tibbar Posted April 15, 2015 Posted April 15, 2015 Hello. I've recently moved out of the city. Not too remote neighbors 300 ft away. I've changed almost all lighting to insteon, door locks to Yale Zwave, Zwave thermostat, few IP outdoor camera. Still have to do a lot of reno's in the house so running new wires is not a problem. I've been playing with idea of adding security system. Could someone please advice on what to get (Elk, DSC or something else) and what components. It is a small one story house. I use ISy994iZW PRO (vera3 in a closet collecting dust), no Mac's or Iphones if that makes any difference.
rahnee Posted April 15, 2015 Posted April 15, 2015 I personally love ELK. It integrates easily with the ISY which means you can use it to trigger all types of events or have Insteon/ZWave devices tell ELK to do something. I have installed and ELK M1 in my last two homes...it is not inexpensive however the integration makes it worth it to me. I use the ELK with wired and wireless sensors...wired is best if you have open walls however I have had zero issues with my ELK. I use the door sensors to trigger scenes, such as turning on backyard lights when the back door is opened after sunset as an example. Using Mobilinc I am able to control everything on my ISY and the ELK...super simple once setup.
tibbar Posted April 16, 2015 Author Posted April 16, 2015 Thanks guys for input. I see that Elk has wireless 2 way sensors. But what about people say DO NOT go wireless. Do they mean keypad to controller board, sensors or both?
Teken Posted April 16, 2015 Posted April 16, 2015 Thanks guys for input. I see that Elk has wireless 2 way sensors. But what about people say DO NOT go wireless. Do they mean keypad to controller board, sensors or both? I will simply phrase it to you this way and ask you to be honest about your lifestyle. How many times have you tested your smoke alarms since install? How many times have you measured the battery voltage of the smoke / CO units? When was the last time you tested your AFCI / GFCI?? Where have you documented the above steps and process?? Now . . . I want you to consider as an example you only have two smoke alarms, four GFCI, and eight AFCI. Now . . . Consider an entire home with wireless sensors and a key board for your alarm system. If you can't say with 100% honest and factual reply that you have done this as prescribed by maker and the cUL / UL requirements. The odds you're going to follow any of this with an entire home with wireless technology is going to be near zero. Everyone and their dog go into this with good intentions. The reality is as time goes by this effort is dropped and soon forgotten on the list of life priorities. Doing monthly testing and inspection is tedious, boring, and requires lots of time. Documenting the same steps requires even more time and requires persistence. Security is a lifestyle, its not a nice to have, fad, or something you just do at a drop of a hat. Outside of your immediate family and your home nothing is more important than the security alarm system that is protecting them. Go cheap, you get cheap results. Like the ISY you made a decision to invest into the future and know moving forward it would pay for itself over and over again. Consider the security alarm system in the same fashion its a investment that will protect and secure your family at all times if its properly installed, configured, and programmed. In all cases it must be monitored by a certified cUL / UL listed CS to ensure while your family sleeps. They are on guard and at the ready to render assistance should it be required.
tibbar Posted April 16, 2015 Author Posted April 16, 2015 Ok. So I go with Elk M1 Gold but I do not see any Elk wired sensors only 2-way wireless. Any suggestion on the brand of sensors, smoke and CO detectors. Should I go with this:https://www.aartech.ca/m1gsys4stw-elk-alarm-kit.html or listed under wired systems :https://www.aartech.ca/m1gsys4s-elk-m1-gold-kit.html. Thanks.
Brian H Posted April 16, 2015 Posted April 16, 2015 Another source of information. Is the Cocoontech forums. They have a whole ELK section and a Security Section. Both experienced end users and professional security installers help there. http://cocoontech.com/forums/
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