Noob Question: Elk M1 Gold

doctorjz

New Member
Hey guys,

First time on the forums here and little overwhelmed from my searches. I have read a few posts and still a little confused. I currently have an ADT Safewatch 3000en. My contract ended and now I want to get into another system that will allow me to expand into Home Automation. Nothing crazy, just starting with the security system (self monitoring to start over broadband) and then into thermostats and lighting.

From what I have read the Elk M1 Gold seems like the easiest setup and install for me. However I just want to make sure its not too difficult.

Do the resistors need to stay on each Zone wire when setting up the Elk system? Also how was the programming setup for other DIYers?

Thanks guys!
 
The 2200 ohm resistors are for tamper detection, but you can configure your system without them. The manual for the Elk is very detailed and shows how to connect everything up. Your purchase of an Elk panel will include new resistors. I purchased the panel as a kit that included a new enclosure specifically for the Elk with all the options I wanted.

There are number of ways to program your Elk. A serial cable to a Windows based computer is one way, but I highly recommend getting the M1XEP Ethernet interface which allows remote programming from any Windows computer on your network. In either case you need to download and install the free Elk RP software from the Elk web site on a Windows machine which will allow you to program your Elk zones, alarms, triggers, rules, etc.
The Ethernet interface also allows you to remotely control your Elk using he built in Web interface which is not very exciting, or you can purchase an app (http://blog.ekeypad.net) for your mobile device to control your Elk via a mobile phone, theoretically from anywhere in the world once you configure the XEP and your router correctly.

If your house is already pre-wired for zones, moving the connections from your old security panel to a new is fairly straight forward. Some alarm companies and builders elect to wire multiple window/door sensors to a single zone in order to use a less expensive board with less inputs. I had to separate mine from one another and of course the labeling on the wires for which window/door it was wired to was incorrect. An inexpensive volt/ohm meter is all you need.


You can register for an Elk Owners account and log in to down load manuals, software, etc. There are also example programs on the site as well.
http://www.elkproduc...er_support.html


One you install the Elk you can add lighting controls for any number of technologies, but that is a question for later.
 
The entire house is pre-wired. Are those resistors needed for a purpose or should I just remove them?

Thanks again for the reply. This definitely helps!
 
There are there to help you detect wiring issues and also if someone tampers with it. You can either replace them with the Elk resistors or remove them, you just need to configure the zone type for what you do. They come free with the Elk so it really just comes down to time/complexity.

Programming is pretty simple with ElkRP. Most of the complexity lies in terminating everything properly, especially the bus terminations. There are issues and limitations with things like email, etc. You will see many threads on that kinda stuff.
 
From a newb to a noob: I just completed my first Elk install, replacing a Brinks system (though mine didn't have EOL resistors, and I'm not running them). Although, I wasn't given access to the Elk site for downloads until I submitted the serial number of my new unit directly to Elk.

On programming: the basics were fairly straightforward, as were most of the rules for my choice of reporting (I'm also self- monitoring). But some tricky rules I just couldn't figure out, and got my answers here. It appears there is just no book on rules, you have to play with them and inquire on this forum.

One place you can access without a logon is here: http://m1dealer.elkproducts.com/ You can view numerous videos starting with the most basic, and leading up to the programming basics presented in a tutorial format. Heck, I'm not sure I was even supposed to be able to access that site, but hey, it's not blocked!

If you read my profile, you will see why I went to self-monitoring. Now, the Elk has my cell phone ringing in 13 seconds when a zone is violated, reporting exactly which window or door was opened. Nice. Next up for me will be surveillance, but that's probably a ways down the road.

Jump in, you'll enjoy the ride! And you won't regret it.
 
This is all great information. Thanks for the replies. Has anyone tried hooking up the phone line to a VOIP service like vonage or ooma? Assuming thats how you have the system call you.
 
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