My reluctant head long dive back into HA

[etc6849]

Yeah, there are things you can do with the Elk like add a W800RF32 to use X10 palm pads and wireless door sensors. However, the $100 to add the serial expander board for one device and the manual set up involved (e.g. actually inputting things at the protocol level) make no sense compared to a PC. Of course Premise has a free opensource W800RF32 module, so adding one is a point and click exercise The nice thing about a PC is I can have as many serial devices I want for under $20.

Further, things like A/V receivers, TVs, Projectors etc usually have RS232 ports. While you can probably implement simple things using ElkRP like power on, etc, it would cost a lot more, be a lot work and not as versatile.

With Premise, all protocols are implemented at the module level, so this makes adding things very easy (assuming a module for the device is already posted). It also makes macros a simple point and click exercise.

Of course, I'm not even mentioning the lack of ip control with the Elk. Elk cannot control IP based devices, while a PC can. For example, I use the OBi110 with my phone and get a lot of information from sniffing syslog log packets. There's a free module posted for Premise, that makes setting this up very easy.

 

[drvnbysound]

Yeah, I'm actually planning to connect my LG TV's to Elk via XSP in the near future. The protocol is very simply and straight forward, and I'm only looking to do some very simple things with it (e.g. change input based on doorbell press - for CCTV). Depending on how that integration goes, it may be the point at which I start to move toward a PC based solution... we'll see. My Pioneer AVR also has a RS-232 port, but I haven't yet had a desire to get it "connected" - the only thing that I've thought of is to have it turn on when I disarm the panel when I return home... but that's a pretty simple thing to do (even if I have to labor and do it manually )

 

[GadgetNerd]

In a pure Elk M1 environment, what is the preferred programming interface? I have an M1 Kit and XEP "in the mail". I prefer to sit at my PC and do as much as possible.

 

[drvnbysound]

Elk RP2 is the latest version of the PC application.

Once you receive your M1G, you can submit an application via Elk's website for access to their support section; access requires that you provide a serial number of the M1G. This includes all documentation, software downloads, video tutorials, etc.

 

[GadgetNerd]

Great. While I wait, I'm just spending my time reading about all the cool systems you guys have put together. I suppose I "should" be wiring up sensors and such in preparation.

 

[Bauerlein44]

I too am a recent addition to the "Home Automation Bug." 10 or so years ago, I had x10 throughout my house. Things changed and I eventually ended up converting almost everything back to normal. For some reason the bug bit again. I have alot of X10 still and I just got my first 2 z-wave devices in the mail. I will be connecting them in the next day or two. I use Home Seer and for me, the learning curve is pretty steep. But I am making progress. I just recently was able to get remote access to Home Seer from my smartphone. I am unsure about z-wave. For example, if I want 2 x10 modules to have the same house/.Unit code, it is a simple matter to dial them up. I'm not sure that is even possible with z-wave based modules with my current level of knowledge.
At some point, I will want to get rid of my ADT alarm system and get s new system with heavy integration into home automation.
Based on what I am reading, I need to give the Elk M-1 a long hard look even though it is pricey. I am enjoying learning all OI can about home automation even if it can sometimes be frustrating. Not sure where this road is going but i am enjoying the ride.