Paradox Alarms - any good?

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davidcole

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#150089 10-Jul-2014 20:25

Has anyone put one of these in? Are they any good?

Looking for something where hopefully it will just integrate to existing sensors.

I've seen on some of the control boards they support a smart phone app. I like the idea of this, and ip monitoring (self monitored) as I'm looking at naked internet connections.

Any other brands that I should look at?

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#1086853 11-Jul-2014 01:22

I use Paradox and I love it. The phone app for Iphone and Android is great.
Their WinBox software is good for configuring just about everything on the panel itself.
Wired: you can connect almost any existing 2 wire alarm component
Wireless: Only some non paradox wireless components work

kiwitrc

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#1086863 11-Jul-2014 05:54

I have a Paradox in my place I installed myself about 20 years ago and its never missed a beat, wish it would die so I can get a new fancy one :)

davidcole

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#1086879 11-Jul-2014 07:42

vpsnine: I use Paradox and I love it. The phone app for Iphone and Android is great.
Their WinBox software is good for configuring just about everything on the panel itself.
Wired: you can connect almost any existing 2 wire alarm component
Wireless: Only some non paradox wireless components work

What panel do you have> And I assume you have a IP 100 for the ethernet connectivity?

dolsen

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#1086952 11-Jul-2014 09:47

I installed a paradox evo 192, 2 lcd keypads, 3 zone extenders with lots of sensors and smoke detectors in our place and have been really happy with the alarm. I also installed a ip150 module (don't get the ip100, it's older and doesn't support ssl connections for email) and a rtx3 wireless module (only for remotes, all sensors are hard wired, the way they should be).

I haven't got the android app as I resent paying for it for the limited functionality it has. Instead, I have a bookmark where I can log onto the system and arm / disarm / open & the garage door, check the sensor status, read the logs etc.

You can set multiple events for the ip150 to send emails to multiple addressees if you wish. You can also set up a (free) account on http://www.paradoxmyhome.com/Modules/Home.aspx if you want.

The ip150 & rtx3 I got of ebay from a guy in Bulgaria, much cheaper than local suppliers (who would not sell the ip150 at the time). The rest I got cheap off Trademe.

Edit - As mentioned, winload is great for programming the system. no cable from the laptop to the panel, or, keying in lots of information at the keypad, just connect to the panel from your machine and set everything up the way you want it.
At least on the EVO system, there are LOTS of options you can set, it really is a great system.

davidcole

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#1086964 11-Jul-2014 10:07

Hey thanks for that info.

So another generic question regarding IP based events.

With a phone system, it'd just ring the assigned phone number and give you a series of beeps and possibly a message. A phone call is great in that on a cell phone it overrides everything.

How does it work with IP based systems. While email will tell you a lot more, relying on notifications etc I wouldn't have thought was as reliable as a phone call or text message. Are there other options when self monitoring? I'd set up email just because it's a good backup but what other notification methods are available?

dolsen

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#1086983 11-Jul-2014 10:26

davidcole:
With a phone system, it'd just ring the assigned phone number and give you a series of beeps and possibly a message. A phone call is great in that on a cell phone it overrides everything.

How does it work with IP based systems. While email will tell you a lot more, relying on notifications etc I wouldn't have thought was as reliable as a phone call or text message. Are there other options when self monitoring? I'd set up email just because it's a good backup but what other notification methods are available?

If you set up voip you could run that through the alarm panel before the house and use that to ring you. If your internet goes down however, you would not receive any notification.
Not too sure if you need a vdmp3 to do this.
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isis

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#1088510 14-Jul-2014 13:08

I've installed one of this Paradox with an IP panel, pet sensors and wired smoke detector.
Works a treat.

Emails stop working awhile back and haven't been bothered to see what's going on.

Iphone App - you'll need a static external ip for it to work if you need to control remotely.

I tend to use the web function more.

Looking at getting the upgrade touch screen panel for the new house and hopefully the new IP Module is better!

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Sounddude

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#1088513 14-Jul-2014 13:11

dolsen: I installed a paradox evo 192, 2 lcd keypads, 3 zone extenders with lots of sensors and smoke detectors in our place and have been really happy with the alarm. I also installed a ip150 module (don't get the ip100, it's older and doesn't support ssl connections for email) and a rtx3 wireless module (only for remotes, all sensors are hard wired, the way they should be).

I looked at the ip150 module and the Iphone app, but my bigest bug bear is the lack of push alarms. I really wish it could do push notifications of events.

How are you monitoring your system? Just email?

ajobbins

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#1088517 14-Jul-2014 13:15

If I was fitting out a house now, I would rather use a camera + movement sensor based system (Maybe PIR or beam) I built myself than something like this.

Be a geek and create your own! Will be much more powerful

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tchart

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#1088522 14-Jul-2014 13:19

ajobbins: Be a geek and create your own! Will be much more powerful

I prefer to build my own. I got a GSM alarm + 3 PIRs + smoke sensor + 5 door/windows sensors (all wireless) off ebay. Works great. It was under $250 shipped. It sends me an SMS when its armed, disarmed or triggered.

I use the arm/disarm SMS's with IFTTT to turn on/off my wemo plugs which power Dlink web cams.

Fun!

MattD

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#1222807 26-Jan-2015 22:00

Hey psycik
long time no chat. Did you make the decision on the Paradox or other?
Happy to give you more details on our setup if you send me a PM

In summary, we have a MG5050 panel with wireless controllers, PIRs Smoke and wireless PIRs. Also have the TM50 touch panel which makes it much easier for programming and interaction and for guests
IP150 is used to allow the iParadox app on smartphone and also sends emails, and supports remote management, deactivation, manual bypass of zones.
The GSM/GPRS module sends text messages and is override if land-line is not available for alarm notification to monitoring company.

However if I was starting now, I would look at the Paradox Insight with an EVOHD panel and the HD77 combined Camera PIR units and a more sophisticated app.
With Paradox you can always upgrade different parts of the system.

Overall have found the Paradox system to be a great intuitive system and is extensible in future.
Hasn't missed a beat

raytaylor

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#1222904 27-Jan-2015 01:47

My stepfather is an alarm installer.
Loves paradox.

Most alarm systems are standardised - however there are a few different wireless protocols so not all wireless devices are inter-brand compatible.

I think paradox would be one of the top 3 brands?

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davidcole

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#1247392 26-Feb-2015 22:09

Thanks for all the help.

Been looking further at the paradox systems (especially since you guys rate them so highly) and tbh are quite basic users. Between their spectre 4000 and 6000 systems I couldn't see much difference.

ajobbins

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#1247800 27-Feb-2015 13:27

davidcole: Thanks for all the help.

Been looking further at the paradox systems (especially since you guys rate them so highly) and tbh are quite basic users. Between their spectre 4000 and 6000 systems I couldn't see much difference.

Hand in your geek card immediately.

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sbiddle

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#1247983 27-Feb-2015 18:31

One option if you want IP connectivity (including Android and iOS apps), web configuration and low cost NFC proximity addon readers and cards is the brand new Micron IP models. These have literally only hit the market this week, and look pretty nice.

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