Changing from CADDX to Elk

[hucker]

I have a friend who is looking at upgrading his Networx based system to an M1. It appears that all of his wireless stuff will work just fine. What about the EOL resistors? They are spec'ed at different values. Are they close enough?

I read a thread from a year ago that said Elk was working on making the EOL value configurable. Has that happened?

Chuck

 

[carry15+1]

Yes, the wireless from the Caddx will work fine.

No, the EOLR are not close enough. And to the best of my knowledge Elk has not made any provision to configure for different EOLR - possibly would not get past UL.

 

[Spanky]

The hardwire selections are: normally open, normally closed, and EOL Resistor. The tolerance for EOL Resistor is pretty broad.

The circuit has a 2K ohm pull up to 13.8 volts and the normal EOL value is 2.2K ohms. That puts about 7 volts on the zone sense terminal. The thresholds are at 9 volts and 4 volts. EOL resistor values that can stay in that range with some noise immunity will work.

 

[bingl]

I have a friend who is looking at upgrading his Networx based system to an M1.

As a Networx NX-8V2 current user and total Newbie, what deficiencies may exist with the Networx product in regard to HA? I understand M1 may be a better product (thus the upgrade), but I would like to use what I already have to start my HA adventure and buy/replace later when I'm actually competent.

Currently, I do not have any HA/SA. So, my Networx is not committed/forced to use for my future HA project. But I do want to start smart.

Thank you for all your helpful replies. This is SO addicting.

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

You can make a Caddx system work with home automation (I have an NX8e), but you will need additional software to interface with it (I use HomeSeer). They do offer a trial version and the Caddx plugins are free if you would like to try it. You will need to get your serial interface active, but their are instructions on how to do this on the plugin's forums over at homeseer (board.homeseer.com).

Also, the NX8e isn't all that versatile when it comes to additional features the Elk offers, especially concerning keypads. Although I have a relay outboard with my Caddx it is somewhat limited as to its capabilities, basically because of the limitations of the features in the DL900 programming.

I have also installed an Elk M1 for my friend and although more expensive, it is a lot more user friendly and has a lot of features already built in (such as voice announcements and outputs). Plus I love the fact that they have function keys on their keypads that you can customize.

If I had to do it again in my home, I would install an Elk M1 (the Ek M1 wasn't available when I installed my home security system many years ago).

 

[carry15+1]

There is direct support of your Caddx system with the Homevision or HomevisionPro controllers. Last I looked the HV only supported 64 zones, so that could be a limitation or something to work around.

I had an NX8E before the M1G and it was a rock solid security system. If you end up using multiple partitions you may appreciate the Caddx over the Elk. Other than that, the Elk seems to be a better choice.

I have a friend who is looking at upgrading his Networx based system to an M1.

As a Networx NX-8V2 current user and total Newbie, what deficiencies may exist with the Networx product in regard to HA?

Currently, I do not have any HA/SA. So, my Networx is not committed/forced to use for my future HA project. But I do want to start smart.

Thank you for all your helpful replies. This is SO addicting.

 

[hucker]

My friend is looking to do home automatin functions in addition to the security that he already has. I couldn't talk him into a HomevisionPro, but he could make due with an M1 The problem he is worried about is the EOL's. Spanky's answer certainly didn't make it sound like a guarantee.

Anyone with an M1 want to test if a 3.3K resistor will bypass a zone?

Chuck

 

[Steve]

1. Are the existing EOLs actually at the sensor where they belong, or just in the panel? If they are in the panel then with the M1 simply remove them and make the zones NC.

2. You can always add another resistor in the mix to bring the value to 2.2K if you need to.

 

[hucker]

1. Are the existing EOLs actually at the sensor where they belong, or just in the panel? If they are in the panel then with the M1 simply remove them and make the zones NC.

2. You can always add another resistor in the mix to bring the value to 2.2K if you need to.

They are at the sensor, though at this point it seems like it would have been better to have them at the panel What you are suggesting means that he could switch over all of his sensors to the Elk and then add a 7.6k resistor in parallel.

This makes me think that somewhere on the M1's main board there is a comparator circuit that could be 'fixed' with a simple (warantee voiding) resistor swap...

Poor person that tries to figure that out in 20 years...

Chuck

 

[bingl]

You can make a Caddx system work with home automation (I have an NX8e), but you will need additional software to interface with it (I use HomeSeer).

If I had to do it again in my home, I would install an Elk M1 (the Ek M1 wasn't available when I installed my home security system many years ago).

OK, I am even more confused now after reading about ELK. I thought it was just a security panel just like my Networx NV-8V2. But ELK is a "automation panel" too.

Don't I need an automation panel to go with my Networx anyway? To bring in other hardware like HVAC, irrigation, etc? Therefore, I need something like ELK M1 anyway plus my networx security?

Sorry, if I'm way off in left field. Still trying to connect the dots of HW/SW for future HA project tying it all together (security, hvac, AV, irrigation, etc)

Thank you to all.

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

Sorry for the confusion. What I should have said is a computer based home automation software such as HomeSeer can "integrate" your security system (NX8) with an automation system. So for instance if you want lights to turn on with a motion sensor, the security system can detect the motion and the home automation system can react to that by turning a light on.

Of course you would need a computer based home automation software solution such as HomeSeer, CQC, etc...

The Elk IS much more than a security panel which is why it is so popular here. It represents a hardware solution for a lot of automation tasks (i.e. you do not need a computer based software solution).

For instance, back to the motion detector/light scenario, the Elk can do this all internally. You should visit their site and look at the M1's capabilities. While it can't do everything most enthusiests here want it does do a lot (most of us also have a PC based software package running for the "gingerbread" non-critical items which the Elk can't do such as caller ID announcements).

Of course you will have to learn how to program it, but this is the case with any solution you wind up with.

You will have to purchase some ancillary items such as relays if you want to control your sprinkler system (to control 24 volt AC solenoids), but again, the Elk has voltage outputs that can trigger them (I recommend the Elk "sensitive" relays).

Hope this answers some of your questions. If not, just ask some more.

 

[bingl]

Yes, this answers a lot of questions in my mind. Thank you. I just want to get started on HA with areas I actually have. I want to buy some stuff and start to learn for now, but I also need the products to still be appropriate when I get further along this project with full on HA events. I want to throw a few things out here so if someone sees something that needs comments, please help me out.

Purchase CQC, Elk M1 automation panel, Elk M1XSP and appropriate HA thermostats, Rain 8. Get cable HDTV and internet.

Now, learn as much as possible and tie in my existing Networx NV-8V2 to HA.

I have 2 cat5 and 2 rg6 pulled to most rooms. 2 Cat5 cameras out front. I actually have no TVs, DVD, stereos, no A/V at all (for now). I do have intercoms. The house is a brand new construction and I am mostly looking at bare walls. I am looking forward to connecting lights and AV to HA way in the future as I am overwhelmed as it is now. Still trying to connect all the dots as a low level DIYer and noncomputer person. My budget is open as long as I can do this by steps. And the big piece I like... I want to control all this remotely from my laptop as I travel.

Am I starting with the correct hardware and software?

Please feel free to ask questions and get more info from me to assure best reponses. A big Thank you to everybody and my apologies for newbie-ness. I had no idea this was so addicting.

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

Most HA related software packages (CQC, HomeSeer, etc...) have trial versions. I would suggest trying them out before buying them.

Also, maybe get some lighting starter kits and just play around a little. You can't go wrong with the Elk M1 as your base. Might want to make sure what ever lighting protocol you go with that it's compatible with the M1.

Also, take a gander at our How-To forums.