New Uplink Install with Elk

[sbex55]

I'm looking to setup central monitoring through cellular service for my home.  Does this list look complete to add to my current Elk system:

Uplink 4500EZ
Uplink Serial Cable (4500CAB)
Elk XSP
Elk P983 (Enclosure and Power Supply)
Elk TRG1640 Transformer
Elk 1280 Battery

Questions:

- Is the Uplink 4500EZ the correct model for me?  I'm not sure what the other Uplink 45XX models provide me.

- Is the P983 enclosure large enough to house the XSP, Battery and Transformer?

- Is it ok to locate the enclosure with the XSP away from the main panel (approx 50')?

- I was planning to run Cat5 to the enclosure but I will only use 4 wires for the XSP, correct?  I am not planning to use the DBH.

- What's the typical cell service used?  Another # on my verizon wireless or ... ? 
 
Thanks for the help!

 

[Del91574]

1. Yes, unless you're intending dialer capture, which in the case of the Elk is not necessary and to the contrary, is detrimental to bidirectional supervision of the cell by the panel....the panel would always be happy no matter what the case, however you would need to tie a supervisory pair from the dialer capture unit back to the M1 just to provide feedback to an end user of any issues.
 
2. Yes.
 
3. Standard install procedure...you're going for best signal, not convenience for service or install.
 
4. Depends on your topology, but you're going to need a heavier pair (18/2 or larger) to power the transformer for the cell.
 
5. No, is handled by the dealer side of Uplink. It's not a SIM or card added to your service as the service is data only.

 

[sbex55]

1. Yes, unless you're intending dialer capture, which in the case of the Elk is not necessary and to the contrary, is detrimental to bidirectional supervision of the cell by the panel....the panel would always be happy no matter what the case, however you would need to tie a supervisory pair from the dialer capture unit back to the M1 just to provide feedback to an end user of any issues.
 
2. Yes.
 
3. Standard install procedure...you're going for best signal, not convenience for service or install.
 
4. Depends on your topology, but you're going to need a heavier pair (18/2 or larger) to power the transformer for the cell.
 
5. No, is handled by the dealer side of Uplink. It's not a SIM or card added to your service as the service is data only.

 
Thank you.  I'm not fully following your answer for #4.  The transformer will be in the Uplink enclosure so I need to use 18/2 between the transformer and the cell, correct?
 
Regarding 'the dealer side of Uplink'.  Does the Uplink equipment need to be installed by someone in their dealer network?  I was assuming I could do the installation and call an Uplink dealer for the service.

 

[chrisexv6]

Thank you.  I'm not fully following your answer for #4.  The transformer will be in the Uplink enclosure so I need to use 18/2 between the transformer and the cell, correct?
 
Regarding 'the dealer side of Uplink'.  Does the Uplink equipment need to be installed by someone in their dealer network?  I was assuming I could do the installation and call an Uplink dealer for the service.

 
Re #4:
 
You need the data on the CAT5, but also 18-2 to feed power to the Uplink (or the power board in the P983 can).  You cant use CAT cable for both, the conductors on the CAT are much too small to carry the current.
 
I have the same basic setup and ran 18-2 for power directly to the Uplink (since Im powering it off a larger Altronix PSU located near the main panel)

 

[Del91574]

The P983 is a separate power supply and transformer. Since you're already running a CAT to the XSP, running an 18/2 (or heavier to account for distance/voltage drop) to locate the transformer in a convenient location, such as near the M1's transformer, etc. would be a sensible practice, but that transformer can be installed anywhere (just make note of where it is for service in the future, if it's not readily apparent).

 

[sbex55]

The P983 is a separate power supply and transformer. Since you're already running a CAT to the XSP, running an 18/2 (or heavier to account for distance/voltage drop) to locate the transformer in a convenient location, such as near the M1's transformer, etc. would be a sensible practice, but that transformer can be installed anywhere (just make note of where it is for service in the future, if it's not readily apparent).

 
Now i get it.  I was thinking the transformer would be inside the P983 enclosure similar to the 28" enclosure.  What I forgot was the fact the Uplink enclosure is mounted on the wall (not recessed).   Is it good practice to run the Uplink transformer wire into the Elk enclosure and plug the transformer in there?  My Elk enclosure is recessed.
 
Thanks!

 

[Del91574]

Depends on the transformer you're using.

Assuming you're using an Elk 1640 for the M1 and the same for the PS in the 983, you're not going to be able to plug both into a single duplex outlet, the transformer(s) are 3 prong.
 
In my own personal M1 (with 2 28" enclosures side by side) I have a power strip that is on a plate designed for the enclosure plugged into the duplex with the transformers for the system, power supplies, etc. plugged into that. YMMV

 

[sbex55]

Depends on the transformer you're using.

Assuming you're using an Elk 1640 for the M1 and the same for the PS in the 983, you're not going to be able to plug both into a single duplex outlet, the transformer(s) are 3 prong.
 
In my own personal M1 (with 2 28" enclosures side by side) I have a power strip that is on a plate designed for the enclosure plugged into the duplex with the transformers for the system, power supplies, etc. plugged into that. YMMV

 
Thanks.  I was planning on putting a power strip in the 28" enclosure.  Just gotta find one that fits nicely and attached to the box.
 
Regarding the dealer side of Uplink.  Does the Uplink equipment need to be installed by someone in their dealer network?  I was assuming I could do the installation and call an Uplink dealer for the service.

 

[Del91574]

On-Q makes a decent strip that won't break the bank, sized to fit 4 plug in transformers on it.
 
Can be done that way....but you need to make sure you have service/coverage where the cell is proposed to be installed, then the rest is on the dealer side....but they'll need to know how the system is communicating to the CS for the dealer side. Uplink can either have a direct TCP/IP to the CS (if supported by them) or mimic a panel connected to a POTS line (retransmit data as received by them).

The CS config is done by the dealer but they need to know all the CS information to do such.

 

[sbex55]

Excellent.  Thank you!