Best keyfob for Elk M1G or PC based HA system?

[etc6849]

What is the best keyfob option based on feel, function and size? I'm looking for something I can interface with an Elk M1G, but would consider a PC solution if the remote was elegant or offered LED two way feedback etc...

My plan:
I'm looking for a keyfob to integrate into an Elk M1G + PC based system (Motorola Premise). I plan to use my PC to send a text message giving instant feedback of the keyfob's success. The keyfob would arm the system, setback the thermostats, turn off lights etc...

Two way feedback would be nice (I don't think the M1XRF2xx offer two way feedback, but if there's a PC based RS232 solution that's nice please chime in). I don't use any wireless security devices, so is the M1XRF worth it just for a keyfob when there's several dirt cheap X10 solutions that would work well?

I've listed the only one way feedback solutions below that I know will work with the M1G, so please chime in if you know of other keyfobs that work with the M1G.

Ademco/Honeywell 5804 option:
Four Buttons
2.25"x1.5"x0.5"

GE 60-606-319.5 Option:
4 Buttons
2.25"x1.4"x0.38"

X10 Options:
X10 RKR24 or PHR04 or KR19A
6 Buttons
2.2"x1.5"x.5"

X10 KR22A
Ten Buttons
3.125"x.1.5"x32"

X10 Security KR10A PKR02
4 Buttons
?x?x?

 

[Spanky]

The ISC Show in April could offer another option for two way fobs!! :blush:

 

[video321]

I just went down this route recently and connected my receiver last week. I, however, went the cheap route as all I wanted was to arm/disarm and run rules based on that. I also don't have, or plan to have at any time soon, any wireless security devices. I ended up with a 4 channel SECO-LARM receiver and a few 4 ch. keyfobs with codehopping technology. The receiver works with simple relays and can be programmed to work in 4 different ways, such as timed output, toggle, etc. Since you have a M1 you should be able to do anything you need with any wireless receiver that works with relays. If I want feedback I could always have my system sent me an email/text to my phone. For instant feedback I use rules to do things with my strobe and siren.

 

[video321]

Ya know, Spanky...all these little teasers when I just bought my M1 system :unsure:

 

[etc6849]

I wonder if the GE design line remotes will work with the ELK-M1XRF2G?

GE TX-4014-01-2
DesignLine 4-Button Keyfob
2.23"x.42"x1.25"
http://www.gesecurity.com/portal/site/GESecurity/menuitem.f76d98ccce4cabed5efa421766030730?selectedID=1847&seriesyn=true&seriesID=

It appears the Designline does work with the Elk M1XRF:
http://m1dealer.elkproducts.com/index.php?module=phpwsbb&PHPWSBB_MAN_OP=view&PHPWS_MAN_ITEMS%5B%5D=1089

 

[etc6849]

Me too. For my application though, I doubt the M1G will ever become obsolete. Especially with the extensive RS232 protocol it offers.

Ya know, Spanky...all these little teasers when I just bought my M1 system :unsure:

 

[Lagerhead]

X10 Security KR10A PKR02
4 Buttons
?x?x?

The KR10A is 2.5 x 1.5 x 0.5 inches. It has four buttons plus a two-button "panic" mode that gives a sort-of fifth button.

 

[Lagerhead]

Two way feedback would be nice . . .

I use outside siren chirps to communicate status. It's not high-tech but it is effective and the price is right. I have several acres between me and the nearest neighbor so annoyance is not an issue.

 

[etc6849]

This gave me an idea. One could wire a car alarm to an Elk M1G system using a relay for each output of the car alarm, wiring the contacts of each relay to inputs on the Elk M1G.

This would offer more attractive remotes, but I'm not sure how secure this would be. If someone gained access to the wiring, they could disarm the system without a user code by shorting two wires.

 

[tmbrown97]

If someone gained access to the wiring, they could disarm the system without a user code by shorting two wires.

True - but if you're doing your wiring at the panel - and they get to the panel, they could always just flip the power switch too.

 

[etc6849]

This is very true. For now I'm using the KR19A and the range is very good. I'm using a radioshack antenna in my attic attached to a modded MR26a. I already had everything so this option was free. I don't know how safe it is to rely on X10 signals, so I wrote code that requires several buttons be pressed in a particular order before the system can be disarmed.

For example, a code might be to press dim, then button 2 off, then button 1 off in that order to disarm the system. If the user delays more than a x between presses, a user must restart entering the code.

I still plan to check back in for the status of Spanky's suggestion though...