Re: DIY Burglar Alarm and Video Security

["Frank Olson" <feolson@xxxxxxxxxx>]

"Sue Odom" <sodom@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:Snmoe.16388$h86.11995@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Where does he live?  Just kidding.  Thanks.  How do I contact Jack?


Don't worry...  He'll find you...  :-)  He's a regular contributor in this
group.  If you're looking to purchase products on line, there are a whole
host of e-commerce stores set up.  In your area (California) there's
http://www.norcoalarms.com for starters.

For a panel (and if you're anticipating a do-it-yourself type job), I'd
stick with something fairly easy to program like the DSC "Power" series.
The "832" will go up to 32 zones and is a "hybrid" panel (capable of
hard-wired or wireless zones).  The "864" goes up to 64 zones.  Both are
capable of supporting X-10 home automation components on a limited basis.
You can look at these products at http://www.dsc.com.  If you really want
something your boss will love to sink his money into, check out the Elk M-1
Gold at http://www.elkproducts.com.  It's an awesome panel, but a bit
"pricey".

As for cameras...  Unless you know what you want to view with them
specifically, how you want the images processed, whether-or-not you want
internet accessibility, that field is "wide open".  There are a lot of
products out there I could recommend if I knew what it was he wants to
accomplish.

As for wiring...  Check out your local electrical wholesalers.  For CCTV
you're looking for either RG-59U or RG-6, you'll need two conductor 18 gauge
for power (either stranded or solid core LVT), and 22/4 Station "Z" wire for
the alarm system.  These come in reels of 250, 500, or 1000 feet.  For a
2300 square foot house you should go with 4 - 250' or 500' reels of Station
Z so you can make multiple "runs" from the control panel location to the
various zones in the house instead of pulling a single wire through at a
time.  For each keypad location, run 2 - 22/4's, for each door, window, and
powered device, one 22/4.  You'll need 18/4 for each smoke or heat detector
and if you intend on installing smokes it's best to run the keypad with an
18/4 as well (some jurisdictions may actually require it).