Alarm Engine & ElkConnect - Frequently Asked Questions
Are there different models of the Alarm Engine?
Alarm Engine is a new IP and cloud-centric platform for security, automation, safety, and access. The first control offering in the Alarm Engine family is the E27, a hybrid alarm control system with robust hardwire and wireless capabilities, powerful automation, and easy Z-Wave integration. E27 began shipping Q4 of 2023. The Alarm Engine roadmap will include addtional control and peripheral offerings in the future, as ELK builds out this new platform.
How many keypads does the E27 support?
E27 supports up to 8 data bus Keypads (ELK-AEKP).
A Wi-Fi touchscreen is in development. E27 will support up to 6 touchscreens.
Are there any plans to offer another keypad options?
A Wi-Fi Touchscreen for Alarm Engine is being developed and expected to be available early 2024.
Is the E27 compatible with M1 keypads and peripheral devices?
The short answer, No. However, there are a few exceptions.
The E27 is a new platform that utilizes architecture and bus communcation protocols that are very different from the M1. For this reason, M1 keypads and most M1 peripherals are incompatible with E27. However, there are a few exceptions. The following components are compatible with both M1 & E27.
ELK-M1DBH - This data bus hub is a passive device, creating in/out connections to the RS485 data bus using CAT5/CAT6 cables. Since there is no active data bus chips/components, it can be used with the E27. However, it is important to note the ELK-M1DBHR is not compatible with E27.
ELK-M1RB - This relay board simply converts the voltage outputs from the J16 connector on an M1 or E27 board to relay outputs. This conversion does not require any specialized data bus communciations and as a result, it can be used with E27.
ELK-M1VO - This simple board converts the 12 conductor J16 ribbon cable connection to screw terminal connections. It is compatible with both E27 and M1.
How does the E27 connect to the network?
The E27 features an on-board ethernet port for wired connection to the LAN.
An optional Wi-Fi adapter is available, ELK-AEWF.
Is E27 Wi-Fi Compatible?
Yes, there is an optional Wi-Fi Adapter avaiable for E27, ELK-AEWF.
Are there monthly fees for ElkConnect?
Yes. ElkConnect provides interactive cloud-based services to end customers, which require a subscription plan.
There is a small monthly fee for any Alarm Engine system utilizing these interactive services.
Installers are only billed for systems with active subscriptions. Billing is based on the number of active systems at the first of each month. For current pricing information contact sales@elkproducts.com
Installers can access inactive systems (whether new installs or suspended installs) for programming and maintenance without monthly fees.
Is a subscription or account required for a dealer/installer to remote into a control?
No. Dealer/Installers can access their controls regardless of the subscription status.
Can a dealer/installer have more subscriptions then ELK offers base plans?
Yes. The dealer/installer can create as many plans as they like if they are choosing to offer different price tiers to their customers for service. The name given to the subscription is visible to the customer when they are logged into the ElkConnect Portal.
Will there be more ELK base plans in the future?
Yes. As we build out the site, we will be adding more services like Cellular.
The addition of these services will require additional base plan options.
What are "Rules"?
You can write customized instructions, called "Rules," for the E27 to control what it does in response to certain events. These rules are written with the Rules Editor in the ElkConnect Portal. Rules give you access to "Triggering Events," such as a time of day, an input zone change, a user action, and even trouble conditions. Based on one or a combination of such events, you can trigger actions in the E27 to arm/disarm the system, control lights, change thermostats settings, unlock doors, turn outputs on/off, and more. The possibilities are endless!
Are subscriptions or account required for creating Rules?
No. Dealer/Installers can create rules for any E27 system that is online.
What Agency listings does the E27 have?
We are in the process of obtaining agency listings for E27. However, this is a lengthy process.
We are seeking agency listings for the following UL Standards:
- Residential Burglary
- Residential Fire
- Commercial Burglary
Does the E27 provide on-site voice alerts?
E27 does not have an on-board voice output for on-site alerts.
The Alarm Engine roadmap does include adding voice alert functionality in the future through an add-on module. More details will be provided when they are available.
Does the E27 adjust for Daylight Savings Time?
Yes, the E27 automatically adjusts for Daylight Saving time. This feature can be disabled for areas that do not observe Daylight Saving Time.
FYI: The E27 also has a built-in astronomical clock so that it knows when sunrise and sunset occur.
Does the E27 have battery load shed built-in?
The E27 has low battery disconnect built-in. When operating off backup battery (due to AC power fail), the E27 generates a low battery trouble when the voltage reaches 11.2 VDC. If battery voltage drops to ~10 VDC (+/- 2%), the E27 disconnects the battery and shuts down. This is to prevent low voltage false alarms and battery deep discharge.
Does the E27 work with Carbon Monoxide Detectors? If so, which ones?
Yes, E27 does support Carbon Monoxide Detectors and provide the industry standard Temporal 4 alarm siren for CO Alarms. Any hardwired Carbon Monoxide Detector that is designed to work with a 12V alarm system will work with the E27. ELK offers a wireless carbon monoxide detector, ELK-6051.
How many outputs are on the E27 board?
There are 13 outputs on the main board.
- ALARM 1 & 2 are alarm speaker outputs that use a built-in siren driver to provide alarm sounds.
- 10) 12VDC, 50mA, switched positive voltage outputs (J16 connector)
- 1) Form "C" SPDT relay output
What is required to add wireless capability?
E27 can support up to 128 wireless sensors and supports both ELK's Two-Way Wireless sensors or ELK-319.5 MHz sensors. Below are details on the required peripherals for wireless support.
A single receiver/transceiver can be connected to a dedicated connector on the E27 main board.
- ELK-AERF3 Alarm Engine Wireless Receiver for 319.5 MHz Sensors
- ELK-AERF9 Alarm Engine Wireless Receiver for Two-Way Wireless Sensors
ELK offers an RF Bus Adapter for Alarm Engine to allow receivers/transceivers to be connected to the E27 data bus. Up to 4 RF bus adapters can be added to the system.
- ELK-AEXRFA3 319.5 MHz RF Receiver with Alarm Engine Bus Adapter
- ELK-AEXRFA9 Two-Way Wireless Transceiver with Alarm Engine Bus Adapter
The E27 can have an on-board wireless receiver and RF bus adapters simultaneously. Two-Way wireless and 319.5 MHz wireless can be used simultaneously on the same system, granted the appropriate receivers/transceivers are installed and within range of their respective sensors.
Will 3.3K EOL resistors work on the E27 zones when changing panels, or will they have to be replaced?
The E27 mainboard zones require 2.2K (2,200 Ohm) resistors. However, the ELK-AEXIN Alarm Engine Input Expanders provide selectable EOL resistance values using DIP switches on each input expander. Supported values include 1.0K, 2.2K, or 3.3K.
Is there a remote power supply option for E27?
It's easy to add remote power to installations utilizing the ELK-AEXIN Input Expander and/or ELK-AEXOU Output Expander. Both of these Alarm Engine peripherals feature an optional input for a 14VDC power supply (ELK-P1426), as well optional battery leads for a back-up battery. This provides power with battery backup for the expander and other devices (like powered sensors or devices powered by the relays).