Few newbie questions on Elk M1 install

[BassTeQ]

Hi all,

I've just purchaed an elk M1G, ethernet interface, M1 Navigator touch screen and a standard keypad.

Once I've got this all hooked up and running, whats the best way to begin configuring the system & setup?
Can it all be done via initially via the ElkRP sortware? Or do I need to get started using one of the keypads?

Also with the ethernet interface, would the best location to take 12v from be one of the Elk's Aux +12vDC outputs, or would you recommend a dedicated power supply?

Appreciate any assistance.

Thank you

 

[Spanky]

It may be easier to program the M1 from Elkrp either via a direct connect or using the Ethernet interface.

The M1 can power directly what you have listed.

 

[BassTeQ]

Thanks Spanky, I'll check out the training videos to get a better understanding of how the software operates.

Cheers

 

[apostolakisl]

I have my xep powered separately. Mine came with its own wall wart so I used it. Unless you have your modem and router on a ups, there isn't really any point in keeping the xep running off the Elk's battery and draining it down during a power outage.

As far as setting it up. Initially I hooked up to the com port on my computer/ElkRP to configure things and then switched over to using internet once all the basic stuff was taken care of. If memory serves me, I think you need to do a few things from a keypad to get things started. The Elk came with documentation that tells you what you need to know. I set mine up using only that information.

 

[Del91574]

I've run the power for the XEP on customer installs via the onboard relay or an output board on the Elk and then program a task on the system to cycle power for the unit. Saves a lot of service calls, even if the router/switch and modem are on a UPS. I've also set larger systems up with the modem and router on their own outputs that can be controlled via the Elk for the same reason.

Makes for a nice phone call...scroll to task "reset XEP", "reset modem/router".

 

[apostolakisl]

I've run the power for the XEP on customer installs via the onboard relay or an output board on the Elk and then program a task on the system to cycle power for the unit. Saves a lot of service calls, even if the router/switch and modem are on a UPS. I've also set larger systems up with the modem and router on their own outputs that can be controlled via the Elk for the same reason.

Makes for a nice phone call...scroll to task "reset XEP", "reset modem/router".

Running the power through an Elk relay and sourcing the power from the Elk board are separate concepts. As a commercial installer with customers who didn't install their system and have little or no clue, using a resetable relay would be a very money saving thing for you to do. Although in 3 years my xep has never needed a power cycle aside from when I was making changes to it. But even if I were running the power lines through a relay on the Elk, I still would power it separately. There just isn't any point in adding that load to the Elk's board especially when xep is useless during a power failure (without a ups on the modem/router). And since I have a UPS, I put the modem, router, and xep all on that so I don't lose internet during a power failure but still the Elk doesn't have to deal with the power draw on its battery.

Having said that, I think the UPS is a bit over the top. I only did it because I had the ups anyway protecting a computer right next to the alarm board. Unless you are using the xep as your method of reporting, I wouldn't get to hung up on it.

 

[BassTeQ]

Thanks, I might look at getting a separate 12v power supply for the XEP, but to get started might just use the AUX 12v on the ELK.
Is there any need to use a relay? Cant it just be hooked directly to the elk?

Thank you

 

[Del91574]

It can be run direct. I chose on a few larger installs to run it through a relay to facilitate easy "power cycling" on some hardware.

While Lou may not have experienced what I have a few times, where the XEP was installed on enterprise grade hardware and VLan's and it simply stopped connecting to an onsite workstation/PC, however I was still able to ping the unit. Cycled power to the unit and rebooted RP and it solved the issue.

 

[apostolakisl]

Thanks, I might look at getting a separate 12v power supply for the XEP, but to get started might just use the AUX 12v on the ELK.
Is there any need to use a relay? Cant it just be hooked directly to the elk?

Thank you

BassTeq

Del has a very good point, especially when viewed as a professional installer who is potentially responsible for maintaining a system which is not where he is physically located. For guys like us who live at the location where the xep is located, it is pretty much no big deal to just walk over to the xep, pull the power, and plug it back in. If you find that you are regularly away from home and that your unit loses connectivity on occasion, you may find that feature helpful. It would require you learning how to "phone in" to the m1 unit as you, obviously, won't be able to use the internet connection. My XEP has never needed a reset, but for whatever reason, it can happen. My experience with routers that do that is that they need to be replaced.

