DIY home security sytem

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hazza87

352 posts

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#107000 4-Aug-2012 16:15

Hi,
Looking at installing a new home alarm system.
Current system is 10+ year old and not particularly secure (uses key to turn alarm on and off which invariably gets left in the alarm) Also beeps from the unit itself so it would be pretty quick to find it and turn it off.
However does have 3 already installed PIR sensors which seems to work well with the cats in the house.

Looking at getting a system with 2 keypads in different locations.
Maybe one more PIR sensor
Possibly some door sensors.
Some of the ones with RFID cards and wireless key fob things look quite neat.
Also been looking into IP modules instead of the old phone dialler ones. Checking out the status of the alarm from a remote computer sounds pretty cool

What are recommendations for something easyish to install with good expandability and reliability.
And where is the best place to get one from for a good price?

Niel

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#667531 4-Aug-2012 16:33

About 10 years ago I got a generic wireless alarm system off TradeMe which turned out to be what Mongoose uses and still available from Mitre10. It will not do multiple keypads, but we just use the remote controls anyway. I don;t think I'll ever go back to wired unless there is a specific reason like I do want to put a couple of ceiling mount 360 degree sensors in. But my wireless system has a wired input as well.

That said, you get a wireless system and you get a wireless system, they are not all the same. I'm happy with mine, it detects when someone is trying to transmit lots of codes in order to crack it. The sensors also transmits only a few triggers and then holds off for 10 or 15 minutes to save battery power. It uses 9V batteries which last more than a year, more like 2 years plus.

It does not have a phone dialler though, but we have a Panasonic network security camera which sends us an e-mail when someone enters the house. It also sends an e-mail to a TXT server so we get notified on our phones. Next I'll get a network camera with a trigger input which will monitor the alarm, or a network DVR with multiple cameras.

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Handle9

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#667541 4-Aug-2012 17:03

For a basic panel the solution 844 is reliable and dirt cheap. Either that or the basic arrowhead panel. You can get kits with 2 PIRs, sirens, keypad, panel, cable and battery for $250-$350 +gst from electrical wholesalers. These will take more PIRs or other inputs also.

Something like

http://www.trademe.co.nz/home-living/security-locks-alarms/alarms/home-alarm-systems/auction-500100506.htm

andgor

43 posts

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#668597 6-Aug-2012 21:33

Handle9: For a basic panel the solution 844 is reliable and dirt cheap. Either that or the basic arrowhead panel. You can get kits with 2 PIRs, sirens, keypad, panel, cable and battery for $250-$350 +gst from electrical wholesalers. These will take more PIRs or other inputs also.

I've been looking at installing a home alarm recently as well. I've found these cheap kits on TradeMe like you mention. They seem to boil down to either a Bosch (usually the 844) or a Crow (arrowhead? Elite Lite 8 zone). Is either any better than the other? As a geek I like to play so configurability (depth and ease of) and expandability is important. I administer/configure a Cardax access control security system at work so would love something like that at home, but I haven't won lotto, yet.

I found a document for one alarm system on the net somewhere where the telepermit bit mentioned that it uses pulse dialling. None of these panels are still that ancient are they?

Jaxson

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#668614 6-Aug-2012 21:59

andgor:
I found a document for one alarm system on the net somewhere where the telepermit bit mentioned that it uses pulse dialling. None of these panels are still that ancient are they?

The security industry hasn't moved particularly quickly to IP based comms.
Analogue phone lines are still typically considered more reliable means to ensure the alarm does get the notification out. It's improving, but it has taken a while.

andgor: I administer/configure a Cardax access control security system at work so would love something like that at home, but I haven't won lotto, yet.

Where do you work? Yes the 'Gallagher solution' does look pretty good.

Handle9

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#668625 6-Aug-2012 22:24

Jaxson:
andgor:
I found a document for one alarm system on the net somewhere where the telepermit bit mentioned that it uses pulse dialling. None of these panels are still that ancient are they?

The security industry hasn't moved particularly quickly to IP based comms.
Analogue phone lines are still typically considered more reliable means to ensure the alarm does get the notification out. It's improving, but it has taken a while.

andgor: I administer/configure a Cardax access control security system at work so would love something like that at home, but I haven't won lotto, yet.

Where do you work? Yes the 'Gallagher solution' does look pretty good.

As Jaxson said alarms are pretty basic. The volumes don't really justify rapid iteration of designs and the installers aren't generally super savy. It's a cost/volume industry where cheap and cheerfull rules.

The Crow (who acquired Arrowhead) panel probably gets a bit more development and it is an NZ developed panel compared to the Bosch which was originally an Australian product.

Zeon

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#668646 6-Aug-2012 23:27

Not kidding here but perhaps a dog?

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PhillyG

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#668695 7-Aug-2012 08:42

Paradox have a few ip add-on modules for their alarms. Am looking at getting one for my paradox alarm. Also has an iPhone app for checking status, arming/disarming etc.

In my previous house I installed an arrowhead elite alarm myself (sparky did the power) and it was pretty simple to set up. Was around $400 from j a Russell and came with 2 wired PIRS one wireless PIR, wired smoke alarm and 2 key fobs. Easy to configure outputs to open garage door etc.

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BlueShift

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#668719 7-Aug-2012 09:53

Zeon: Not kidding here but perhaps a dog?

I have a dog, but I have terrible trouble with false positives from passing cats... So, just like a PIR really...

andgor

43 posts

Geek

#669299 7-Aug-2012 21:16

Jaxson:
andgor:
I found a document for one alarm system on the net somewhere where the telepermit bit mentioned that it uses pulse dialling. None of these panels are still that ancient are they?

The security industry hasn't moved particularly quickly to IP based comms.
Analogue phone lines are still typically considered more reliable means to ensure the alarm does get the notification out. It's improving, but it has taken a while.

Yeah, that I heard of. Heck even Cardax only supports IP 'dialling" in version 7 of Command Centre and even then only with a 6000 series controller (although apparently earlier controllers can send alarms out via IP through a 6000 series controller with a customisation). Even though the controllers all have ethernet ports. But I thought all current panels would at least be using tone dialling, I mean Contact ID is DTMF isn't it? So it's not like they don't have the tone generators needed already.

andgor: I administer/configure a Cardax access control security system at work so would love something like that at home, but I haven't won lotto, yet.

Where do you work? Yes the 'Gallagher solution' does look pretty good.

I work at Hellers. Yeah Cardax, or whatever it is they call it now, is pretty amazing in terms of configurability and how easy it is to configure.