Connecting to Existing Elk M1G

[ts123]

All, I recently moved into a home with an extensive Elk M1G security system. The system is pretty solid, but I would like to replace a few sensors and possible add a few as well. Additionally, I would really like the ability to arm and disarm the alarm from my phone. The system has a M1XEP and used to be integrated into Control4, but I don't think this has worked in a long time. The system is currently monitored by a local alarm company and they have the ability to remotely arm/disarm, so I imagine it is possible.

The system is ~15 years old and I am not sure if it has been updated since. Unfortunately the company that put it in is no longer in business. The original owner is also not reachable.

How do I go about logging into the system? I am not sure if the access codes have been changed. I have the Elk RP2 software and I also have a USB to DB9 connector, but I don't want to accidentally wipe something or mess the system up. Thanks!

 

[amos]

Do you have the install manual?

https://elk-manuals.s3.amazonaws.com/M1_Installation%26Programming_Manual.pdf

To make any changes you need the 6 digit installer code.
The default is on the bottom of page 13 of above.

Check all around and in the alarm box and any notes you might have for it.
Somebody may have written it down.

The local company may have the installer code, but its only needed for programming and not for arm/disarm.
They may also be doing the arm/disarm through the XEP, so that means they may have some access to your home network.

You can test possible installer codes on the keypad.

Since you have an XEP, it should already be connected to the serial port.
You don't need the serial-usb cable, you can use RP2 to access the M1 via the local internet once you determine its IP address.
But you may need a different code, the RP access code, another 6 digit number.
If the local company is accessing via the internet, they should have it.

Time to ask the local company some questions.

We're seeing more and more of this ... people acquiring houses with Elk and Omni systems and no documentation for it.
In hindsight, purchasers of properties with Elk/Omni/whatever systems should ask for all the codes as part of escrow and make sure they work prior to closing.

 

[ts123]

Do you have the install manual?

https://elk-manuals.s3.amazonaws.com/M1_Installation%26Programming_Manual.pdf

To make any changes you need the 6 digit installer code.
The default is on the bottom of page 13 of above.

Check all around and in the alarm box and any notes you might have for it.
Somebody may have written it down.

The local company may have the installer code, but its only needed for programming and not for arm/disarm.
They may also be doing the arm/disarm through the XEP, so that means they may have some access to your home network.

You can test possible installer codes on the keypad.

Since you have an XEP, it should already be connected to the serial port.
You don't need the serial-usb cable, you can use RP2 to access the M1 via the local internet once you determine its IP address.
But you may need a different code, the RP access code, another 6 digit number.
If the local company is accessing via the internet, they should have it.

Time to ask the local company some questions.

We're seeing more and more of this ... people acquiring houses with Elk and Omni systems and no documentation for it.
In hindsight, purchasers of properties with Elk/Omni/whatever systems should ask for all the codes as part of escrow and make sure they work prior to closing.

Thank you! How do I test the possible RP codes on the keypad?

I have RP2 and the XEP is online, but I am not sure how to connect because I don't have the original owner's account. Do I create a new account and connect? I don't want to accidentally wipe all the zones.

I can give the monitoring company a call. I think they connect through a AES 7058E. I am not sure if that means they have the code?

Would've been nice to know before moving in! Bummer that the installation company is out of business and original owner is out of the country.

 

[amos]

page 14:
"Access to menus 1 to 5 can be restricted via programming to only Users that have “User Code Option 8” set. Menus 6 & 8 requireda Master or Installer Code. Menu 9 requires the Installer Code. Press ELK to begin, then press the UP or DOWN arrow key tos elect a menu. Enter a code if prompted. To select a menu press the RIGHT arrow key"

If you create a new account in RP2, then are able to connect, I think you can use the send/recv menu to download the current configuration.
But to do that, you need the RP access code, a six digit number, which is probably different than the installer code.
You could try the default, 246801.

Elk M1 XEP manual: (crappy copy/paste from PDFs)
"1.4.Before continuing with the setup and configuration, you must connect to the Control over the network.a. Verify that the URL/IP and Port setting are correct on the "Account Details" screen.b. Make sure the serial number is correct and the "RP Access Code" is set to the correct value programmedinto the control. (default=246801)c. From the RP Connection Menu, choose the "Network" method.If everything is setup correctly, ElkRP should now connect to the control through the M1XEP"

The above is setup in the RP2 Account Details screen in the right column

"How do I test the possible RP codes on the keypad?"
You don't.
If I remember right, what they fail to explicitly tell you is that the RP access code cannot be viewed or set from the keypad. It can only be set from the RP2 software once you initially connect using the default RP access code and change it in the Account Details and upload to the control.

You can try installer codes like this using the first few steps.

 

[ts123]

page 14:
"Access to menus 1 to 5 can be restricted via programming to only Users that have “User Code Option 8” set. Menus 6 & 8 requireda Master or Installer Code. Menu 9 requires the Installer Code. Press ELK to begin, then press the UP or DOWN arrow key tos elect a menu. Enter a code if prompted. To select a menu press the RIGHT arrow key"

If you create a new account in RP2, then are able to connect, I think you can use the send/recv menu to download the current configuration.
But to do that, you need the RP access code, a six digit number, which is probably different than the installer code.
You could try the default, 246801.

Elk M1 XEP manual: (crappy copy/paste from PDFs)
"1.4.Before continuing with the setup and configuration, you must connect to the Control over the network.a. Verify that the URL/IP and Port setting are correct on the "Account Details" screen.b. Make sure the serial number is correct and the "RP Access Code" is set to the correct value programmedinto the control. (default=246801)c. From the RP Connection Menu, choose the "Network" method.If everything is setup correctly, ElkRP should now connect to the control through the M1XEP"

The above is setup in the RP2 Account Details screen in the right column

"How do I test the possible RP codes on the keypad?"
You don't.
If I remember right, what they fail to explicitly tell you is that the RP access code cannot be viewed or set from the keypad. It can only be set from the RP2 software once you initially connect using the default RP access code and change it in the Account Details and upload to the control.

You can try installer codes like this using the first few steps.

View attachment 11566

Thank you. Not having much luck. Can't connect via ElkRP2, not sure if it is because I am doing it wrong or if I have the wrong RP code.

Having the monitoring company come tomorrow, but I don't think they understand what I am asking given they don't install Elk systems. I imagine they will try to sell me on some new wireless system.

Unfortunately there aren't many companies around that integrate Elk panels.

 

[dwalt]

Thank you. Not having much luck. Can't connect via ElkRP2, not sure if it is because I am doing it wrong or if I have the wrong RP code.

Having the monitoring company come tomorrow, but I don't think they understand what I am asking given they don't install Elk systems. I imagine they will try to sell me on some new wireless system.

Unfortunately there aren't many companies around that integrate Elk panels.

You can send the panel back to Elk to have them factory reset it. Then RP2 will work.