Monitored domestic alarm systems.

[ferrisbueller]

Further to my other thread which began to move toward the topic of choice of alarms, I'm looking for some advice as to which system is right for me.

I've been considering the Yale HSA6400, a dialling system which can be DIY installed for around £200 all in.

Yale HSA

Concerned with the ease with which a phone line can be cut (hence the other thread) I've also been looking at GSM dialler such as this

Something like this?

These come in nearer to £400 but give added security and peace of mind.

Does anyone have any recommendations, experiences to share or advice please?

[Paulbav]

Rustie said:

If you want a good quality alarm you really should be looking at a wired system not wireless and certainly not something by Yale.

Obviously i appreciate budget is a concern but id certainly be looking to see if your budget can stretch to a Honeywell Galaxy G2. These are a domestic version of an alarm that the majority of shops, banks and post offices use and as such come with an onboard dialer (BT line not GSM)

If you want to keep the price down then id be looking at a Texecom Veritas Excel system. Ive installed these for alot of people. They're incredibly simple to use and effective with good anti tamper measures. They also have outputs for a dialer if you require.

Not strictly true anymore there are some very good wireless systems out there now, Scantronic Ion16/40, Galaxy as mentioned but with a portal fitted and also the Visonic PowerMax systems which I would personally recommend for a DIY fit.
We have installed allot of powermax systems now and had very few issues unlike Galaxy radio when we first started using that! if you go for the powermax express it has a built in GSM dialer and is literally plug and play as it comes pre-programmed for a basic system.

Wired will always have benefits over wireless and can be installed invisibly in 99% of domestic properties (by a GOOD installer) but you will pay a premium for this service.

Where abouts are you?

Paul

[ferrisbueller]

Is the system linked above any good?

Also, just found this:

http://www.e-fireandsecurity.co.uk/visonic-powerma...

I don't mind hard wired. It's just more of a faff and limits options for installation.

[ferrisbueller]

Paulbav said:

Visonic PowerMax systems which I would personally recommend for a DIY fit.

Where abouts are you?

Paul

Ah! Coincidentally just be looking at that system, as above.

I'm in Cambs.

ADT are coming around in the next day or so for a "free consultation". That's all it will be but interested to hear their recommendations.

[Paulbav]

ferrisbueller said:

Paulbav said:

Visonic PowerMax systems which I would personally recommend for a DIY fit.

Where abouts are you?

Paul

Ah! Coincidentally just be looking at that system, as above.

I'm in Cambs.

ADT are coming around in the next day or so for a "free consultation". That's all it will be but interested to hear their recommendations.

ADT are not known for their quality installations!! and all consultations should be free.
Go on the NSI website and find a local approved installer, I would personally avoid the nationals.

Paul

[ferrisbueller]

They won't be getting my business. They're effectively ambulance chasers IMO.

NSI?

[Paulbav]

ferrisbueller said:

They won't be getting my business. They're effectively ambulance chasers IMO.

NSI?

http://www.nsi.org.uk/?q=approved_company_finder

Paul

[ferrisbueller]

Thanks

[Paulbav]

No problem, feel free to email me if you want any advice or to discuss options available, been in the game 16 years now so have a fair idea...

Paul

[Paulbav]

Rustie said:

Not seen the Scantronic Ion16/40 but i must admit that looks a cracking system and reasonably priced as well. Particularly like the idea of remote monitoring via internet connection. What grade is the system as i cant seem to find any info. Even if it were a grade 2 does this cover the internet connection to the system as i would imagine if anything this could be a weak spot.

Yep Grade 2, the IP interface is very good and great for those site that are miles away, the IP is no more of a weak spot than any of other UDL/IP systems such as Emizon, galaxy gold or Wintex etc, just much more user friendly.

Although you can't beat the texting your alarm to set and unset that powermax offers, a great selling point.

Paul

[ferrisbueller]

Would you chaps recommend a GSM dialler or just a fixed line?

ETA

Based on what you've said I'm looking at these:

Honeywell G2 (wired)
http://www.e-fireandsecurity.co.uk/ade-honeywell-g...

Visonic Powermax wireless
http://www.e-fireandsecurity.co.uk/visonic-powerma...

ESP infinite prime wireless
http://www.e-fireandsecurity.co.uk/esp-infinite-pr...

Edited by ferrisbueller on Tuesday 31st May 09:20

[ferrisbueller]

It will just dial nominated numbers, not a security company.

I was looking at installing it myself but have requested a few quotes to see what can be done. It seems most people favour the two other systems I've linked above.

[pano amo]

Rustie said:

Some people fret about having a system that relies on your bt line to text in the event of an alarm incase the line gets cut. In my opinion this isnt really an issue especially in a domestic environment. Most thieves are smash and grab types...not enough alarms text/dial out for it to be an issue for them to consider

Exactly! Someone breaks in and it doesn't dial you cause they cut the line? Doesnt make much flippin difference does it? They are already in, they got what they wanted and they are gone. The alarm is going off anyway so they wont hang around for long. The fact that you dont get a phonecall doesnt change anything. Nor can you do anything when you get that message!

[pano amo]

[quote=ferrisbueller]It will just dial nominated numbers, not a security company.
[quote]

What I did. Then I asked myself a question: When that message arrives, what is the actual benefit of that message? What will you do with it?

[ferrisbueller]

pano amo said:

ferrisbueller said:

It will just dial nominated numbers, not a security company.

What I did. Then I asked myself a question: When that message arrives, what is the actual benefit of that message? What will you do with it?

Come home. I work 5 mins away.

[pano amo]

ferrisbueller said:

Come home. I work 5 mins away.

Then what? All its doing is telling you is that your alarm is going off. So you are doing your neighbours a favour. Its not a deterent because the burglar has no idea its dialing you nor does the scrote care. Its just that everyone is obsessed with an alarm that dials u up when it goes off as if it somehow makes your home more secure.

[ferrisbueller]

pano amo said:

ferrisbueller said:

Come home. I work 5 mins away.

Then what? All its doing is telling you is that your alarm is going off. So you are doing your neighbours a favour. Its not a deterent because the burglar has no idea its dialing you nor does the scrote care. Its just that everyone is obsessed with an alarm that dials u up when it goes off as if it somehow makes your home more secure.

It's down to personal choice, I guess.

Do you have any recommendations to make?

[pmanson]

I've got a wireless Infinite Prime system which is monitored.

We have sensors on the front and back doors then three PIRs (Front room, kitchen and garage) along with the siren, additional wireless keypad and two remote controls.

The cost was under £400.

The alarm is a self fit but they programme it for you so all you have to do is hang it on the wall!

Happy to put you in touch with the guy I used.

Cheers,
Phill

[ferrisbueller]

pmanson said:

I've got a wireless Infinite Prime system which is monitored.

We have sensors on the front and back doors then three PIRs (Front room, kitchen and garage) along with the siren, additional wireless keypad and two remote controls.

The cost was under £400.

The alarm is a self fit but they programme it for you so all you have to do is hang it on the wall!

Happy to put you in touch with the guy I used.

Cheers,
Phill

Thanks. Ping me an e-mail please.

[pano amo]

ferrisbueller said:

It's down to personal choice, I guess.

Do you have any recommendations to make?

I've got thr Yale HSA6400 telecommunicating systems with two additional PIR sensors, all in for £260 from Amazon. Yes I did set it up to dial me in the event of it being activated. Its ever since then I've wondered what the point is!