Mods: Not sure if this should be posted here, or in another section of the forum, but wanted to document, and most importatnly have a single place to ask questions and get some help with my Elk instal, both for me, and future rookies doing a DIY install. If necessary, please move.
I'm currently running an ISY w/Insteon for my home automation, and adding an Elk M1 for security.
I've got the items purchased and laid out, and am currently trying to determine how everything connects, followed by the obvious programming issues I'm sure I'd run into. I'm coming at this as an advanced home DIY'er, if you will, but this is a first for me as far as wiring/security systems are concerned. I'm not afraid to learn and take the time, so figured a DIY on this install would be fun.
I'd like to keep one thread going to go to for help with quesitons on my install. Any support you folks can give would be much appreciated!!
Here's what I'm working with:
Elk M1 Gold + 28" Cab
Elk M1 KP2 Keypad
Elk M1 XEP (Ethernet Module for connection to ISY)
Elk 952 In-Line Surge Protector
Elk M1 XRF2H (Honeywell Wireless Module)
Elk M1 DBHR Data Bus Hub Retrofit (not sure if I need this, but the gentleman from AutomatedOutlet recommended I did)
There are some other miscellaneous pieces (speakers, wireless door/window sensors, etc) also, however not of much concern to me at the moment. The system will be mostly wireless, as running cable through the existing home would be near impossible. Theres a part of the basement that is unfinished that does give me access (that I need) to help, but for the most part doors/windows will all be wireless.
I'm currently using MobiLinc for my HA control, but toying with trying out eKeypad. The KP2 will be mounted directly next to my M1, and the only controller / keypad we will have will be an in-wall mounted iPad to alarm/disarm, etc. Our front door and garage door both enter into our foyer, and is the only means we ever enter/leave the home. Thus the iPad mounted here should suffice as my only kepyad, except for the KP2 next to the M1.
My big task now is to get the M1 on the wall, all the above pieces installed correctly, and then move on to the programming. Once that's done, I'll worry about expanding the system.
With all that said...
My first question is: Do I need to "steal" the home phone line right where it comes into the home and connect it to the M1, or can I just run a phone line from the wall in the room where the M1 is located to it, and call it a day? We do not currently have a single phone hooked up to our home phone lines (only use cell phones), and don't have any plans to ever use any in the future. Thus, I'm not to concerned with the system needing to take control of the lines for a call out in case of emergency, as it will be the only thing ever making a call out. Is there anything I'm missing, or can I simply connect a phone line to the nearest phone jack and call it a day? (Wall phone outlet --> Elk 952 Surge --> Elk RJSET --> M1)?
Again, any help now or in the future with my install is very much appreciated!!
I'm currently running an ISY w/Insteon for my home automation, and adding an Elk M1 for security.
I've got the items purchased and laid out, and am currently trying to determine how everything connects, followed by the obvious programming issues I'm sure I'd run into. I'm coming at this as an advanced home DIY'er, if you will, but this is a first for me as far as wiring/security systems are concerned. I'm not afraid to learn and take the time, so figured a DIY on this install would be fun.
I'd like to keep one thread going to go to for help with quesitons on my install. Any support you folks can give would be much appreciated!!
Here's what I'm working with:
Elk M1 Gold + 28" Cab
Elk M1 KP2 Keypad
Elk M1 XEP (Ethernet Module for connection to ISY)
Elk 952 In-Line Surge Protector
Elk M1 XRF2H (Honeywell Wireless Module)
Elk M1 DBHR Data Bus Hub Retrofit (not sure if I need this, but the gentleman from AutomatedOutlet recommended I did)
There are some other miscellaneous pieces (speakers, wireless door/window sensors, etc) also, however not of much concern to me at the moment. The system will be mostly wireless, as running cable through the existing home would be near impossible. Theres a part of the basement that is unfinished that does give me access (that I need) to help, but for the most part doors/windows will all be wireless.
I'm currently using MobiLinc for my HA control, but toying with trying out eKeypad. The KP2 will be mounted directly next to my M1, and the only controller / keypad we will have will be an in-wall mounted iPad to alarm/disarm, etc. Our front door and garage door both enter into our foyer, and is the only means we ever enter/leave the home. Thus the iPad mounted here should suffice as my only kepyad, except for the KP2 next to the M1.
My big task now is to get the M1 on the wall, all the above pieces installed correctly, and then move on to the programming. Once that's done, I'll worry about expanding the system.
With all that said...
My first question is: Do I need to "steal" the home phone line right where it comes into the home and connect it to the M1, or can I just run a phone line from the wall in the room where the M1 is located to it, and call it a day? We do not currently have a single phone hooked up to our home phone lines (only use cell phones), and don't have any plans to ever use any in the future. Thus, I'm not to concerned with the system needing to take control of the lines for a call out in case of emergency, as it will be the only thing ever making a call out. Is there anything I'm missing, or can I simply connect a phone line to the nearest phone jack and call it a day? (Wall phone outlet --> Elk 952 Surge --> Elk RJSET --> M1)?
Again, any help now or in the future with my install is very much appreciated!!