Dual-Path Alarm Communicator(GSM Version)

[MWareman]

I was hoping for POTS primary, cell backup (so, instead of seizing the pots line, if it's in use or unavailable then cell kicks in).

 

I've not really looked into Internet primary yet. Does Watchlight charge more for this?

[wrj0]

I recently added Alarm Relay (Watchlight) POTS and Internet monitoring to my Elk M1G. They charged an extra $5 (one time setup fee) to include the 2nd monitoring service, but nothing extra on the monthly service fee. The tech who setup my account recommended Internet as the primary and POTS as backup for faster reporting of events.

[MWareman]

I recently added Alarm Relay (Watchlight) POTS and Internet monitoring to my Elk M1G. They charged an extra $5 (one time setup fee) to include the 2nd monitoring service, but nothing extra on the monthly service fee. The tech who setup my account recommended Internet as the primary and POTS as backup for faster reporting of events.

Thanks! I'll give them a call..

[Scottmichaelj]

So your thinking primary cell provider 1 and then backup cell provider 2? Right now I have internet as primary and cell as backup. I was hoping to find a dual purpose cellular router. Then have internet for both but the second internet was via cell and could be used as a backup for my internet at home giving me the best of both worlds.

Yeah I don't recall them charging me more for internet monitoring. However they do want to charge you $2 more per month to supervise the XEP. I am working on a possible workaround for that though. I don't know if I want a call from CS if the internet drops out for only a few mins. My thought is using a countdown and output 3. Then only if its down for a set amour of time then it triggers output 3 and I get a call then from CS.

 

Another note on having a cellular backup by "internet" it would increase the monthly cost from your wireless provider. So there's that.

[Scottmichaelj]

So FWIW I still am procrastinating on the HAI C3 sunset switchover to a new device. It still shows a signal though and works!

 

I have been researching and have taken a few steps. Recently I upgraded to a Mikrotik RB3011 router with a Ruckus Unleashed R600 Access Point (super happy). I am just now am finalizing my settings to get things stable and dialed in. I didn't want to add everything all at once. The nice thing about the tik is it has a failover option for internet. I been looking around and found a Verizon device that has LTE internet with a RG45 port AND a RJ11 port for home phone service.

 

https://www.verizonwireless.com/home-office-solutions/verizon-lte-internet-and-home-phone/#?sku=1980155

 

I am continually looking but may just pull the trigger on this solution for myself. I believe the device will also work as a hotspot too if need be. So Ill have backup internet and phone with option for a hotspot. Sure its going to cost me more per year due to the data portion but the benefits for me offset the cost.

 

Just wanted to share with the community.

[Scottmichaelj]

So another followup on 2G Sunset. Its now 01/03/16 and the HAI C3 is still working. I know it will be any day now though it will turn off. I really didn't want to go to Verizon either since I am with AT&T Wireless. I actually was at the point of buying the device previously mentioned from Verizon but I just wasn't feeling it. So I called AT&T back again and this time I spoke with "tech support". When I called AT&T before the sales rep had no clue and basically told me they didn't have a device like Verizons on their network, BUT this Tech support rep "Jeff" asked what I was calling about, I told him the situation and he said "No problem check out our "AT&T Wireless Home Phone & Internet device"

 

Found here:

 

https://www.att.com/cellphones/att/wireless-home-phone-and-internet.html#

 

Which is a:

 

https://www.zteusa.com/att-homebase

 

So I placed the order and being shipped. I will install it and post back. There is a 14 day "buyers remorse" return period if it doesn't work. Also by procrastinating so long I got a letter last week offering me $100 credit to "upgrade" - so I bought this device on the two year contract so it was free, then I got a $100 applied to my bill. Since I plan on using this for "backups" only I left the data as "pay-per-use" which is $2 per GB. However if you don't abuse the system and you do use data for backup they said I could call in and they would add the plan for the month, rebill and then I could cancel the next. If you abuse this they wont do it for you.

