Security systems

["paul gordon" <paul_gordon@xxxxxxx>]

Dear UK HA'ers..

Following a recent burglary of a family friend, my wife now wants me to
put in a security system (finally a HA purchase she will approve of!!).
I must admit, I've been meaning to do this as well for some time, but
have been putting it off as I wanted to make sure I installed one that
will integrate with the rest of the HA system, rather than just putting
in a standalone one which would then be money wasted later when I want
to integrate it. (I have grand plans...)

So now the time has come, and I need to choose something that I can put
in as quickly as possible, with minimum disruption to existing decor,
and that is modular, so I can minimise the up-front investment, but can
add to it over time. It would seem obvious (to me anyway) that one of
the wireless systems would best fit the bill for speed, convenience,
least disruption, cost, and modularity. However, I've always been
opposed to the principal of these systems because of their reliability
on battery-powered sensors. In the past I have heard of systems which
eat Duracells at the rate of several every month!

In looking around though, I've seen the Hometech SK8000 system (on
Laser's website) who's blurb states battery life of between 1 and 2
YEARS (depending on sensor type) using Alkaline cells. - If this
lifespan is true, then I could well be persuaded to reconsider my
position - I reckon I could live with annual maintenance/replacement as
opposed to monthly...

So, My first question is: does anybody have experience of this system,
good or bad, and can anyone vouch for the battery lifespan claims?

Secondly, I've seen lots of good things written about the Napco Gemini
stuff, but AFAIK, these are not sold/distributed by any UK dealers, so
I'd have to import from the US. - can anyone cofirm/deny this?
Additionally, can anyone give me an idea of the cost of
purchasing/importing a Napco Gemini, and any other insights into the
prospect/experience of buying/using one?...

As always, all your help is much appreciated.

Kind regards.

Paul Gordon.
Paul_gordon@xxxxxxx


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