You probably did a better job then most professionals would.
ELK install by general security installer?
- Thread starter cgull
- Start date
You probably did a better job then most professionals would.
AceCannon
Active Member
I highly doubt that, but it has been quite gratifying to do it myself and see the successful results.
Since I plan to use the Elk as the intermediary between CQC and Aprilaire/ALC, it seemed prudent to know as much as possible about the installation.
I'm leaning heavily towards having someone do all the sensor install and wiring back to the wiring closet where I would do the connections (or at least be able to double-check the connections made). I got a quote for a turn-key HAI OmniPro II install from a local dealer and it was a good bit more than what I was expecting. I'm perfectly fine with people making money but I think this is a little extreme. I'm still thinking while I read as much as I can about both systems.
Thanks for all the comments!
Thanks for all the comments!
tmbrown97
Senior Member
When I bought my house, it was partially wired from an older alarm but many doors had been replaced without sensors. I called around for installers, and I'll admit - I had way more trouble than I would've expected finding people who were willing to work on a system that wasn't theirs - in fact, it was comical hearing their reactions when I told them I had the M1. It was only the custom installers who said they could send someone out T&M. I finally got someone who, upon arriving, tried to jack the price way up to cover his liability to $75/run. Eventually we agreed on a price and he did all the runs I needed, including the speaker wire runs and the new cabling for the keypads and speakers - and any existing connections he at least tested (any continuity tester will work). In the end he forgot one or two things which I'll deal with soon - but we nailed the majority. Also, he didn't bring firewire because I didn't specify it (but he didn't mention this until after he poked a hole in my cieling 
).
I then went behind him and hooked everything up. Before I bought the system, I went OCD with the manual trying to understand everything - then I decided to attempt to bench test the system - I got one keypad and one zone hooked up - had some fun, but didn't really find it terribly productive (still glad I did it for familiarity but didn't get far). Once I threw it in the closet and started making connections, everything flew togther and I'm very pleased with the system - it was very easy to get up and running, and the group here is very helpful for any questions should they arise. One thing - since he tested by continuity, he assumed if it was closed the sensor was good - but I had two that always showed closed - but were bad. Luckily it was an easy fix.
Good luck whichever way you go.
).I then went behind him and hooked everything up. Before I bought the system, I went OCD with the manual trying to understand everything - then I decided to attempt to bench test the system - I got one keypad and one zone hooked up - had some fun, but didn't really find it terribly productive (still glad I did it for familiarity but didn't get far). Once I threw it in the closet and started making connections, everything flew togther and I'm very pleased with the system - it was very easy to get up and running, and the group here is very helpful for any questions should they arise. One thing - since he tested by continuity, he assumed if it was closed the sensor was good - but I had two that always showed closed - but were bad. Luckily it was an easy fix.
Good luck whichever way you go.
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