No Elk + Geoarm

[Linwood]

Just thought I'd post this for people looking.  I was checking around for monitoring alternatives to NextAlarm, and ran across Geoarm.  I found little written about them, but they had a A+ rating at BBB and the little I found written was good.
 
Called for a quote -- they said they wont' do Elk, that it is "proprietary" and "we've had trouble".   No quote, just flat "will not do".
 
Just in case anyone else is shopping. 
 
PS. I've had the Elk now a couple years, and it's been nothing but reliable, and seems extremely standards-supporting, so this posting is about Geoarm, not to imply anything negative about Elk.  I'd buy the same thing again in a heartbeat. 

 

[Del91574]

Elk is universally compatible. The only item that requires compatibility is the TCP/IP settings.

I think the main issue is there's so many variables that they don't know how to set them up and get them configured to get an account online.
 
It's not as straightforward and cut/dry as enter 7 and make sure all these are all set to non-zero.

 

[MollyCoontastic]

GeoArm monitors Elk security systems that are not proprietary (meaning that they do not have a lockout code from another company to prevent access to programming mode).
 
Most other alarm companies, unfortunately use lock out codes, to limit access for many reasons including client retention and to reduce user error (from changing these fields).
 
GeoArm Security Solutions was very useful in reprogramming my unlocked Elk alarm system and had NO issues sending the alarm monitoring signals over the Comcast VoIP lines to their central monitoring station.
 
I highly recommend GeoArm and their technicians expertise to fellow Elk clients!

 

[Linwood]

I'm sorry, but this appears to have changed.  I pointed out to the tech I did my own panel programming, and he flat out refused.
 
I then sent a note to Geoarm sales pointing out this conversation, and the fact that their web site listed Elk. I closed it saying "If Dan was wrong in his answer, please respond, let's talk" as I was interested in their service.  I sent it 3/13/14 about noon, so it's been about 2 business days, with no response.
 
I guess it is possible that both Dan (the salesman who refused to sign me up) and the lack of response are both mistakes, but it appears that Geoarm is no longer interested in Elk.
 
If someone subsequently manages to sign up, let me know.   Though at the moment I'm in the process of signing up with Alarm Relay and moving over.

 

[MollyCoontastic]

Dedicated Cocooner, 
 
I am using a digital voip line, which they most certainly do. I had the installer code because I complained to my local alarm company about locking me out, so they gave it to me which made it a breeze for geoarm to tell me what to press on my Elk keypad. On their website, they only mention phone and voip communications, so perhaps you are looking to send the signals another method?
 
If you do not have the installer code (as I didnt have initially), they are right from what I know to advise you to look elsewhere. Most companies are not as honest from the get go!