Help Looking Over My Elk Package

[KHouse]

I've decided to add an Elk M1 Gold and the associated pieces for the security system portion of my HA/HS. Actually this was decided a long time ago, but I've been toying with the ISY and Insteon for a while, and now getting to the Elk.

 

I'd like to take things slow, as I did with my Insteon, and get just a few pieces, learn as I go, and expand as I go. With that said, initially I'd like to buy the base "system" plus cover my first floor windows/doors (8 total), and some glass break sensors. I'll expand from there once I install these and figure them out.

 

I've got pieced together:

- Elk M1 Package

- M1XEP Ethernet Module (to connect to ISY)

- M1XRFEG (GE Wireless Module - Going with GE wireless sensors to start, would be very hard to wire in my home at this point)

- GE/Interlogix Wireless Glass Break Sensor

- GE TX-1510 or GE/Interlogix Designline Recessed window/door sensors

 

Do I need the Elk-952 inline phone surge protector (the M1 kit I'm going with does not include this)?

 

Do I need the Elk-M1DBHR data hub? I'm going to be controlling this at my front door via an iPad running eKeypad...and will have my 1 actual keypad mounted right next to the Elk. Will operate the rest form our phones. The gentleman from one of the security websites with whom I spoke recommended this, but I don't believe I have a need for it, at least not yet, since all items I'm adding at this initial point are going to be wireless, and I don't think I need the data hub to wire my one and only keypad to the M1 (unless I'm mistaken).

 

If anyone has any other recommendations on good GE wireless sensors or anything else I may be overlooking, please let me know.

 

Thanks!!

[SteveL]

KHouse,

 

The inline phone surge protector is not needed to get you ELK / ISY working.

You will only need the Data Hub if you have more then two connected devices to the serial terminal on the bottom right the board.

[DennisC]

I've decided to add an Elk M1 Gold and the associated pieces for the security system portion of my HA/HS. Actually this was decided a long time ago, but I've been toying with the ISY and Insteon for a while, and now getting to the Elk.

 

I'd like to take things slow, as I did with my Insteon, and get just a few pieces, learn as I go, and expand as I go. With that said, initially I'd like to buy the base "system" plus cover my first floor windows/doors (8 total), and some glass break sensors. I'll expand from there once I install these and figure them out.

 

I've got pieced together:

- Elk M1 Package

- M1XEP Ethernet Module (to connect to ISY)

- M1XRFEG (GE Wireless Module - Going with GE wireless sensors to start, would be very hard to wire in my home at this point)

- GE/Interlogix Wireless Glass Break Sensor

- GE TX-1510 or GE/Interlogix Designline Recessed window/door sensors

 

Do I need the Elk-952 inline phone surge protector (the M1 kit I'm going with does not include this)?

 

Do I need the Elk-M1DBHR data hub? I'm going to be controlling this at my front door via an iPad running eKeypad...and will have my 1 actual keypad mounted right next to the Elk. Will operate the rest form our phones. The gentleman from one of the security websites with whom I spoke recommended this, but I don't believe I have a need for it, at least not yet, since all items I'm adding at this initial point are going to be wireless, and I don't think I need the data hub to wire my one and only keypad to the M1 (unless I'm mistaken).

 

If anyone has any other recommendations on good GE wireless sensors or anything else I may be overlooking, please let me know.

 

Thanks!!

 

If you plan on adding a phone line so the Elk can call out and make notifications for certain events, I would recommend the phone surge protector.

 

I am self monitoring my alarm system and I have the Elk calling my cell phone on alarm, trouble, or in the event of a power failure. These features are built in to the Elk.

 

Before going with the GE wireless system, check to make sure the devices you might want to add down the road are available. There are many more device for the Honeywell system and I have seen reports of others indicating better range.

 

As for the data bus hub, it all depends on how many devices that run off the hub you will be connecting.

 

Dennis

[apostolakisl]

The m1dbh is never necessary. It is a convenience (in many systems like mine, a huge convenience). You can always daisy chain the devices together manually. That is what the dbh does, it does the daisy chain connections. You have at least 2 devices (the keypad and the xep) that connect to the databus. Those 2 things can be wired in parallel. If you get more, you will need to daisy chain off of them. This is easy to do if they are mounting right there at the panel.

 

You only need the phone line surge suppressor if you are hooking up a landline. If you are, I suggest you get it.

EDIT: Actually you have 3 items, the wireless receiver would connect to the databus.

[KHouse]

Thanks folks, that is exactly the info I needed. Much appreciated.

 

Now...can anyone expand on the GE vs. Honeywell? I've heard GE is better, and I've heard Honeywell is better, and now in this thread it was mentioned Honeywell is probably better as well...so...very confused.

 

Initially I'm starting with recessed window/door sensors and glass break sensors. Unfortunately since my house would be VERY difficult to wire, most things need to be wireless. From there I'll move to motions (both indoor, and then outdoor (outdoor must be good in cold Midwest winters (I know these will be hard to find)), and that is about it regarding sensors.

 

Insteon and the ISY is running my fire/CO alarms (via Smoke Bridge), my water sensors (for now, though my understanding is that the Elk would do this better so maybe I'll convert over before when I start adding more water sensors), and lights. Cameras are on their own thing all together.

[DennisC]

Thanks folks, that is exactly the info I needed. Much appreciated.

 

Now...can anyone expand on the GE vs. Honeywell? I've heard GE is better, and I've heard Honeywell is better, and now in this thread it was mentioned Honeywell is probably better as well...so...very confused.

 

Insteon and the ISY is running my fire/CO alarms (via Smoke Bridge), my water sensors (for now, though my understanding is that the Elk would do this better so maybe I'll convert over before when I start adding more water sensors), and lights. Cameras are on their own thing all together.

 

This is just my opinion, but if you are adding the ELK, I would move fire, smoke, and CO over to the ELK. The ELK is designed to handle fire/smoke and would be more reliable.

 

When ever possible and for all critical functions, I prefer wired devices. Therefore, I would use wired leak sensors wired to the ELK.

 

As for Honeywell wireless sensors I feel there are more devices available and the review I read have indicated better performance.

 

However, I don't currently have any wireless devices on my ELK.

 

Dennis