I purchased an ELK M1 Gold because I was under the assumption that it ended up being much cheaper than the HAI solution. I was told, that this isn't exactly the case, and they come out very similar when you start adding things to the ELK. So now I'm a bit torn as to what I should do. I have the ELK plugged in and set up with some speakers and things on my workbench, and have the network interface attached to it.
I like the ElkRP software (even though I have to run it in a VM since it's Windows only). It's easy to use and gives me a ton of control. I do not like the fact that the ethernet interface is basically a serial->IP converter. I wish the unit had integrated ethernet, and the Java Applet that runs when you hit it needs some TLC from a graphics designer to make it at least look somewhat modern. I also have not dug into this much yet, but I would like to be able to send messages or commands into the ELK from other servers/systems on my network, and also receive them. It would be nice if the unit supported sending logs to a syslog server, and taking commands using SOAP or some other type of internet/web API standard. If it does this, someone please correct me.
HAI appears to me to have more 3rd party support. Both in the devices that it supports, and other companies that have made their products integrate with it. For example, the Pronto remotes, or the Domobec Moonshine keypads that are coming out. They also have integrated ethernet, although I am not sure how the capabilities of it differ from the ELK system. And I see that they've recently added Zigbee support, and I already have some Zigbee power monitoring stuff in my house (Brultech and KillAWatt with the Xbee mod). But, I have also heard that HAI is not exactly helpful to DIY'ers, which is a huge turnoff for me.
If I wanted to replicate the functionality of the following ELK equipment with HAI, what would I need to buy?
I think the reality of it is that I'm probably not going to be 100% happy with any embedded system solution. Both systems seem to have limited support for recording your own voice announcements. With ELK you have to buy a module, which IMO is one of the few ELK modules that is overpriced for what it does. I don't know how HAI handles it.
As of now, my goal is strictly security, temperature monitoring of my freezers, water leakage monitoring, and voice announcements for certain things (like garage being open after 10pm). I am also setting up the front doorbell with a two-way interface that will dial into my phone system (Freeswitch with Polycom IP phones) and ring all phones in the house and my cell phone. The system will just dial into the phone system through a Sipura SIP adapter that I put into the structured wiring panel, and I'll be able to talk to anyone at the front door of my house even if I'm not home.
But, at some point, I want sprinkler control, possible audio control, thermostats, etc. AND, I would like to have a system that ties it all together in one pretty interface that I can access on a computer, iPhone/iTouch, Blackberry, or whatever. And, I also have surveillance cams that would be nice to get into the central interface. So it seems like, at least from what I've seen that HAI might have more support for this stuff. But, if it's drastically more expensive, then I'll stick with the ELK and just make product suggestions to them on a regular basis.
I heard their Chief Engineer is a great guy and actually talks to his customers.
I like the ElkRP software (even though I have to run it in a VM since it's Windows only). It's easy to use and gives me a ton of control. I do not like the fact that the ethernet interface is basically a serial->IP converter. I wish the unit had integrated ethernet, and the Java Applet that runs when you hit it needs some TLC from a graphics designer to make it at least look somewhat modern. I also have not dug into this much yet, but I would like to be able to send messages or commands into the ELK from other servers/systems on my network, and also receive them. It would be nice if the unit supported sending logs to a syslog server, and taking commands using SOAP or some other type of internet/web API standard. If it does this, someone please correct me.
HAI appears to me to have more 3rd party support. Both in the devices that it supports, and other companies that have made their products integrate with it. For example, the Pronto remotes, or the Domobec Moonshine keypads that are coming out. They also have integrated ethernet, although I am not sure how the capabilities of it differ from the ELK system. And I see that they've recently added Zigbee support, and I already have some Zigbee power monitoring stuff in my house (Brultech and KillAWatt with the Xbee mod). But, I have also heard that HAI is not exactly helpful to DIY'ers, which is a huge turnoff for me.
If I wanted to replicate the functionality of the following ELK equipment with HAI, what would I need to buy?
Code:
1 ELK-M1GKS - Elk System with new KP2 and no cabinet
2 ELK-M1KPAS - M1 Arming Station
1 ELK-M1XEP - M1 Ethernet Port Interface
1 ELK-M1XIN - M1 16 Zone Input Expander
2 ELK-M1ZTSR - M1 Zone Temperature Interface with 7 foot Remote Probe
1 ELK-SWB28 - 28" Elk Structured Wiring Box with cover and lock
1 ELK-M1XRF2G - Crystal Wireless Receiver for Elk
1 ELK-M1DBH - Data Bus Hub
1 ELK-M1TWK - M1 Two Way Listen-in KITI think the reality of it is that I'm probably not going to be 100% happy with any embedded system solution. Both systems seem to have limited support for recording your own voice announcements. With ELK you have to buy a module, which IMO is one of the few ELK modules that is overpriced for what it does. I don't know how HAI handles it.
As of now, my goal is strictly security, temperature monitoring of my freezers, water leakage monitoring, and voice announcements for certain things (like garage being open after 10pm). I am also setting up the front doorbell with a two-way interface that will dial into my phone system (Freeswitch with Polycom IP phones) and ring all phones in the house and my cell phone. The system will just dial into the phone system through a Sipura SIP adapter that I put into the structured wiring panel, and I'll be able to talk to anyone at the front door of my house even if I'm not home.
But, at some point, I want sprinkler control, possible audio control, thermostats, etc. AND, I would like to have a system that ties it all together in one pretty interface that I can access on a computer, iPhone/iTouch, Blackberry, or whatever. And, I also have surveillance cams that would be nice to get into the central interface. So it seems like, at least from what I've seen that HAI might have more support for this stuff. But, if it's drastically more expensive, then I'll stick with the ELK and just make product suggestions to them on a regular basis.
I heard their Chief Engineer is a great guy and actually talks to his customers.
Especially about home automation.
