Hi folks. Learning some really great stuff here from others' posts, but an admin recommended I post about my own situation as well.
I'm currently running an Insteon system in my apartment, using Indigo 5 Pro from perceptive automation to run the show. I've invested quite a lot of time (and $) in programming the system, so I'd like to leverage the existing hardware and software in our new house that is being constructed. Currently I have a PLM connected via USB to my mac mini server. I have some RF door and motion sensors, and a bunch of light switches.
I have some questions so that I can better understand what will be involved when I'm setting up this security portion of the system:
We are currently shopping around for a security system, and I'm looking primarily at the ELK M1EZ8KB (8 on board zones, no telephone/voice features.) The new house is a city row-home with two ground level doors, approx 10-12 windows, and a roof-deck access door.
Is the M1EZ8KB enough for my needs? Are there any reasons why I would consider upgrading to the M1GSYS4S or M1? Can it handle smoke detectors?
It is my understanding that the M1EZ8KB has a built-in ethernet port on-board for programming via a computer.
Is the ELK system just connected via ethernet to my network switch? And the panel appears on my local network?
Indigo users have written Elk plugins to communicate with the Elk panel. I've read that you can use Indigo to arm/disarm among other things.
How does Indigo communicate with the Elk panel? Do I just tell the Indigo plugin the IP address of the Elk, and that's it?
I will probably be using the Elk only to monitor security of windows/doors and to sound alarms/flash strobes. Indigo will be handling the majority of the automation aspects (lights, texting/emailing, house audio)
Do I have to get the Windows Elk management software if I'm only using Elk for the most basic security features? (ie no or limited automation) Is there any browser-based management of the Elk panel? Or is the Windows Elk software the only GUI interface available?
I would like Indigo to handle the alerts, as this is what I'm used to programming. I don't have plans to have a landline at the new house, so I won't be using the Elk's dialer capabilities (I don't think, at this time.)
Does the Elk communicate with Indigo in the event of alarms? Would I be able to set up Indigo to alert me and trigger Insteon actions as a result of the alarm being tripped?
Our plan is to have wall-mounted iPads to control Indigo's control pages, which will have access to lights, music, and Elk's arm/disarm/status.
What can you tell me about eKeypad and the like? Are there major advantages over just using Indigo Touch's control pages?
Do I need physical Elk keypads accessible at the doors? Or can Indigo's plugins control arm/disarm reliably enough?
What do I have to tell my contractor/electrician about pre-wiring for the Elk?
Is it okay to daisychain/parallel the window sensor wiring or should I be homerun-ing each one? Might fill up the on-board 8 zones too quickly...
What has to be run for keypads locations?
*I'm planning an A/V-HA closet in the basement to house all 'house brains,' so the Elk system will presumably be mounted into my rack or wall of the closet.
Shopping list so far:
ELK M1EZ8KB Kit
ELK Outdoor stainless steel siren
ELK Red strobe light
Thank you all so much in advance for taking the time to help me out.
I'm currently running an Insteon system in my apartment, using Indigo 5 Pro from perceptive automation to run the show. I've invested quite a lot of time (and $) in programming the system, so I'd like to leverage the existing hardware and software in our new house that is being constructed. Currently I have a PLM connected via USB to my mac mini server. I have some RF door and motion sensors, and a bunch of light switches.
I have some questions so that I can better understand what will be involved when I'm setting up this security portion of the system:
We are currently shopping around for a security system, and I'm looking primarily at the ELK M1EZ8KB (8 on board zones, no telephone/voice features.) The new house is a city row-home with two ground level doors, approx 10-12 windows, and a roof-deck access door.
Is the M1EZ8KB enough for my needs? Are there any reasons why I would consider upgrading to the M1GSYS4S or M1? Can it handle smoke detectors?
It is my understanding that the M1EZ8KB has a built-in ethernet port on-board for programming via a computer.
Is the ELK system just connected via ethernet to my network switch? And the panel appears on my local network?
Indigo users have written Elk plugins to communicate with the Elk panel. I've read that you can use Indigo to arm/disarm among other things.
How does Indigo communicate with the Elk panel? Do I just tell the Indigo plugin the IP address of the Elk, and that's it?
I will probably be using the Elk only to monitor security of windows/doors and to sound alarms/flash strobes. Indigo will be handling the majority of the automation aspects (lights, texting/emailing, house audio)
Do I have to get the Windows Elk management software if I'm only using Elk for the most basic security features? (ie no or limited automation) Is there any browser-based management of the Elk panel? Or is the Windows Elk software the only GUI interface available?
I would like Indigo to handle the alerts, as this is what I'm used to programming. I don't have plans to have a landline at the new house, so I won't be using the Elk's dialer capabilities (I don't think, at this time.)
Does the Elk communicate with Indigo in the event of alarms? Would I be able to set up Indigo to alert me and trigger Insteon actions as a result of the alarm being tripped?
Our plan is to have wall-mounted iPads to control Indigo's control pages, which will have access to lights, music, and Elk's arm/disarm/status.
What can you tell me about eKeypad and the like? Are there major advantages over just using Indigo Touch's control pages?
Do I need physical Elk keypads accessible at the doors? Or can Indigo's plugins control arm/disarm reliably enough?
What do I have to tell my contractor/electrician about pre-wiring for the Elk?
Is it okay to daisychain/parallel the window sensor wiring or should I be homerun-ing each one? Might fill up the on-board 8 zones too quickly...
What has to be run for keypads locations?
*I'm planning an A/V-HA closet in the basement to house all 'house brains,' so the Elk system will presumably be mounted into my rack or wall of the closet.
Shopping list so far:
ELK M1EZ8KB Kit
ELK Outdoor stainless steel siren
ELK Red strobe light
Thank you all so much in advance for taking the time to help me out.