State of ELK-M1XRFTW

[Dewy13]

Hi guys,
 
I'm looking to install a ELK-M1XRFTW but I wanted to get some feedback before I took the plunge. Running wires isn't an option, unfortunately except to a small few zones. So wireless looks to be the only solution. But before I dropped the $$$ on wireless (Door, window and motion sensors) I was curious reading the specs it says the signal strength is adjusted to conserve power. With a sensor placed 100+ ft away (not line of sight) will this dramatically decrease the battery life from it's stated 7 years typical?
 
Also I'd be curious on any experience from installed applications as too range, reliability, battery life and any other useful knowledge?
 
Thanks guys for any and all feedback, I just want to make a informed decision. The thought of switching to wireless instead of wired scares me, haha.
 
Thanks

 

[tmbrown97]

The Elk product is pretty new and has a limited set of options, but they do seem OK and tend to work well although admittedly I have no first-hand experience with them.  If you want a larger set of options, then the GE or Honeywell receivers have tons more options, but no two-way capability.
 
I'm not a fan of surface mount sensors personally so that's enough to deter me.

 

[snakevargas]

I looked into the options before choosing the GE receiver. It seemed like the prices for the elk sensors were much more expensive than the GE sensors. I also really liked the availability of the GE-compatible "ION" wireless sensors that install inside a door/window frame. Those sensors were super-easy for me to install, are pretty well hidden, and so far have had no issues.
 
Also a GE-compatible option is the Shatterpro glassbreak. I'm using one of those.

 

[Del91574]

Personally, I think the bidirectional Elk is of little importance (though it is a nice sales point) for anything but a keyfob. Given the options in Honeywell or GE, I'd pick those items first. If a site survey and normal install practices are not followed, it really doesn't matter if the RF is bidirectional or not.
 
One of my first Elk wireless installs is almost 8 years old on the original device batteries (EZ8 with NX 548E).
 
The distance really doesn't make a difference in battery life, no matter the manufacturer, the amount of times it transmits does.