ELK central monitoring

[reko19]

So I tried all the usual suspects and was told by everyone except for ADT that they don't monitor third party security, ADT rep said that they could certainly do it.  Two techs showed up getting ready to rip out my key-pads, controls, etc so they could "take ownership" of the system.  They tried to explain that the system is outdated and therefore ADT can't monitor it.  The fact that I could access everything from my iphone including thermostats, cameras, etc. didn't change their opinion. I tried searching this forum and it appears that nextalarm is one of the options.  Any other suggestions?  I must say so far trying to get central monitoring for the system was a very disappointing experience. All these companies just trying to sell their crappy systems.
 
thanks for your help
 

 

[RAL]

Elk certainly isn't an outdated system.  So that tells you something about the knowledge (or honesty?) of the ADT techs.
 
There are many companies that will do monitoring for you.  You'll find some good information in this thread where various companies have been discussed.

 

[reko19]

Elk certainly isn't an outdated system.  So that tells you something about the knowledge (or honesty?) of the ADT techs.
 
There are many companies that will do monitoring for you.  You'll find some good information in this thread where various companies have been discussed.

thank you very much for the excellent reference

 

[Del91574]

Laughing. I waste their time for fun sometimes.
 
I won't comment about my history in the industry but I've had similar (and I'm a pro). Had them attempt to reconnect the installed system in my house (long ripped out) and also have them or their competitors offer me a "free" takeover and panel upgrade. I usually spend about 15 minutes before I rip the sales presentation apart.
 
Usually those sorts of techs are only exposed to mass market systems or their own "cult" products and know zero of what is out in the wild.

 

[snesgenesis]

Try Alarm Relay http://www.alarmrelay.com/

 

[tmbrown97]

It's the sad reality that nowadays most security systems suck, as do the people who install them.  I know so many people who have moved and wanted security - they know my system and what it can do and that I don't pay $40/month for monitoring, but they want something fast and done so they call ADT - $1500 later they have a piece of crap installed that they don't know how to use, only has a single keypad and speaker, and the police never dispatch on alarm anyways.
 
Alarm Relay and Next Alarm are the DIY choices - or you can usually find custom alarm installers (NOT national or big-box) who can help - but Elk isn't a widely installed brand being higher end so it's hard to find people who'll work with it.  Don't give up though - I've been through what's available in the Northern California market and there's only about 4 people I'd even talk to now.

 

[reko19]

I was very discouraged by ADT performance. When they said "take over" it didn't occur to me that they are planning to rip everything out on my "outdated" system and install their junk. All I need is central station monitoring for the insurance purposes.  I already have SMS configured to alert me is there is an alarm, etc. The only caveat is that it has to be over cell or internet as I don't want to pay for the phone line.  AlarmGrid seems to offer what I need for $25 / month, will give them a shot. Does alarm relay offer security certificate for insurance?  They also look like a good choice.

 

[tmbrown97]

IIRC AlarmRelay will do the cellular service for ~$20/month.  I didn't ask about the insurance but I would imagine they can provide that.

 

[pete_c]

I wrote a bit about some of the national providers that provide alarm services for DIYers somewhere here on the forum. 
 
That said I have been using Next Alarm now for a few years (>5 X 2).  I have not had any issues with them.  (I will not post here about what I saw with one company).
 
I am guessing that you are familiar with you Elk system and programming it.  Basically you just configure it with a Next Alarm tech on the line.  Test it and you are good to go. 
 
Next Alarm also sends out tickler emails to test your alarm.
 
By default you are provided with an alarm security certificate for insurance from Next Alarm.  I have been insuring my stuff now with State Farm (automobiles and homes) for over 30 years and we spoke about this alarm certificate stuff and my agent did state that a receipt of billing from Next Alarm would work as well as the certificate of insurance. 
 
Keep in the back of your head that ADT CEO was put into prison for 25 years (~2005) for theft of pilfering of hundreds of millions of dollars from the company and was released from prison (with a pat on the head to be good) and has now become a guardian angel of protecting your home according to the commercials I have seen on television.  It really shouldn't have any effect though on your feelings of disregard for the company anyways.

 

[drvnbysound]

I was very discouraged by ADT performance. When they said "take over" it didn't occur to me that they are planning to rip everything out on my "outdated" system and install their junk. All I need is central station monitoring for the insurance purposes.  I already have SMS configured to alert me is there is an alarm, etc. The only caveat is that it has to be over cell or internet as I don't want to pay for the phone line.  AlarmGrid seems to offer what I need for $25 / month, will give them a shot. Does alarm relay offer security certificate for insurance?  They also look like a good choice.

 
Alarm Relay will monitor via internet for $8.95/mo.
 
They will provide the certificate once you sign up.

 

[pete_c]

@reko19,
 
Welcome to the Cocoontech forum.  Many of the DIY users on the forum have done this and done that. 
 
Whatever it is you decide; let us know; as we learn from each here. 
 
Tell us about your experiences as you configure your central services monitoring.
 
It will help other users on the forum looking to do exactly what you are doing.

 

[ano]

I have Next Alarm and they have always been helpful. I had a problem once that ended up being an HAI problem and they were very patient helping me debug it. 

 

[Madcodger]

Had Next Alarm in the previous home with an Elk, and was very pleased.  Tried Alarm Relay with this house.  Overall I liked Next Alarm a bit better, but only because Alarm Relay didn't do quite as thorough a job during setup, and I have to change some settings on my own.  Both, though, are quite acceptable and I think any Elk owner would be fine with either.