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  • ELK-C1M1 — Dual-Path Communicator Information Addendum

    August 31, 2026 8 min read

    Information addendum for the ELK-C1M1 Dual-Path (Cellular + IP) Alarm Communicator, covering ElkLink remote setup, M1 Control programming, ElkRP connections, and the diagnostic utility.

    Full text manual (for reference)

    Information addendum for the ELK-C1M1 Dual-Path (Cellular + IP) Alarm Communicator, covering ElkLink remote services setup, M1 Control programming for C1M1 communications, ElkRP remote programming connections, the C1M1 Diagnostic Utility, and hardware overview — topics not covered in the main C1M1 Install Manual.

    Overview

    In addition to super-fast, dual-path alarm communications, the C1M1 supports Elk-RP remote programming of the M1 Control by the alarm company, and remote services operation by end customers — both without any need for local port forwarding or static IP address assignment.

    Important compatibility notes:

    • To be UL compliant and 100% compatible with the ELK-C1M1 Communicator, the ELK-M1 Control should be running firmware 5.3.10.
    • ElkRP version 2.0.34 is required for use with the ELK-C1M1 Communicator.

    ElkLink — End Customer Login "Invitations"

    The ElkLink website provides a login portal for end customers, who can arm/disarm their M1 system through the C1M1, set up email/text notifications, and view history. Limitations: ElkLink only allows operation of a single area/partition (Area #1), and provides only a single end-customer login per C1M1 — multiple family members must share one login.

    Important: Setting up end-customer logins in ElkLink can only be done by alarm company personnel holding Admin or Reg authority credentials. ViewOnly personnel can review but not create/edit.

    1. Log in to the ElkLink site.
    2. Choose the End Customer tab.
    3. Choose NEW from the left margin.
    4. Complete First Name, Last Name, Email Address, Mobile Number, and Mobile Carrier for the person being invited. An email invitation is sent with a link for them to register their login/password. Mobile fields are needed only if the customer wants text notifications.
    5. Service Provider / Alarm Company fields auto-fill from the stored alarm company account.
    6. Device MAC — the most critical field. Use the pulldown to select the Device MAC of the installed C1M1 unit. ElkLink only shows C1M1 units under your alarm company that have NOT already been assigned an end customer. Each C1M1 allows only 1 end-customer login.
    7. Choose Save. Inform the end customer to expect and respond to the invitation email to choose their login name and password.

    Remote Arm/Disarm Setup

    The M1 Control will not allow remote arm/disarm by an end customer unless a Remote Disarming Code is programmed into the C1M1 device setup. This code must match a functional, operating Arm & Disarm User Code programmed in the M1 Control.

    • Recommended: assign the very last user code (e.g. User Code 199) so it's less likely to be accidentally deleted or changed. Suggested name: "C1M1 Remote."
    • Be sure to check the Arm and Disarm boxes under the Authority Level for this user code.
    • To set the code: ElkLink Devices tab → locate device by Device MAC → View Device screen → EDIT → complete "Remote Disarming Code" field → Update. This updates both the database and the C1M1.

    Programming the M1 for Communicating Through the C1M1

    Setup may be done via Keypad Installer Level programming or via ElkRP Programming Software.

    1. Programming from the Keypad Installer Level

    Enter Installer Level Programming: press ELK, 9, RIGHT arrow, then enter the installer programming code. Navigate to Menu 08, Telephone Account Setup, and press RIGHT to select. Telephone #1 is the one and only number that MUST be programmed to use the C1M1.

    1. Program option 01 (Format) as "06 = Ethernet" — required for M1 IP communications.
    2. Program option 02 (Priority) as "0 = Always Report".
    3. Skip options 03 and 04 (Number and Dial Attempts) — not used for IP communications.
    4. Program the Areas (partitions) to be identified at the Central Station using non-zero acct code numbers (options 05–12, Acct # for Areas 1–8). The C1M1 will not report an area if its acct number is blank (000000). Note: the actual account number identifying the customer to the Central Station is stored in the C1M1 via the ElkLink web portal.
    5. Option 13 = Yes to enable reporting of Zone Alarms, Zone Restorals, Zone Unbypasses.
    6. Option 14 = Yes to enable reporting of Zone Bypasses.
    7. Option 15 = Yes to enable reporting of Zone Troubles.
    8. Option 16 = Yes to enable reporting of User Openings and Closings.
    9. Option 17 = Yes to enable reporting of Global System events (AC, Low Battery, etc.).

