Strugling with Caddx - want to go ELK M1

[theedudenator]

I have had my Caddx system for a year now, and am really struggling with the software/home automation portion.
I never really got X10 to work with the Caddx.

I am not switching and installing insteon devices, which I like better.
I am looking to switch from the Caddx to an Elk M1 system.
From what I have read this can directly work with the insteon.

Will I need to replace all of my Caddx items?
The caddx wireless expander card?
Caddx wired LCD panels?
Wireless motion sensors?

Anyone help me purchase the Elk system? Is there a specific system for insteon or is it just a software update?

 

[theedudenator]

I see that Elk supports the GE wireless.

I guess the keypad support is not that bad if it will not work.

Now I am trying to figure out what Elk I need.

 

[sic0048]

At first blush, I think you'll have to replace all the alarm hardware. The contacts, sensors, etc can all be reused, even wireless ones, But you'll need a new alarm brain, wireless card, keypads, expander cards, etc.

 

[Digger]

You should look at the ISY to work with the Insteon and the ELK as that is the only device that will keep the ELK up to date on the status of the Insteon. A little pricey but very necessary and well worth it if you are going to use Insteon (it makes up for a lot of shortcomings of Insteon)..

 

[theedudenator]

It says that my existing wireless card will work with the Elk.
So I need a new alarm brain and keypad.
I don't use any expander cards, since the wireless card acts like one.

At first blush, I think you'll have to replace all the alarm hardware. The contacts, sensors, etc can all be reused, even wireless ones, But you'll need a new alarm brain, wireless card, keypads, expander cards, etc.

 

[theedudenator]

That is rather expensive!
Are there other options that are cheaper besides Insteon?

You should look at the ISY to work with the Insteon and the ELK as that is the only device that will keep the ELK up to date on the status of the Insteon. A little pricey but very necessary and well worth it if you are going to use Insteon (it makes up for a lot of shortcomings of Insteon)..

 

[Phil Clayton]

I have had my Caddx system for a year now, and am really struggling with the software/home automation portion.
I never really got X10 to work with the Caddx.

I am not switching and installing insteon devices, which I like better.
I am looking to switch from the Caddx to an Elk M1 system.
From what I have read this can directly work with the insteon.

Will I need to replace all of my Caddx items?
The caddx wireless expander card?
Caddx wired LCD panels?
Wireless motion sensors?

Anyone help me purchase the Elk system? Is there a specific system for insteon or is it just a software update?

Sorry to hear your Caddx is not working well.
Personally I think Caddx is one of the best.
Mines been running perfectly for over 5 years now.
I have the Caddx NX-8 panel, and the X10 option board on it.
Even prints out status to a little receipt printer as events happen or if security problems.
I'm still using HS Ver 1.7 with the original Nitrox Caddx plug-in, works beautifully, never been a problem.

To be honest its worked so well for so long, I have long since forgotten how integrated it is to my whole house automation.

Hope you can find something you like out there..

Phil

 

[apostolakisl]

That is rather expensive!
Are there other options that are cheaper besides Insteon?

You should look at the ISY to work with the Insteon and the ELK as that is the only device that will keep the ELK up to date on the status of the Insteon. A little pricey but very necessary and well worth it if you are going to use Insteon (it makes up for a lot of shortcomings of Insteon)..

You don't have to have the isy. What the isy does for you is make it extremely quick and easy to link all of your items to the elk (just download from isy/upload to elk). It is also necessary if you want the elk to control scenes as there is no way to put scenes into the elk without it (as far as I know). If you have a relatively small insteon installation, then you can manually link each insteon device with the elk. Elk will display status of the insteon device provided you linked it to the Insteon plm that the Elk is plugged into.

It is not necessary to have scene control with the elk, just convenient. You can have the same result by writing a rule in the elk to control all of the items that you would like in your scene. It just means more lines of programming. For example, if you have 4 switches in a scene, you would need four lines of programming itemizing the four devices instead of one line listing just the scene.

Even if you have the isy, you can't track the status of a scene. Nothing does as of right now.

If you want power line controlled lights, then the only cheap option is x10. X10 is not very reliable in my experience and will not report back status. If you buy the cheap x10 stuff, it looks and feels cheap in addition to being cheap.

