ELK Products has released the M1XIP Network (IP) Communicator, a plug-and-play, backward-compatible replacement for its M1XEP communicator. Built on a newer platform, the M1XIP maintains connectivity with existing ELK M1 systems while adding features for installation, remote programming and system management at a lower price.

The M1XEP is being discontinued after more than 20 years of service as its original chipset has become increasingly difficult to obtain. The M1XIP provides dealers and installers with a straightforward replacement while continuing support for existing ELK M1 systems.

The M1XIP connects directly to the M1 control’s serial port to provide IP Ethernet communication for local and remote system access. It supports IP reporting to central stations using Sur-Gard or OH2000E receivers as well as connectivity with M1 cloud and integration partners.

A key feature is proxy-based connectivity through ElkConnect, which enables dealers to remotely program M1 systems using ElkRP without port forwarding or complex network configuration. The communicator also supports automatic panel time synchronization and email event notifications through ElkConnect, eliminating the need to configure separate time servers and outbound email servers for these functions.

Additional features include password protection, SSL/TLS encryption and a seven-segment display for status and diagnostics. The M1XIP also supports up to six ELK-7TS 7-inch touchscreens.

Standard communicator operation does not require an ElkConnect login or subscription.

The ELK-M1XIP is available through authorized ELK distributors as the next-generation replacement for the discontinued M1XEP.