Elk M1 Cellular Backup with Texting Capability

[dpflanzer]

My customer has a strange request. He does not want monitoring but instead wants the M1 system to text message him when the alarm goes off. I have installed the ethernet module so this is easy enough through rules but here is the catch! It has to function if the cable modem internet connection has been cut. So... thinking of a cellular backup such as Telguard but I beleive they will only function with a monitoring company. Is there anyway to make use of these devices to send a SMS text message? Any other ideas?

Thanks,
David.

 

[apostolakisl]

The HAI C3 cellular unit behaves exactly the same as a regular phone, so you can set the Elk to call and give voice alerts the same as with a POTS line. I had my alarm setup like that for a few months prior to signing up with Alarm Relay and it worked just as expected. It isn't a text but it communicates the same info, plus you can call into your system using the c3 and operate it via the touchtone feature.

 

[Del91574]

I can't think of a way to generate SMS via cellular unless going the consumer route with the hardware. You do have pager format (from memory) on the M1, might be an option when using a non-CS monitored system.

All of the dialer capture and direct from serial communicators need a CS to function properly.

 

[tmbrown97]

I'm idly curious if there's a way to send an SMS by sending a command to an Uplink 2500 through the comm port but didn't see how to do it quickly; would probably take an email to the folks at Uplink.

Another fairly simple option is to use a broadband modem that has cellular backup - Cradlepoint makes a bunch of options, as do other brands... if the primary internet connection goes down they'll route traffic over the cell modem. You could use that to back up the Elk or the whole home's internet connection. With Dynamic DNS you'd even still be able to use your smartphone apps to look in on the system and see what's going on.

 

[apostolakisl]

I'm idly curious if there's a way to send an SMS by sending a command to an Uplink 2500 through the comm port but didn't see how to do it quickly; would probably take an email to the folks at Uplink.

Another fairly simple option is to use a broadband modem that has cellular backup - Cradlepoint makes a bunch of options, as do other brands... if the primary internet connection goes down they'll route traffic over the cell modem. You could use that to back up the Elk or the whole home's internet connection. With Dynamic DNS you'd even still be able to use your smartphone apps to look in on the system and see what's going on.

What kind of costs are involved with that? I am guessing it is pricey based on what cell co's charge for a cellular modem. Usually like $60/mo. Maybe they have a la cart plans for a backup type situation.

For the 3 months I used the HAI unit calling me rather than CS it worked well and is almost like a text. If I didn't answer the phone it went to my google voice mail which transcribes it and then posts it on my phone right along with text messages.

 

[tmbrown97]

There are a lot of options - Clear has an unlimited for $35/month; there are a lot of type of pay-as-you-go or subscription based cell cards. The most cost effective though would most likely be someone on a Shared Data Plan like Verizon's where all your devices share data so you just pay the base access cost.

Here's a whole list of options - I only read part of it but seems to be pretty comprehensive:
http://www.prepaidphonenews.com/2011/02/best-prepaid-data-carriers-and-plans.html

 

[snesgenesis]

I've never personally setup that feature but assuming they have an ISY99i/994 can you expose the Elk to the SMS feature on the ISY? (assuming you have the module)

 

[Del91574]

I'm idly curious if there's a way to send an SMS by sending a command to an Uplink 2500 through the comm port but didn't see how to do it quickly; would probably take an email to the folks at Uplink.

I don't see how the Uplink would be able to send a SMS, it's direct ported to a CS, either via dialer emulation or a direct port via TCP/IP into the CS itself, unless you know something I can't see on the dealer side.

 

[apostolakisl]

I've never personally setup that feature but assuming they have an ISY99i/994 can you expose the Elk to the SMS feature on the ISY? (assuming you have the module)

ISY can send texts in response to Elk events and does it much better than Elk (or at least with way way way more message options). But that doesn't solve the problem of a cut internet service provider wire since ISY would be using the same internet connection.

Work2Play's idea about using the prepaid cellular data thing seems to be the most direct backup option for someone who is married to the idea of receiving all alarms via text.

But frankly, if this guy is self monitoring, he can't be that hung up on true security, so why is he even bothering with a backup? Unless he has his phone strapped to his ear, he'll probably not get half of the texts until it's too late to do anything about them anyway. I don't know this guy, but I generally don't notice my texts until I happen to pick my phone up for some other reason.

 

[dpflanzer]

Thanks for all the responses, there is a great deal of good information here.

I beleive I will present the customer with these options for a backup to notification via broadband:

1. Telegard TG-1 Express (no SMS but monitored and monitoring company calls customer)
2. HAI C3 (no SMS but M1 phone call to customer)
3. CradlePoint MBR1200B Broadband Router with 3G Failover (M1 SMS's Customer)

Thanks again,
David.