Don't rely on a panel that focuses exclusively on automation or security. The M1 Gold features a rock-solid security foundation with powerful automation functionality for the best of both worlds and now even controls INSTEON-enabled automation devices (sold separately). Whether you're an integrator or an installer, you'll appreciate the flash memory firmware, RS-232 serial port, Ethernet connectivity option, fast PC programming, and ease of installation, all of which combine to result in reduced work time. The INSTEON-Enabled M1 Gold Kit also includes everything you'll need to communicate commands to your home's INSTEON-enabled devices. The M1 Gold offers the flexibility to integrate industry standard systems and components for easy upgrades and system expansion from the 16 on-board zones to up to 208; plug-in terminal blocks make service and pre-wiring a snap. The M1 Gold also has a wireless capacity of up to 48 zones, just add an M1 Cable to NX Wireless harness, a five-pin cable required for connecting your wireless receiver to the M1 Gold. Operating from the M1 Gold's data bus, the INSTEON-Enabled M1 Gold Kit's M1 Lighting & Thermostat Interface acts as the adapter between the M1 Gold and your home's electrical wiring through the INSTEON (patent pending) PowerLinc Controller, a standalone home automation interface for controlling lights, appliances, heating/air conditioning systems and alarm systems. This module has on-board memory so timers and macros can be downloaded from your M1 Gold and stored in the PowerLinc Controller. Its on-board clock keeps accurate time, all the time, with integrated 10-year battery backup. The PowerLinc Controller includes a pass-through AC outlet, which allows you to plug in additional AC devices. To interface your M1 Gold with INSTEON, go to the M1 dealer site and follow these instructions: Choose Downloads from the Main Menu on the left Choose ELK RP Software & M1 Controls Choose Firmware Update for All Products Choose Download Choose Open or Run, depending on your browser. The M1 Lighting & Thermostat Interface also adapts the M1 unit to various lighting control products that use serial communications. You can also control your communicating thermostat through your M1 Gold, since this interface adapts communicating thermostats like the Aprilaire Communicating Thermostat and the Omnistat Thermostats to the M1 cross platform control. Jumpers on the M1 Lighting & Thermostat Interface select the appropriate application, connection, and protocol, so hands-on control is not necessary. Best of all, the M1 Lighting & Thermostat Interface operates from the 4-wire (RS-485) M1 Keypad data bus, allowing RS-232 ports to be located long distances from the control. The M1 Gold supports up to seven of these interfaces. If you already have an M1 Gold security and automation system installed in your home, you can still use it to control INSTEON-enabled devices. To do so, you'll need the M1 Lighting & Thermostat Interface and PowerLinc Controller, both sold separately. The M1 Gold offers ample security features. You'll gain peace of mind, knowing your smoke and motion detectors (both sold separately) are fully supported, along with a time/date-stamped 512-event history log. Partition your monitored area into eight separate areas with separate account numbers; program up to 99 user codes with assignable authority levels, so you'll be sure your home or office is being monitored wisely. Additional features include a two-way listen-in interface and multiple arm levels. More than just a security system, the M1 Gold can be used to create lifestyle-enhancing comfort and convenience through your home automation system. Interface your computers and peripheral devices into your M1 Gold and control your lighting, temperature and numerous other automation tasks. There's no need to chain rules together; the programming system allows almost any imaginable operation using easy-to-understand text-based references. Control your lighting, including dimming and scenes, using RS-232 serial or 2-way power line control ports. Read temperature sensors and communicate with thermostats. You can even turn on tasks, lights, and outputs via keypad or telephone remote. Additional features include sunset/sunrise calculation and activation as well as the ability to transmit and receive custom serial ASCII messages. It's not necessary to rely on beeps and flashes with the M1 Gold. The voice announcement feature provides clear alerts and announcements, providing detailed information on alarms, zone descriptions, and status of areas. With a 500-plus-word/phrase vocabulary, you can link up to six words and phrases per announcements, and with an additional 10 custom-recordable words/phrases, you'll find this communications system to be extremely user-friendly. The integrated voice dialer also uses vocabulary or custom words and phrases. The built-in telephone remote control makes any phone a keypad. While the M1 Gold is expandable to support up to 16 LCD keypads, the system's included flush-mount keypad features a backlit, large-character LCD of 16 x 2 lines, which displays the system's diagnostics and settings. Between its menu navigation keys and its six programmable function keys, programming the display of time, date and temperature is made easy. On each keypad, one zone input and one output are programmable. Additional keypads and blue-backlit keypads are available to be purchased separately. The INSTEON-enabled M1 Gold Kit is also available with a keypad with 6 programmable buttons. A slim-line keypad is also available for use in spaces where you won't need the full functionality of the LCD keypad. Add up to twelve sets of 16 hardwired zones to your M1 Gold with the M1 16 Zone Input Expander. Looking to add wireless receivers? Use the M1 Cable to NX Wireless. Additional units that can be purchased separately include the M1 Databus Hub and the M1 Relay Board. The M1 Gold uses a true V.22 bis modem for fast, reliable information uploading and downloading. You'll have the options of dial-up, Ethernet or local access from the RS-232 port or house phone jack; an automatic answering machine bypass is included, as is the RJ31X jack so that your M1 Gold system will be able to dial out in the event of an emergency. Add an Ethernet Port Expander/Interface to connect your M1 to your network: You'll be able to access and control all connected accessories from any PC in the world! Use the Elk Remote Management Software for easy setup and control of your entire M1EZ8 system.