Elk - Feature Question

[drvnbysound]

While I was getting ready for work this morning, I thought of a feature that would be nice if the Elk had (and maybe it does).

Is it possible for the Elk to easily send an email response?

The situation I thought of was really intended in situations where families have kids, and the parents have to leave work before they kids have to leave for school. I have no kids, so odd that I thought of this. Anyhow, say your kids school starts at 8:00, and you have to leave for work before that. You also know that your kid has to leave the house before XX time, else they will be late. So, rather than getting unexpected calls from the school about your kid not being there, would it be possible to setup an email alert that is sent out if there is MOTION in the house after a set time (ie. skipping school)?

I figure there are some who have indoor security cameras (guessing not MANY), and likely more users with an Elk than those with indoor surveillance. Even if you did have indoor cameras, it would be easier to get the simple email alert, than to have to review DVR video for any evidence to confirm your kid stayed home.

If the Elk can do something like this, can it do it without being armed? Most likely, if your kid is running late, or decides to stay home, he/she is probably not going to arm the alarm instantly, so it would be beneficial if it could be done by simple: motion in any monitored room, after XX time.

Anyone think of other situations where this would also be useful? What about triggered email on door bell ring during XX hours of the day (ie. UPS) while everyone is at work/school? If you have surveillance outdoor and can log in remotely, receiving this alert this could trigger you to check it, and see who is at your home.

EDIT: If email isnt the solution, what about SMS alert to phone? I have a BlackBerry - which is why my initial thoughts were email. SMS would probably be better for everyone. I know most services allow SMS messages via web service - if it was possible to automate the process at all - that I dont know.

 

[rfdesq]

Your best bet might be to look at Nextalarm.com. They have a very nice latch key kid alert system that is included with their monitoring.

 

[sic0048]

Another thought would be to set it up to send you an e-mail when it is armed. If you don't get the e-mail, then you know there is trouble. Likewise you would want e-mails when it is disarmed so you know when someone comes home. That would also prevent the child from simply arming the unit and then immediately disarming it and staying home Kids will find ways around the system if there are any.

I'm just starting to play with my ELK, so I am not sure if you can do this or not.

 

[Lagerhead]

Is it possible for the Elk to easily send an email response?

This is a basic capability provided by the M1XEP, with the appropriate rules in the M1. Mine is set up to send SMS and email for a number of conditions unrelated to armed status -- such as fire, CO, water leak detected, low indoor temperature, high temperature, HVAC power failure. Sending SMS is the same as sending email so long as you know your phone's SMS email address (e.g., xxx-xxx-xxxx @ yourmobile.net).

rfdesq's suggestion is a good one if you need the specific value-add from a latchkey service.

 

[Digger]

You might be able to have motions retriggering a counter set for 20 mins. Then you can say if the time is 10 am and the day is M-F and the counter is zero and the system is disarmed then send an email. That way it wont bother you on holidays and sick days as much.

 

[drvnbysound]

Is it possible for the Elk to easily send an email response?

This is a basic capability provided by the M1XEP, with the appropriate rules in the M1. Mine is set up to send SMS and email for a number of conditions unrelated to armed status -- such as fire, CO, water leak detected, low indoor temperature, high temperature, HVAC power failure. Sending SMS is the same as sending email so long as you know your phone's SMS email address (e.g., xxx-xxx-xxxx @ yourmobile.net).

rfdesq's suggestion is a good one if you need the specific value-add from a latchkey service.

Wow, go figure, its right there.. http://www.elkproducts.com/products/m1/M1XEP.htm

"email event notification"

I currently have a stand alone Ademco alarm, and hoping to swap to an Elk eventually. Since I have the existing alarm, I have many other purchases on the "wish list" above the Elk :-\ Was just thinking about capabilities and come up with some ideas / possibilities to enrich the Elk .. glad to see its already there.

 

[Monk]

Your best bet might be to look at Nextalarm.com. They have a very nice latch key kid alert system that is included with their monitoring.

I like NextAlarm a lot for this feature - very configurable - and - also keeps me knowing that the ELK is talking to the CS without problem...

 

[Spanky]

A Rule can be configured to send any of 16 emails and/or up to 8 voice messages to phones.