    Of the M1's 8 available telephone numbers, only Telephone #1 is required to enable C1M1 cellular/IP communications. The other 7 can still be used for digital/voice dialing over a POTS line — e.g. Telephone #2 as a digital dialer backup, since C1M1 already provides dual-path (IP + Cellular) backup on its own.

    Reporting Codes (Menus 09–13): for each reporting code (Zone, User, System Event, etc.) you want reported, enter a non-zero value (e.g. 01, 99). A value of 00 means it will NOT be reported.

    2. Connecting and Programming from the ElkRP Software

    Download and install the latest ElkRP PC Programming Software (v2.0.34) from the Elk Products website. Create a new (blank) client M1 account in ElkRP unless one already exists for this M1 Control.

    Two ways to connect ElkRP to the M1 Control with a C1M1 installed:

    • Local Connect via USB — requires a Serial A to USB Mini-B cable (Elk part # ELK-USBCM) from PC to the C1M1's USB port. The C1M1 must be powered up for the PC to recognize it. In the M1 Account, set Network Adapter to "C1M1", fill in the C1M1's System URL/IP (the "Find C1M1" box can help), and the MAC Address (printed on the C1M1's right side housing). Default non-secure port is 2101 (secure port is always 1 higher). Connect using the Connection dropdown → On-site Local → PC USB Port TO Device USB.
    • Remote Connect — uses the "ELK Proxy" intermediate server. With the C1M1's MAC Address already filled in, choose Network Proxy from the Connection dropdown and log in with ElkLink credentials.

    Legacy connection methods still supported: (A) Local IP connect from a PC on the customer's LAN to the C1M1's LAN (IP) port — default setting is Enabled > Non-Encrypted Only (other options: Encrypted Only, Non-Encrypted & Encrypted, or Disabled; changing requires the C1M1 Diagnostic Utility and, if encrypted, a shared AES passphrase/key). (B) Local Serial connect from PC to the M1 main serial Port 0 — rarely used/not recommended since it disrupts C1M1↔M1 interaction.

    Programming Telephone #1 via ElkRP

    1. Open/create an M1 Account and connect ElkRP using one of the methods above.
    2. In the left column, click (+) beside Telephones. Add a new Telephone 1 if none exists, or click an existing one to edit. (Note: the M1XEP Setup button is not used for C1M1 — IP address, port, DNIS, and CS account number are all managed via the ElkLink web portal.)
    3. Set Priority for Telephone #1 to "Always Report".
    4. Name is optional and may be skipped.
    5. Number to Dial and Dial Attempts fields are not needed.
    6. Set Format for Telephone #1 to "IP (6)".
    7. Under "Report the following using this number," check the events you want the C1M1 to report (Area events, Zone bypasses, Zone troubles, User events, Global events).
    8. Under "Select Areas," check the box for each programmed area — if none are checked, C1M1 won't report.
    9. Optional: set up Telephone #2 as type "Backup" for digital dialer backup, or configure both as "Always Report" for dual reporting (may incur extra Central Station fees).
    10. Click Send to Control to program these settings (ElkRP must be connected to the M1 Control).

    Reporting Codes (RCs) via ElkRP

    1. Click (+) beside Communicator — expands into 5 categories of report codes.
    2. For each report code you want reported, set its value to 01 (non-zero); a value of 00 will NOT report. Click Send to Control on each category screen.
    3. Click Save to retain the new settings in this account.

    Test and Verify Alarm Signal Transmissions

    Trip several alarms on the M1 Control and verify the Central Station receives them. If transmissions are unreliable:

    • Recheck cellular signal strength — at least 2 bars [b2] is needed for reliable service.
    • Check that the antenna connector is seated correctly.

