ELK/ISY Integration

[mikek]

I see a lot of folks are fond of using these two systems together, and I've read a pile of forum threads and the wiki, but still I have a few questions.

 

The first set of questions relates to what exactly is needed to allow the integration. On the Elk side, I assume that I need their Ethernet Interface (ELK-M1XEP). On the ISY side, it seems that I need the Elk Security Module. Are those two assumptions correct? Am I missing anything? The Elk Security Module is not a physical hardware component, is it?

 

The second set of questions is more general ... How are you all using these two systems together? Which systems are performing which tasks? Are you pleased with their combined performance? Does it make for a stable and reliable combined home automation and security system?

 

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

[Brian H]

The ELK Security Module is a firmware add on. As you thought.

You purchase in through the Administrative Console.

Help Tab

Purchase Modules choice.

http://wiki.universal-devices.com/index.php?title=Main_Page#ELK_Security

 

Smarthome use to sell a ELK/ISY994i kit but it did not have the add on module included.

As there was a half baked. Less feature way to have the ELK and ISY994i together. They so conveniently forgot to mention the firmware module was not included in the kit.

[Bumbershoot]

I see a lot of folks are fond of using these two systems together, and I've read a pile of forum threads and the wiki, but still I have a few questions.

 

The first set of questions relates to what exactly is needed to allow the integration. On the Elk side, I assume that I need their Ethernet Interface (ELK-M1XEP). On the ISY side, it seems that I need the Elk Security Module. Are those two assumptions correct? Am I missing anything? The Elk Security Module is not a physical hardware component, is it?

 

The second set of questions is more general ... How are you all using these two systems together? Which systems are performing which tasks? Are you pleased with their combined performance? Does it make for a stable and reliable combined home automation and security system?

 

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

 

You'll need access to a Windows installation to run the ElkRP2 software (I don't think this is a hard requirement, but it makes configuring your ELK so much easier).  I'm running Win10 Fall Creators Edition (or somesuch) as a VMWare virtual machine on a Mac, and it works just fine.  For me, the Windows license was an additional expense.

[dbuss]

I see a lot of folks are fond of using these two systems together, and I've read a pile of forum threads and the wiki, but still I have a few questions.

 

The first set of questions relates to what exactly is needed to allow the integration. On the Elk side, I assume that I need their Ethernet Interface (ELK-M1XEP). On the ISY side, it seems that I need the Elk Security Module. Are those two assumptions correct? Am I missing anything? The Elk Security Module is not a physical hardware component, is it?

 

The second set of questions is more general ... How are you all using these two systems together? Which systems are performing which tasks? Are you pleased with their combined performance? Does it make for a stable and reliable combined home automation and security system?

 

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

 

I have found the Elk/ISY integration to be very stable and reliable for my needs and use. I use the integration of the two systems to arm, disarm, and get email notifications when certain conditions are met.

[mikek]

You'll need access to a Windows installation to run the ElkRP2 software (I don't think this is a hard requirement, but it makes configuring your ELK so much easier).  I'm running Win10 Fall Creators Edition (or somesuch) as a VMWare virtual machine on a Mac, and it works just fine.  For me, the Windows license was an additional expense.

Just to make sure I understand correctly, RP2 is used for configuration only, and constant communication between the ELK and PC during normal operation is not required. Is that right? 

[dbuss]

Just to make sure I understand correctly, RP2 is used for configuration only, and constant communication between the ELK and PC during normal operation is not required. Is that right? 

You are correct, constant communication between the ELK and PC during normal operation is not required.

[apostolakisl]

I have the Elk/ISY setup.

 

All the info above is consistent with my experience.

 

To summarize:

1) Elk XEP (a physical device added to the Elk data bus that puts your Elk onto an IP network).

2) ISY Elk module activation (it is just a license fee, no physical changes to ISY needed).

3) Elk RP2 running on a PC (no fees associated with this assuming you already have a windows mahine), just register with Elk and download it.

 

Do you already have an Elk?  If not, you will definitely need to run Elk RP2 software on a windows machine.  While it is technically possible to configure the Elk from scratch using only the keypads, you would definitely NOT want to do that. 

 

And the PC running Elk RP2 only needs to be running while you are configuring Elk.  

[Bumbershoot]

Just to make sure I understand correctly, RP2 is used for configuration only, and constant communication between the ELK and PC during normal operation is not required. Is that right? 

Yes, and it's also important to note that while the RP2 software is connected to the M1XEP, your ELK will be disconnected from the ISY.  Only one connection at a time...  Be sure to disconnect the RP2 software when you're done with configuration.

[Bumbershoot]

I have the Elk/ISY setup.

 

All the info above is consistent with my experience.

 

To summarize:

1) Elk XEP (a physical device added to the Elk data bus that puts your Elk onto an IP network).

2) ISY Elk module activation (it is just a license fee, no physical changes to ISY needed).

3) Elk RP2 running on a PC (no fees associated with this assuming you already have a windows mahine), just register with Elk and download it.

 

Do you already have an Elk?  If not, you will definitely need to run Elk RP2 software on a windows machine.  While it is technically possible to configure the Elk from scratch using only the keypads, you would definitely NOT want to do that. 

 

And the PC running Elk RP2 only needs to be running while you are configuring Elk.  

 

Indeed.  Life is far too short to indulge in that sort of business!

[cam]

I have a very large Elk/ISY integrated home...

 

- 80+ motion sensors (dual purposed for security and lighting control)

- 40+ water/link sensors

- 24+ door/window sensors

- 100+ Insteon Switchlinc's (on/off & dimmers)

- Multiple Insteon Thermostats

- Z-Wave deadbolts

- etc...

