Elk and monitored services?

[wkearney99]

For the sake of getting it done now, I may just go with the GE setup and only implement a limited set of sensors.  I really don't need all that much, mainly just door entry and fire alarms.  Adding more wireless ones later to an Elk setup is probably a better plan.  But right now I'm a little pinched for time to get it figured out, permitted and installed.  I'll just pare down the order to the doors and the fire alarm.  That'll get something working and if it's not the ideal thing then it's not like i'm out a lot for the experiment.  
 
Meanwhile it gets something on the wall for the appraisal (an additional factor unrelated to automation).  This is also why we're not going to outfit the theater or put a lot of visible automation gear in yet.  Just the wiring and conduits, the gizmos can come later.
 
Meanwhile, still no reply from Elk for an installer inquiring on their web forms.  I'll try the Bayer contact, thanks!

 

[JonW]

$4K for a basic setup "for the sake of getting it done" is a lot to drop for a system you're going to later toss.  Since you are going all wireless, why not explore other options while the house is being finished.

 

[wkearney99]

As I posted, a more limited set of sensors is what I have in mind, that would reduce the price.  I didn't think that needed to be said.  The point being to get something installed and operating, reliably.  As time allows I'll fiddle with more.  I'm a bit under the gun time-wise to make this stuff happen.  Made more complicated by the walls getting foam insulation.

 

[Neurorad]

Have the GE installer add cables for all potential security keypad locations:
 
1.  MBR
2.  Near, but out of site of, the front door [windows]
3.  Other entrance, e.g. mud room
4.  Maybe garage
 
Elk can use a 4 conductor cable or category cable, though I'm unsure which is better, for keypads.  An additional cable to each keypad, 18/2 or 18/4, would allow easy addition of speakers to the keypad locations.
 
LAN drop to alarm controller location.  If you're using POTS, a second category cable from the phone distribution location to the alarm would be good.
 
Maybe others who actually have an Elk could suggest some additional cables, that may allow for easier future Elk swap.

 

[wkearney99]

Gotcha, the front door and master bedroom are the two places I'd have a keypad installed.  The control box would be in the same place as all the rest of the low voltage wiring.  I'll drop another one of whatever they use for the keypads in the mudroom but don't need an actual keypad there now.  Out of sight from a door or window might be a little tricky as the 1st floor has a very open layout.  I'd want to be able to use it more than I'd worry about someone seeing it.
 
Never going to have POTS in the place, tempting as it is to force Verizon to install one...  Cell calling automatically dumps me in a higher price range but that's fine.
 
Why would you need speaker wire to an alarm keypad location?  Not arguing against it, as I'll be pulling that for whole house audio keypad setups.  But for an alarm?  The idea being there'd be speakers in the keypad that would be playing an analog audio signal, not something generated on them directly?  Or are you talking about audio FROM the keypads?  To where?