Linking ELK-M1 to ISY994i - Question

[Grayson5]

Hi,
 
I recently installed the ELK-M1 and I am now looking to get into lighting controls.  Since I planning on controlling many lights I know I need the ISY994i, but my question is linking the M1 to the ISY.  
 
I thought I read on the forums that this can be done over the network (I have the ELK-M1XEP installed and working) and that I DON'T need the ELK-M1XSP, but I want to be sure.  Is this correct?
 
If it can be done over the home network, how difficult is it?  
 
Thanks!
 
John

 

[apostolakisl]

That is correct.  It uses the xep.
 
Linking it is no different than most other things.  You need to have a basic understanding of how a LAN works.
 
You will almost certainly want the Elk module for ISY.  Without it, ISY has only very limited communication.  The module is not a physical thing, it is just a license that you buy and they activate the feature.

 

[oronomus]

With ISY's ELK module, you can perform some very helpful tasks.  For example, when I leave the house for a few days, I set the ELK to "vacation"  which automatically triggers several ISY programs, including moving the thermostats up, disabling the usual thermostat programs, enabling random lights to go on and off at night, enabling cameras, disabling certain light functions such as outdoor lighting sequences, etc. In daily use of the ELK, I set it to "Away" mode which does not trigger the "Vacation" mode settings.  When I return and disarm the ELK, all of the usual daily programs and thermostat settings are re-enabled.  Another great feature is the ability to arm or disarm the ELK from remote locations.  There are a number of ways to do this, but I generally use Logmein to access the ELK console.