ELK Sensors and Intall

[Mil]

I have a used ELK M1 system on the way.  None of the sensors are coming with it.  What options will I have for wireless sensor contacts?  I saw the ELK sensors and also the GE are economical.  

[TrojanHorse]

I have a used ELK M1 system on the way.  None of the sensors are coming with it.  What options will I have for wireless sensor contacts?  I saw the ELK sensors and also the GE are economical.  

Elk doesn’t natively support wireless on the main board. You’ll need an add on board for wireless. Do you have one? Each add on supports one of Elk, GE or Honeywell. GE has been discontinued by GE but others make compatible sensors. They all have pros and cons. My understanding is that if budget allows you could have all 3 boards simultaneously. Otherwise you need to pick the trade offs. I’m using Elk 2 way only where needed, otherwise hardwired.


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[MWareman]

I have all 3 boards - and favor getting Elk sensors where I can (2 way support). Some more specialized sensors are only available with the other protocols though - hence the multiple boards.

[keepersg]

I use both the Elk and the GE sensors with their respective boards.  The Elk two ways are my preference for security related matters.  I use the GE sensors for those situations like water sensing for which there are no Elk sensors and for automation related tasks (interior doors and such).  You can still get them on ebay and from other manufacturers (including Elk now).  That being said, I've put in hardwired sensors wherever I could.  They are more reliable and an order of magnitude less expensive.  

[Mil]

I don’t think it came with any boards. I think previously it was all hardwired. I’ll take some photos of what is there. 
Thank you!!

[Mil]

Ok. So here’s what I have with the parts. What is the controller at 12 o’clock below the smoke detectors? 
 

What do I need to get started from here?

[lilyoyo1]

1 hour ago, Mil said:

Ok. So here’s what I have with the parts. What is the controller at 12 o’clock below the smoke detectors? 
 

What do I need to get started from here?

Luck, prayer, instructions, and a couple of bottles of your choice liquor.

Here's 1 of the 4

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.homecontrols.com/homecontrols/products/pdfs/EL-Elk/ELKM1G_Manual.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwijmfGy48PqAhWJUt8KHfIWAaEQFjAAegQIARAB&usg=AOvVaw0QXoyyoo1P0If7uYvivJQ1

In all seriousness, I would find someone to assist locally who installs alarms. The elk is doable but can be difficult depending on your technical expertise

[Mil]

Its in a remote area and not possible getting an installer there. Hopefully I can figure it out. 

[TrojanHorse]

Its in a remote area and not possible getting an installer there. Hopefully I can figure it out. 

Right now you appear over your head. But we all started from zero at some point.

 

I think you have some work to do before install. What are your goals?

 

If you really need / want to DIY you’ll need to study up and plan to bench test everything before you install.

 

If you don’t know what you bought start by getting the manuals.... Elk has a bunch of modules and each will have a manual.

 

What are your goals / needs with the Elk?

 

 

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[keepersg]

Agree you need to get the manuals and read them through before hooking anything up.  Then bench test the gear to make sure everything is working.  The device below the smoke detectors, while blurry, appears to be an M1XEP which connects your M1 to your LAN so that you can program it with ElkRP2 software and connect it with other devices like the ISY and Homeseer.   Depending on the age of the M1XEP, it may not be able to connect with current Windows systems.  Strongly recommend you go to the Elk forum and read about that issue and the steps necessary to upgrade firmware in that device and others.

[Mil]

17 hours ago, TrojanHorse said:

Right now you appear over your head. But we all started from zero at some point.

 

I think you have some work to do before install. What are your goals?

 

If you really need / want to DIY you’ll need to study up and plan to bench test everything before you install.

 

If you don’t know what you bought start by getting the manuals.... Elk has a bunch of modules and each will have a manual.

 

What are your goals / needs with the Elk?

 

 

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I agree with that over my head. Lol!!!!

 

Mainly home automation (I have the isy now and setup). Remotely monitor just to let me know if an issue arises (getting a law enforcement response would never happen). 
 

I’ll get the manuals downloaded and step by step add the modules in. 

[Teken]

10 minutes ago, Mil said:

I agree with that over my head. Lol!!!!

 

Mainly home automation (I have the isy now and setup). Remotely monitor just to let me know if an issue arises (getting a law enforcement response would never happen). 
 

I’ll get the manuals downloaded and step by step add the modules in. 

@Mil

If you end up needing some ELK hardware because some of it isn't working. Give @Scottmichaelj a shout via PM, he always tries to help out the forum members in purchasing random items as he is an authorized dealer. ?

[TrojanHorse]

It’s been so long since I set mine up but one thing you may want to have, is a USB to serial adapter and maybe a USB extension cord so that you can connect your PC to the Elk serial port before you have the M1XEP configured (which you will need in addition to ISY Elk Module from UDI to communicate with ISY). That way you can set up ElkRP software and configure from there rather than the XEP. The idea being that you get one thing running and test before adding new modules.


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