of my house and will be installing an Elk there as
well.

Elk is a wonderful company to deal with. All of their products (except
batteries) also come with a lifetime warranty.

Not only does the software have a great user interface for the
programming, but, it also allows you to do firmware updates to the
hardware components.

I'll be the first to tell you that I'm not an expert at alarm system
installations like some others on this board are. If fact, I never
really got my Caddx system working right. I'm sure it was pilot error
but on many systems you really have to know what you're doing to
install it correctly. With the Elk panel, not only did I get it
installed correctly, but, I never even had to open the manual to do it.
The diagram on the panel itself and the software was all I needed. My
system at the office has 3 motion sensors, 1 door contact, 1 garage
contact, an 8 zone wireless receiver (with added sensors), a siren, a
strobe light, 2 speakers (for audio announcements) and a proximity
reader.

I think it's also really neat that all of the GE Caddx wireless
components will work with the Elk.

As far as touchscreen keypads, Elk is due to release one later this
summer.

With the recent $170 Elk price reduction, I think it's a no brainer.

As you can tell, I really like the Elk panels. If anyone wants to talk
to me about them, please also feel free to call or email me.

Martin Custer
Martin@AutomatedOutlet.com
www.AutomatedOutlet.com
817/539-1705

[Robert L. Bass]

> Elk is a wonderful company to deal with. All of their
> products (except batteries) also come with a lifetime
> warranty.

Hi Martin,

Glad to hear you like the ELK panel. I've been an ELK Products dealer for
many years and I've found them to be one of the best companies around.
Please note though that the lifetime warranty does not apply to the M1 and
its associated components. These carry a 2-year warranty which commences on
the date of manufacture. This is intended to provide the end user with at
least 18-months (and usually more) of warranty coverage.

> ... With the Elk panel, not only did I get it installed
> correctly, but, I never even had to open the manual
> to do it.

I would caution DIYers not to follow suit. The ELK M1 is indeed easier to
program than many other panels. However, it is a sophisticated piece of
equipment and there are a lot of options to consider when programming.
Also, it is extremely impoprtant to follow the keypad and databus connection
instructions to the letter. They're not difficult to follow but deviations
can cause erratic behavior.

> I think it's also really neat that all of the GE Caddx
> wireless components will work with the Elk.

Not just the Caddx components, but also the entire line of ITI
sensor/transmitters also work with the ELK M1 system.

> As far as touchscreen keypads, Elk is due to release
> one later this summer.

ELK, like almost every other manufacturer in the industry, sometimes has
difficulty keeping projected release dates. I've learned to take all future
product release date promises with a shaker of salt. :^)

FTR, I'm not entirely unbiased about ELK's M1-Gold system. I also have one
in my office and I also sell them online to DIYers.

Regards,
Robert L Bass

=============================>
Bass Home Electronics
2291 Pine View Circle
Sarasota · Florida · 34231
877-722-8900 Sales & Tech Support
http://www.bassburglaralarms.com
=============================>

[James Russo]

Thanks for the reply. It sure looks like a very nice panel. I've been
playing with the demo software. I need to figure out exactly which
modules I would need and where to get it from. I am thinking that I will
just start off with the panel and two keypads..

I have some questions:

Since this is a retrofit I have two keypads homerun'd to the panel. I
know a bit about RS485, and I think this will be fine. Each keypad will
be an end of the RS485 bus with the panel being in the middle. Just
terminate each end. Any other modules on the bus would need to connect
to the keypad locations and then be teminated (removing the termination
from the keypad).. Do I have this right?


With the ELK-M1XSP connected to an aprilaire 8870 communicating
thermostat, It seems that you need two other pieces of equipment. What
other thermostats should I consider? Also, the ELK-M1XSP is a 3-in-1
device, but it really just provides one additional serial port.

With a termostat connected, will I be able to view thermostat
information and control the termostat from the Elk keypad mounted in the
bedroom?

The M1 panel has one serial port on-board. Can this be used to control
serial port lighting devices like PCS-UPB or X10?

Thanks,

-jr


AutomatedOutlet.com wrote:
> Yes, I have an Elk M1 installed in our office. It's truely an amazing
> panel. I was so impressed with it that I also yanked out a 6 month old
> Caddx system out of my house and will be installing an Elk there as
> well.
>
> Elk is a wonderful company to deal with. All of their products (except
> batteries) also come with a lifetime warranty.
>
> Not only does the software have a great user interface for the
> programming, but, it also allows you to do firmware updates to the
> hardware components.
>
> I'll be the first to tell you that I'm not an expert at alarm system
> installations like some others on this board are. If fact, I never
> really got my Caddx system working right. I'm sure it was pilot error
> but on many systems you really have to know what you're doing to
> install it correctly. With the Elk panel, not only did I get it
> installed correctly, but, I never even had to open the manual to do it.
> The diagram on the panel itself and the software was all I needed. My
> system at the office has 3 motion sensors, 1 door contact, 1 garage
> contact, an 8 zone wireless receiver (with added sensors), a siren, a
> strobe light, 2 speakers (for audio announcements) and a proximity
> reader.
>
> I think it's also really neat that all of the GE Caddx wireless
> components will work with the Elk.
>
> As far as touchscreen keypads, Elk is due to release one later this
> summer.
>
> With the recent $170 Elk price reduction, I think it's a no brainer.
>
> As you can tell, I really like the Elk panels. If anyone wants to talk
> to me about them, please also feel free to call or email me.
>
> Martin Custer
> Martin@AutomatedOutlet.com
> www.AutomatedOutlet.com
> 817/539-1705
>