[Guide] An introduction to the M1Gold and & M1EZ8

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M1EZ8 Features:
  • Flash Memory - Allows field updates to firmware
  • 8 On-board Input Zones, expandable to 200, analog supported
  • Wireless Capability
  • 12 On-Board Outputs: 1 siren driver/voltage, 1 Relay, & 10 low current (50 mA)
  • Two Way Listen-in capability via Central Station
  • Time/Date stamped 512 Event History Log
  • Menu driven keypad programming - No Manual Required!
  • Supports 4 wire (any zone) and 2 wire (zone 8) smoke detectors
  • Includes Fire Alarm Verification Routine
  • Can be partitioned into 8 separate areas and accounts
  • 99 User Codes (4 or 6 digit) with assignable authorities
  • Arm levels: Away, Stay, Stay Instant, Nite, Nite Instant, Vacation
  • Hardware “Watchdog†and Nonvolatile EEPROM Memory
  • Telephone Line Fault with alarm output
  • True Modem for fast reliable upload/download
  • Digital Dialer: SIA, Contact ID, 4 + 2, and Pager (8 phone numbers)
  • Elk-RP PC Programming Software includes conflict resolution
  • Powerful “Whenever/And/Then†RULES Programming
  • Rules utilize easy to understand text based references
  • Control Lighting using on-board 2-way Power Line Carrier (PLC) or RS-232 Serial Port* for On, Off, Pre-set Dim, All On, All Off, and Scenes commands
  • Astronomical Clock for Sunset/Sunrise calculation and activation
  • Transmit and receive Custom Serial ASCII strings*
  • Read Temperature Sensors and communicate with up to 16 Thermostats
  • Turn on Tasks, Lights, and Outputs via Keypad and PC browser
  • Interfaces with a broad range of other systems
  • Heavy duty - 2.5 Amp power supply w/ 1.5 Amp continuous
  • Dynamic Battery Test, Zone Voltage Display, and Voltmeter
  • PTC (fuseless) resettable overload protection
    * Requires optional EZ8MSI or M1XSP serial ports
M1 Gold Features:

