Elk M1 - two speakers on a single output?

MikeB

Active Member
Installing an Elk M1, and feel I need 3 outputs for best coverage in my unit (I want in-your-face loudness inside and out). I have the speaker included with the Elk package from Smarthome on Output 1 and an Elk indoor/outdoor siren on Output 2.

Can I order and install a 2nd speaker? Can I somehow install 2 speakers on Output 1, or is there a better way?
 
You can put two in parallel on output 2 as long as you do not drop below the minimum impedance (4 or 6 ohms you have to double check the manual). Look at the 32 ohm speakers from ELK as you can put several of them in parallel and spread them throughout the house. They are reasonably priced and mount in a single gang low voltage trim ring or electrical box.
 
I have 3 speakers, wired in series-parallel. Two are in parallel, with the third in series with the first two. Works fine; no issues. As I recall, this is what is recommended in the M1 installation manual.
 
I have 8 of the Elk-SP12F speakers in my house, all wired in parallel to the M1G control, works great. With 8, the volume can be reasonably low and still cover the whole house easily. I think I have the volume for non-voice announcements at 3 (?7 is max).

(8 speakers in parallel at 32ohms each falls within the M1G's specs, BTW)
 
I'm also in the process of installing an Elk M1 and interested in the same thing as the OP, but would like two-way communication at each location.

As far as I can tell, I would need the new Elk 32 ohm two-way speakers and the two-way M1TWA module. Is that right?

I can't figure out from the available literature if I also need the M1TWI or whether the TWA replaces the TWI (especially since the link on the Elk site for the TWI sends you to the TWA). It looks like the TWA combined with the two way speakers will serve the same function as the the TWI when combined with the M1TWM microphone, but it's not real clear to me.

I hope this minor detour does not amount to a hijacking of the thread...

Thanks.
 
I have 3 speakers, wired in series-parallel. Two are in parallel, with the third in series with the first two. Works fine; no issues. As I recall, this is what is recommended in the M1 installation manual.

I was wondering if somebody could elaborate on parallel vs series?

Steve
 
parallel-vs-series-speaker-connections.gif
 
Installing an Elk M1, and feel I need 3 outputs for best coverage in my unit (I want in-your-face loudness inside and out). I have the speaker included with the Elk package from Smarthome on Output 1 and an Elk indoor/outdoor siren on Output 2.
Using multiple speakers on output 1 is a good choice for system volume throughout the house, but if your reasoning is maximum annoyance to an intruder I'd suggest looking into some piezo screamers. They use verly little power and can hit ~115dB @3' making them very effective at driving someone out! I have 1 installed so far and I can tell you it is LOUD! I have more sitting in my closet ready to be installed when/if time permits.
 
Yeah, but you'd want those on Output 2 right? I have been thinking about some of those, we have them at work and they are intolerable...
 
Yeah, but you'd want those on Output 2 right? I have been thinking about some of those, we have them at work and they are intolerable...

Id like to know that answer as well. I see a ton of Elk speaker threads, and what people have hooked up but most of the time its not specified as to what goes to what outputs.

I want screamers inside, but I also want an outdoor siren. How can I support screamers and siren both on output2? For output1 can I just hook up some of the Elk12s for interior announcements? I know they will also blare the alarm noise as well but some people have said it doesnt "line up" with the noise from the siren and can be confusing. If I want to avoid that, what would I do?

Its funny but to me the hardest part about the M1 install is figuring out how to handle the speakers/sirens....everything else was pretty simple!
 
Get a simple relay for a few dollars and connect it to an output on the panel. Then write a rule like this (off the top of my head):

whenever any burglar alarm, any area turns on (you can change that as needed)
and area 1 is armed away
then turn output xx on for xx minutes

whenever any burglar alarm is disarmed
then turn output xx off


edit...pay attention to the 2nd line to make sure you set the screamers to go off ONLY if the house is armed away. You don't want to blast the family! My opinion of course, but I'm sure the wife would agree ;)
 
How can I support screamers and siren both on output2? For output1 can I just hook up some of the Elk12s for interior announcements? I know they will also blare the alarm noise as well but some people have said it doesnt "line up" with the noise from the siren and can be confusing. If I want to avoid that, what would I do?
I had purchased the exterior siren in the stainless steel enclosure myself, but before getting everything connected I was learning more and more and soon realized the power draw was insane for the panel alone. I also found out (but wasn't really concerned about) the interior speakers wouldn't be in sync with the siren. So, I ended up bypassing the siren and using it as a speaker to reduce power draw.

Its funny but to me the hardest part about the M1 install is figuring out how to handle the speakers/sirens....everything else was pretty simple!
So true!
One thing I still haven't been able to find out is how much power is drawn on output 2 when in speaker mode for both 4 and 8 ohm loads.
 
Back
Top