Wanted: Advise on a DIY install system

[robinwatts]

Hi all,

 

Following a burglary at a neighbours house, I'm looking at "self-install" burglar alarms; I've had a couple of quotes from professional installers, and I just can't justify spending the amount they are asking for - especially when prices on here seem so reasonable.

 

Basically, I want a fairly simple wireless system:

  * main box on the wall under the stairs (where there is power),

  * 4 wireless door sensors around the house (one on the front door to be entry/exit, and one on the sliding back door to be omitted on a part-set),

  * one wireless PIR for the lounge (where the dogs never go),

  * a keypad to arm/disarm by the front door (hardwired to the main box),

  * sounder/strobe on the front of the house (again, hardwired to the main box).

 

Optional bonus points for:

 

* another possible wireless sensor on the side gate (so outside). That could be hardwired if it had to be, I guess - I bet most wireless sensors aren't weatherproof.

* having the alarm capable of phoning some predefined numbers one at a time if it goes off.

 

I'm fairly technically competent (I do computers etc for a living, and am not afraid of fishing/routing cables etc), but clearly the simpler the installation the better

 

Can anyone recommend a system that fulfills these criteria please (preferably with part numbers from the catalogue), so I don't end up ordering a whole bunch of incompatible parts, or get a sounder without a backplate or something

 

From the reading I've done on past threads of the forum the Risco GuardTec stuff seems to be recommended, but some advise on exactly which bits I need would be appreciated. Likewise, if anyone can point out common pitfalls, flaws, etc then I'd be dead grateful.

 

Thanks,

 

Robin

[Secware_Tech6]

Robin

There are large differences and positive reasons for having a pro installed system, ideally an approved system, ie NACOSS but ill try to answer your query.

 

Basically, I want a fairly simple wireless system:

  * main box on the wall under the stairs (where there is power),

  * 4 wireless door sensors around the house (one on the front door to be entry/exit, and one on the sliding back door to be omitted on a part-set),

  * one wireless PIR for the lounge (where the dogs never go),

  * a keypad to arm/disarm by the front door (hardwired to the main box),

  * sounder/strobe on the front of the house (again, hardwired to the main box).

 

You have a few choices depeding upon the brand your after, id look at the galaxy 2-20 rf kit.

http://www.securitywarehouse.co.uk/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1632

or cheaper kit

http://www.securitywarehouse.co.uk/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=579

you will also need an rf reciever for this panel

http://www.securitywarehouse.co.uk/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1149

then add your wireless sensors to suit.

 

Id recommend the galaxy.

 

Optional bonus points for:

 

* another possible wireless sensor on the side gate (so outside). That could be hardwired if it had to be, I guess - I bet most wireless sensors aren't weatherproof.

* having the alarm capable of phoning some predefined numbers one at a time if it goes off.

If requiring external wireless PIR's you will need to look at the risco as they do the Wireless Watchout

http://www.securitywarehouse.co.uk/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1407

or if using wired a GJD opal elite

http://www.securitywarehouse.co.uk/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=441

 

Id advise against using this to activate the alarm as external sensors will false alarm, ie fox's sunlight etc.

The CPX includes a basic voice dialler, and the galaxy includes a text messaging modem for basic signalling, both include proper communicators for connecting to an alarm recieving centre.

[robinwatts]

There are large differences and positive reasons for having a pro installed system, ideally an approved system, ie NACOSS

 

I appreciate that anything I install won't be NACOSS approved, but the only benefit of NACOSS, as I understand it, is that I might get a reduction on my insurance with it. I've been told that the discounts aren't huge, and are often conditional on other things (like the alarm being set all the time, approved locks and a larger excess etc), so I'm not sure that interests me - certainly not enough to pay that much more to have stuff fitted professionally.

 

Basically, I want a fairly simple wireless system:

  * main box on the wall under the stairs (where there is power),

  * 4 wireless door sensors around the house (one on the front door to be entry/exit, and one on the sliding back door to be omitted on a part-set),

  * one wireless PIR for the lounge (where the dogs never go),

  * a keypad to arm/disarm by the front door (hardwired to the main box),

  * sounder/strobe on the front of the house (again, hardwired to the main box).

 

You have a few choices depeding upon the brand your after, id look at the galaxy 2-20 rf kit.

http://www.securitywarehouse.co.uk/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1632

or cheaper kit

http://www.securitywarehouse.co.uk/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=579

you will also need an rf reciever for this panel

http://www.securitywarehouse.co.uk/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1149

then add your wireless sensors to suit.

 

Id recommend the galaxy.

 

Thanks, I'll check them out.

 

Any reason why you'd recommend the galaxy over the Risco? I only need the one wireless PIR, and I'm kinda taken with the Risco's ability to call numbers when the alarm goes off...

 

Optional bonus points for:

 

* another possible wireless sensor on the side gate (so outside). That could be hardwired if it had to be, I guess - I bet most wireless sensors aren't weatherproof.

* having the alarm capable of phoning some predefined numbers one at a time if it goes off.

If requiring external wireless PIR's you will need to look at the risco as they do the Wireless Watchout

http://www.securitywarehouse.co.uk/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1407

 

Id advise against using this to activate the alarm as external sensors will false alarm, ie fox's sunlight etc.

 

Sorry, I should have been clearer; I was thinking of a door sensor, rather than a PIR. I'll need to rethink that if the foxes learn to unlatch the gate

 

The CPX includes a basic voice dialler, and the galaxy includes a text messaging modem for basic signalling, both include proper communicators for connecting to an alarm recieving centre.

 

The voice dialler sounds like a better bet to me, as a phone message to my neighbour sounds like a better bet than a text message to my mobile that I never turn on

 

Thanks for your help - that's been really useful.

 

Robin

[Secware_Tech6]

Galaxy is just a professional personal preference from working with these things in the field.

 

You can fit diallers to either panels ie an sd1+ dialler to get normal voice dialler functionality on either system.

 

Nacoss sint just about insurance but it is driven by insurance as they want someone to certify it actually works and that all company employees are vetted etc. Plus that the company will be around in a few years to service. Much like i suppose servicing your car yourself.

 

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