Multiple security systems in one install . . .

[ceady]

Curious to to see if it is possible to put something like an ELKm1g alongside an existing security system and share inputs?

The idea being if someone already has a monitored security solution and is happy with it, then later want to add home automation. What would be the best way to go about it? Would it be better to run new sensors and ELK? Or could you use something like an optocoupler on each sensor line and run it to the elk to share sensors?

Anyone done anything along these lines?

Thanks

 

[Steve]

Purely my $.02 but if someone is putting in an Elk, just replace the existing. They can get the Elk monitored just as easily (unless they are paying crazy proprietary rates to ADT, etc). So, if going to the expense of an Elk (which really a security panel FIRST, with some good automation capability), I can't think of a good reason to not just use the Elk and replace the old system. If you were just really happy with your existing security panel and wanted to add automation, I would probably look at something like the Cortexa to add just automation and hopefully you have one of the supported security systems to tie into it. Or any other automation system like HomeSeer (pro model if you want 'panel'), etc.

 

[fcwilt]

While it it possible I would not consider it practical. I faced a similar situation and ended up just replacing the existing security system with the ELK and went from there. In my case all of the door and window sensors were of the wireless kind (GE) and worked with the new ELK receiver. The wired smoke detectors, keypad wiring and speakers were compatible as well. So in one evening the old system was history and the ELK up and running. No regrets.

 

[Spanky]

It could be difficult to parallel the sensor zone wiring since not all security systems use the same voltage trip points on the zone inputs. Your old security system wiring should work fine with the ELK M1. The only issue may be end of line resistor values if your old system has them. If it does not have end of line resistors just program the zone definition in the M1 for no end of line resistors and it will work fine.

Bottom line is it will be far easier to move the security system to the M1 than try to run parallel systems.

 

[ceady]

Thanks for the responses. . .

Looks like replacing is the way to go.