Security System

[jpoje]

Is there any way to "convert" or "connect" my existing home security system to work with the ISY99. I don't know too much about my system, just that it is 3 years old, has 2 Honeywell basic keypads, zones all hardwired to a metal box, landline connected for monitoring. I've read things about "ELK" being compatible, but is there anyway to integrate that into an existing system.

 

I appreciate any and all suggestions.

[apostolakisl]

Certainly nothing that would be easy. If your system has a network interface and you have access to the protocols, you may be able to get some functionality between ISY and it. But it would require a high level of expertise to be successful (if it is even possible at all).

 

If you value your time, you would be better off replacing the honeywell with an Elk.

[jpoje]

Would that require re-wiring and replacing all my door and window contacts or would I be able to use existing wiring and contacts and just replace the "box" where all the wires connect in and the "keypads"?

 

Thanks again.

[apostolakisl]

You should be able to use all of the old contacts and wires. You would need an m1gold (ez8 I think works too), the keypads, and the m1xep (ethernet expander).

 

The only issue you might have is if the original wiring had end of line (eol) resistors that are signifcintly different than Elk's 2200ohm spec. If there are no eol resistors at all then that is fine. You can unplug the wires from a few of you zones and put an ohm meter on them to see if the ohm out at roughly zero ohms or some other number. For exmple, take the pos/neg to a door or window off of your current panel, attach to the leads on the ohm meter. When the door is closed it will read something like 0, or a small number indicating no eol resistor. If it reads something like 1500 or 2000 then you have eol resistors. When the door is opened, it should read infinity or open circuit or whatever your ohm meter does in that case.

[jpoje]

So if I have EOL resistors on my wiring then I cannot use the ELK system?

 

Thanks for the information pointing me in the right direction to get started.

 

I appreciate your help.

[apostolakisl]

No, if you have eol resistors that are significantly different than 2200ohm. Even if you do, you can still use the Elk, you will just have to make some adjustments.

[jpoje]

Sounds a bit complicated for me to attempt. My contract is up with my security company, maybe I can have them switch honeywell to elk if sign another contract?

[paulw]

If it is one of the Vista series, you can use the isy to turn the system on and off, and send info as to status to the isy. However, it will take some knowledge on programming the Vista, and a 3rd party product to send info to and from the isy.