 

I hope this helps others looking for a possible LTE system for their Elk or similar with backup for internet in times when yours might go down. It wont work for streaming Netflix and playing XBox games but for emails, surfing the web, checking your favorite forums, etc this will be fine. The device will show even as a "Wireless Network" (HOTSPOT) along with a WAN/RG45 connection on the back. The only downside I see is it doesn't have any external antenna connections so you have to be in a good signal area. The device is small so I have a few ideas if signal is an issue. Like using Command 3M velcro strips to mount it to the back of a cabinet out of sight, etc.

 

More to come!

 

EDIT: BTW I did find a "Unlocked Huawei B593s-22 4G LTE CPE FDD TDD 2600Mhz 150Mbps Wireless WIFI Router" and thought I could "bring my own device to AT&T" too. It appears it has everything needed for AT&T wireless and Verizon, etc.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Unlocked-Huawei-B593s-22-4G-LTE-CPE-FDD-TDD-2600Mhz-150Mbps-Wireless-WIFI-Router-/251991670744?hash=item3aabdfbfd8:g:FDIAAOSwstxVeVag

 

or

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brand-New-Sealed-Unlocked-Huawei-B315s-22-4G-CPE-FDD-TDD-LTE-Router-PK-B593S-22/232123352577?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D38530%26meid%3D8d866dc08fc34d6fb33ef810f44f765a%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D251991670744&rt=nc

 

EDIT: 01/07/16 - 2G for Seattle area has been shutdown not sure exact day it happened last week. My replacement device, the AT&T Wireless Internet and Home Z700 (Homebase) device I linked to above I found out does not work for telephone connections to Alarm Relay/Elk. I tested it today after spending 2 hours with AT&T just to get it online! SMH. The device is really nice and does work as advertised. Its my fault actually for even trying. Page 23 of the manual says "The AT&T Home Base is not compatible with wireless messaging services, home security systems, fax service, medical alert systems, medical monitoring systems, credit card machines, IP/PBX Phone systems, or dial-up Internet service. May not be compatible with your DVR/Satellite systems; please check with your provider." Of course the sales rep didn't mention this but I know better, should have done my research.

 

https://www.att.com/support_static_files/manuals/ATT_Home_Base_Z700a.pdf

 

I saw TMobile mention IoT and 2G plans a while back:

 

https://connectedworld.com/the-uncarrier-view-to-2g-sunset/

 

...and Gary posted a thread here about that:

 

http://forum.universal-devices.com/topic/20816-t-mobile-delivers-simplicity-to-the-internet-of-things/

 

So I made a call to T-Mobile after seeing on their website saying showing $3 a month for 30 mins of talk talk or 30 messages and that 2G would still be available with them until at least 2020.

 

https://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/pay-as-you-go

 

So it cost me only $3.99 for the Sim card, $10 for minutes and $3 for the first month. $16 TOTAL, no activation fees, no credit checks, no contracts, NO BS. Once I get the sim card and test Ill report back. This will allow me to keep my current working hardware (HAI/Leviton C3) and not have to do anything and my monthly fee going from $9.99 to $3 a month. One day I will have to do something but procrastinating is working!

[n8huntsman]

From the sounds of it, it appears it will work with ISY but was less than definitive after reading the above 5 pages.  It didn't sound like anyone had actually used it.  Can anyone confirm from experience?

 

I am not set on a monitoring company so being locked to a specific one doesnt turn me off too much but I would have liked to use my extra AT&T sim card that I already have.  If it's cheap enough that wont be a big deal.  Can how the cell service and monitoring works?  Would I need to pay separately for the cellular through telguard and the monitoring via a service of my choice (presumably alarmrelay - seen that mentioned the most)?

 

What are the costs of each?  I did read and I've seen different numbers thrown around so Im confused.

 

I'm not even really sure Im going to have it monitored right away but want to plan for the future.  However, I definitely want app support.  Comparing ElkLink to either Ekeypad or M1touchPro, which one wins?

