Re: Major shortcoming in Paradox new panel lineup

[tourman <robercampbell@xxxxxxxxx>]

Ok, an update to my last post. Spoke to Burtek/ADI (now one and the
same) and it seems the "stay D" feature is an option only on the new
line of panels, which means if you do NOT enable it, the new line of
panels works as before, and the customer can simply arm and disarm
with the code in the regular manner. However, they HAVE discontinued
the 1738 and 1759 line of panels which is a bad move since they cannot
supply the new panels (in production now but still not available to
dealers). I have also been assured that the older keypads will
continue to be available from the factory for some years to come in
order to honour their 5 year warranty to us. However, still not too
bright a  move since the new keypads won't work with the older panels.

I'm still not convinced they have their act together, but I will
continue to give them the benefit of the doubt. This is one case where
I really hope they prove me wrong......

RHC


On Jul 4, 9:10 am, tourman <robercampb...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> I am in total agreement with Reg. In the residential market where I
> sell services, anything that makes a panel more difficult to operate
> is a step backward. In fact, if the truth be known, about 30% of the
> buying public likely shouldn't have an alarm that involves
> authorities, since they do not and will not learn to use it properly,
> regardless of the level of training. It seems that Paradox has not
> done their homework with their customers (buying dealers) before
> coming out with this major operating change, which is a step backwards
> in my view. I see all sorts of user problems with this way of
> operating, some of which Reg has pointed out. They have very stupidly
> destandardized both the 1738 and 1759 panels as well, with no
> replacement except this new line.Plus even worse, the new keypads are
> not backward compatible, so if any of the very many Spectra panels I
> have in service dies, and I have to replace it with the new
> technology, both the panel and keypad must be replaced, and the client
> has to totally relearn his alarm system. I am also reserving judgment
> on their "Stay D" operating methodology although I think that will end
> up leading to more operating problems as well (all zones always
> armed....you specifically disarm certain zones to enter through the
> system).
>
> I too have to rethink my loyalty to Paradox and may well end up using
> a different brand of panel as my 'standard install". I also intend to
> express my disappointment directly to Paradox. But at the same time, I
> don't expect they will change things, since they probably factored in
> a certain level of "dealer loss" in their decision to go this route.
> However, the least they could do is ramp up the 1738 / 1759 panels
> again for those of us who chose not to use their new systems.
>
> R.H.Campbell
> Home Security Metal Products
> Ottawa, Ontario, Canadawww.homemetal.com
>
> On Jul 3, 4:51 pm, regsiem...@xxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
>
> > We've been using Paradox Spectra and Digiplex panels for years with
> > very good success.  Feature-rich, reliable, good value, easy to use,
> > etc.  Well just this week we've learned that their whole panel lineup
> > has been revamped and the biggest problem is that all newly designed
> > panels now require keystrokes beyond the 4-digit code to arm and
> > disarm.  e.g. Arm 1234, Off 1234, etc.  What a huge step backwards.
> > For us, this represents a huge customer support nightmare!  The number
> > of calls from casual users along the lines of "I've punched in my code
> > a bunch of times and the *!@# thing won't shut off...what should I do"
> > will be huge!
>
> > How can this be a good thing?  Why add features at the expense of ease
> > of use?  I've called Paradox and expressed my disappointment and
> > advised them that we will not be installing their new product and will
> > regrettably be using another brand of panel.  If enough dealers
> > communicate similar sentiment, perhaps there's hope of this changing
> > sooner than later.
>
> > Contact info athttp://www.paradox.com/Contact/Default.asp
>
> > Reg Siemens
> > Tower Security Systems Inc.