Elk questions

[hgupta1]

Okay... I think I am going to bite the bullet and get the Elk M1G.

The XEP will have to come later. What do I need to order along with it?

(1) PSC05
(1) serial port expander for my W800RF32

is that it?

 

[Steve]

Yeah, if you get the SYSG4 package with can, keypad, battery, speaker, etc, all you need is a PSC05 for x10 (if that is what you are using), a XSP for the W800 and an XSP for anything else you interface like another lighting control (Insteon, UPB) or for HVAC.

I think that is a good choice. The XEP is a 'nice to have' but not as critical as the controller. Have someone get that for your birthday or something, it is easy to add on later.

 

[Steve]

Also, I understand you say you will not have an active phone line, but it may be possible to hook a cordless phone to the M1 even without dial tone. If that is possible, you can still at least use local phone control of the unit.

And don't forget to order it from Martin (Automated Outlet), or Brian (Tech Home).

 

[electron]

I that is the normal way to connect it to HS (I don't have HS, but I do have the ethernet module for the M1G and am very happy I bought it.)

The other thing to consider is what you will integrate. If you use the ethernet module you will need a serial expander, that will add another $45 or so (I thought $75 but the main serial expander on the EZ8 is around $45 the subsequent ones are close to $75. That just brings the number down a bit if it helps your decision.

Not sure if I am tired or what, but the M1XEP connects to the main serial port, not the serial expanders.

I would go the M1G route as well, if needed, you can use some software to create an ethernet interface (using the PC and some software).

 

[Mike]

Maybe I mispoke (I have the M1G), but I thought you needed to buy the add-on main serial adapter for the EZ8 (as it does not come with one) like the following:

http://www.automatedoutlet.com/product.php...&cat=187&page=1

which can be connected to the ethernet interface.

The serial expanders for lighting, thermostats, etc would use one of these:

http://www.automatedoutlet.com/product.php...&cat=124&page=1

Was I off on this? You have one so I am sure you know better than I do.

 

[electron]

I guess I am just tired, and misread your statement. When you say serial expanders, people usually refer to the M1XSP, not the M1EZ8MSI (which the EZ8 requires if you want to use your PC).

 

[Mike]

Understood, I wasn't clear. I should have used part numbers.

 

[Guy Lavoie]

Isn't there also a lower limit on the number of serial expanders that you can have on a EZ8 as opposed to a full M1?

 

[Spanky]

Nope, the same on both. The older M1 Standard had a reduced number of serial port expanders, but the EZ8 is the same as the M1Gold.

 

[Guy Lavoie]

Ok, got that.

 

[Zang]

Money is tight right now, so I will have to go with the EZ8 for now.

If anyone wants to upgrade from the EZ8 to the M1G, I'll be happy to buy their old board from them.

Where are you getting it and what are you paying? The M1Gold is a lot smarter choice IMO especially for all the features you are wanting.

 

[hgupta1]

So I splurged and got the ELK M1Gold from Automated Outlet.

I've been reading through all the threads about installing it and think I will try to install it tomorrow. (by the way...is there any way for the forum moderators change the minimum word length that a search can be performed on? It didn't let me search "Elk")


I am going to replace my Napco Gemini system with it, and I am a little confused about whether I can use my siren that is already mounted high up near the roof. Currently a wire runs from my alarm panel upto the attic, where it connects to board labeled "siren driver". An indoor siren and an outdoor siren are connected to this siren driver.

Also, many of you and the manual mentioned "bench testing" the system. What does this entail?

 

[WayneW]

Also, many of you and the manual mentioned "bench testing" the system. What does this entail?

That is the fancy term for "playing and learning and not disturbing the WAF". I haven't heard of anybody ever getting a defective unit, so it is more user education than anything.

 

[Steve]

I would think you would be able to use your existing sirens depending on the specs. You probably just have to eliminate the siren driver and wire directly to M1.

Also, you may want to go the the M1 dealer site and register today so you can download RP and you don't get stuck on the weekend without it .

 

[jlehnert]

change the minimum word length that a search

I believe that Electron said that he added that request into the soon-to-be-released, err, upcoming, err, sometime between now and ???, version of CocoonTech. (Just kidding E. Put your vodoo doll and pins away!)

Seriously, somehow in his copious free time (NOT!) E is working on a new version of the forum, and three character searches are part of it.