All the features of EZ8 plus:
  • 16 On-board Input Zones, expandable to 208, analog supported
  • 13 On-Board Outputs: 1 voice driver/siren, 1 siren driver/voltage,
    1 form C relay, and 10 low current (50 mA)
  • Two Way Listen-in capability via Central Station or Telephone
  • Voice announcement of alarms, zone descriptions, status, etc.
    • 500+ Word / Phrase Vocabulary
    • Link up to 6 Words / Phrases per announcement
    • 10 custom recordable Words / Phrases
  • Built-in Telephone Remote makes any phone a keypad
  • Integrated Voice Dialer uses vocabulary or custom word / phrases
  • Phone Number Capacity: 8
  • On-Board Serial Port, expandable to 8 Serial Ports
  • Plug-in Terminals make service and pre-wires a snap!
  • Installer Telephone (buttset) Test feature
  • Master Power Switch and Low Battery Disconnect
  • Multiple Auxiliary Power Terminals
  • Built-in Volt and Current Meter
Available Options for M1 Control Family:
  • Ethernet Port
  • Temperature Sensors
  • Input/Output Expanders
  • Two-Way Listen-In Kit
  • Access Control (up to 16 doors)
  • Serial Port Expanders
M1EZ8 Configurations:
  • ELK-M1EZ8CB M1EZ8 Control board only: For use in structured wiring enclosures, trim-outs on pre-wired jobs, or as a spare or replacement board. This is the main M1EZ8 circuit board with mounting hardware. It can be mounted directly to almost any surface.
    Size: 6.5†W x 6.75†H x 1.5†D
  • ELK-M1EZ8 M1EZ8 Control Board with 12†x 12†Metal Enclosure
  • ELK-M1EZ8KB M1EZ8 Control KIT: This “ready to install†value package includes the M1EZ8 Control, UB12 metal enclosure, M1KP LCD Keypad, ELK-1250 5Ah battery, ELK-RJSET, SP35 speaker, plus Lifetime warranted ELK-TRG1640 transformer.
  • ELK-M1EZ8K: Same great “ready to install†value package as M1EZ8KB in cardboard only (no metal enclosure) for use in a structured wiring box.
M1 Gold Configurations:
  • ELK-M1GCB M1 Gold Control board only (in clam shell case): For use in structured wiring enclosures, trim-outs on pre-wired jobs, or as a spare or replacement board. This is the main M1 Gold circuit board in the clam shell protective case - “the brickâ€. It can be mounted directly to almost any surface. Plug-in terminal blocks are not included, order separately as ELK-M1BLOCKS.
    Size: 8.375†W x 10†H x 2†D
  • ELK-M1GOLD M1 Gold Control Board in SWB14 Metal Enclosure
  • ELK-M1GSYS4 M1 Gold Control KIT: This “ready to install†value package includes the M1 Gold Control, SWB14 metal enclosure, M1KP LCD Keypad, ELK-1280 8Ah battery, ELK-RJSET, ELK-73 paintable interior speaker, plus Lifetime warranted ELK-TRG1640 transformer.
  • ELK-M1GK: Same great “ready to install†value package as M1GSYS4 in cardboard only (no metal enclosure) for use in a structured wiring box.
ELK-M1KP LCD Keypad for M1 controls:
The ELK-M1KP is an addressable LCD Keypad for the M1 Cross Platform Controls. It features a 32 character, back lighted display with adjustable intensity and extra large character fonts, improving readability. 6 function (“Fâ€) keys can be programmed to contact emergency services or perform tasks; such as, controlling lights, watering the lawn, closing or opening the garage door, etc. The ELK navigation keys easily guide you through the full list of automation tasks, programming, systems diagnostics, and more. An optional plug-in proximity reader is available allowing prox card or fob arming, disarming, door strike control, etc. The fold down door features magnetic closure and can be completely removed, if desired.
  • Backlit, Large Character LCD Display, 16 x 2 lines
  • Built-in Temperature Sensor
  • Optional Plug-in Proximity Reader (26 bit Weigand)
  • Menu navigation keys & 6 programmable function keys
  • Plug-in connector, only 4 wires to the control
  • 1 Zone input and 1 Output Programmable per Keypad
  • Programmable display of time, date, & temperature
  • Displays system diagnostics and settings.
  • Size: 6.875†W x 5.25†H x 1.375†D
  • Color: Glacier White
Accessories:
  • ELK-M1PR M1 Keypad Plug-in Proximity Reader: Allows a proximity card or fob to be used with the M1 Keypad to quickly arm, disarm, operate a door strike, etc. Plugs into connector on the back of the Keypad. Uses M1PRC cards or M1PRF fobs. Includes 1 prox card.
    Size: 1†Diameter x .5†D
  • ELK-M1PRC Proximity Card, pack of 10
  • ELK-M1PRF Proximity Fob, pack of 10
  • ELK-M1XIN M1 16 Zone Input Expander: Adds 16 hardwired zones (EOL resistor supervised) to M1 Controls. Operates from 4-wire data bus. Up to 12 of these can be used, increasing total zones (inputs) to 208 on M1 Gold and 200 on M1EZ8.
    Size: 6†W x 3.25†H x 0.75†D
  • ELK-M1XOV M1 16 Output Expander, Flying Voltage Leads: Adds 16 voltage outputs to M1 Controls. Provides 2 plug-in, 8-pin flying lead connectors for triggering low current devices (50 mA max. each); such as, LEDs, relays, piezos, etc. Operates from 4-wire data bus. Up to 12 Output Expanders may be used for a total of 205 outputs on M1 Gold and 204 on M1EZ8. The voltage outputs can be converted to relays (8 or 16) using (1 or 2) M1RB Relay Board(s).
    Size: 6†W x 3.25†H x 0.75†D
  • ELK-M1XOVR M1 16 Output Expander, 8 Voltage & 8 Relays: Adds 16 outputs (8 voltage, 8 relays) to M1 Controls. Voltages can be used to trigger low current devices (50 mA max. each). Relays are SPDT rated for 7A @ 30 VDC, 10A @ 125 VAC. Operates from 4-wire data bus. Up to 12 output expanders may be used for a total of 205 outputs on M1 Gold and 204 on M1EZ8. Option: Convert 8 voltage outputs to relays using M1RB Relay Board.
    Size: 6†W x 3.25†H x 0.75†D
