Help: What Alarm System to Choose?

[leesiulung 0]

This is an off topic thread, but since I got so many good answers previously I thought I post again in a new thread specific to this topic.

 

I'm looking at securing my 1100sq ft 3-story townhome that has 2 bedrooms and an attached garage below. In total I have 4 ground windows, a sliding door to the patio, and 3 entry doors (technically 2, one of them is from the garage).

 

I'm looking for an alarm system with the following needs met:

 

* Wireless (Any reason not to except battery replacement? Wired installation is a pain.)

* GSM based private number dialing i.e. no monitoring. I don't want a monthly fee, nor do I have a normal phone line or internet service.

* Garage protection. Don't want the perpetrator to enter the home through the garage now do we.

* Option for 2 LCD keypad panels (one in the garage and one in the front door)

* Minimal damage to home during installation

* Ease of use and installation

* Aesthetics

* Home automation a plus, but a NOT a requirement

* About $500 or less is preferred.

* Newer systems with longer support term is preferred i.e. avoid products soon to be discontinued.

 

Of the systems I have seen:

 

* DSC Alexor: is aesthetically pleasing, but is pricey and do no support private cell/GSM dialing so it is ruled out.

* Visionic PowerMax Plus: for the most part fits all my needs, except it is ugly. The LCD panel looks huge and the wireless signal is kind of short. Can I really expect 200ft? X10 support is very cool, but functionality wise it is questionable.

* Visionic PowerMax Pro: Same as above except aesthetically very pleasing, but is very pricey. Has some proximity tags. How do these work? What are they for?

* Any of the GE systems: Don't know much about these, but they seem to be preferred by SafeMart?

 

I based my information on this very convenient matrix: http://www.homesecuritystore.com/t-wireless_compare.aspx

 

So do anyone have any suggestions?

 

Answer to the above questions are also helpful. Thanks!

[platinum 0]

if you like the DSC, look into a 1832 with wireless keypad like the RFK5500. Its a little more setup then and "out of the box" system but it will easly meet your needs.

[Birdman Adam 0]

Yea the RFK5500 is nice - it is a full-LCD keypad PLUS a wireless zone receiver!

 

I always like a hardwired sensor (don't like buying batteries). With the wireless transmitter sensors, they take 3V batteries (CR2) that need replacing every 2+ years (usually more than 3). I know this from experience with my own system.

 

With the DSC 1832, you can connect tons of keypads to the system, all you gotta connect is the four wires from the keypad to the keybus.

 

For $200 you can get the "Uplink 2500 Universal GSM Cellular Communicator", which is a cellular communicator. It works with any alarm system brand Obviously it can be set to call any number, so entering your cell is perfectly fine. It looks like you may still have a monthly fee with these GSM units...?

[bantham1 0]

Honeywell/Ademco Vista 20p with tellular cell transmitter and wireless receiver. Easy to install and easy to program.

[cglaeser 0]

Honeywell/Ademco Vista 20p with tellular cell transmitter and wireless receiver. Easy to install and easy to program.

 

Yes, either that panel, or if you don't have a need for wired zones, Honeywell Ademco LYNX.

 

Best,

Christopher

[platinum 0]

Both the DSC and Vista are your best bet. Take a look at the intructions and see which one make the most sense for you.