Elk vs DSC, Ademco, Concord

[n8huntsman]

Trying to justify the added expense of the ELK.  It seems to be the easiest to integrate but at a much higher cost.  What can I do with it that I can't do with the others?

Ive got several Inseton devices and the ISY994I/IR Pro.  My house is fully wired with sensors on all doors and windows and I even have an existing PIR sensor.  My current alarm is an old Moose Z1100.

Thanks

[MWareman]

 

 

What can I do with it that I can't do with the others?

Native integration to ISY, meaning your alarm sensors can trigger programs on ISY, and you can send commands to Elk to cause the speech to say things etc.

 

I know others *can* be integrated, but you need an additional middle server to translate between them, and you should be relatively comfortable with Linux.

[kohai]

I installed an Elk at my mother's place that was pre-wired and had never had a system installed.  It seems like a nice system -- I've never installed an alarm system before so that says something about their documentation.  

 

The only other alarm system I have any experience with is my 15 year old DSC system which I am not a fan of -- it came with the house.  Since I have it and it already works, I added a cellular dialer and I put an eyezon to it and hooked it to the isy using nodelink.  Every now and then I think about swapping it out for an elk but because it works I ignore it and go do something else.

 

Do you have any connectivity options on your Moose?

[HeritageOaksGT]

Bit the bullet and go with the Elk; you'll be amazed at the ISY994 integration possibilities.

[apostolakisl]

The purpose built integration between Elk and ISY is amazing.  

 

If you plan on an extensive security setup, I would highly encourage you to go with Elk.  If you plan on a relatively small security system and are willing to run a middle man, then using IOguys' programs and DSC will probably satisfy you quite nicely.

 

Also, I have been quite impresses with Agave and how it puts everything on one nice Android app.  At some point I'm going to install tablets in my house and have Agave running on them.

[DennisC]

When I upgraded my 20 year old alarm panel I took my time reading up on various systems. I already has an ISY and decided to upgrade to the Elk.

 

I am very glad I went this route and would do it again.

[TrojanHorse]

I agree the ELK is good.

Especially if you plan to expand with ISY, Insteon, etc the Elk is a great way investment in this situation.

 

 

 

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