Re: DIY Wireless System Recommendations?

[tourman <robercampbell@xxxxxxxxx>]

On May 23, 2:01=A0am, Frank Olson
<use_the_email_li...@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> y...@xxxxxx wrote:
> > On Thu, 21 May 2009 06:58:43 -0700, Frank Olson
> > <use_the_email_li...@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
> >> y...@xxxxxx wrote:
> >>> I want to install a wireless alarm system in my house. =A0I've been
> >>> visiting some websites that sell them. =A0Can anyone recommend one th=
at
> >>> has all or some of these features:
>
> >>> 1) Uses N-RAM so if all power is lost, even back up battery, the
> >>> system will retain its settings and not require setup again? =A0Will
> >>> be fully operational/configured when power restored.
>
> >>> 2) Can use your computer directly(not going through a website) to
> >>> setup/download/upload system settings?
>
> >>> 3) Components such as Motion Sensors are reliable but not real
> >>> expensive?
>
> >>> 4) Easily programmable, user friendly.
>
> >>> I am thinking of having 3 magnetic door switches and about 5 motion
> >>> sensors.
>
> >>> Also is there any precautions or special needs when using magnetic
> >>> door alarm switches on steel doors? =A0I know the steel can rob some
> >>> magnetism but what if they're installed with spacers so they're
> >>> mounted about 1/2" away from door?
>
> >>> Any information appreciated............
>
> >> Installing a system (particularly wireless) isn't as "easy" as some
> >> DIYer's may think. =A0The features you list are pretty well "standard"=
 in
> >> any system you get these days. =A0DSC sells a wireless "all-in-one" un=
it,
> >> but I would strongly suggest that the main keypad (which is also your
> >> common control) be located somewhere other than next to an entry door.
> >> This goes for practically any of the "all-in-one" type alarms (like
> >> Ademco's Lynx, and Visonic's Power-Max). =A0Of the three I've mentione=
d,
> >> all are relatively simple to program, but if you've read some of the
> >> questions posted here, you'll find that programming an alarm system
> >> requires a knowledge of alarm terminology. =A0GE/Sentrol publish an
> >> installation handbook that will answer most of your questions regardin=
g
> >> special applications like installing sensors in steel doors. =A0It's
> >> geared to sell Sentrol/GE branded equipment, but the applications are
> >> pretty well universal. =A0You can download it from the FAQ's page at
> >>http://yoursecuritysource.com.
>
> >> One more thing... =A0If you're contemplating the purchase of this
> >> equipment "online", I'd suggest you compare prices and service with on=
e
> >> of your LOCAL alarm providers as well. =A0Additionally, warranty may n=
ot
> >> apply to your installation unless a dealer (aka professional installer=
)
> >> checks your terminations prior to power-up. =A0If you compare the cost
> >> you'll pay for shipping the equipment with the cost for a two hour
> >> service call, I think you'll come out ahead using the local dealer as
> >> your parts source.
>
> >> Regards,
> >> Frank Olson
>
> > Thanks for the info Frank. =A0I've downloaded the handbook you
> > mentioned. =A0Yes, I'd definately be hiding the main unit somewhere. =
=A0My
> > neighbor had a Honeywell/Ademco installed by ADT. =A0Its control panel
> > is 2 feet from the front entry door! Yikes!
>
> > Initially I don't plan on having the system monitored by a Central
> > Office. =A0I will have it dial my cellphone. =A0If after all is working=
 I
> > might get monitoring but to me, unless you have a GSM module, its too
> > easy for the telephone line to get cut.
>
> > Thanks again for the input. =A0I certainly appreciate it.
>
> Yeah... =A0I see things went their usual downward spiral from here. =A0So=
me
> professionals have pretty strong feelings about voice dialers and many
> DIYer's have attempted to use the "page" option to dial a cell phone
> with little to some success.
>
> I consider my family to be my most precious "gift" and wouldn't consider
> anything but a monitored alarm system to protect them. =A0Your self
> dialling security system will do you a lot of good when the carbon
> monoxide detector or smoke alarm goes off in the middle of the night and
> you're fast asleep with your cell phone turned off or "on charge"
> downstairs. =A0Or worse... =A0some creep decides to break in and winds up
> confronting you in your bedroom. =A0A GSM module, a professionally
> installed and monitored alarm system is a small price to pay when you
> weigh it against the alternative "cheap solution". =A0This is just my
> honest opinion (which is thankfully shared by many here). =A0One of the
> regular posters here lost his son in a house fire. =A0And I was called in
> to help repair a fire alarm system after a fire struck an apartment
> building in the wee hours of the morning several years ago. =A0Two kids
> lost their lives in that one and I'll never forget it. =A0I've kept these
> individuals in mind every time I service, install, or inspect a fire or
> burg system and won't compromise just to be the "cheaper choice".
>
> I wish you well with your choice, but please do consider professional
> monitoring as a security asset rather than the liability you seem to
> think it is.
>
> Regards,
> Frank

RHC: Frank, with this idiot, I think you are probably wasting your
time. Personally, I have largely given up the polite route. For years,
I carefully crafted my responses to ensure no mis-interpretation, and
to ensure I didn't accidentally insult someone. However, there are
some people who are so stupid they simply don't deserve any other kind
or response than the ones he got. I'll go a million miles to help any
alarm user, including those who unwisely choose to "self monitor";
however, stupid is as stupid does. Mark said it right on with this
guy.....