  • ELK-M1RB M1 Relay Board, Plug-in: May be plugged directly into M1 Controls, M1XOV, or M1XOVR to convert the voltage outputs into SPDT relays rated for 7A @ 30 VDC, 10A @ 125 VAC.
    Size: 6†W x 3.25†H x 0.75†D
  • ELK-M1DBH M1 Data Bus Hub: For easy connection of expanders & keypads. The M1DBH accepts up to 9 cables, RJ45 equipped CAT5 or CAT6, and series connects the data A & B lines so the data bus may be terminated properly. Two or more units may be interconnected if more than 9 data lines are required. Includes ELK-SWP3 mounting plate.
    Size: 6.5†W x 3†H x 1.25†D
  • ELK-M1DBHR M1 Data Bus Hub Retrofit: The ELK-M1DBHR is an “active†RS-485 data bus hub designed for jobs where an M1 Control is retrofitting an older panel that has multiple homerun, 4 conductor, keypad/data wires. It splits the main RS-485 data bus into 4 managed RS-485 branches. Each branch can have 2 parallel home run cables for a total of 8 home runs. The last device of each cable is EOL terminated to insure proper operation and supervision.
    Size: 2.75†W x .7†H x 3.95†L
  • ELK-M1XEP M1 Ethernet Port Interface: Control home or business from a PC browser, anywhere! Elk’s Ethernet Port, M1XEP, allows M1 Controls to be connected to the Internet or LAN (network) for programming, monitoring, remote control, email notifications, etc. The M1XEP has a built-in web server, eliminating the need for a local 24/7 PC server. Broadband connection required for internet access: CableModem, DSL, T1, etc.
    Housing: 4.25" x 6.375" x 2.125" Board: 2.25" x 3.95"
  • ELK-WO35A M1 Accessory Wire Harness: This 5-pin cable is required for connecting the wireless receivers (models NX408E, 416E, or 448E) to M1 Controls. It can also be used to connect another manufacturer’s proximity reader (26bit Weigand format) to an M1KP keypad.
    Wire Length = 18â€
  • ELK-M1EZ8MSI M1EZ8 Main Serial Interface: The main serial interface required for interfacing M1EZ8 with a PC for upload/download. Also required when adding the M1XEP Ethernet port to an M1EZ8 Control. Baud rate programmable up to 115,200 baud.
  • ELK-M1XSP Lighting/Thermostat Interface, Serial Port Expander: This is a “3 in 1†product. As a lighting interface, it adapts M1 Controls to many brands of Lighting control products which use “serial†communications. i.e.,OnQ-ALC, PCS-UPB, EDT, CENTRALITE, VANTAGE, etc. As a thermostat interface, it adapts the M1 Controls to HVAC Communicating Thermostats from companies such as: RCS, APRILAIRE, and HAI. As a serial port expander, it expands the RS-232 communication ports of the M1 for multiple connections to most any type of equipment that communicates using serial ASCII commands. i.e., Personal Computers and high end whole house subsystems. Jumpers on the M1XSP select the appropriate application, connection, and protocol. Best of all, the M1XSP operates from the 4-wire (RS-485) M1 Keypad data bus, allowing RS-232 ports to be located long distances from the control. M1 Cross Platform Controls support up to 7 M1XSPs. The communications baud rate is adjustable from 300 to 38,400 baud. The unit comes complete with cable and a black surface mountable housing.
    Housing: 4.375†W x 3†H x 1.25†D, Board: 3.375†W x 2.25†H x .8†D
  • ELK-M1XZW Z-Wave Lighting Interface: A Radio transceiver interface designed to allow M1 Controls to interface with Z-Wave enabled devices. Z-Wave technology is a wireless bi-directional communications network consisting of devices such as: Plug-in dimmer modules, wall-mount switches and dimmers, plug-in appliance modules, etc.
    Housing: 4.25" x 6.375" x 2.125" Board: 2.25" x 3.95"
  • ELK-M1TWI M1 Gold Two Way Listen-In Interface: Adds up to three (3) zones of two way listen-in to M1 Gold Control. This can be used by the Central Station to verify an alarm, or by a user from the telephone remote control to check on elderly parents, children, etc. Up to 12 microphones (M1TWS or M1TWM) may be connected. Housing: 4.375†W x 3†H x 1.25†D, Board: 3.375†W x 2.25†H x .8†D
  • ELK-M1EZ8TWI M1EZ8 Two Way Listen-In Interface: Adds up to three (3) zones of two way listen-in to M1EZ8 Control. This can be used by the Central Station to verify an alarm. Up to 12 microphones (M1TWM or M1TWS) may be connected.
    Housing: 4.375†W x 3†H x 1.25†D, Board: 3.375†W x 2.25†H x .8†D
  • ELK-M1TWM M1 Two Way Listen-In Microphone Board Only
    Size: 1†W x 2†H x .4†D
  • ELK-M1TWS M1 Two Way Speaker/Microphone: Microphone and 20 Watt Speaker for use with the Two Way Listen-in interfaces. Requires 4 conductor cable. Up to 12 may be connected.
    Size: 4.25†W x 4.25†H x 2.13†D
  • ELK-M1TWK M1 Gold Two Way Listen-in KIT: Complete kit for two-way communication with M1 Gold Controls. Includes two-way interface, ELK-M1TWI, plus a twoway speaker/microphone, ELK-M1TWS.
  • ELK-M1EZ8TWK M1EZ8 Two Way Listen-in KIT: Complete kit for two-way communication. Includes two-way interface, M1EZ8TWI, plus a two-way speaker/microphone, M1TWS.
  • ELK-M1ZTS M1 Zone Temperature Interface and Sensor: Monitor remote temperatures with this add-on interface and sensor. Connects to any main zone on the M1 Controls. Range is -50 to +140F. Applications include: freeze monitoring, second homes, agricultural uses, etc. Temperature may be accessed from keypad, telephone remote control, or PC web browser with M1XEP.
    Size: 2†W x 2†H x 1†D
  • ELK-M1ZTSR M1 Zone Temperature Interface and 7’ Remote Probe
  • ELK-USB232 Serial Cable to convert USB to RS-232: Special cable needed for connecting the M1 Controls to a Computer that does not have a conventional RS-232 9-pin serial port. Most modern laptops and many desktop computers are only equipped with USB serial ports.