You should also consider how your system will be monitored. If you are going to use the internet, being able to reset the connection from afar will be more important. Personally, I do not recommend using the internet since I think you will just create big headaches for yourself, have a less reliable system and have not gain anything. If, like me, you are only using the xep so that the m1 can communicate with all the other home automation stuff, then it isn't such a big deal (probably, depends on exactly what it is doing).

 

[BassTeQ]

Thanks Cocoonut,

Im using the XEP to mainly connect to my HA system, but might look at doing the relay thing down the tack.
I was planning on using both the phone dialer and XEP to report any issues, that way if the net fails it can also dial my cell phone.

Cheers

 

[tmbrown97]

I have read over the years where people have had problem that required often rebooting of the XEP - in fact, at one point Spanky even posted some helpful code with a watchdog that would automatically cycle power on the XEP upon loss of Ethernet - very cool!

Luckily I, like Lou, have almost never had to reboot the XEP.

As far as the remote rebooting concept - I've started using these remote power strips for some of my clients that I just don't want to drive to if there's an issue.. Saved my rear last weekend when I was out of town with nothing but an iPhone and I got an email alert... I was able to VPN in from my iPhone and reset some equipment all from my phone.

 

[apostolakisl]

I have read over the years where people have had problem that required often rebooting of the XEP - in fact, at one point Spanky even posted some helpful code with a watchdog that would automatically cycle power on the XEP upon loss of Ethernet - very cool!

Luckily I, like Lou, have almost never had to reboot the XEP.

As far as the remote rebooting concept - I've started using these remote power strips for some of my clients that I just don't want to drive to if there's an issue.. Saved my rear last weekend when I was out of town with nothing but an iPhone and I got an email alert... I was able to VPN in from my iPhone and reset some equipment all from my phone.

That's not a bad idea.

I have decided to get rid of my rediculous array of wall warts (I have 12 of them all lined up on a power strip). I have an ATX computer power supply and have purchased some terminal blocks. My plan is to run 3 terminal blocks. One at 5v, 9v, and 12v. I suspect that the atx power supply will draw less total current and provide cleaner power than the wall warts. It for sure will be less cluttered. I also suspect that failures will be lower. I have had several wall warts fail over the years.

I may consider running each of the three voltages through one of the Elk relays so I can reset the power if need be to everything on any given voltage remotely.

Anyone ever done something like this?

 

[video321]

I was considering using a PC power supply for non-critical things which didn't require a backup battery to charge, such as my security cameras.
...Never did get around to that.

 

[standon]

That's not a bad idea.

I have decided to get rid of my rediculous array of wall warts (I have 12 of them all lined up on a power strip). I have an ATX computer power supply and have purchased some terminal blocks. My plan is to run 3 terminal blocks. One at 5v, 9v, and 12v. I suspect that the atx power supply will draw less total current and provide cleaner power than the wall warts. It for sure will be less cluttered. I also suspect that failures will be lower. I have had several wall warts fail over the years.

I may consider running each of the three voltages through one of the Elk relays so I can reset the power if need be to everything on any given voltage remotely.

Anyone ever done something like this?

I have a 12vdc cctv power distribution box. The other day, I needed 5v to run some fans, I went to radio shack and bought a 5v regulator and a little heat sink. There's also a variable voltage regulator - so you can adjust as needed. I've always wanted to have a power distribution center for all the little wall warts, and I'm thinking of doing it this way for everything. The biggest problem with these regulators is that they convert the excess voltage into heat, so cooling it is a good idea. A PSU is a good idea too.

 

[Del91574]

I have read over the years where people have had problem that required often rebooting of the XEP - in fact, at one point Spanky even posted some helpful code with a watchdog that would automatically cycle power on the XEP upon loss of Ethernet - very cool!

Luckily I, like Lou, have almost never had to reboot the XEP.

Any idea where I could find it?