Re: StarLink2 Radio

["Bob La Londe" <none@xxxxxxxx>]

"ABLE1" <royboynospam@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:GNO5r.152499$5f3.62363@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>
> "Bob La Londe" <none@xxxxxxxx> wrote in message
> news:C0O5r.10156$HX7.7998@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>> "nick mark59" <nmarkowitz@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
>> news:25229495.0.1331124389197.JavaMail.geo-discussion-forums@xxxxxxxx
>>> On Tuesday, March 6, 2012 8:56:13 PM UTC-5, ABLE1 wrote:
>>>> Hey all,
>>>>
>>>> Anyone have any input on the Napco StarLink2 Radio??
>>>>
>>>> Advertising says it works with any panel.  Says it is GSM and cost
>>>> is less than $100 and low monthly fees.
>>>>
>>>> Just wondering what pro's and con's there might be.
>>>>
>>>> Thanks in advance.
>>>>
>>>> Les
>>>
>>> Couple dealers here use Napco and like it said its similar to uplink
>>> type service
>>
>> It works "like" Uplink, but it can also do upload/download on Napco
>> panels, and they have a cell phone ap under development that will allow
>> for remote arm disarm and status for any panel that has key switch
>> capability and an output that can be programmed for status.  This is
>> direct from some of the management at Napco. Uplink also appears to be
>> developing a cell phone ap based on certain things that now show up on
>> their dealer interface, but they are being closed mouthed about it when I
>> asked.
>>
>> I have been using Uplink (and Telguard, and even old analog cells units)
>> for years.  Their guaranteed network compatibility that they just
>> released (when 2G is phased out) is a plus, but whichever one comes out
>> with a clean cell phone ap that works first will be the one that gets my
>> next order of cellular communicators.  I am leaning towards Napco for
>> long term since I install a lot of Napco panels and have a lot in the
>> field though.
>>
>>
>> --
>> Bob La Londe
>
> Thanks for the input Bob, Jim, & Nick.
>
> I have never been a fan of the Napco product line.  Somewhat due to the DL
> Software and the funky keypad configuration.

I never liked the keypad config for the more advanced panels, but the
800/801 is a snap.  Easier and faster than FBII, Ademco, or DSC for small
panels IMO.  I actually liked the old DOS based software for Napco best
because everything was laid out in spreadsheet like arrangement giving me
easy total control of everything.  The newer Windows software does some cool
things, but I personally find a few things to be a bit clunky and it leads
you to using standard zone definitions instead of taking the time to
customize each zone.  The Windows version is easier for a lazy programmer.
It's a clean organized menu system though.  Many people like it better.  If
you haven't tried it you should take a look.  I almost never program an
advanced configurable panel by hand, and I almost never used software to
program a basic panel.


> I saw this StarLink 2 thing and was wondering how wonderful it may
> be....................... or not.  With all the stuff on the market and
> new stuff happening it is hard to stay ahead of the game.

Its decent and the dealer interface is good.  If you like Napco it's the way
to go.  If not then it doesn't really matter.  Pick what you like.



>
> Again thanks for the input.
>
> Les
>
>
>
>