*** upgrading to Elk M1G question ***

[Mp333]

Replacing Napco unit with ELK M1G as I am looking to do some Home Automation. Any suggestions would be great. New to this forum. Seems like the place for M1G info.

ELK recommends using cat5 wiring for the keypads Data bus. The existing wires are 22 AWG three sets of two wires twisted. Will this do the job. The keypad cable runs are probably 30 & 10’.

Should M1 be mounted in the middle of the ELK 28” Enclosure to accommodate the wireless receiver and GSM unit on the TOP? Is the SWB28 the best choice?

Any recommendation on GSM unit to work M1. If it helps Verizon cell signal is stronger than AT&T.

List to buy-
M1G
M1KPNAV
M1XEP
Either Lutron or Z-wave. Not sure yet.
Honeywell Receiver
Zone Expander.
GSM Module.

Thanks & much appreciated

 

[tmbrown97]

I can address a couple items...

Your 3 pairs will work fine; even when using Cat5, there's a spare pair that doesn't get used. If you can fit those 22awg wires into an RJ45 you can even use the DBH if you feel like it; otherwise the DBH is not needed and it's very easy to get the exact same effect manually.

As for mounting, the 28" enclosure has screws specifically for the M1 right at the top of the can. You can locate it elsewhere but it'd require manually drilling the can - or just use the 28" as it was originally intended.

I'm no pro on the uplink products; I know most seem to be GSM/AT&T - if that's not an option, then it'd take a little research.

So far it doesn't seem like you're trying to mount much - you can get away with a lot in a 28" can if you use the slides - which the pros seem to do; DIY'ers seem to like to mount their cards flat so they take up a lot more space. Even still I have had more than what you listed above mounted flat inside a 28" can and it fit but it was tight.

 

[Mp333]

Thanks Work2play.

Couple questions
1 - Is the ELK SW28 enclosure the best one to use. Some one on the forum used a Leviton enclosure. Just wondering if the mount holes are in the same spot. Home Depot has it in stock for half the cost of the ELK enclosure.
2 - Does the GSM unit get mounted in the enclosure with the M1 or outside of the enclosure?

 

[tmbrown97]

1 - The Elk enclosure is the only one with holes specifically for mounting the M1; other enclosures work fine but you have to drill yourself to mount. How much you can fit depends on how well you organize, but your list seems doable in a 28" just fine. I used a 28" in my last home - pretty much filled it but wasted space with flat mounting; current house has a 50" above a 20" so I'm swimming in space - way overkill.

2. I can't answer for sure but I think it's an all-in-one unit that should be placed outside the enclosure - better reception. Basics of RF.