Should I upgrade to an Elk M1 Gold?

[RipNRun]

Hi All,

I'm new here, but I've already learned quite a bit just browsing. I'm hoping you can help me make an alarm decision.

I have the ADT SafeWatch Pro 2000, which after reading here, I understand to be basically a rebranded Ademco Vista 20SE. I use wireless connections on the door sensors and motion detectors.

I'm interested in adding lighting control, remote access (ie, web based) capability, smoke detectors, and possibly security cameras in the future and getting away from ADT (not sure the price is worth it, all things considered).

I started by assuming that I need to upgrade to a new system--something like an Elk M1 Gold with Insteon support. However, I'm not so sure right now that that would be required. Since I already have this system installed, is it possible to purchase additional modules to expand its capability? If not, and I were to upgrade to an Elk M1 (or other similar system), could I reuse a lot of the existing wiring between the control box and the keypad? Is there any compatibility among the wireless nodes (ie, the door sensors and motion detectors)? I doubt there is, but can't hurt to ask.

Thanks for any help or advice!

[MrRonFL]

Wireless systems are proprietary, for the most part, so the general answer is no.

Wiring and hardwired contacts, and standard 12v devices like motions and glass breaks are interchangeable.

With your current hardware, your more economical course might be upgrading to a Vista 20p, keeping your existing keypads and wireless receiver, and being able to use some of the current generation of modules and capabilities available.

[TeleFragger]

I have... ooops... had ADT..

I have the ITI safewatch caretaker alarm... 100% wireless except for the internal speaker... yes even wireless keypads...

I just got rid of the alarm (in a box right now) and installed a Concord 4 unit.

What I did was called adt and said I wanted a new alarm for free.. being out of contract they were going to install a new unit. They told me that the Concord 4 would be my best bet. Instead of using them I hung up and bought a unit from ebay.. new in box.... dirt cheap...

I just got it all hooked up with ALL my adt sensors... most of them are just GE sensors..

I have
12 door window sensors
2 glassbreaks
2 smokes
2 basement window bars
1 keyfob
1 water detector

and I had to buy NOTHING more than the concord 4 alarm panel kit which came as a kit with a keypad.

An alpha numeric keypad is required to program the unit. They do not make a wireless keypad like my old unit.

I am still working out only 1 bug... phone not dialing out.. not sure why....

anyway....

hope that helps....

~Jeff


oh yeah... forgot to say...

yeah go m1 gold if you got the cash..... I would love to but installing one in my house would be a nightmare.....

you also say with insteon support....

I am over at forums.homeseer.com and cocoontech... 2 well known and very home automation techy group of guys...

my house is automated in all kinds of ways.... and you should read up before going insteon... it does work... I have a insteon controller im gonna sell soon... as I sold 3 light switches... I decided to go z-wave....