Elk Shopping list

[beaumeri]

Hi,

I'm ready to purchase an ELK M1G controller and I'm looking for some guidance on what option should I include with the intial purchase to get started. My initial goal is for home automation.

Here's what I have now all wired, ready to be connected to the system:
32 door/windows contacts
12 internal door contact to trigget LED lights within closets
11 motions sensors and will most likely need more
6 water sensors (laundry, bathrooms and sum pump)

All sensors are individually home run to the Telco room

I want to sent alerts/messages to EMAIL or TXT message to my smartphone.

I'll purchase a handfull of UPB switches to start and will expand to control about 32 light circuits

I'm interested in the touch pad keypad (ELK-M1KPNAV) Need 4 (3 entrances and master bedroom)

In a second phase I want to ass Z-wave support and CQC

Can I have your input on what I need in my initial order before I contact an vendor? Or should I trust the vendors to sell me exactly what I need?

Let me know if you need more informations.

Thank you in advance for your guidance.

 

[tmbrown97]

I think the important thing to plan out is how you're going to have the audio - for me so far one turnoff to the new touchscreen is that I don't believe they left provisions for the speaker behind like the KP2 has; I like having the speakers at the point where you see and interact with the system, rather than some central location in the house.

That said, basic shopping list:

1. M1 - whatever starter kit you want (though the 14" can isn't sufficient for most)
2. Whatever can you want to mount it in
3. Mounting plates for your accessories
4. M1XEP ethernet module
5. As many XSP Serial modules as you need (thermostats, lighting, etc)
6. Any speakers - indoor and out (don't use a siren outdoors - use a speaker and let the elk drive the siren sound)
7. You'll probably want a DBH data bus hub
8. 3 M1XIN input modules (for a total of 64 inputs)
9. Any output boards or relays you may want (the onboard outputs can be hooked ot a relay board M1RB for 8 relays)
10. Telephone surge protector if using POTS
11. If using KP2's, the recess mount box is a nice addition; sold separately. Also with KP2's, the SP12 speakers are a great addtion.
12. Any strobes?
13. If you want wireless for keyfobs or otherwise, a receiver - probably best to hold out for the new 2-way elk one on the way.

For UPB, you may want to read the article in my signature - lots of good info (IMO).

 

[ghurty]

That said, basic shopping list:

1. M1 - whatever starter kit you want (though the 14" can isn't sufficient for most)

1. 
   
   What starter kit would you recommend, and what can should be big enough? Are there any cans that you can alarm the can door itself?
   
   
   Thanks

 

[fleetz]

Run 28" cans you will surprised how you fill them. I have 4 X 28 which house Data, Comms, Intercom, ADSL/Voip router, Lighting interface (clispal you know if as Square D if you live in the USA brilliant system, XSP serial interfaces, Data hub, power distribution, power supplies. Input modules, output modules, UPS for ADSL/Router with another SLA battery, etc. Do you planning xarefully and allow plenty of space.....you will need and use it.

The Elk cans come with a tamper switch well they did when I bought mine 5 years ago here in Australia.

Think about temperature sensors, Water detector if you have basement are even for the laundry,possibly a master water shut off valve.

Think about if you want whole of house audio and if that is in part going to be integrated into the M1.

Think and plan and thinks some more....and as you are doing ask the folks that have been there and done that on this great forum ray:

Goodluck with you planning and installation. Good choice with the M1 it has changed the way we live!

Cheers,

Fleetz

What starter kit would you recommend, and what can should be big enough? Are there any cans that you can alarm the can door itself?


Thanks

 

[beaumeri]

Contacted a re-seller and here's what they told me to buy:

M1GSYS3 - Elk M1 Gold Alarm System Kit
M1KP2 - Elk M1KP2 Flush Mountable LCD Keypad
M1BBK2 - Elk Flush Mount Kit for M1KP2
UMC-USB-W - Simply Automated UPB Computer Interface USB CIM
M1PCSPIM - Elk UPB Interface
US11-40-W - Simply Automated UPB Wall Switch/Dimmer/Transmitter White Rocker
USR-1-40A-W - Simply Automated UPB Remote Switch For 3/4 Way White Rocker

This should let me get familiar with the system using one door contact and one light circuit with UPB.

I'm I missing anything to start playing with the system? I do not want to be like a kid receiving a remote control car as a gift without batteries..

 

[rismoney]

Run 28" cans you will surprised how you fill them.

I really like your can design, and wanted to do something very similar- I too am trying to put together a shopping list.
I was initially looking to use, for starters a 28" enclosure.

Key items

28" inch cans - perhaps 1 to start, 2 maybe?
CAT5 into it for the phone [6 jacks in house]
CAT5 for ethernet [maybe 10 jacks]
TV connections. [4 bedroom house + family room] - in 3 kids rooms, cable box is in closet. In family Room and master, cable is in media closet
Doorbell - this is run with CAT5
Speaker wires all terminate in this location -multizone is currently a family room with 5.1, pair in kitchen, pair in dining room, and 2 pair outdoor. master bed also has 5.1
All home alarm wires terminate here
I plan to put a HAI in at some point soon
Not sure if relevant but I already have HAI thermostats.

I have attached a picture which on the right shows the bundle of cables I have going down, and I am assuming that closet wall can accomodate up to 4 cans.

I welcome thoughts and suggestions, and any items that I should consider, get, and need to literally place the order.