Which ELK hardware and where to get it?

[ccclapp]

I am looking at the ELK product line and am not sure what is the recommended hardware to use with ISY. Likely this depends somewhat on what the user is trying to accomplish, but hopefully some general guidance can be offered. I have read many threads on this ELK forum, but have not seen the recommended "shopping list".

 

For example, would the "2-way Wireless Ready M1 Gold Kit" be a good place to start for an existing home (retrofit)?

 

http://www.elkproducts.com/product-catalog/two-way-wireless-ready-m1-gold-kit

 

Thanks

[ejh3]

ccclapp,

 

I would definitely start with the M1, I guess you have to determine whether you want to go hardwired or wireless? How may points do you have? I would definitely recommend getting the Elk module, this makes programming the ISY/Elk M1 much easier.

 

Ed

[ccclapp]

I would definitely start with the M1, I guess you have to determine whether you want to go hardwired or wireless? How may points do you have? I would definitely recommend getting the Elk module, this makes programming the ISY/Elk M1 much easier.

Ed

 

Hi Ed

 

Yes, I expect it will be the M1. I am wondering which M1 "kit" to jump in with. The "2-way wireless Ready M1 Gold Kit" looks like the right choice, as I will need wireless (and wired). Do you know if this has what is needed for ISY integration, assuming I also have the UDI ELK module?

 

I can get that kit at a fairly good price.

 

Thanks

[Brian H]

If you decide to add the ELK Security module.

http://wiki.universal-devices.com/index ... ity_Module

 

More information I found in the wiki.

http://wiki.universal-devices.com/index ... figuration

[DennisC]

You will need the Elk M1XEP for Ethernet connectivity. I would recommend this even if you were not going to use the ISY. It makes programming with their software instead of the keypad much easier.

 

Other then that, it depends on what type of devices you want to use and the type of keypads.

 

Dennis

[ccclapp]

Thanks! As clearly stated in Brian's 2nd link and written by Dennis, the required components are

 

"You need ELK M1 Gold + ELK M1 XEP"

 

That, along with the ISY ELK Module are the base requirements. After that, its just a matter of desired features e.g. wireless, etc.

 

Thanks

[apostolakisl]

You will need the Elk M1XEP for Ethernet connectivity. I would recommend this even if you were not going to use the ISY. It makes programming with their software instead of the keypad much easier.

 

Other then that, it depends on what type of devices you want to use and the type of keypads.

 

Dennis

 

You actually don't need the xep to program it from your computer. You can use the rs232 instead. However, I agree that you should get the xep and do it that way.

[DennisC]

You will need the Elk M1XEP for Ethernet connectivity. I would recommend this even if you were not going to use the ISY. It makes programming with their software instead of the keypad much easier.

 

Other then that, it depends on what type of devices you want to use and the type of keypads.

 

Dennis

 

You actually don't need the xep to program it from your computer. You can use the rs232 instead. However, I agree that you should get the xep and do it that way.

 

While that's true, my comment was Ethernet.

 

Dennis

[Mark H]

I'll likely be taking the plunge for a full Elk security system, and have read the suggestions here thus far. Good info!

 

Question though... Smarthome seems to carry all the Elk components, but I'm wondering if they're price competitive?

 

They're the only place I've easily found that carry what I want, but the prices are giving me pause. The Gold wireless kit mentioned a couple posts up and the Ethernet module would be a good start, but before I spend that kind of money I want to be sure I'm paying a fair price.

 

Opinions?

[ccclapp]

I'll likely be taking the plunge for a full Elk security system, and have read the suggestions here thus far. Good info!

 

Question though... Smarthome seems to carry all the Elk components, but I'm wondering if they're price competitive?

 

They're the only place I've easily found that carry what I want, but the prices are giving me pause. The Gold wireless kit mentioned a couple posts up and the Ethernet module would be a good start, but before I spend that kind of money I want to be sure I'm paying a fair price.

 

Opinions?

