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Re: Elk M1 panel?



Thanks for the reply. It sure looks like a very nice panel. I've been
playing with the demo software. I need to figure out exactly which
modules I would need and where to get it from. I am thinking that I will
just start off with the panel and two keypads..

I have some questions:

Since this is a retrofit I have two keypads homerun'd to the panel. I
know a bit about RS485, and I think this will be fine. Each keypad will
be an end of the RS485 bus with the panel being in the middle. Just
terminate each end. Any other modules on the bus would need to connect
to the keypad locations and then be teminated (removing the termination
from the keypad).. Do I have this right?


With the ELK-M1XSP connected to an aprilaire 8870 communicating
thermostat, It seems that you need two other pieces of equipment. What
other thermostats should I consider? Also, the ELK-M1XSP is a 3-in-1
device, but it really just provides one additional serial port.

With a termostat connected, will I be able to view thermostat
information and control the termostat from the Elk keypad mounted in the
  bedroom?

The M1 panel has one serial port on-board. Can this be used to control
serial port lighting devices like PCS-UPB or X10?

Thanks,

-jr


AutomatedOutlet.com wrote:
> Yes, I have an Elk M1 installed in our office. It's truely an amazing
> panel. I was so impressed with it that I also yanked out a 6 month old
> Caddx system out of my house and will be installing an Elk there as
> well.
>
> Elk is a wonderful company to deal with. All of their products (except
> batteries) also come with a lifetime warranty.
>
> Not only does the software have a great user interface for the
> programming, but, it also allows you to do firmware updates to the
> hardware components.
>
> I'll be the first to tell you that I'm not an expert at alarm system
> installations like some others on this board are. If fact, I never
> really got my Caddx system working right. I'm sure it was pilot error
> but on many systems you really have to know what you're doing to
> install it correctly. With the Elk panel, not only did I get it
> installed correctly, but, I never even had to open the manual to do it.
> The diagram on the panel itself and the software was all I needed. My
> system at the office has 3 motion sensors, 1 door contact, 1 garage
> contact, an 8 zone wireless receiver (with added sensors), a siren, a
> strobe light, 2 speakers (for audio announcements) and a proximity
> reader.
>
> I think it's also really neat that all of the GE Caddx wireless
> components will work with the Elk.
>
> As far as touchscreen keypads, Elk is due to release one later this
> summer.
>
> With the recent $170 Elk price reduction, I think it's a no brainer.
>
> As you can tell, I really like the Elk panels. If anyone wants to talk
> to me about them, please also feel free to call or email me.
>
> Martin Custer
> Martin@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> www.AutomatedOutlet.com
> 817/539-1705
>


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