Elk M1G I/O Access

[BDHall]

Are there any options for reading/writing the Elk I/O on the RS-485 data bus other than through the Elk M1G? Is there a chance of developing a driver (or does one already exist perhaps) that would access the I/O from a computer. I realize the computer would have to have access to the data bus but that could probably be arranged without too much trouble. I guess my biggest concern would be over how complicated the driver might be, since I would assume that the protocol would not likely be a standard one. This approach might not be practicial, I am just trying to consider my options.

I have an M1G and several I/O modules. I have been considering migrating to more of a PLC based system and was hoping to figure out a lower cost way to migrate than ripping out my existing I/O. My Elk I/O has been quite reliable and it seems a shame to abandon it. My M1G may be sick (still checking on this), so using it to read the I/O from could be a problem.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!
Brian

 

[tmbrown97]

If I recall, this is a highly proprietary protocol, and it wouldn't be in Elk's interests to release information on it to anyone. I'd hate to think that someone getting to my databus in a more exposed part of the house could listen in on all transactions, including a disarm command - and learn how to duplicate it. They do however fully support integration via Serial or IP and they do release the SDK and sample code.

 

[Spanky]

You can control the IO from the ASCII command strings through the M1. That has a published RS-232 prototcol that is available through the Elk website for download.

 

[signal15]

It would be interesting to figure out the RS-485 stuff. Just for giggles, I'd like to try to control an I/O card without having the M1G in place. For the price of those relay boards and a Guru Plug, you could make a really sweet and super cheap controller for other projects.

 

[etc6849]

Here's a driver that is a great example of an M1G module that uses RS232, but it does require a serial connection to an M1G: http://www.cocoontech.com/forums/index.php...amp;showfile=62

It's opensource so it should be handy for someone. The module is made for Premise (a free HA PC based program).

 

[hult]

You can control the IO from the ASCII command strings through the M1. That has a published RS-232 prototcol that is available through the Elk website for download.

As suggested in this sticky post, it shore would be swell to see support for Magic Module MM443's on the M1 bus. As I understand it, there is no technical/hardware obstacle.

http://www.cocoontech.com/forums/index.php...amp;#entry73151

I have never understood why Elk (effectively) abandoned the Magic Module hardware family in lieu of rolling into the M1 line.

... Marc