Need Adviser Elk M1 Gold

[trg-s338]

Folks,

I've been on and off the forum learning from the competent people here. But one has to know his limits. I am having difficulty with getting the system programmed to a functional state, I just don't know what to do next. All the hard wiring is done per the manual and the system is just waiting for someone in the know to fire it up.

Can anyone recommend a professional installer of the Elk M1 system that is willing to consult and advise, perhaps continue additional installation of options my wife is interested in. Someone from this forum and is friendly to the undertaking I've done as a do it yourself person, would be great. Of course I would be willing to pay for a reasonable fee for service.

I am in south Orange County, California zip 92677. Thank you.

Manny
[email protected]

 

[WayneW]

What part are you stuck on? I am sure we can help you here, if you don't get somebody on-site quickly.

 

[Sandpiper]

To get you going, just program the zones. Use the manual to understand the different settings for them. The rest can come later, as you learn and as you have time. Ask questions.......

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

Another option to consider would be to use a remote PC interface such as LogMeIn.com and have someone program your RP software, maybe even as you are stating desired options over the phone, then just load up the program and test it out.

Might take a few iterations, but I'm betting you could get 90% of the features you want using this methodology.

I would volunteer, but my Elk expertise is limited and there are FAR more competent members on this forum.

 

[AutomatedOutlet]

I would be happy to help with it.

 

[trg-s338]

I would be happy to help with it.

My wife has been patient in allowing me to have the time to get the system going but recent family events on her side has got her somewhat disturbed and she just wants someone to come and help me finish the alarm as well as evaluate what other enhancements like cameras on all sides that can be piped in to the house TV. This is all beyond my capabilities I believe. I can follow a diagram, am mechanically inclined, can probably rough wire a new house but the application of electriconics theory in most forms is a great weakness in my DIY skills.

I appreciate the suggestions given thus far and I could likely get it done with some guidance from you folks but the recent family developments mentioned above and the fact that I've allowed this install to languish some 3 years has got me wanting to get this done with some live hands on help with someone who knows about the Elk in particaular and home alarms in general. I also have to consider the investment I have in the system. I don't want to alarm any of you about the urgency as I think my personal security issues are manageable but this project needs to get done soon. All the personal reasons we do projects ourselves such as personal satisfaction, learning, and maybe saving some in the cost have to be set aside for another project another day. I am not "wealthy" or "rich" by any definition but my wife and I have decided to appropriate a certain amount of funds to get it done, not a great amount but likely enough to get it done for us and be worth someones time to do.

If there are no Elk competent people close to me from this forum, any suggestions on where to turn for the kind of help I seek will be much appreciated. I notice that you folks that have responded to my post so far are out of state. Thanks.

 

[Kevin L]

How are you planning to have the system monitored? If you are going to use a local central station company, they likely have competent techs that can work with most systems if they have the manual. That's what I did with my system. I used a local company to wire the house while it was being built, install the smoke and CO detectors, the keypads, contacts, etc., and wire the Elk in. They did a basic security programming and then I installed the other components and am doing further programming using ElkRP.

After the techs worked with the Elk, two of them are removing the DSC systems in their homes and installing Elks.

Good luck,

Kevin

 

[Neurorad]

A big problem with Elk is that they don't keep records of qualified installers - they direct you to a local distributor/rep who may know some people.

What I'd do:
1. Fill out the online form on the Elk website .
2. Call all local residential security system installers to find out if they have experience with Elk.

I bet you'll find a professional installer who is willing to learn how to program the Elk, if you don't find someone experienced.

If you come up short, call Santa Barbara Smarthomes - although 2 hours north, CT member pkoslow may know someone nearby.

Home Security Store, an online and brick & mortar retail shop in Riverside, may be able to give you a tip on an installer.

Another place to look would be the remotecentral.com Custom Installers Lounge forum.

 

[felixrosbergen]

What is your rough location? I am in Connecticut.

As previously offered by others, I am happy to spend a few hours with you ont he phpne remotely programming the ELK. I'm not a pro, but once you get going it's not nearly as difficult as it first seems.

I recently completed my own ELK install and am happy with it..it's functional and does all it needs to do. With regards to other options beyound alarm i'm not sure if i can help.

Whatever your situation is, I'm sure you're better of spending your money on something other then somebody to program you ELK when they're so many people here capable of doing it.

You choice..

 

[Spanky]

To find a local installer in your area, the best thing to do is to contact the Elk sales rep for your area. The sales reps are listed on the www.elkproducts.com website. They are the most familiar with installers in your area or can direct you to a distributor that is familiar with an installer in your area. There are a lot of Elk installers in California.

 

[trg-s338]

To find a local installer in your area, the best thing to do is to contact the Elk sales rep for your area. The sales reps are listed on the www.elkproducts.com website. They are the most familiar with installers in your area or can direct you to a distributor that is familiar with an installer in your area. There are a lot of Elk installers in California.

Thank you sir, this is very good advise and I thank you and others who have responded to my query. I indeed contacted the dealer in San Diego that I purchased the system from and they promised to get back to me after referring my inquiry to the appropriate person in their company. I am awaiting the callback.