Can I Do This (Replace Brinks with ELK for Broadband)

[doctorcilantro]

Hi all,

Making some major changes to my budget and I have FISO internet only now in Florida.

I'd like to use my existing Brinks equpiment and put in some kind of keyboard/controller that can use my broadband connection and be controlled via iPhone/remote keyboard.

I have been looking at the ELK and though I saw one that takes an Ethernet connection.

I run FIOS ONT (box on outside of house) direct to my own D-Link wrieless router.

It wouldn't be hard to run a CAT6 cable under the house about 20 feet to where the Brinks panel currently is.

I'm having a hard time narrowing down exactly what controller board and keypad I can use.

Obviously, I am trying to keep costs down.

I'll keep reading, but it is good to be here.

DC

 

[doctorcilantro]

I should also note that I am looking for a broadband security monitoring solution like AlarmRelay. The price is right, but I also need equipment that is supported by the iPhone.

I am open to any suggestions about what to do to make my current Brinks equipment compatible.

thanks again
DC

 

[doctorcilantro]

I should also note that I am looking for a broadband security monitoring solution like AlarmRelay. The price is right, but I also need equipment that is supported by the iPhone.

I am open to any suggestions about what to do to make my current Brinks equipment compatible.

thanks again
DC

My head is swimming.

http://www.elkproducts.com/products/m1/Elk_M1EZ8.htm

This looks interesting.

I'm unclear if I need both RS232/serial connection to a PC or can just connect it via RJ45 to my router.

DC

 

[sic0048]

The Elk M1ez8 would replace the Brinks equipment. Of course you would use the same sensors (windows, doors, PIRs, glassbreaks, etc), but the rest of the Brinks hardware would be replaced. That isn't exactly what you are looking for (at least according to your first post).

What you really are looking for is a iPhone app for your existing system. I would check with Brinks and see if they offer anything. If not, then I am not sure if anything can be hacked together without actually replacing the Brinks equipment.

If you do replace the Brinks hardware, there is a really nice iPhone app that works with the Elk M1.

 

[doctorcilantro]

The Elk M1ez8 would replace the Brinks equipment. Of course you would use the same sensors (windows, doors, PIRs, glassbreaks, etc), but the rest of the Brinks hardware would be replaced. That isn't exactly what you are looking for (at least according to your first post).

What you really are looking for is a iPhone app for your existing system. I would check with Brinks and see if they offer anything. If not, then I am not sure if anything can be hacked together without actually replacing the Brinks equipment.

If you do replace the Brinks hardware, there is a really nice iPhone app that works with the Elk M1.

Thanks Sic.

If I replace with the M1EZ8, I can't figure out if I need an adapter to connect it to my router. I downloaded the install manual earlier but my head was spinning after surfing the web too much.

Communications
• True V.22 bis Modem for fast, reliable upload/download
• Optional Ethernet port for reporting operation / control or programming
• Digital Communicator formats: SIA, Contact ID, 4+2 and Pager
• Elk-RP PC software includes "conflict resolution" to easily highlight differences between control and PC
- Dial-up, Ethernet or local from RS-232 port with optional M1EZ8MSI Main Serial Interface
- Automatic answering machine bypass

To clarify, I want to use everything (all door, fire, glass break) that was installed by Brinks except the keypad and the controller board in the closet. I saw the app for the ELK and since AlarmRelay is much cheaper than Alarm.com, I am looking at the ELK units.

thanks!
DC