ELK C1M1 DIY Installation

I thought that my M1XEP gave up the ghost, so I purchased a C1M1 as a replacement for the additional features.
In typical fashion, I did my research on the C1M1 after I ordered it.
After an adventure for the ages that led to my main house network switch being replaced, and a fun time with firmware updates on my M1G and M1XEP, I no have a working M1XEP and a dilemma.
 
I like the idea of the C1M1 cellular feature set, and the usb port programability. Hate the hoops that ELK is making us jump through onthis. So, trying to figure out if I keep it, or send it back.
 
1) Has anyone installed a C1M1 as a do it your selfer? How did it go?
2) Were you able to get the ethernet network functionality up and running on your own?
3) Did you find a dealer willing to just work with you to activate the device? I don't mind paying for it, I would just prefer to do it over the phone or over email.
4) dumb electrical question. For power, I have a + and - on the c1M1, and a + and - on the panel. Do I connect + on the C1M1 to + on the panel? - to -?
 
Thanks in advance!

The consensus on this site (see here and here)--as your experience seems to confirm--is that the C1M1 is not very DIY friendly (and maybe not too available yet for the pros).  
 
I would love to get one, but was scared off by the lack of info and/or help available for it (including finding an an installer to help me).  
 
If the XEP satisfied your needs, you may be better off getting a new XEP and waiting for more feedback on the C1M1.  (On the other hand, if you keep it, you can be our guinea pig and let us know the steps we need to take...).  
 
It really depends on what features you want(ed) in the C1M1 and what you will be giving up without the XEP (mail notifications).
 
Good luck!

willcasp said:

4) dumb electrical question. For power, I have a + and - on the c1M1, and a + and - on the panel. Do I connect + on the C1M1 to + on the panel? - to -?

Click to expand...

 
 
Yes, connect "+" on the C1M1 to "+" (e.g. +VAUX) on the panel , and "-" to "-" (e.g. NEG) on the panel. 
 
The C1M1 requires up to 230 mA of current, so make sure that you aren't exceeding the M1's 1A limit when you take into account any other devices connected to the M1, such as keypads, etc. If you removed a M1XEP that was powered from the panel and replaced it with the C1M1, then you should be ok.

I just installed a new C1M1 in my new system, and here's my answers to your questions:
 
1) Has anyone installed a C1M1 as a do it your selfer? How did it go?
 
It was very easy and straight forward.  The device plugged right in, and had no issues connecting to the app on my computer to update all the devices and perform the programming on the Elk M1.
 
2) Were you able to get the ethernet network functionality up and running on your own?
 
Yes, no problem.  The little LED readout on the device displays one letter/number at a time.  It flashes the fact it is connected to your network, the IP address (one number at a time), and the number of "bars" of your cell signal.
 
As long as you plug into a network which has DHCP setup, the M1C1 should be on your network and ready to go.
 
There is no web interface to access on the C1M1 directly, you just manage via the ElkRP2 application (free download). 
 
Basic steps:
 
- Start ElkRP2
- Click the "Connection" button
- Choose "Network" in the drop list (assuming you are on the same local network).
- Good to go!
 
3) Did you find a dealer willing to just work with you to activate the device? I don't mind paying for it, I would just prefer to do it over the phone or over email.
 
​​I wanted to go direct through Telguard, to reduce my costs.  They would only active the M1C1 if I had an alarm company (CO).
 
So, I worked with Alarm Relay.  I was their first C1M1, and it was an easy process to activate and bring on-line. I do have to pay a higher monthly cost, because they pay Telguard for the telco service.
 
The first step was giving them my M1C1 S/N and PIN.  Then, we setup a call with their tech for the following week.  It only took 20 minutes and I was up and running.
 
Now, I have:
 
- Ethernet and USB port for local programming.
- Ethernet and Telco alarm paths to the CO
- Web page to setup email and SMS alerts to defined contacts based on events.  This is on an Elk page.
- App to arm/disarm/status of the system.  Though, I feel this is a new app and may not be 100% reliable yet.  This is also an Elk app, not my CO that provides this functionality.
 
