Re: Time for HA, finally. Thinking Insteon. Mulling this for 20 years. What is best?

["Dennis" <djr-google.djrlar@xxxxxxxx>]

Robbert,
Originally I was strongly leaning toward Elk based on their willingness
to communicate directly with DIY users. I recently went to their site
to gather some additional information, and was very disappointed to
read their support information which clearly indicated that technical
support to non dealers was on a fee based basis only. This would seem
to contradict your comments.  I have been reconsidering my choice as a
result of this policy.  If this is indeed not the case, then you should
communicate to them that their website is communicating the wrong
attitude and could be losing them customers as a result. I really need
to get this clarified before making my decision.

Dennis Raher


Robert L Bass wrote:

> > Agreed! The Elk does seem very capable
> > and choosing between the two would be
> > difficult. Indeed, if the schedule can be
> > programmed to the same level of sophistication
> > as the Stargate, I would say it looks like the current winner.
>
> I don't know about the folks that make Stargate (though they seemed very =
pleasant and helpful the few times I've ever spoken to
> them.  ELK has a great attitude toward dealers and end users.  They're on=
e of the few manufacturers in the trade that will actually
> let a user talk to their engineering staff.  As a dealer I've had several=
 occasions to request modifications and additions to the
> ELK-M1G.  I and several other dealers asked for a Z-Wave transceiver.  Do=
ne.  One of my clients asked for help modifying a lighting
> protocol.  Done.
>
> In all fairness, as a dealer I'm not exactly unbiased.  I sell a lot of M=
1 Gold systems, probably more than most independent alarm
> dealers.  But it appears ELK is just as helpful to smaller accounts.
>
> I failed to mention another ELK feature in my earlier posts which I belie=
ve makes the ELK-M1G stand out above many competing
> products.  With most HA systems when there's a new firmware release the e=
nd user has to go to his dealer (assuming he even knows
> there's a new version), pay for a service call and purchase a replacement=
 chipset.  If the dealer is anything like the average alarm
> company, the cost can easily top $200.  ELK allows dealers and users to d=
ownload new firmware at no charge.  DIY customers can get
> email notification and are also given access to all the "back office" doc=
umentation that many alarm manufacturers reserve for
> dealers on password protected websites.  For a number of my customers thi=
s has been a deal maker when choosing between ELK and HAI
> (another good quality HA maker).
>
> --
>
> Regards,
> Robert L Bass
>
> =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
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> Bass Home Electronics
> 941-866-1100
> 4883 Fallcrest Circle
> Sarasota =B7 Florida =B7 34233
> http://www.bassburglaralarms.com
> =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
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