Re: DIY Wireless System Recommendations?

["Crash Gordon" <webmaster@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

You can 86 the cellphone idea, it won't work.

It will dial,  you will answer and hear nothing or maybe a few bleeps and
buzzes, it will hang up, and dial again and again and again, until it fails
out and puts up an FC on the keypad. The FC will remain there until you go
into programming and exit programming...every time. BTW...all this time it's
trying to dial your wife at home will not be able to use the phone.

It will provide you with NO useful information when it calls your cellphone,
NO you won't know if it's an alarm condition or a low battery or your wife
bypassed something after you left home.

It may be easy to cut the phone line, but believe it or not they usually don' - besides with your logic you're already beginning with a cut phone line
:-)



--
**Crash Gordon**







<yp@xxxxxx> wrote in message
news:0tqa15d9ninv2fa6npfbtkidfv0qtg9b75@xxxxxxxxxx
> On Thu, 21 May 2009 06:58:43 -0700, Frank Olson
> <use_the_email_links@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
>>yp@xxxxxx wrote:
>>> I want to install a wireless alarm system in my house.  I've been
>>> visiting some websites that sell them.  Can anyone recommend one that
>>> 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?  Will
>>> 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?  I 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.  The features you list are pretty well "standard" in
>>any system you get these days.  DSC sells a wireless "all-in-one" unit,
>>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).  Of the three I've mentioned,
>>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.  GE/Sentrol publish an
>>installation handbook that will answer most of your questions regarding
>>special applications like installing sensors in steel doors.  It's
>>geared to sell Sentrol/GE branded equipment, but the applications are
>>pretty well universal.  You can download it from the FAQ's page at
>>http://yoursecuritysource.com.
>>
>>One more thing...  If you're contemplating the purchase of this
>>equipment "online", I'd suggest you compare prices and service with one
>>of your LOCAL alarm providers as well.  Additionally, warranty may not
>>apply to your installation unless a dealer (aka professional installer)
>>checks your terminations prior to power-up.  If 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.  I've downloaded the handbook you
> mentioned.  Yes, I'd definately be hiding the main unit somewhere.  My
> neighbor had a Honeywell/Ademco installed by ADT.  Its 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.  I will have it dial my cellphone.  If 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.  I certainly appreciate it.