Elk's new web page

[Digger]

One thing that I note here is that I see where many DIY installers here mention they called Elk Tech support. That is exactly what they are trying to minimize. No manufacturer can provide support like that on this type of product. DIY installers should be contacting the distributor or dealer where they purchased the system or accessory. If the distributor or dealer can not answer the question they should contact ELK not the DIY person so that they will know for the future how to address the issue and minimize the load on the manufacturer.

The problem may be some distributors and dealers blow off the DIY installer so they are forced to contact ELK directly.

DIY installers are important resource for manufacturers as far as revenue, feedback on feature requests, and also many times as beta testers. I think its just harder and harder to manage then ever before.

Personally I think the installation instructions should be available presale so that people know what they are buying. Actually I think some people might even opt for a professional install if they read the instructions first and others might have less headaches during the install because they had the documents to preread before they get the system to install and the itch to dive head first into it.

 

[Neurorad]

Maybe Elk could offer better access to documentation on some of their accessories, e.g. the WSV, DBH, etc., and still limit access to the M1 install .pdf.

I can understand that Elk wants to develop an installer database, for marketing. Requiring registration for access to documentation seems legitimate. They don't want a bunch of DIYers in their mass mail database, it's expensive.

Elk needs to target installers of other alarm systems, with their marketing. I guess most of that is done at the distributor level, with promotions and such. I wonder how often they call on specific installers, to promote their systems. The current approach with a distributor middle man seems so 'old school'.

 

[nov0798]

Then how does this forum get away with it?

http://www.diyalarmforum.com/board/index.php?topic=243.0

Is all you have to do is register, and you can download the manuals?

Or this company?

http://www.homecontrols.com/ELK-M1-Gold-System-Package-4-ELKM1GSYS4

http://www.homecontrols.com/homecontrols/pdf/ELKM1ins.pdf

 

[Digger]

Then how does this forum get away with it?

http://www.diyalarmforum.com/board/index.php?topic=243.0

Is all you have to do is register, and you can download the manuals?

Or this company?

http://www.homecontrols.com/ELK-M1-Gold-System-Package-4-ELKM1GSYS4

http://www.homecontrols.com/homecontrols/pdf/ELKM1ins.pdf

They must have permission. If not they will be gone shortly

 

[electron]

Those are older links, back when ELK had these documents public. The new policy really doesn't make sense, since the data is on the internet already, but I can't host these manuals since there are copyright laws in effect (I would love to host them!)