In all, if you are programming your M1 and can wire it in, you shouldn't have any issues deploying the C1M1.
 
HTH
 

Did Elk let you set up on their page without interaction with a dealer? 
 
Can you confirm that the mail messages you could program from automation in the old M1EXP are in fact gone, and there's no way for automation scripts to send email?    Only from alarms or troubles and only through their web page? 

And, if you don't mind being our trailblazer, were you using the XEP to communicate with any third party software program (for example, CQC or Homeseer)?  If so, does it all still work as it is supposed to?

SDChris said:

3) Did you find a dealer willing to just work with you to activate the device? I don't mind paying for it, I would just prefer to do it over the phone or over email.
 
​​I wanted to go direct through Telguard, to reduce my costs.  They would only active the M1C1 if I had an alarm company (CO).
 
So, I worked with Alarm Relay.  I was their first C1M1, and it was an easy process to activate and bring on-line. I do have to pay a higher monthly cost, because they pay Telguard for the telco service.

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How much do you pay for service from Alarm Relay?

I pay Alarm Relay about $9.00 per month, payable one year at a time.

And that's for cellular and iP? I want to switch over to the C1M1 from the XEP


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From what I have been told, the cellular path is for monitoring only. No third party apps can connect directly via the cellular path. I assume you can via their paid service and app.

I plan to add cellular failover for my whole house. Why limit what you can do by using just a C1M1

Announced at CES. Shipping March 20. You can preorder on Amazon now.
https://www.netgear.com/home/products/mobile-broadband/lte-modems/LB2120.aspx

elvisimprsntr said:

From what I have been told, the cellular path is for monitoring only. No third party apps can connect directly via the cellular path. I assume you can via their paid service and app.

I plan to add cellular failover for my whole house. Why limit what you can do by using just a C1M1

Announced at CES. Shipping March 20. You can preorder on Amazon now.
https://www.netgear.com/home/products/mobile-broadband/lte-modems/LB2120.aspx

Click to expand...

I like this! I wonder if it still will take more "hops" to get to CS vs say the C1M1 that provides service for the cellular. Or does it.

42etus said:

I pay Alarm Relay about $9.00 per month, payable one year at a time.

Click to expand...

Is that for the cellular service included? Sorry I'm just not familiar with there service with the elk connect or whatever it's called. I saw they had an app with arm and disarm. But that's all that is available with that that tech support told me.

42etus said:

I pay Alarm Relay about $9.00 per month, payable one year at a time.

Click to expand...

Now that it's been a few months, what do you think?
See @dvpvic question on cell service? Is cell service included?
Are you using hardwire sensors?
Can I ask hardware cost?
 
 

dvpvic said:

Is that for the cellular service included? Sorry I'm just not familiar with there service with the elk connect or whatever it's called. I saw they had an app with arm and disarm. But that's all that is available with that that tech support told me.

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Did you ever get any answers?

penright said:

Now that it's been a few months, what do you think?
See @dvpvic question on cell service? Is cell service included?
Are you using hardwire sensors?
Can I ask hardware cost?
 
 
Did you ever get any answers?

Click to expand...

The $9.00 per month is just for the monitoring. I own the hardware (Elk M1G).
Check their website or give them a call.   https://www.alarmrelay.com/  

elvisimprsntr said:

From what I have been told, the cellular path is for monitoring only. No third party apps can connect directly via the cellular path. I assume you can via their paid service and app. I plan to add cellular failover for my whole house. Why limit what you can do by using just a C1M1 Announced at CES. Shipping March 20. You can preorder on Amazon now. https://www.netgear.com/home/products/mobile-broadband/lte-modems/LB2120.aspx

Click to expand...

Have you looked more into this?  I'm interested in this, my only concern is that I don't want my entire network traffic going through this, versus my cable modem, but I'm not sure there is an easy way to hook up the M1 to both networks.  Since I have an ISY-994 also on ethernet, that is my main concern, is the two being able to talk together.  Although, I guess I'd lose that even with the C1M1...