ELK M1 use iPod/iPhone/iPad instead of M1 keypads?

[relay]

Hi there,

I am in the process of identifying what components I need to replace my Vista 20P with an ELK M1Gold system.
I currently have an small Insteon network with a couple of Insteon thermostats and a bunch of switches controlled by an ISY99i which gives access to the entire operation via iPhone/iPod and iPad of which I have and use all three.

As I start to piece together what I need for the ELK M1, I am wondering if I need ELK keypads or would I be better off mounting an iPod at the entrances and perhaps an iPad in the master bedroom for control of Insteon network and the ELK M1. I have several spare iPod touch units and I believe I have seen in wall mounts for iPod touch. I could use something the the eKeypad app for the Apple touchscreens.

I think I would give up audio speakers from the keypads but if that's all then I don't think I would miss it. The ekeypad interface on a touchscreen seems to be a bit nicer interface than the ELK keypads.

Also, given this configuration, could I program this system to turn off (or signifigantly reduce) all the thermostats when the ELK alarm was armed in AWAY status?

Thoughts????

 

[Digger]

My "opinion" is that you should have at least one ELK Keypad on the system so you have entry/exit annunciation to minimize a false alarm and just in case there is a problem with your local LAN (i.e. a power outage and you come home and can not disarm the system that is still active on battery backup etc).

The eKeypad app is awesome and in many ways more informative and allows more control then a regular keypad.

If you have a compatable T-Stat connected to your ELK you can control it through the eKeypad app. I dont have that yet but I shut off the power to my heat upon arming away and have a rule that if the temperature drops to less than 65 to turn it back on. Also every week day to turn it back on even if armed away. Its crude but works for now until I can install a communicating T-Stat.

 

[relay]

Power failure for LAN. Doh!!!!! Very good point!!!!!

My thermostats are Venstar 1800 with Insteon adapter so they are controlled through the ISY99i at the moment.

 

[wuench]

I am pretty sure you are required to have at least one keypad on the system. All TCP access (even the Iphone) is done virtually as a particular keypad. If you want just mount it by or in the enclosure, it is handy to have one near the enclosure for testing anyway so you don't have to run all around the house...

 

[Digger]

Power failure for LAN. Doh!!!!! Very good point!!!!!

My thermostats are Venstar 1800 with Insteon adapter so they are controlled through the ISY99i at the moment.

Dont feel bad that is something that a lot of people can overlook. Where I work management wanted to have an App on a wireless Android Touchpad be the sole keypad on a system like you were suggesting. They were about to market it that way and I was like "WAIT!!" and I explained the above scenerio to them (and got the same response "Doh!!" from the collective group). While it would be great it would not meet UL1023, UL985 or SIA/CP-01-2010 Standards that are required in some states. Just one keypad on the system and you can have all of the touchpads etc you want to supplement the keypad.

You may be able to control the stats through the eKeypad app and your ISY then. I dont have that setup so hopefully someone else can verify that or ask over at the UDI forum's.

 

[relay]

Just found this topic. Damn, I usually am very good about searching BEFORE I post questions.


Post title: Any chance of ELK wireless keypad
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