DIY Wireless System Recommendations?

[[email protected]]

I want to install a wireless alarm system in my house. I've been
visiting some websites that sell them. Can anyone recommend one that
has all or some of these features:

1) Uses N-RAM so if all power is lost, even back up battery, the
system will retain its settings and not require setup again? Will
be fully operational/configured when power restored.

2) Can use your computer directly(not going through a website) to
setup/download/upload system settings?

3) Components such as Motion Sensors are reliable but not real
expensive?

4) Easily programmable, user friendly.

I am thinking of having 3 magnetic door switches and about 5 motion
sensors.

Also is there any precautions or special needs when using magnetic
door alarm switches on steel doors? I know the steel can rob some
magnetism but what if they're installed with spacers so they're
mounted about 1/2" away from door?

Any information appreciated............

 

[Frank Olson]

I want to install a wireless alarm system in my house. I've been
visiting some websites that sell them. Can anyone recommend one that
has all or some of these features:

1) Uses N-RAM so if all power is lost, even back up battery, the
system will retain its settings and not require setup again? Will
be fully operational/configured when power restored.

2) Can use your computer directly(not going through a website) to
setup/download/upload system settings?

3) Components such as Motion Sensors are reliable but not real
expensive?

4) Easily programmable, user friendly.

I am thinking of having 3 magnetic door switches and about 5 motion
sensors.

Also is there any precautions or special needs when using magnetic
door alarm switches on steel doors? I know the steel can rob some
magnetism but what if they're installed with spacers so they're
mounted about 1/2" away from door?

Any information appreciated............

Installing a system (particularly wireless) isn't as "easy" as some
DIYer's may think. The features you list are pretty well "standard" in
any system you get these days. DSC sells a wireless "all-in-one" unit,
but I would strongly suggest that the main keypad (which is also your
common control) be located somewhere other than next to an entry door.
This goes for practically any of the "all-in-one" type alarms (like
Ademco's Lynx, and Visonic's Power-Max). Of the three I've mentioned,
all are relatively simple to program, but if you've read some of the
questions posted here, you'll find that programming an alarm system
requires a knowledge of alarm terminology. GE/Sentrol publish an
installation handbook that will answer most of your questions regarding
special applications like installing sensors in steel doors. It's
geared to sell Sentrol/GE branded equipment, but the applications are
pretty well universal. You can download it from the FAQ's page at
http://yoursecuritysource.com.

One more thing... If you're contemplating the purchase of this
equipment "online", I'd suggest you compare prices and service with one
of your LOCAL alarm providers as well. Additionally, warranty may not
apply to your installation unless a dealer (aka professional installer)
checks your terminations prior to power-up. If you compare the cost
you'll pay for shipping the equipment with the cost for a two hour
service call, I think you'll come out ahead using the local dealer as
your parts source.

Regards,
Frank Olson

 

[[email protected]]

Installing a system (particularly wireless) isn't as "easy" as some
DIYer's may think. The features you list are pretty well "standard" in
any system you get these days. DSC sells a wireless "all-in-one" unit,
but I would strongly suggest that the main keypad (which is also your
common control) be located somewhere other than next to an entry door.
This goes for practically any of the "all-in-one" type alarms (like
Ademco's Lynx, and Visonic's Power-Max). Of the three I've mentioned,
all are relatively simple to program, but if you've read some of the
questions posted here, you'll find that programming an alarm system
requires a knowledge of alarm terminology. GE/Sentrol publish an
installation handbook that will answer most of your questions regarding
special applications like installing sensors in steel doors. It's
geared to sell Sentrol/GE branded equipment, but the applications are
pretty well universal. You can download it from the FAQ's page at
http://yoursecuritysource.com.

One more thing... If you're contemplating the purchase of this
equipment "online", I'd suggest you compare prices and service with one
of your LOCAL alarm providers as well. Additionally, warranty may not
apply to your installation unless a dealer (aka professional installer)
checks your terminations prior to power-up. If you compare the cost
you'll pay for shipping the equipment with the cost for a two hour
service call, I think you'll come out ahead using the local dealer as
your parts source.

Regards,
Frank Olson

Thanks for the info Frank. I've downloaded the handbook you
mentioned. Yes, I'd definately be hiding the main unit somewhere. My
neighbor had a Honeywell/Ademco installed by ADT. Its control panel
is 2 feet from the front entry door! Yikes!

Initially I don't plan on having the system monitored by a Central
Office. I will have it dial my cellphone. If after all is working I
might get monitoring but to me, unless you have a GSM module, its too
easy for the telephone line to get cut.

Thanks again for the input. I certainly appreciate it.

 

[Crash Gordon]

You can 86 the cellphone idea, it won't work.

It will dial, you will answer and hear nothing or maybe a few bleeps and
buzzes, it will hang up, and dial again and again and again, until it fails
out and puts up an FC on the keypad. The FC will remain there until you go
into programming and exit programming...every time. BTW...all this time it's
trying to dial your wife at home will not be able to use the phone.

It will provide you with NO useful information when it calls your cellphone,
NO you won't know if it's an alarm condition or a low battery or your wife
bypassed something after you left home.

It may be easy to cut the phone line, but believe it or not they usually don' - besides with your logic you're already beginning with a cut phone line




--
**Crash Gordon**

 

[[email protected]]

You can 86 the cellphone idea, it won't work.

