Elk as wired sensor interface

[MPG]

I'm considering using an Elk system as a bridge to the ISY for a network of wired sensors (mostly motion for automation purposes). I'm not really interested in it as a security system, I just want to be able to get wired sensor input into the ISY. A few questions:

 

1. What do I need to make this setup work? From my reading it seems an M1 system package (http://a.co/fnrnoTF) and an M1-XEP (http://a.co/6M5BsIx). Anything else?

 

2. I'm considering these sensors (http://www.visonic.com/Products/Wired-Detectors/Spy-3), I want something as low profile as possible. They work on 10-14v, can they be powered off the M1 board?

 

3. Any idea how long the wire runs can be before sensor performance degrades?

 

4. Any other ways to do this besides an Elk? For example does anyone know of a panel with a basic IP interface that can take sensor inputs and could be used to populate ISY variables via REST? 

 

5. Any recommendations on low profile wired motion sensors?

 

Thanks.