Re: Alarm system comparisons?

["Crash Gordon" <webmaster@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Nothing wrong with the 20P, I have lots of them out there and find it to be
a solid panel. Add a 4219 expander for some extra zones...maybe 6160 keypads
instead of what the builder system has (usuallythe cheapest keypads).

Can't comment on all the fancy-doo stuff because it's been my experience
that people don't really use it, even the few I've done fancy stuff with.


"David Schuetz" <dschuetz@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1134677964.576344.174930@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
| I'm currently considering upgrading and/or replacing my Vista 20P
| installation.  I'd like to be able to add a monitored (but not
| alarming) zone for my garage doors, so I can tell by glancing at the
| keypad whether I've remembered to close them.  To do this, I absolutely
| need an expansion module, since I'm out of available zones, but I don't
| want to buy until I'm sure I want to stick with this system (which was
| installed by my home builder).
|
| Features I'd like to get in a system:
| * hardwired (obviously, has to utilize existing vista wiring)
| * 16 zones (have 8, need 1 or more additional, would like slop)
| * X10 control (have the alarm turn on/off lights for events, like when
| the garage opens)
| * computer interface (be able to log all events, sensors, armings,
| etc.) (also, arming and disarming through the computer is a plus)
|
| I'm sure there are other features I haven't really thought of yet --
| I'm just at a preliminary stage now...phone control, for example, might
| be nice..
|
| Once I find this end-all-be-all system, would most monitoring companies
| be able to support it?  Or would I likely find myself being told to
| replace my system with whatever they prefer?
|
| I've seen discussion about the Napco Gemini, especially with regards to
| computer controls, but the protocol doc doesn't seem to be available
| anymore.  If someone could email me that, I'd appreciate it, too.... It
| definitely seems like that's the way to go, but I'd really like to see
| a lot more detail, install manuals, protocol specs, etc., before I
| plunk down any money...
|
|
| thanks!
|
|
| david.
|