Automation software for Elk M1

[mikefamig]

I know that Elk has it's ElkRP software for configuring the M1 but would you guys recommend a software like Homeseer for a basic security system. My system will initially be just for security and I have a few Foscam IP cams installed but I don't know if I would benefit from Homeseer with such a small system.
 
I do plan to get into some automation down the road but generally speaking, what are the benefits of Homeseer over ElkRP>
 
Thanks, Mike.

 

[tmbrown97]

RP is for programming.  M1toGo or ElkRMS are for control.  Between those and eKeypad I've done very little to date that requires an external system.  I bought HomeSeer but haven't done anything with it yet; I was using Elve a little before they closed down - about all that Elve does for me us push the outside temp from weatherunderground to display on my thermostats and it bridges X10RF to UPB, and keeps my Elk's UPB status updated because it does the polling.
 
I wouldn't even think about external software yet - get the most out of your M1 and when you start to feel limited in your programming or automation capabilities, then look external.

 

[mikefamig]

RP is for programming.  M1toGo or ElkRMS are for control.  Between those and eKeypad I've done very little to date that requires an external system.  I bought HomeSeer but haven't done anything with it yet; I was using Elve a little before they closed down - about all that Elve does for me us push the outside temp from weatherunderground to display on my thermostats and it bridges X10RF to UPB, and keeps my Elk's UPB status updated because it does the polling.
 
I wouldn't even think about external software yet - get the most out of your M1 and when you start to feel limited in your programming or automation capabilities, then look external.

Sounds like good advise. What made me look at homeseer was their 50% off sale and I thought that it was a GUI to the security system and cameras. I have a few Foscams installed and would like to have one app that can be a front end for both security and surveillance.
 
You've been a lot of help in the past week and I thank you again, Mike.

 

[Dean Roddey]

Our customers do things like have CQC respond to things happening on the M1. Of course it provides the graphical touch screen interfaces that the M1 cannot provide. And it allows the things that are connected to the M1 to be integrated into the large picture since CQC can control a lot of other stuff. And CQC allows other things to become the input mechanism to invoke activities that may or may not include stuff controlled by the M1. And it also allows for a much richer environment for setting up scheduled or triggered activities. It brings media and internet based data sources into the picture as well.

 

[mikefamig]

Our customers do things like have CQC respond to things happening on the M1. Of course it provides the graphical touch screen interfaces that the M1 cannot provide. And it allows the things that are connected to the M1 to be integrated into the large picture since CQC can control a lot of other stuff. And CQC allows other things to become the input mechanism to invoke activities that may or may not include stuff controlled by the M1. And it also allows for a much richer environment for setting up scheduled or triggered activities. It brings media and internet based data sources into the picture as well.

CQC sounds like the kind of software that I'm interested in. I would like a GUI front end that integrates security, IP cameras and other automaion devices. I haven't begun installing the system yet but am doing a lot of reading and learning so that I have the big picture and maybe avoid spending a lot of money on items that I don't need and won't use.
 
I have plenty to think about without additional software and like the advise to get installed and running and wait until I feel the need for more control or function before I worry about third party software.
 
Mike.