"Products" Needed for Echo Control (ISY + Elk + MobiLinc + eKeypad)

[KHouse]

I'm running an ISY 994i, Insteon Devices (basic stuff like lights, smoke bridge / smoke alarms, etc), Elk M1, MobiLinc for mobile phone app control (automation), and eKeypad (iPad and iPod mounted in wall to control the alarm / blueprint of the home to turn on/off lights, and mobile app control of the alarm).

 

I do not have the Elk module for the ISY as I've been controlling the ELK via eKeypad app on my phone.

 

I do not have the Elk plug-in for MobiLinc, as I've been controlling the Elk via eKeypad app on my phone.

 

I've sort of left my whole system alone for the last couple of years with the automation and security parts seperate, and it's been fine.

 

However, I'd like to take advantage of an Amazon Echo now, and not sure exactly what the best way is to have my ISY + Elk + Echo talking to each other.

 

I'd like to keep eKeypad for the blueprint and alarm controls at the doors, and I assume that any changes to the Elk would flow through to show there too (for example, when I use the actual Elk keypad to arm/disarm, that also shows armed/disarmed in the eKeypad app, want to make sure that continues).

 

 

I'd like to do the basics, "Alexa, turn on the family room lights", and have that turn on the lights, and update on the eKeypad app/blueprint showing they are on.  I'd also like to say, "Alexa, turn on the alarm", and have the alarm armed (also updating/showing on eKeypad at the front door).

 

What is the best/proper way to integrate my system so that I can utilize eKeypad at the front door (iPad mounted in wall), and MobiLinc on my phone (so that I can access home automation and alarm while out and about), while being able to utilize Echo in the home??

 

Should I purchase the Elk module for ISY and MobiLinc so that the Elk has control via MobiLinc, then purchase the Echo and set it up via the MobiLinc plugin so that essentially the Echo talks to MobiLinc which then talks to the ISY which then talks to the Elk and Insteon?

 

Somewhere I was reading you couldn't have both the Echo and Elk plugins for MobiLinc so now I think my thought process is incorrect.

 

Appreciate any help!

 

[KHouse]

After further research, I guess it looks like I could go either way:  ISY Portal or MobiLinc Connect.

 

With either I'd be able to accomplish what I'd like to accomplish, but since I already have MobiLinc connect, maybe it's just best to purchase the Elk Module for my ISY (since I've been controlling the Elk separately via eKeypad), and then purchase the Elk module in MobiLinc app, and I'll just have one place on my phone for automation/security, and then all of that can also be controlled via MobiLinc/Echo.

 

Can anyone please confirm if that seems appropriate and the right decision?

[MWareman]

Can anyone please confirm if that seems appropriate and the right decision?

Assuming your mobile device is IOS (you don't say) - you are correct.

 

If your mobile device is Android, there is no Elk module for Mobilinc. In this case you would be better off switching to ISY Portal and Agave (which also offers a fully integrated solution on Android).

[KHouse]

Assuming your mobile device is IOS (you don't say) - you are correct.

 

If your mobile device is Android, there is no Elk module for Mobilinc. In this case you would be better off switching to ISY Portal and Agave (which also offers a fully integrated solution on Android).

 

Yes, thank you...and sorry about that.  I'm using iOS.

 

I had yesterday off, so spent a good bit of the day on this.  Purchased the Elk module in the ISY, purchased the ELK plugin for MobiLinc, set those two up, and ordered an Echo Dot to get started with that.  Looking forward to finally integrating my home security (door sensors and what not) with the ISY and Automation part of my home control, not to mention adding in the Echo as well.  My PLM has gone bad, and I had been delaying replacing it (with my HA working like crap now after running for years with no issues).  That is what caused me start looking at my HA and Security again, and decided that while replacing the PLM, I might as well integrate everything better, and add an Echo while I'm at it.  So next weekend should be fun.

 

eKeypad on the iPad/iPod plays nicely with the alarm being handled by MobiLinc on my phone, as I had assumed it would, but wasn't sure.  Of course I think the Elk sends the data out and ISY, MobiLinc, eKeypad all pick up the same "data", so if you set the alarm on MobiLinc, the iPad at the front door running eKeypad acknowledges the armed status.  I really wanted to be sure that would all work together, assumed it would, but am happy that it does without any problems.

Edited May 30, 2017 by KHouse

[KHouse]

Just to follow-up with this.

 

I've successfully incorporated the Amazon Echo into our home automation.  I'm very surprised how much we use it to turn on the kitchen or family room lights.  It seems almost easier to just tell her to do it, then it is to touch the light switch.  So far I'm just using the Echo to control Insteon lights via MobiLinc / ISY.