Best way to tell if circuit loses power using M1

[signal15]

I have a circuit that is controlled by the power company for a heating system (only controls pumps/thermostats). When this circuit loses power, I want the M1 to tell me. So what's the best way to tell?

I'm thinking a relay with a 120v coil hooked into an input zone. Any other suggestions?

 

[tmbrown97]

I have always liked the relay option - very simple.

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

I have always liked the relay option - very simple.

Yea, this is probably the best way. If you don't want to mess around with the high voltage 120 volt coil you can always use a wall wart and get a coil that matches it's DC output (remember to watch out for the coil resistance and make sure your wall wart has enough current capability to drive the relay. Voltage/Resistance is the current capability needed).

Another way would be to use an analog zone and read a DC wall wart directly. Even another would be to have a regular zone, but choose a wall wart value that would lend the zone violated or not violated and trigger off of that.

 

[signal15]

I think I'll have to go the relay route. The closest box to where I need to put the relay has just an input expander card in it. I don't think you can use those as an analog zone, right?

 

[gatchel]

I like BSR's post above. Wall wart to low voltage relay. Relay contacts to zone.

I think you can read analog voltages with an XIN but you have to remove the pull up resistors off of the board. (Surface mount components)

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

Actually, if you get a wall wart with enough current capability, you should not need to remove the pull up resistors. The problem is in the rule writing in checking analog remote inputs (some sort of constant (time interval) checking needed, forgot the actual issue)...

But, as I also suggested above, if you go with actual voltage values for 'violated' and 'non violated' conditions (as stated in your front panel status in the Elk's software) this should (I think) also work.

The reason I don't actually state the 'actual' voltage values is it will vary depending on if an EOL is used or not (plus three state zones, etc...)

 

[pmb1010]

Here's the issue I just ran into with this... I have a small 5 volt wall wart plugged into non-ups potected outlet, with small relay and contacts going into Elk M1G's input. I know when its open or closed, thus power is on or off at the house. I have elk rule that sends email me when this zone goes "secure" or "not secure". Testing by pulling the wall wart works great when the line power is on.
All my network gear (switch, hubs, router, Elk, M1EXP, etc) are all on battery backup UPS.
Yesterday the power went out in my neighborhood when I was home. Wife was on phone (we have OOMA so its VOIP) and she lost the connection.
I never did get an email that power went off, or back on. It was only out about 2 minutes. Even so, with all my network stuff covered, my ISP (Time Warner) must not be able to keep the link back to their central office active. We have fiber on the poles, they must have powered something or another that doesn't stay on.

So, looks like I'll need to put in some type of cellular connect if I decide to link this to a monitor station. I suppose if I had a real phone line line Verizon I could do text direct to phone number... but the way its working out currently I'm at a disadvantage trying to use Email notifications.

My basement can flood with no line power, I have 2 sumps in the pit, on a UPS with a bank of car batts. I have float switch now on the Elk to tell me if the water level is rising in the pit, but if the power is out and sump UPS batts go flat, I need to know to come home and start generator.

 

[Ira]

Look at the HAI C3 cellular device. That's what I plan on doing...one of these days.

 

[pmb1010]

search for "sim card" on this site came up empty. My cell is a company issued Verizon, so I'm not up to speed on SIM cards.
Whats the best way to equip this thing for the cheapest method? I cant see it making many phone calls, maybe 1 per month at most.
So even if I had to pay a buck for each call that would be OK.

Searching with google for "unlocked sim cards" brings up dozens and dozens of what appears to be questionable glittzy looking websites.

Can I use a sim card from Walmart or something?

 

[Desert_AIP]

My $9.99 GoPhone on the AT&T network has a SIM card in it that works.

 

[apostolakisl]

I have att prepaid gsm card in my Hai c3 unit. I set the account up in May of last year and my current balance is $77 out of the $100 I initially put on it. So, basically, it is $100/year since the minutes only last one year when bought $100 at a time (the longest way to do it).

I have been very pleased with the hai and the service. I have never had a failure.