 

My system has been flawless (except for some PLM weirdness on two occasions).   The integration between the Elk & ISY is excellent.  The response time of a motion sensor triggering a light is very quick (nearly instantaneous as soon as the motion sensor goes off).  I thought I'd end up using occupancy sensors for faster light triggering but standard motion sensors work just fine even if there's a slight delay for the motion to trip.

 

Happy to discuss more via PM if desired.  The HomeTap app I just released to the Apple App Store also supports arming/disarming your Elk alarm panel too.

[Bumbershoot]

I have a very large Elk/ISY integrated home...

 

- 80+ motion sensors (dual purposed for security and lighting control)

- 40+ water/link sensors

- 24+ door/window sensors

- 100+ Insteon Switchlinc's (on/off & dimmers)

- Multiple Insteon Thermostats

- Z-Wave deadbolts

- etc...

 

My system has been flawless (except for some PLM weirdness on two occasions). The integration between the Elk & ISY is excellent. The response time of a motion sensor triggering a light is very quick (nearly instantaneous as soon as the motion sensor goes off). I thought I'd end up using occupancy sensors for faster light triggering but standard motion sensors work just fine even if there's a slight delay for the motion to trip.

 

Happy to discuss more via PM if desired. The HomeTap app I just released to the Apple App Store also supports arming/disarming your Elk alarm panel too.

Are all your motion and window/door sensors Insteon? I need to add some of these devices, and I'm weighing Elk two-way wireless, Insteon and Z-Wave. Elk would be the most expensive as I'd have to buy the wireless transiever, where I already have Insteon and Z-Wave capability. Z-Wave for doors/windows and Insteon for motion? I'm worried that Insteon or Z-Wave motion sensors will be too sensitive for this application. Insight would be appreciated.

[cam]

Are all your motion and window/door sensors Insteon? I need to add some of these devices, and I'm weighing Elk two-way wireless, Insteon and Z-Wave. Elk would be the most expensive as I'd have to buy the wireless transiever, where I already have Insteon and Z-Wave capability. Z-Wave for doors/windows and Insteon for motion? I'm worried that Insteon or Z-Wave motion sensors will be too sensitive for this application. Insight would be appreciated.

 

All of my motion and window/door sensors are hardwired directly to the Elk (I pulled the wiring when I built my home).  If you're stuck with wireless, then you'd need to clarify your second to last sentence "too sensitive for this application"...  If security is the most critical thing you're trying to accomplish than tying that to the Elk is highly recommended.  If you're just wanting lights to turn on in your master bathroom when your bathroom motion sensor is tripped then bypass the Elk.  I've never tried Insteon or Elk wireless motion sensors...

[Bumbershoot]

I've got hardwired doors, except for one. Motions and door/windows sensors would be for security. Where possible motions would be placed, there are wildly changing light conditions, not to mention a fair sized dog roaming around. The dog can actuate my Insteon and Z-Wave motions on occasion, and I haven't out how to configure them so that won't happen, or even of it's even possible. I probably should just bite the bullet and spring for an all Elk security solution, though I do have a fondness for Rube Goldberg contraptions...

[Scottmichaelj]

I've got hardwired doors, except for one. Motions and door/windows sensors would be for security. Where possible motions would be placed, there are wildly changing light conditions, not to mention a fair sized dog roaming around. The dog can actuate my Insteon and Z-Wave motions on occasion, and I haven't out how to configure them so that won't happen, or even of it's even possible. I probably should just bite the bullet and spring for an all Elk security solution, though I do have a fondness for Rube Goldberg contraptions...

IMO get the Elk two way wireless sensors. They will all be supervised by the alarm company and they “check in” where as the Insteon does not. I use them in my home and they work perfectly. Keep security at a higher priority then Home Automation.

[Bumbershoot]

IMO get the Elk two way wireless sensors. They will all be supervised by the alarm company and they “check in” where as the Insteon does not. I use them in my home and they work perfectly. Keep security at a higher priority then Home Automation.

Thanks for the feedback. That’s the first I’ve heard of these being installed by an ISY user. Do you have an opinion about their pet immunity?

[Scottmichaelj]

Thanks for the feedback. That’s the first I’ve heard of these being installed by an ISY user. Do you have an opinion about their pet immunity?

This is just my opinion but to avoid false alarms and fees I would avoid motions and stick with window, door, and glass break, sensors if you do not want to keep an animal in a specific area not monitored.

[Bumbershoot]

This is just my opinion but to avoid false alarms and fees I would avoid motions and stick with window, door, and glass break, sensors if you do not want to keep an animal in a specific area not monitored.

Thanks, good advice. I live on a golf course, and every once in a while someone beans the house, so I’m considering the glass break sensors.

[CoolToys]

On 1/6/2018 at 8:54 AM, Bumbershoot said:

Yes, and it's also important to note that while the RP2 software is connected to the M1XEP, your ELK will be disconnected from the ISY.  Only one connection at a time...  Be sure to disconnect the RP2 software when you're done with configuration.

Thank you for this tip, but for some reason I still do not see any way to verify the ISY is communicating with the M1EXP/ELK.  I have two homes with heavy insteon installations and ELK systems.  Other than the PC interface for RP2 software (Elk if you read this I'd like to license and create Mac version). and the other house works flawless.

The main house I have just finally got around to connecting the ELK and the ISY and the ISY never gives me the option to "refresh topology" so I assume there is no communication for some reason.  I can ping both and see them in my ip scanner. I was running the RP2 console at first but since have shut it down and still no "refresh topology".

I have tried both 2101 non-secure and 2601 secure and dumbed down the TLS to 1.0 as in the Wiki.  I wait at least 5 minutes between changes thinking it may be slow to communicate as the help file says the ISY 99i could create a broadcast storm.  I have a 994i.