    A screw-on, externally mounted remote cellular antenna can replace the factory stubby antenna to reach better signal areas. Elk offers a magnetic-mount remote antenna with a 6-meter (~19 ft.) cable, part number ELK-WA003.

    C1M1 Diagnostic Utility

    This software utility's primary purpose is to provide local diagnostic information during a support call with Elk Technical Support. It is not required for setup of Central Station alarm reporting (all CS settings are established via ElkLink) — it provides read-only visibility of those settings. Beyond alarm reporting, it enables local options requiring this utility:

    • Assignment of a Static LAN IP Address (factory default is DHCP).
    • Enabling inbound LAN IP connections and port assignments for 3rd-party integration partners.
    • Setup of Encryption & Passphrase for secure traffic on the inbound IP LAN port.
    • Enabling Device Discovery for AMX or Control4 integration.
    • Enabling fail reporting and time delay for LAN or Cellular connectivity.
    • Enabling the front cover tamper switch.

    Important: Inbound LAN connectivity is factory-enabled to Non-Encrypted Only on Port 2101. Enabling Encrypted connectivity via the Diagnostic Utility automatically sets the port 1 digit higher.

    1. Connect an ELK-USBCM cable between PC and C1M1. Ensure the C1M1 is powered up before launching the utility — the PC should auto-discover the COM port.
    2. Click "Click to Connect" — the Serial Number, MAC Address, LAN connection status, and Cell service status will display.

    Hardware Overview

    Component Description
    Cell (Service) Red LED Normal = ON solid (cell tower in range, connection established). Blinking = limited/no service.
    LAN (Activity) Green LED Normal = Blinking (LAN communication occurring).
    ElkLink (Connect) Orange/Yellow LED Normal = ON solid (connected to ElkLink portal). A continuous connection is not mission-critical for CS reporting and may briefly be off.
    Removable Terminal Block Power Input 12 VDC, supplied from an Aux. Power output on the M1 Control. Input/Output terminals not currently enabled (future use).
    RS232 Port (3 Pin) Connects to the M1 main serial Port 0 via the supplied 3-wire cable.
    LAN (IP) Port Connects to client's IP LAN for dual-path communications. If no LAN is available, C1M1 works in single-path (Cellular Only) mode.
    USB Port (Mini B) Local USB PC connection for programming the M1 via ElkRP — no need for an RS232 port or to attach the PC to the customer's IP network.
    7 Segment Display Sequentially shows Signal Strength (b + digit 0-5), Error Codes (E + 2 digits), and IP Address (A + digits) one character at a time.

    Error Codes

    Code Meaning
    E01 Application not loaded
    E02 Radio Module Power Fail
    E03 No SIM card installed
    E04 Inactive Unit
    E05 Low (Poor) Signal Strength
    E06 No Service or unregistered on Cell Network
    E07 Unable to communicate with M1
    E08 Cellular radio module not detected
    E09 No Internet Service (LAN detected)
    E10 No LAN detected (check cable)
    E11 Central Station not configured in ElkLink
    E12 CS Receiver failed to respond
    E13 No DHCP Server found

    The LAN IP address (e.g. A 1 9 2 . 1 6 8 . 0 . 1 0 0) displays one character at a time during the first 2 minutes after power-up; CS reports take priority and may interrupt this display. Repeat the display by removing the cover and pressing the tamper switch's rubber plunger 5 times quickly.

    Communications activity indicators: "0" = clockwise rotation of the outer 6 display elements for Central Station comms (with a decimal point if sent over IP/Ethernet). "8" = figure-8 circulation of all 7 elements for ElkLink comms. "o" = clockwise rotation of the lower 4 elements for USB serial comms.

    Manufacturer

    Elk Products, PO Box 100, 3266 US Hwy 70 West, Hildebran, NC 28637. Phone: 828-397-4200. Fax: 828-397-4415. Website: elkproducts.com.