 

Trying to justify the extra cost of the C1M1 vs M1XEP. Any input helps.  Thanks

[Scottmichaelj]

From the sounds of it, it appears it will work with ISY but was less than definitive after reading the above 5 pages. It didn't sound like anyone had actually used it. Can anyone confirm from experience?

 

I am not set on a monitoring company so being locked to a specific one doesnt turn me off too much but I would have liked to use my extra AT&T sim card that I already have. If it's cheap enough that wont be a big deal. Can how the cell service and monitoring works? Would I need to pay separately for the cellular through telguard and the monitoring via a service of my choice (presumably alarmrelay - seen that mentioned the most)?

 

What are the costs of each? I did read and I've seen different numbers thrown around so Im confused.

 

I'm not even really sure Im going to have it monitored right away but want to plan for the future. However, I definitely want app support. Comparing ElkLink to either Ekeypad or M1touchPro, which one wins?

 

Trying to justify the extra cost of the C1M1 vs M1XEP. Any input helps. Thanks

I havent sold one yet. For most my installs people get Alarm Relay, buy their cellular backup device, then pay the $20 a month.

 

Others here that want to save usually will buy a device that works well in their house (ATT, TMobile) and add to a shared plan. TMobile is the cheapest I found. $3 for monthly calls/sim. Cant beat that! Some have even used FreedomPop (Free) and use their ISP internet as the primary and FreedomPop as backup. The monthly cost is lower with Alarm Relay but the catch is you need a router with failover. Some techy guys already do this like myself. Others dont want to be hassled.

 

Take a peek at this thread if this interests you.

 

Edit: Added link

 

Backup ISP via Cellular

 

https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?share_fid=23986&share_tid=21113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fforum%2Euniversal-devices%2Ecom%2Findex%2Ephp%3F%2Ftopic%2F21113-Backup-ISP-via-Cellular&share_type=t

[n8huntsman]

Primary ISP is FIOS and very reliable.  I have AT&T for cell which works well here.  I also have a 4G tablet that died and am already paying $5 or $10 for the sim.  I was thinking of just swapping that over.  If im understanding correctly, If I did that, it would be an additional $20 a month for monitoring via Alarm Relay?

 

I am running pfsense but it's on a sg-1000 so im not sure freedompop failover would be an option since it has a single wan port.  I'll look around but intend to keep this fairly simple for reliability.  Already too many pieces to this puzzle.   If I figured out the freedompop failover, alarm relay would be cheaper?  by how much?  Trying to see if it's worth the effort.

 

thanks

[Scottmichaelj]

Primary ISP is FIOS and very reliable.  I have AT&T for cell which works well here.  I also have a 4G tablet that died and am already paying $5 or $10 for the sim.  I was thinking of just swapping that over.  If im understanding correctly, If I did that, it would be an additional $20 a month for monitoring via Alarm Relay?

 

I am running pfsense but it's on a sg-1000 so im not sure freedompop failover would be an option since it has a single wan port.  I'll look around but intend to keep this fairly simple for reliability.  Already too many pieces to this puzzle.   If I figured out the freedompop failover, alarm relay would be cheaper?  by how much?  Trying to see if it's worth the effort.

 

thanks

 

Its really not hard to use the backup with pfsesne and say FreedomPop or another device like the Netgear LTE modem. If your confident about your ISP and willing to take the risk that if the alarm goes off and your ISP is down you wont get help. Some think thats ok, others wont risk it as it could be their families lives at stake for fire or something else. Its all your choice.

 

If you go internet I think it falls under the $8.95 per month and they may charge a few bucks more for internet. Thats all. For cell they don't charge you more unless your using their cell device and then its $8.95 plus $11 more per month, so close to $20. If you have your own cell device (with sim) with primary internet it falls back into the $8.95.

 

Best thing is to call and ask them directly. Lots of people here use Watchlight aka Alarm Relay and very happy with it. My company has a partnership with them and all my customers sign up with them with no complaints. You pay them and deal with them directly. Feel free to tell them Alpha Concepts in Bellevue WA referred you and they may give you a discount.