Elk M1: GE or Honeywell

[AllanMar]

I am soon to install an Elk M1 Gold and I have a need for a few wireless sensors (potentially window/door,shock,glass break, smoke, etc). I am planning to use the Micra series for door/window which are available in GE or Honeywell.

I imagine a lot of it comes down to personal preference but I'm looking for some opinions on using the Honeywell 5800 series or the GE Crystal series. GE seems a bit more available in Canada, but I do like the Honeywell options with multiple external contacts support. Any opinions on cost/availability comparisons? Aesthetics/size?

Thanks.

 

[Del91574]

Ademco/Honeywell has the peripheral variety compared to GE beat. GE tends to be slightly more common/easier to find. Otherwise equivalent units, since GE no longer makes the long life sensors. I'm partial to Ademco stuff over GE, but GE has slightly more range, but I doubt most will push them that hard.

GE's documentation stinks, however.

 

[Skottikus]

I can't provide a comparison however I can say that I recently went with the Honeywell option based on the variety of available sensors and they all had the advanced features and shapes/sizes I was looking for. I am lead to believe I chose the more expensive option but I was happy! Enrolling was a breeze. I manually entered ESNs in RP as I went along so that I could group certain sensors together. No regrets...

 

[AllanMar]

Thanks for the info. I was leaning towards Honeywell before this and based on your thoughts am likely to go this route. Really the only downside I've found is they're a little bit harder to source.

 

[Spanky]

I have been doing a lot of work on the new ELK two way wireless especially on battery life. Battery life is directly proportional to opening usage and the battery size. On the small batteries in the Micra, be prepared to change the batteries much more often than in the larger transmitters that have larger batteries.

Do not put the Micra in a metal door, only wood doors or frames. The metal kills the RF signal.

 

[Del91574]

I'm still waiting for Elk to get their new products to market so I can bench them next to the others I install. Any words about the certifications moving forward?

Also, any cut sheets as of yet, such as variety and sizes? I'm curious as to if they're using a standard CR123 or 2032/2430

 

[AllanMar]

When you say a lot more often how often are you referring? I assumed the larger GE and Honeywell will get longer life (5-10years). The Micras say 5years, but as long as it is ~3 I am happy. My high usage/important doors/windows are all pre-wired. The Micras are more for less necessary windows (For automation/information more so than security)

 

[Mp333]

Sorry to resurrect an old thread. But has the options for availability and opinions changed or still the same?
I need to pull the trigger on either one wireless option. Need to be able to use wireless slim window sensors mounted on the window glass and sash frame near the lock so when either sash moves it triggers. This is for a double hung window.

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

Elk now has their own wireless brand and it features 'true' two-way communications for another option to consider.

 

[Mp333]

I did see it. Wonder what field report is? Not sure if there is any feedback on them.
Also limited selection.

 

[Del91574]

Personally, the cons outweigh the pros for anything but a keyfob for me to consider installing them as a system sensor choice. I'm sure there's plenty out there that like them, but in a professional application, I can't go with the choice of 5 devices and view that as a good solution for installation variables and be flexible enough for me. Also, don't discount what may happen should Elk not support them in the future or should the M1 get replaced.