Elk M1 Temperature Sensors

[oldchachie]

I'm purchasing an Elk M1 system. I'm figuring out all of the sensors I need to do what I want. I'd like to find a temperature sensor for general use. The only one I seem to find is the ELK M1ZTS. Although this looks like it will do exactly what I'm looking for, I'm wondering if theres a cheaper solution out there than the approx $50 cost of these? Any input would be appreciated.

 

[signal15]

I'm purchasing an Elk M1 system. I'm figuring out all of the sensors I need to do what I want. I'd like to find a temperature sensor for general use. The only one I seem to find is the ELK M1ZTS. Although this looks like it will do exactly what I'm looking for, I'm wondering if theres a cheaper solution out there than the approx $50 cost of these? Any input would be appreciated.

No. Not if you want the ELK to be able to grab the temp. I think the access card reader module has a one-wire interface, but I don't think you can use the temp reading off of it for automation rules... maybe I'm wrong.

 

[Lagerhead]

Yes the M1ZTS is expensive and not a practical solution if you have a lot of measurement needs. Not only the expense but the ZTS's also have to live on the M1 main board zones so you end up crowding your other zones.

Here are some alternatives...

- The big M1KP model keypad has a built-in temperature sensor that integrates smoothly with M1 rules.

- If you have a HA system of some sort, consider 1-Wire temperature sensors. You will need a 1-Wire interface but after that the sensors themselves are cheap, small, reliable and easy to deploy.

- Use M1-supported thermostats for temperature readings at those locations.

- If you have non-M1-supported thermostats, and if they are networked or otherwise integrated, here again you can use a HA system for temperature collection (because the M1 itself won't really do it for you). Some thermostats (e.g. Proliphix) allow thermistor add-ons which let you get readings at remote locations, and this approach also has low incremental cost.

- If you just want to know when a temperature has crossed a certain value (and don't need to know the reading on a continuous basis), there are threshold-type temperature sensors (e.g. freeze sensors) that give you a contact closure at the trigger point. These you can treat like ordinary contact-type devices directly on the M1.

I have most these in service -- ZTS, 1-wire and thermistors in various places -- not by design but because my installation grew over time and I used what was economical and practical at each stage. Since my HA system talks to all of them, I get a seamless total temperature picture. Also humidity.

I think the access card reader module has a one-wire interface, but I don't think you can use the temp reading off of it for automation rules... maybe I'm wrong.

I believe sig refers to the M1KAM. I don't have this and don't know the answer either.

 

[Traditore]

- If you just want to know when a temperature has crossed a certain value (and don't need to know the reading on a continuous basis), there are threshold-type temperature sensors (e.g. freeze sensors) that give you a contact closure at the trigger point. These you can treat like ordinary contact-type devices directly on the M1.

Can you give an example of such a sensor? This is what I need. Anything else would be overkill.

 

[gatchel]

One option:

http://www.winland.com/tempalert.html

 

[apostolakisl]

Traditore (I see you have an ISY so this is more for you than the OP)

The CAI webcontrol can take up to 8 one-wire temp sensors and a single humidity sensor. The data is easily polled via an http get command. There is a cool application that io_guy just wrote for the ISY99 that will synchronize cai values with isy variables. Here is a link to the thread on the ISY forum where you can download it. http://forum.universal-devices.com/viewtopic.php?f=51&t=6470&start=15

If you must have the values imported into your Elk, there are ways to do it, but I don't know how. Soon (hopefully) the ISY guys will have the Elk module complete and that will be taken care of without any fancy knowledge needed.

Anyway, the cai costs $40 including shipping from amazon and the temp sensors cost a couple bucks each (or less) on ebay. You must have the network module on your isy for this to work. Also, you can write simple commands on the isy network module that will turn cai's 8 outputs on/off. CAI also has 8 digital inputs and 3 analog inputs. The cai requires an ethernet connection to work. You may need a wireless bridge if no hardwire access is possible.