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nadler
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Joined: February 25 2006
Location: United States
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Posts: 354
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| Posted: February 02 2007 at 08:59 | IP Logged
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I know some of you are using the ELK with powerhome and that Dave is working hard on integrating PH and Elk. Altho I have a satisfactory older security system and was not considering the Elk for automation because of my existing security system, Smarthome is having a $100 off sale and I thought I would see what those of you who have the ELK think about it together with PH. I've been reading coocoontech about the Elk but I wanted some PH input.
I have a few questions:
1. Can I use my existing security wiring with the elk (i.e. various types of contacts, fire and smoke detectors, central station). I only have 8 zones. I think the answer is yes, but I'm just checking.
2. As a backup to PH and my computer going down when I'm on vacation, I use a second PLC with smarthome timer software as a backup to turn on crucial outside/inside lights. That way if my computer doesn't boot up after a power failure or just crashes (which it will one day) at least I have some lights. Can Elk take over this chore? (Again, I think the answer is yes). If yes, can Elk take over this chore without me using X-10 in any insteon switch. (I've eliminated X-10 in my home except for some RF because I never got over 75% reliability). It is important to me that I don't go back to x-10 in any way.
3. I have a hodge podge of IR including powermids, USB-UIRT that all work okay, but I'd like something a little less kludgey. The powermids seem to send a lot of unwanted signals to PH through the USB-UIRT. Would I be able to use the elk for IR? If yes, what accessories would I need (multiple rooms, multiple equipment in several room)? I've looked into many alternatives from Ocelot to Niles (etc) to Global Cache, each has its advantages but if it all could be consolidated through Elk that would be good.
4. Temp sensors and thermostats. I've looked at various alternatives but haven't bitten the bullet yet. I know ELK can do this. What would I need and about how much would it cost? I would be interested in 2 thermostats and 2 extra temperature sensors for 2 other rooms. Cost would be a factor here. So the less expensive the solution the better.
5. Control from the internet. I would be interested in controlling everything through the internet preferably through PH but if that's not possible through PH and the ELK. Altho I've played around with PH and the internet a little, I've never delved into it enough so that it is very user friendly for me (mainly becuase of the real time update/browser refresh issue). I'm also trying to use PH with a Treo 650 which has a very small screen. I know others have solved this, but I just haven't put in the time yet. Adding Elk to the mix, what would I need? The internet Elk module? or could I just go through PH? Could I set the Elk alarm on/off through PH and check the temp etc?
6. Does the Elk have to be connected to the PC through RS232 all the time to do any/all of the above or is it just initially connected to set up the elk?
Thanks in advance for helping me make this decision!
Regards,
Noel
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smarty
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Joined: May 21 2006
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| Posted: February 02 2007 at 10:05 | IP Logged
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Noel,
1) Yes.
2) Yes, this is where the Elk shines. It is a dedicated controller (rather than a computer). 100% stable. No Windows "blue screens of death".
3) No IR for Elk (as far as I know). I use the UIRT also, except with a wired Xantech system. Seems OK so far....but it is NOT in production yet (house is under construction)
4) I have went with RCS TR16 and TR40's (and a ZCV4 4 zone controller). Not cheap (sorry), but works well with the Elk.
5) If you point your EI at the IP address of the Elk network module, you will get a nice Elk control program to pop up (runs off JAVA boo!!) It allows you full control of your elk system (lighting, temp, security etc). I have not been able to do crap with my Treo 650. Speed is too slow. Waiting for a better Treo (needs wifi and good screen resolution).
6) Just for set up (IMO, better to go through the network module.....FASTER)
__________________
Elk - Insteon - BlueIris - DMC1 - PowerHome - XLobby - HA_Bridge w/Dots - Brultech
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nadler
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Joined: February 25 2006
Location: United States
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Posts: 354
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| Posted: February 03 2007 at 14:57 | IP Logged
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Thanks, Smarty.
Too bad about the IR and Elk. I'm still thinking about the Elk though, altho now I might wait a bit more.
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Topic: PH & Elk
