Question: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?
Answer: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
