Re: DIY Wireless System Recommendations?

[tourman <robercampbell@xxxxxxxxx>]

On May 24, 3:35=A0pm, Frank Olson
<use_the_email_li...@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> tourman wrote:
> > On May 23, 2:01 am, 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 =
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? =A0Wil=
l
> >>>>> 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 som=
e
> >>>>> 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 "standar=
d" in
> >>>> any system you get these days. =A0DSC sells a wireless "all-in-one" =
unit,
> >>>> but I would strongly suggest that the main keypad (which is also you=
r
> >>>> common control) be located somewhere other than next to an entry doo=
r.
> >>>> 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 mentio=
ned,
> >>>> 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 regard=
ing
> >>>> special applications like installing sensors in steel doors. =A0It's
> >>>> geared to sell Sentrol/GE branded equipment, but the applications ar=
e
> >>>> 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 =
one
> >>>> of your LOCAL alarm providers as well. =A0Additionally, warranty may=
 not
> >>>> apply to your installation unless a dealer (aka professional install=
er)
> >>>> checks your terminations prior to power-up. =A0If you compare the co=
st
> >>>> 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 a=
s
> >>>> 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 pane=
l
> >>> 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 worki=
ng 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. =
=A0Some
> >> 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 consid=
er
> >> 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 a=
nd
> >> 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 th=
e
> >> 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 kid=
s
> >> lost their lives in that one and I'll never forget it. =A0I've kept th=
ese
> >> individuals in mind every time I service, install, or inspect a fire o=
r
> >> 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.....
>
> You've spent way to much time south of the border you've forgotten what
> it's like to be "Canadian". =A0:-)

RHC: Touche!........ but, no Frank, I do consider overall politeness
to be an important part of conducting all of life's affairs. It's just
that now that I am a senior, I've decided to call a "spade a spade" a
bit more than before. Also, I think I have been in this business a bit
too long.... I'm getting jaded.

However, an idiot is an idiot no matter how you dress 'em up !! In
life, if you give respect, you generally get respect in return. I
always treat everyone that way until they prove they are not worthy of
it. But sling stupidity like this guy does, and it should get returned
in like manner.....I don't think they can understand anything else !