ELK-M1G wireless recei

[42etus]

SWMBO wants a security system and after contacting several alarm companies, I've decided to DIY and subscribe to a monitoring service. I'm leaning toward the ELK-M1G. I realize that it's WAY more than a security system. Our current needs are door and motion sensors (preferably wireless), a wireless driveway sensor and a hardwired sensor to an out building through underground cat 5. The reason I'm thinking M1G is that we'll be building a new home in about 2 years and I plan to move the M1G there and make full use of it's capabilities. I'm a little confused in my needs for a wireless receiver for the M1G, as ELK offers two , namely the M1XRF2G and the M1XRF2H. Also as to just what wireless devices will work with which receiver. Could some of you that are more educated than my self explain the differences to me and perhaps point me toward some suitable sensors for each receiver type.
Thanks to all, I'm sure I'll have more questions later.
Paul

 

[jmark71]

SWMBO wants a security system and after contacting several alarm companies, I've decided to DIY and subscribe to a monitoring service. I'm leaning toward the ELK-M1G. I realize that it's WAY more than a security system. Our current needs are door and motion sensors (preferably wireless), a wireless driveway sensor and a hardwired sensor to an out building through underground cat 5. The reason I'm thinking M1G is that we'll be building a new home in about 2 years and I plan to move the M1G there and make full use of it's capabilities. I'm a little confused in my needs for a wireless receiver for the M1G, as ELK offers two , namely the M1XRF2G and the M1XRF2H. Also as to just what wireless devices will work with which receiver. Could some of you that are more educated than my self explain the differences to me and perhaps point me toward some suitable sensors for each receiver type.
Thanks to all, I'm sure I'll have more questions later.
Paul

Paul - first of all welcome to CT... may your time here be long and enjoyable!

Yes, the Elk M1 can do all manner of things... but to answer your question about the difference between the two receivers, the -G moniker refers to the unit that is compatible with GE Crystal sensors (operating in the 319.5MHz band), whereas the new -H unit is compatible with Honeywell/Ademco 5800-style sensors. A quick Google should help you find the types of sensors that are compatible, but if you look at the installation guides for each of these receivers(ELK M1 Site), they contain examples of compatible equipment (page 7 for -G, and on page 8 for -H).

I've got a mix of wired and wireless sensors now and just put in the -G unit last week with the wireless sensors. I ended up going with Micra Ion sensors (check out Automated Outlet for these - Micra-G) for all of my upstairs windows and they work great so far. These aren't listed in the Elk manual above, but do indeed work fine with the -G receiver.

Hope this helps. Welcome to the rabbit hole!

 

[42etus]

Thanks for the reply and the links. The more I delve into this the more I find I don't know. After Googleing around, I think I'll go with the -H unit, as the compatible sensors are less confusing to me and there seems to be a sensor for most any need.
Thanks again,
Paul