It will dial, you will answer and hear nothing or maybe a few bleeps and
buzzes, it will hang up, and dial again and again and again, until it fails
out and puts up an FC on the keypad. The FC will remain there until you go
into programming and exit programming...every time. BTW...all this time it's
trying to dial your wife at home will not be able to use the phone.

It will provide you with NO useful information when it calls your cellphone,
NO you won't know if it's an alarm condition or a low battery or your wife
bypassed something after you left home.

I don't believe that.

It may be easy to cut the phone line, but believe it or not they usually don' - besides with your logic you're already beginning with a cut phone line

An amateur and a fool wouldn't cut the phone line. I suppose your
logic is to leave your keys in your car! ))

 

[[email protected]]

You can 86 the cellphone idea, it won't work.

It will dial, you will answer and hear nothing or maybe a few bleeps and
buzzes, it will hang up, and dial again and again and again, until it fails
out and puts up an FC on the keypad. The FC will remain there until you go
into programming and exit programming...every time. BTW...all this time it's
trying to dial your wife at home will not be able to use the phone.

It will provide you with NO useful information when it calls your cellphone,
NO you won't know if it's an alarm condition or a low battery or your wife
bypassed something after you left home.

It may be easy to cut the phone line, but believe it or not they usually don' - besides with your logic you're already beginning with a cut phone line

I am speaking of using a voice dialer to call my cellphone.

 

[[email protected]]

RHC: Cripes ! ...spend $9 or $10 bucks monthly to have the thing
monitored properly. That way it works as it should and you get an
insurance discount on your property insurance, plus REAL protection,
not some totally unreliable cell phone bullsh*t. There are all sorts
of stations out there that will do your monitoring for next to nothing
leaving you to do the service and warranty work yourself..

Until your phone line gets cut. I would never get landline
monitoring. Why pay a monthly fee when a pair of cutters can do the
trick. Thats false security.

What the hell is it about DIY'ers ? Why put in a professional system
and then cut it off at the knees....sheesh !!!!!

You think a landline can't be cut at the knee's? Hah! Its so simple
even you can do it(I think).

 

[KingFish]

Until your phone line gets cut. I would never get landline
monitoring. Why pay a monthly fee when a pair of cutters can do the
trick. Thats false security.


You think a landline can't be cut at the knee's? Hah! Its so simple
even you can do it(I think).

don;t let him get to you, he's a bitter old codger.

 

[[email protected]]

don;t let him get to you, he's a bitter old codger.

It'll never happen Kingfish...same for his butt buddy crash gordon.

 

[[email protected]]

If you only knew how many people tried a setup like you mention then
later onl whine when it doesn't work

I know what you mean but that don't mean everybody is like that. You
read reviews of products and some say they don't work and some say
they work perfect. Most times its because the people who are whining
shouldn't attempt or lack any understanding of what they're doing and
the fault is on them.

I don't expect it to be a breeze but as with anything new there will
be trial and error but I am certain I'll have favorable end results.

 

[Crash Gordon]

You made no mention of a voice dialer...which also has it's own set of
problems.

--
**Crash Gordon**

 

[Crash Gordon]

--
**Crash Gordon**

I don't believe that.

UH...Ok, don't believe it...try it on your own.

An amateur and a fool wouldn't cut the phone line. I suppose your
logic is to leave your keys in your car! ))

Me? No, I have professionally monitored alarm system in my home via dd, and
cellular side channel backup...and soon IP.
And yes, in 25 years of doing biz, and having installed over 10K alarm
systems, I've only had two attacks on phone lines and those were commercial
sites...and the backup systems worked and we dispatched on the purps.

I suppose your logic is to have your system dial your cell phone...ha! Go
ahead give it a shot...it's your money not mine.

 

[Crash Gordon]

It's your time and money...but I can tell you we've tried it and it
doesn't/won't work.



--
**Crash Gordon**

 

[[email protected]]

It's your time and money...but I can tell you we've tried it and it
doesn't/won't work.

Yeah thats because YOU tried it. Someone who knows what they're doing
it does work! I read so many posts(on the web) about it working fine
and your post is the only one that said it didn't. I've even emailed
a few DIYers who have no problems. Only YOU have them.

 

[[email protected]]

You made no mention of a voice dialer...which also has it's own set of
problems.

Its not a 100% world crash. Anyways I've ordered a system. Seems
you're the only one with all the problems.

 

[[email protected]]

haha..Now I see how you get the name CRASH! I bet all your BIG TIME
10K installs crash. Whatta jackarse! I don't think you can install a
cork in a bottle fool.

 

[alarman]

Its not a 100% world crash. Anyways I've ordered a system. Seems
you're the only one with all the problems.

Does your mom know that you're playing with the computer?

 

[G. Morgan]

The electronic stuff ....hell, you got that all figured out already...

Heh. ouch!

 

[Crash Gordon]

do you see ME asking stupid questions here? uh no...ur the one.

what a maroon




--
**Crash Gordon**

 

[Crash Gordon]

10k means 10,000 ... read that correctly it's a numerical value and in that
sentence refers to the quantity of alarms we've installed not the cost of
the system - although have done systems that cost that.

learn to read.

--
**Crash Gordon**