 

[HighTest]

Without a complete and detailed list, I'll give you a possible idea on what you'd need.

1. Elk M1G (I really recommend it over the EZ8) and this is available in several packages. The one I used when I upgraded from an older Caddx NX8E was:

ELK-M1GKS - This is the complete package sans a CAN (metal chassis to mount it all in), your existing Caddx Chassis can be used if you don't mind drilling holes for the standoffs. The M1GKS comes with the low profile keypad that is to my preference. The ELK-M1GK is the same package with the larger keypad.

See this URL for the keypad differences: http://www.elkproducts.com/products/m1/M1_Keypads.htm

Note this package includes an Elk 8Ah battery. I've seen lots of Caddx systems that had small 4Ah batteries which are not sufficient in terms of the current standards, so check that. Plus a fresh battery isn't a bad idea even if the capacity is the same.

2. Keypad - this is included in one of the packages above.

3. Elk M1G to Caddx NX548E wireless (or the smaller models if you have one with less zones) adapter cable:

ELK-WO35A

Important Note! Elk now has two versions of the main panel firmware, one is compatible with the GE wireless and the other IS NOT, it's for the Elk M1XRF2G which is a 144 wireless zone antenna system. So be careful to upgrade with the correct type.

4. EOL resistors, the Elk panel comes with a number of these but you may require more depending on the number of sensors used. 2200 Ohm (2.2K ohm for abreviation). I believe the Caddx used 4.7K ohm and that's not the correct range so you'll want to replace these with the correct value. ELK also supports several connection methods, so download the Installation guide (it's free) and choose one that meets your security needs.

5. X-10 or Insteon. If you've already purchased an X10 PLC and switches, just plug in the PLC as it's supported natively. If you do go Insteon, you'll need to choose your direction of either direct Serial interface controll, or using Ethernet and ISY approach mentioned.

For the Serial, you need the ELK-M1XSP serial interface and then the appropriate Insteon Serial PLC/PLM. Please note that while this has gotten pretty good, the best is via the ISY system others mentioned, so this would require instead the ELK M1XEP ethernet module and then the ISY 99 Insteon controler. As a huge side benefit, you'll also get a web based keypad to control your Elk, SMTP alerts and also IP based Alarm center notification. I use this in combination with WiMAX to get wireless alarm reporting and telco backup. I'd wired my telco setup to have alarm generated if someone cuts the phone line, yet my alarm reporting still happens via WiMAX.

Finally, the last important note: Buy the ELK M1G from only authorized dealers or you'll be left in the cold. See http://www.elkproducts.com/support/support.htm At the bottom of the page is that notification.

Note, you'll have a Serial number with your Elk M1G purchase, use that to register and you'll have full access to the Elk dealer site (firmware updates, etc).

 

[hucker]

I'm running the HomeVision pro which works directly with CADDX. One cable to connect the two and you are up and running. The HVPro is a Very capable system. In many ways superior to the M1 in the case that you have the CADDX already installed. Out of the box it will support X10 as well as as 8 relays, 16 I/O's 4 serial ports, IR, Video, and digital temperature sensors.

The HVPro is particularly good in the ability to program your automation.

 

[theedudenator]

My biggest problem is getting the caddx connected to a PC.
It is in the basement with no PC close.
I tried to make a com over ethernet cable - no good
Tried a bluetooth to com - no good.

I can connect it with a Com to USB device on an old PC I have. But that is it.

If I add a NX-590E ethernet card can I connect over the ethernet??

I'm running the HomeVision pro which works directly with CADDX. One cable to connect the two and you are up and running. The HVPro is a Very capable system. In many ways superior to the M1 in the case that you have the CADDX already installed. Out of the box it will support X10 as well as as 8 relays, 16 I/O's 4 serial ports, IR, Video, and digital temperature sensors.

The HVPro is particularly good in the ability to program your automation.

 

[theedudenator]

I'm running the HomeVision pro which works directly with CADDX. One cable to connect the two and you are up and running. The HVPro is a Very capable system. In many ways superior to the M1 in the case that you have the CADDX already installed. Out of the box it will support X10 as well as as 8 relays, 16 I/O's 4 serial ports, IR, Video, and digital temperature sensors.

The HVPro is particularly good in the ability to program your automation.

I looked at the HomeVision pro... that is a very expensive option!!!