New Elk M1 Gold Install - Thermostat, Smoke, Motion, Lighting, Sensor Recommendations Please...

[chrishet]

I think my subject line says it all....I have a new m1 gold system and am in the process of installing it and I would appreciate a few recommendations on a few devices.

1) Thermostats - I will need two thermostats, non heat pump system. My wife and kids like to overide my existing programable thermostats so I will need a device that the Elk can overide thier overide after a period of time. My installer is recommending a Z-Wave approach, with a ZWSTAT - I've never heard of these stats. I see a lot of folks here use Omnistat and RCS over a XSP module.
2) Lighting Control - I have some experience with UPB devices using an Elk system at work but for my home I open to new ideas.
3) Sensors - I have several new windows and doors that I will need sensors on and wireless is my only option so I need a recommendation on sensors - low profile
4) Motion - I will also need a motion detector for my media room, this will also need to be wireless.
5) Smoke Detectors - These can be wired or wireless

Thanks in advance!

-Chris

 

[Del91574]

1. I would recommend the Omnistat and XSP personally. Takes a lot of hardware out of the equation and hardwired is always going to be more robust compared to Zwave or other RF/PLC signal.

2. Depends on budget and technology interface. If you're only replacing some minor devices, Zwave or UPB would be a easy integration. If you want more complex actions, offloading to an ISY or more robust controller/hardware is usually a more common approach for most.

3. Contrary to most, I'd go with a Honeywell receiver as they offer a larger variety of sensors in comparison to the GE receiver. Cost of the receiver and devices are generally a wash, but most resellers tend to carry GE RF devices for whatever reason.

4. Post above.

5. Would wire wherever possible, personally a 2 wire continous loop unless impossible. Too many issues to suggest individual 4 wire units/zones. If you really want to know which smoke went off and don't require tandem ring, then RF is honestly the way to go.

 

[chrishet]

Thx for the suggestions! Question on the Omnistat....can I overide the holds placed at the thermostat? as per my post my wife may overide the temp and I would like the Elk to restore programming after xx minutes...if possible...Thx

 

[Del91574]

Doing a quick look, it appears you should be able to pull the holds off and/or change to auto, etc. How it's implemented would be determined via rules.

 

[chrishet]

This week I installed my M1 panel....and man am I having fun! I also installed an M1XEP module, an M1XSP module, an M1XRF2H wireless receiver, 2 keypads, 2 HAI Omnistat 2 Tstats, 3 smokes, an M1DBH data bus hub, an M1XOVR output expander, and I have an M1XIN zone extender and M1PCSPIM UPB interface on order. I have also successfully connected to M12GO and eKeypad Pro.

The rules I have written do override the Omnistats. Basically I have two rules that execute a task every hour (comfort mode task or economy mode task, depending on time of day)...so if a family member overrides the Tstat the M1 will return it back to the appropriate mode after a period of time.