Armory Sponsor
Posted: 8/24/2010 9:17:22 AM EDT
|
Searching through the topics in here there's tons of info on safes, but I'm not finding much about alarm systems. I'd like to school myself on alarm systems so I can upgrade my current setup myself as I know zilch about how the systems work with respect to wiring, power, etc.
Are there any epic alarm system threads in here that I'm missing out on? |
Sorry to say this but I would not upgrade yourself (well not completely at least) I would at least have a security / alarm expert come in and help you plan it out. The best security system weve had has been the DSC CLICKY system at our vacation house. just my $ 0.02
|
|
Quoted:
Sorry to say this but I would not upgrade yourself (well not completely at least) I would at least have a security / alarm expert come in and help you plan it out. The best security system weve had has been the DSC CLICKY system at our vacation house. just my $ 0.02Thanks for the info. When I say upgrade, my plans are pretty simple, my house already has pre-wire drops for motion sensors, they just aren't installed. I'd like to add the sensors and hook them up to the main box. I'd also like to add another keypad to the master bedroom, for which there is also a pre-wire but no pad. Pretty simple stuff to start, but I'd like to get a good feel for the concepts before I go poking around, hence trying to find a good thread on the subject. I'll do some more digging off-site and report what I find. |
|
I've also gotten good info here. Just installed a Vista21IP hybrid myself. No big deal if you're marginally good with your hands and can read a manual. Note: I didn't mean follow install instructions/guides. All the stuff you get will have a manual (sometimes just a page or two) that explains settings and wiring diagrams, not: Step A do this: Step B do that.... Some of it isn't intuitive but that's what the forums are for. If you're already wired, you're golden. |
|
security systems are what I do. these are monitored at a central station.
stand alone systems, well why bother.... TYPICALLY 24vdc panels have a number of "inputs" for initiating devices. depends on what you get. initiating devices like a motion sensor would have 3 wires +, - , and the signal. a door contact typically has only 2. keypads are system dependent. some can accept only one, while others can have 4 or more. again depends on the "panel" you get. this is with systems like ADEMCO, ADT, Sonitrol ect. these you would have to get an account at a security vendor because the avg joe can't purchase this stuff. beyond this you'll have to PM me.... |
|
Quoted:
security systems are what I do. these are monitored at a central station. stand alone systems, well why bother.... TYPICALLY 24vdc panels have a number of "inputs" for initiating devices. depends on what you get. initiating devices like a motion sensor would have 3 wires +, - , and the signal. a door contact typically has only 2. keypads are system dependent. some can accept only one, while others can have 4 or more. again depends on the "panel" you get. this is with systems like ADEMCO, ADT, Sonitrol ect. these you would have to get an account at a security vendor because the avg joe can't purchase this stuff. beyond this you'll have to PM me.... My current system is manufactured by Ademco, I haven't had any trouble finding compatible parts and accessories from many vendors online. |
|
just don't go with a two/three year contract company that charges an arm and a leg.
Get a cell monitoring service. a lot of companies do that for the same price as a phone line. Do not believe the hype on them monitoring the phone lines for cuts. usually the service that does not offer a contract for a good price will have good service. (given if they have been around for a few years) |
|
Quoted: security systems are what I do. these are monitored at a central station. stand alone systems, well why bother.... TYPICALLY 24vdc panels have a number of "inputs" for initiating devices. depends on what you get. initiating devices like a motion sensor would have 3 wires +, - , and the signal. a door contact typically has only 2. keypads are system dependent. some can accept only one, while others can have 4 or more. again depends on the "panel" you get. this is with systems like ADEMCO, ADT, Sonitrol ect. these you would have to get an account at a security vendor because the avg joe can't purchase this stuff. beyond this you'll have to PM me.... Maybe because criminals don't know whether it's monitored or not so when the alarm goes off they have to decide whether to flee or stick around. It also saves you $200-$400 a year in monitoring fees. Also many police agencies don't even respond to alarms because of all the false alarms. And some that do respond now charge for false alarms. You can also have your alarm call you or others close by that will responding quicker than the police. So lots of potential reasons. There is not a single component in common systems or even in commercial systems that cannot be purchased by the average homeowner. |
|
I installed my own Ademco Vista 20p.... I have an older house, so it was not pre-wired... that would have been WAY too much work.... most of the sensors can be wireless, only a few have to be wired....
Every piece can be easily found on-line.... I bought quite a bit of stuff on eBay... It's not all that hard to do.... I did mine in a weekend. Total cost was around the $400 mark. But, I have 23 sensors, and two keypads, one being a touch screen. |
Anyone have any recommendations for a alarm system for one room say 12x12 with one window and a door. Room is currently un finished but would like to make it a secured "man cave"  Not looking for a monitored system just something that would wake me and the neighbors up! Since room is unfinished hardwire is what I'm looking for.
|
Armory Sponsor