Thinking of Integrating Mi Casa Verde with M1G?

[video321]

I currently have an Elk M1G and want to start taking advantage of more automation features (leaning toward z-wave at this point). I know Elk released the new M1XSLZW, but after you combine the cost of the VRC0P+3 it's right there with the Vera unit. I'm looking to control only a few lights and a single thermostat to start. So....

1. Is anyone here using the Vera with the Elk plugin and can comment about any issues/reliability?
2. What would I be losing/gaining for going the Vera route?
3. Issues that may pop up if I used a z-wave thermostat instead of hardwired with yet another XSP?
4. Any other thoughts you care to share....?

Thanks, everyone!

 

[electron]

You are better off with the Vera, since it also supports managing your locks, and various other parameters on Z-Wave devices, while the ELK bridge is meant to just bridge the protocol, not manage it.

 

[Quixote_1]

I'm not sure if the Vera Elk plugin is at the stage that you're looking for yet. Plans were made to enhance its functionality, but I don't believe the developer(s) managed to get around to it yet.

 

[miosman]

here is the link for the Elk M1 - Mi Casa Verde Vera plug-in. http://code.mios.com/trac/mios_elk-alarm-panel/wiki/WikiStart

hopefully this covers the integration features you are looking for.

 

[video321]

Maybe I should be a little specific on what functions I'm looking for "out of the box".

• Control lighting/thermostat via Elk zones and arm/disarm conditions. Such as....whenever this input is tripped then turn on this light and also whenever the house is armed away change the thermostat to XX and turn lights off.
• Give me control to arm/disarm and initiate tasks on the Elk via the smartphone web interface. I only need the most basic control with my phone so I'd rather not have to rely on purchasing an app for simple control.

 

[signal15]

Not sure what the status is of Vera being able to read input status or control outputs. I posted a message to their forums, and one of the replies said it couldn't do it yet. And another said it's already supported. I had a Vera for a couple of weeks while I set it up to control temperature in an apartment building, but it's in the building now. Although it's not yet operational because even though it's a 3 wire thermostat system and one wire has 24vac, the person installing it still cannot get it to power the thermostat. I'm going to go look at it tomorrow.

In any case, I think you'll probably have to get one and test it to get an accurate answer. I'm going to buy one for myself at some point, but I figure I might as well wait until things mature a little bit and I have more time to mess with it.