 

Hi

 

I sent you a PM (but not sure it transmitted). If you don't get it, let me know.

[Mark H]

Got it and replied. Thanks!

[DennisC]

I'll likely be taking the plunge for a full Elk security system, and have read the suggestions here thus far. Good info!

 

Question though... Smarthome seems to carry all the Elk components, but I'm wondering if they're price competitive?

 

They're the only place I've easily found that carry what I want, but the prices are giving me pause. The Gold wireless kit mentioned a couple posts up and the Ethernet module would be a good start, but before I spend that kind of money I want to be sure I'm paying a fair price.

 

Opinions?

 

When I purchased my system last October, I was able to find vendors with better pricing then Smarthome for most Elk items. A quick internet search should enable you to find the same vendors.

 

If watch these sites, they also offer discounts around holidays.

 

Dennis

[apostolakisl]

I think home security store.com has it cheaper. They aren't the exact same packages so you'll need to do some figuring.

[Mark H]

Thanks for the info, gentlemen.

 

I've gone ahead and committed to buying the Wireless Gold kit, the Ethernet expander, and one 16-zone alarm expander module.

 

Now I have to be patient.

[ccclapp]

Can anyone clarify: in order to interface with ISY using the and the ISY – elk module, is that module a hardware add-on to the ISY or a software add-on? My real question is, if I'm using the ISY – elk module can I still use my ISY Z-wave module?

 

Thankd

[DennisC]

Can anyone clarify: in order to interface with ISY using the and the ISY – elk module, is that module a hardware add-on to the ISY or a software add-on? My real question is, if I'm using the ISY – elk module can I still use my ISY Z-wave module?

 

Thankd

 

The ISY Elk module is a software module. I currently have it with Zwave.

 

Dennis

[Mark H]

Thanks, that answered my question as well as ccclap's.

 

Is there a list somewhere of what modules are hardware, versus software-only?

 

I'm confused about what modules I can add to my 994i IR Pro now.

 

I thought the Elk module was a hardware board that you mounted in the 994 like some of the others I saw mentioned (Z-wave, e.g.)

[ccclapp]

Thanks, that answered my question as well as ccclap's.

 

Is there a list somewhere of what modules are hardware, versus software-only?

 

I may be mistaken, but my understanding is that the only two hardware add-ons are the Zwave and Zigbee

 

 

Thanks Dennis for confirming the elk is software

[Xathros]

IR is a combo of Hardware and software as are the Zwave and zigbee modules. The rest are all software.

 

 

-Xathros

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mark H]

OK, so since I bought the 994i IR Pro which already has the hardware to do IR, I can still add the Elk module (software only) now, AND add a z-wave module (hardware/software) down the line somewhere?

[DennisC]

OK, so since I bought the 994i IR Pro which already has the hardware to do IR, I can still add the Elk module (software only) now, AND add a z-wave module (hardware/software) down the line somewhere?

 

I think the only items that can not be combined is Zwave and Zigbee.

 

Dennis

[Mark H]

If that's correct, then I'm good for the long term.

 

I may add Z-Wave in the future.

[ISYhbsh01]

OK, so since I bought the 994i IR Pro which already has the hardware to do IR, I can still add the Elk module (software only) now, AND add a z-wave module (hardware/software) down the line somewhere?

 

I think the only items that can not be combined is Zwave and Zigbee.

 

Dennis

That's correct.

 

Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk

[apostolakisl]

Can anyone clarify: in order to interface with ISY using the and the ISY – elk module, is that module a hardware add-on to the ISY or a software add-on? My real question is, if I'm using the ISY – elk module can I still use my ISY Z-wave module?

 

Thankd

 

Zwave module and Elk module are totally different things and do not exclude each other. Only Zwave and Zigby are exclusive either/or because they both require a radio and only one radio can be attached.

[DennisC]

I think home security store.com has it cheaper. They aren't the exact same packages so you'll need to do some figuring.

 

They are running a 10% off sale right now.

 

Dennis