Build your alarm system

[GraysonPeddie]

Has anybody seen this?

Zedomax DIY 100: Make an alarm system

I found this to be very cool, especially when interfacing with a home automation server.

Well I know this is not really a fully-featured alarm system with monitoring capability, but it's really great for geeks! LOL!

(A minute later... Gee, I just laughed at myself...)

Okay, I have Elk M1 Gold, so why would I want to build a system as a hobbyist (I'm a geek. LOL!)? Well, it doesn't support wireless, where Elk M1 Gold comes in but only with Elk-M1XRF2G (Elk doesn't have any plans to continuely support GE wireless receivers, like NX-548E). Plus, it supports home automation right out of the box.

It'd be nice if I could have a 4-line LCD version of the M1KP keypad--heck, even with black background with white text!

 

[upstatemike]

I agree that the keypad is the weak link in the M1 family. I don't even want a physical change but would be happy with some more feature rich firmware for the existing models. Biggest thing would be to be able to control thermostats from the keypad (effectively giving you a remote thermostat in the Master Bedroom or anyplace else you have a keypad... and no, triggering preset setpoints with rules doesn't cut it.)

Of course the other option would be a surface mount version of the TS07 at a price point below $400 to make it a practical alternative to keypads. I currently have about 6 locations where a keypad is needed but doesn't do everything required and a TS07 is just too expensive to consider in that quantity.

 

[Spanky]

Grayson,
I need to clarify the support on the GE NX548 receiver support from ELK.

There is no plans to drop the NX548 support on the M1. There will be a version of M1 software upgrades that support the NX548 which will contain any needed software improvements.

I think some miss understandings arose from the fact that the ELK M1XRF2G RF Receiver version of M1 software allows for the addition of some new features due to the code space that is now available in that software version.

There is a new software upgrade coming out that has both the NX548 and the M1XRF2G RF receiver support available as soon as the Beta testing is complete.

We appreciate your continued support as we march forward into a greener world.

 

[Spanky]

Upstatemike,
There are several factors that affect the cost of a Touchscreen:
1. Screen size. The TS07 is 7 inches diagonal.
2. Screen resolution. The TS07 is 800 X 480 pixels.
3. Screen brightness.
4. Processor speed.
5. Ethernet capable.
6. Touch overlay film reliability and technology.
7. Power over Ethernet capability.
8. USB capability.
9. Form and fit.
10. QUANTITY PRODUCED! Bigest cost factor!!!!

If you look at the picture frame photo viewers that you can pick up for $99 at Walmart, many of the basic hardware requirments are there except touch overlay and Ethernet. The biggest advantage that the photo viewers have is quantity produced. The entire home automation industry's quantity produced of touchscreens does not even make a blip on the photo viewer manufacturers radar screen.

The ability to watch real time IP video cameras demand faster, more expensive processors.

The HA and security market and myself wants Mercedes features and KIA cost.

The evolution of the touchscreen is an ongoing process!

 

[GraysonPeddie]

Hmm... My thread has been turned from "Zedomax DIY 100: Make an alarm system" to Elk M1 Gold and touchscreen.

A bit off-topic: Thanks for letting me know about support for NX-548E/M1XRF2G, Spanky.

 

[upstatemike]

Grayson-

I don't count this as a total hijack based on the last line of your original post... a diversion maybe, but not a total hijack.

Spanky-

I am not being critical of the TS07, I'm just suggesting that there is a big gap between it and an M1KP2. (Too big to just replace all your keypads with touch screens.) It would be nice if there was something available at a lower price point with a reduced feature set that still goes beyond what the LCD keypad does. Maybe a 4 inch surface mount screen with no security camera video but still POE and extended support for thermostat control and verbose HA text messages (accumulated furnace runtime and the like).

Alternatively, a souped up feature set for the M1KP2 could provide more HA functionality without developing a new product.