Security System
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Posted by Mr. Gibbage on March 12, 2006, 10:35 pm
Please log in for more thread options now, and it comes with a security system. The controller is a DSC model (not sure exactly which one), and I am pretty sure that there will be some other "black box" in a closet somewhere--not really sure what it does (I've seen them in other people's houses--what DO they do??). So, if I go out and buy, say, an Elk M1, will I be able to control my security system with it? Would it just replace the controllers, or would I have some work to do in the black box as well? Skip | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Posted by none on March 13, 2006, 12:14 am
Please log in for more thread options security system and you're referring to the keypad as the security system, which it isn't - it's just a remote keypad). But, if you bought an ELK M1, it would completely replace your existing security system. You'd have to replace the keypad, too. But, you could probably keep all of your sensors (but you'd probably want to make some changes once you compare what the ELK can do with your basic home security system). ----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Unrestricted-Secure Usenet News==---- http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 120,000+ Newsgroups ----= East and West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption =---- | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Posted by Frank Olson on March 13, 2006, 12:51 am
Please log in for more thread options Mr. Gibbage wrote:
> I'm starting to understand this stuff now. I am having a house built
> now, and it comes with a security system. The controller is a DSC > model (not sure exactly which one), and I am pretty sure that there > will be some other "black box" in a closet somewhere--not really sure > what it does (I've seen them in other people's houses--what DO they > do??). So, if I go out and buy, say, an Elk M1, will I be able to > control my security system with it? Would it just replace the > controllers, or would I have some work to do in the black box as well? > > Skip Couple things you should know. The Elk M1 Gold is not UL listed. The DSC system you're presently using is. This may or may not be of concern to you, but if it is, I'd suggest waiting on upgrading until Elk is finally able to win its approval. OTOH, if you like the idea of being able to control everything in your house, enjoy the benefits of having a pretty powerful security panel "in one package", and aren't particularly "price conscience", then, by all means go for it. "None" explained things pretty good. The "black box" you're referring to is the common control. These are usually only compatible with certain types of keypads. Changing the common control to a different manufacturers will involve changing out the keypads as well. If all the wiring's been run and is terminated to the present control, it's only a matter of jotting down and labeling each wire (zone 1, 2, 3, etc.) along with the "zone descriptors" before undertaking to upgrade your system. The Elk is really easy to program with the software package they sell and interconnection to your computer is a snap. You might want to brush up on some alarm terminology. There are some helpful links to do this here: http://www.yoursecuritysource.com/faqs.htm When you're ready to purchase your equipment you may wish to explore the websites of some of the dealers listed here: http://www.yoursecuritysource.com/buyingonline.htm There are a number of additional resources: http://www.norcoalarms.com http://www.smarthome.com http://www.wmballen.com http://www.elkproducts.com http://www.dsc.com If you have any specific questions or problems, feel free to email me. Take care, and good luck!! Frank Olson http://www.yoursecuritysource.com | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Posted by Don on March 13, 2006, 11:23 am
Please log in for more thread options Well if it were me building a new home, I would be the one deciding on what
security system is installed not the builder. It is your money they are spending and your time and efforts to force it into a home automation system. Why pay for something that might not be able to do what you want and then have to pull it all out and pay again for getting what you needed in the first place. Then again, if you don't care about throwing money away, it doesn't make a difference. Myself, I prefer the HAI Omni Pro system. UL rated, interfaces to HAL2000 and Homeseer as well as others. Also included support for thermostats, temp and humitity sensors, X10 support, fire/smoke detectors, motion detectors, and many other nice features. I use it at my home and have never been sorry for getting it. -- Don www.k9soa.net Home of JEANNIE The House That Listens As appeared on HGTV and in Home Automation, Kentucky Living magazines Have some fun and come visit and turn my lights on and off. Over 10,000 visitors since January 2005 Over 25,000 since May 2003 > Mr. Gibbage wrote:
>> I'm starting to understand this stuff now. I am having a house built
>> now, and it comes with a security system. The controller is a DSC >> model (not sure exactly which one), and I am pretty sure that there >> will be some other "black box" in a closet somewhere--not really sure >> what it does (I've seen them in other people's houses--what DO they >> do??). So, if I go out and buy, say, an Elk M1, will I be able to >> control my security system with it? Would it just replace the >> controllers, or would I have some work to do in the black box as well? >> >> Skip >
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Posted by Robert L Bass on March 13, 2006, 3:47 pm
Please log in for more thread options > So, if I go out and buy, say, an Elk M1, will I be able
> to control my security system with it? Would it just > replace the controllers, or would I have some work to > do in the black box as well? The ELK M1Gold is a security system as well as a home automation controller. It does a great job as an alarm. It is also capable of reading and operating all sorts of HA related devices. Elk supports numerous lighting protocols, including UPB, Z-Wave, ALC, Centralite, etc., so you won't likely wind up with an obsolete system when the protocol war is over. It currently supports HAI, Aprilaire and RCS communicating thermostats, but it will also support Z-Wave enabled stats when they become available. One of the things I like about dealing with ELK Products is they are extremely responsive to dealer requests. If several dealers ask them to add a feature ELK will do it and include it in the next firmware release. Speaking of firmware releases (ie, upgrades), ELK makes these available via free download directly from their website. Almost every other manufacturer, including HAI, charges a fee for replacement chips. Need a new lighting protocol added? Elk will add it to the lighting control interface or, if you're so inclined, you can develop your own and implement it directly on the ELK. Most manufacturers, including HAI, charge a hefty fee for the software which you need to configure and diagnose the system. Elk includes it free with the controller if you DIY. Upgrades are free via their website. HAI and Elk both offer Internet connectivity. HAI charges a significant fee for their software (not the same as the configuration software). With Elk it's included. HAI, like most HA controllers, can read each zone (sensor circuit) status as "open" or "shorted". Elk does the same but Elk also does analog. It can read and compare different temperature, humidity and pressure sensors and make decisions based on complex logical comparisons. -- Regards, Robert L Bass Bass Burglar Alarms The Online DIY Store http://www.BassBurglarAlarms.com -- Never underestimate the power of very stupid people in large groups. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
> now, and it comes with a security system. The controller is a DSC
> model (not sure exactly which one), and I am pretty sure that there
> will be some other "black box" in a closet somewhere--not really sure
> what it does (I've seen them in other people's houses--what DO they
> do??). So, if I go out and buy, say, an Elk M1, will I be able to
> control my security system with it? Would it just replace the
> controllers, or would I have some work to do in the black box as well?
>
> Skip