All of this information, and photos of each product, is available in PDF format. You can download it here.
 
[I realize this thread is old, but it's what came up as a "summary" post when searching.]
It might be useful to folks to know the following, accurate at least as of late 2011:

Elk currently (again, late 2011) build two versions of their firmware: a 5.x branch for, among other things, compliance with Elk-produced Wireless expanders; and a 4.x branch for compliance with the GE / Caddx / NX-548E wireless expander. You can figure this out from the Elk site, manuals, and firmware changelogs, but it's never stated very clearly, not even in the manuals. And, apparently there are two versions of the manual -- one for each firmware. I had the added fun of having a 5.x M1EZ8 board shipped with a 4.x manual. Thus, my confusion where the manual seemed to indicate that an NX-548E was the right thing, but, once wired up, it didn't "talk" to the M1EZ8. The keypads skipped the first two options under the Wireless Definitions (s14) menu altogether, which was another indication of something being wrong. Again, simply calling this out in the Wireless Definitions section of the manual would have been helpful, since I read through the manual before buying the NX-648E. I guess I didn't do enough homework, even though I thought I had.

Also, helpfully, the resellers weren't apparently aware of this, which further confused me, since they couldn't confirm my reading of the changelog. Thankfully, Elk did respond very quickly to my direct inquiry confirming this. I requested that they add some language to the manual to do indicate the differences between firmware, so hopefully they'll do so.

Now, I have to get a serial control port onto the EZ8 (e.g., MSI) to allow me to "upgrade" (flash) the firmware "back" to the 4.x branch. Hopefully that will go well, although I don't happen to have a windows pc in the house that has a serial port. Since the Elk RP Software is windows-only... I'm going to try a Linux system, using Wine first, then -- if that doesn't work, either a USB-to-Serial converter or a Windows VM on the Linux host.
 
hi vargok, welcome to CocoonTech!

If your dealer wasn't aware of these ELK changes, then I am guessing you are dealing with a non-CTVA member, since the good dealers do know these kind of details.

As for ElkRP, the newer version is .NET based, so I won't work with Wine. I have tried the mono framework long time ago, without any success. Your best bet is to set up a VM running Windows, which is how I do it.
 
Also, I went through nightmares with serial-to-usb converters (in HA and networking Serial is still very important) - the one I swear by is this Aluratek model. I originally found it at Fry's and it worked on all my xp/vista/7 computers, as well as on servers and assigned to VM's... it's never let me down, even when W7 was brand new. I bought about 20 for my staff and for my HA computer.
 
So, the WINE route failed. .NET 2.0 is supposedly supported (although SP2 support is 'experimental'; I didn't even try 2.0-SP2). Elk RP would install, but not run.
I dropped back to Oracle VirtualBox-based WinXP VM. Everything looks to be running properly this way, passing /dev/ttyS0 through to the VM. I've been able to import the information from the board, and matches what I'd configured through the KeyPads. Next step will obviously be to attempt to flash the board with the v4.x Firmware and see where that gets me. Slightly tentative about it... ;)
 
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