M1G Remote access options

I am extremely happy with my new M1G generally, but a bit disappointed with the remote control options so far. The M1EXP is unimpressive in the web interface, though handy. They sure missed their chance doing it in Java instead of something that would run on a smartphone. Plus not sure I trust a port 80 NAT on my home connection so probably will not enable that, though might through VPN.

Say I'm travelling, and something goes wrong with the alarm. Low battery on a smoke, or some other supervision trouble.

Is the monitoring company really the best way to find out? (I do intend to have one).

I had expected (based on nothing but expectation) that I could have the M1EXP send me a report with the trouble. But as best I can tell email is static, and short of writing a rule and a separate static message for every possible trouble (you run out of messages fast with only 16), it can't do that.

I cannot even find a "whenever any trouble", is there? Or separate rule for everything?

The second thing I tought would happen is I could set up a voice call that would give me status. And I can, and it does, but same problem -- the command lets me do exactly one static message. I have not yet found a "call and report status" that inserts what the trouble was, or the alarm was? I guess I could do a separate rule for every trouble and a separate message then -- no real limits there -- but that sure is tedious.

I've been trying to use some of the substitution variables (e.g. [Insert Condition]) but it just says "press # to end message" (I tested it with an AC power failure by unplugging). I tried using the *55* to get in a listen-in thinking I can use the tone based status triggers but it doesn't seem to take in that case.

So what am I missing? Is there a better way?

Oh, I tried myKeypad, which is flakey but I might buy it, and haven't tried ElkDroid (because I can't test it to see if it works on my phone), but neither seem to address these kind of things. The closest may be the myKeypad view of the log (though it is really messed up, downloads things years in the future).

I don't want my home phone line to auto-answer, as we have voice mail (telco provided), so dialing in is not a great answer.

And my backup is going to be a Uplink 2500, and I do not think that does me any good regardless for me trying to check.

Am I missing something? Is something like myKeypad the best answer for now? Or is ElkDroid better? Or just depend on the monitoring company to tell me what codes they got?

PS. For context, I travel a lot, my wife does not. When something goes wrong I want to be able to quickly look at what is happening to help her know what to do for non-alarm problems. She hates technology, so wants guidence not training.

Yes, they do kind of drop the ball for remote access, and are showing their alarm panel/PLC programming roots there. The web interface is not accesible from port 80 alone externally, it launches a java client that then connects to the secure port via the ip address or name so it doesn't work outside of your LAN. You would be better off just RDPing into your network if you want to access the built in web page.

For the email issues a monitoring company will help, or some other home automation software to fill the gap. You can sign up with NextAlarm for $5 a month to just email you when things happen, including zones, (or like $15 for the real deal monitoring).

For the remote access I can't speak to the android apps, I use eKeypad and it is awesome, exactly what remote access should be. If you can't find software to your liking on Android you may want to again look into HA software that you can remote into and can control the Elk from. I use CQC and have a floor plan that shows me exactly what is going on, and both that and the ISY can email me dynamic info although I rely on NextAlarm for that.

The XEP is actually a nice item, as it allows you to connect without the need of any software (less Java) so shared computers are a non-issue, which IMHO, is better than installing a piece of software on a computer. Keep in mind, the whole M1 platform was engineered and on the market prior to any smartphone being for sale, even the Iphone. While it's a "nice to have" feature, engineering solutions to the latest technology and alarms takes time, unless you 3rd party it.

If you really want to see what is going on and get status back, combined with a dedicated computer that you can install software on, then run RP on the unit.

The panel is really designed for pro monitoring via a CS, so wanting the panel to provide self monitoring features would be a less than desirable option for me. A good CS can take an appropriate CID report and provide all the information that can be gleaned from it and give an accurate picture of what is going on. Will it tell you why a zone falsed, no, but there's not much you can do remotely to fix it anyways.

The Uplink is simply a communications route, not bidirectional.

I run HomeSeer for my home automation, and run the UltraM1G plugin. I've developed a simple web page on my home web server that shows status and can control the ELK via the HomeSeer plugin. I know this is not much help for you, but it is the kind of thing you have to do to get good remote access to ELK.

tenholde

Thanks, at least this seems to confirm I have not missed anything in the basic system. I really hope to do this without a separate PC running.

Ive been using eKeypad Pro and Mobilic HD touch based mobiles apps for my home automation system for 5 years. eKaypad has support for the Elk. Mobilic is working on support.


Elvis

What is flakey with the myKeypad? Been using it for almost a year with no issues. Only think I dont like is when my IP changes and you have to basically wait for the app to reload your entire setup before accessing.
Never had any issues with the log. Times are correct. Shows me when everything happens (auto dialer test, lost eithernet, backup battery power, etc). For the cost of the app, really cant complain.

As mentioned, if you already have some or of automation system, it is likely that you can do this through that software. I use CQC and have a mobile app that I can control the entire system from, including arming or disarming the house.

RobNJ said:

What is flakey with the myKeypad? Been using it for almost a year with no issues. Only think I dont like is when my IP changes and you have to basically wait for the app to reload your entire setup before accessing.
Never had any issues with the log. Times are correct. Shows me when everything happens (auto dialer test, lost eithernet, backup battery power, etc). For the cost of the app, really cant complain.

Click to expand...

Try assigning a static IP or using free DDNS service from no-IP.com.

elvisimprsntr said:

Try assigning a static IP or using free DDNS service from no-IP.com.

Click to expand...

My ISP has static IP for extra charge. I have signed up for a DDNS service, but you still need to change the IP in myKeypad (unless I am missing something). Its not a big deal, but is about the only thing that is frustrating with the app as it has to reload all the data each time.

myKeyad doesn't let you enter a CNC name of a URL instead of the hard IP address?

RobNJ said:

I have signed up for a DDNS service, but you still need to change the IP in myKeypad (unless I am missing something).

Click to expand...

Huh? With DDNS you put the HOST NAME that you registered in myKeypad.

OK so I goofed. I did not realize you can put an address in there, duh!
I just tried it and it works
I retract what I said.

i'm on an Android mobile, and the only option I've been able to find is mykeypad, which i've found to be VERY flakey (frequently freezes and crashes), and what's worse, the developer seems to ignore emails from customers. I'd stay away from it. If anybody knows another solution for Android, I'd love to hear it.

rexwilson said:

i'm on an Android mobile, and the only option I've been able to find is mykeypad, which i've found to be VERY flakey (frequently freezes and crashes), and what's worse, the developer seems to ignore emails from customers. I'd stay away from it. If anybody knows another solution for Android, I'd love to hear it.

Click to expand...

You are running the "full" version (or Pro as I think they call it)? I do recall that the demo myKeypad did tend to close on its own. I am running both ICS (tablet) and honeycomb (phone) and neither have crashing problems since loading Pro.