Recent content by autoidiot

I haven't actually touched the thing since my last update. The little "play time" I've had has been devoted to setting up new surround sound system. I'll post again as soon as I've actually made any more progress.

Here's the install instructions Elk M1G Install Instructions You'll see arguments both ways, but I believe the "best" way (and the way the manual recommends) is to install the Resistors is adjacent to the sensor (thus the EOL or "End-of Line" name). I haven't wired up smokes or 4-wires...

Quick status update... Just wanted to let you all know that I received all my parts, and as of last night have a functioning computer with XP loaded. I still need to load (I think) all the appropriate drivers. Thoughts/comments for any other newbies considering doing this themselves: Overall...

OK. Putting together my order at newegg now. Other than upgrading to the 500gb HDD, ordering per your suggestions. Two questions: --"Get a 5.25" drive while you're at it" Could you explain this one a bit. Are you talking about a floppy drive? --What cables (if any) do I need to order...

Thanks again for everyone's postings. I'm ready to go the "build your own" route with IVB's component suggestions. Anyone else have other thoughts regarding specific components? Anything missing (remember...I've never done this before)? I suppose I need to add a CD/DVD R/W . Any...

Thanks IVB. This is a huge help. I think I am capable of building the computer, although I've never done it before. I'm sure there's plenty of "how to's" on the internet, so I can probably stumble my way through it. Quick question...the link for the 80Gb drives shows a price of $43/ea, so...

Thanks for all the answers. I'm still trying to absorb & understand much of it. I think in an ideal world, I'd like to come up with a compromise solution for the PC, meaning something capable of letting me start "playing" with video, but doesn't need to store 100 DVD's and play different...

Thanks for the reply. I just scanned over the SageTV & Hauppauge MVP websites, and I think I understand what they're all about. If I understand correctly, this would allow me to play audio or video from my computer on any TV (or amplifier/receiver I suppose if I chose audio-only) at each zone...

Hi Cocooners, It's been a while since I've posted, but this group was invaluable in helping me plan my wiring, selecting the Elk, etc. Well it's now been over a year since I installed the wire, and I'd like to finally get some music out of it! My biggest roadblock at the moment is I need a PC...

Just a thought...and I have no idea if this will actually work, but... How about using your hinges to make your electrical connection between door & jamb? Use 1 hinge per wire...solder the input wire to the jamb hinge, and the wire to your deadbolt to the door-side hinge...

Thanks for all the responses. Based on the responses, and a bit more research, here are the updates to the plan: •Wireless Receiver--I will run 22/4 to my upstairs attic to cover any RF needs in that vicinity. My equipment closet is already centrally located downstairs, so I should be...

I’m in the process of a pre-wire for my planned purchase of an Elk M1G in my house currently under construction. Thanks to this board, I think I’ve done an OK job so far, and now I’m back for more help. Here’s what I think I’m all set on (i.e. I think I’ve got a decent plan here...

I'm embarassed to admit it, but I didn't realize that the zone expanders existed. I thought I was limited to 16 zones, and so I was trying to work with that. I'm not thrilled about having to buy 2 zone expanders, but I think your suggestion is the overall best way to go. Well I'm off to go...

Thanks for all the responses. Now for some follow-up questions/responses: Not sure I understand why you need twice the number of wires for this. For contacts, wouldn't you just have 1 feed wire to contact 1, 1 return wire from contact 1 to feed wire for contact 2 (connected near panel), then...

Hi all, I've got a question regarding EOL Resistors. I've read the posts regarding them, and believe I understand their purpose, and the correct way to implement them in a zone with a single contact. But what is the way to correctly install an EOL resistor in a zone with multiple (in my case...