Has anybody used this product? Is it reliable?
- posted
18 years ago
Has anybody used this product? Is it reliable?
I'm sure you could put a gsm/sms alarm system together yourself for less than a third of the cost of this. May be reliable, but in my opinion grossly overpriced.
Any good ones to propose?
Don't know about that one in particular, but wireless ones in general are not as reliable as wired ones. Unless you absolutely need a wireless solution due to installtion restrictions, use a proper wired solution. You'll be forever changing batteries with a wireless solution, pain in the butt.
The electronics will likely be more reliable than the PIR sensor and how it is installed.
A completely wireless external siren with 4 D cells - want to change them every time it goes off?
Looks like the main control unit has the keypad built in, that's very inflexible as it makes it difficult to hide the control box away. External keypads are much better.
3 sensors doesn't do much either, add some more on top of that price. At $95ea that's almost 4 times the price of a wired one.It has some nice features, but as Peter said, overpriced for sure.
For a low cost wired solution with dialer try:
The Icon8 is even cheaper. Dialers aren't as flexible (no voice message or SMS), but it will dial your mobile so you know something has happened.
Dave :)
I can't personally recommend one but DSE for example sell a similar system for $649. If you are into DIY then why not buy a used GSM phone, SMS controller&cable and a few PIR alarms, all up probably less than $300?
Thanks for the info. I'm not really good at DIY. it's better that i get a wired system. I had a quote from Ensure Security for $1300. full perimeter and PIR.
You really need a proper multi-sector alarm controller to get exit/entry times, proper keypad entry and zone control etc. Rolling your own alarm would be pretty pointless these days. The panels themselves cost about $100-$200, and a basic system with several sensors can be had for under $300. My Icon8 system with dialer, 3 sensors, one keypad and a sirens cost about $250. But when you add on extra sensors, screamers, keypads, remotes, cable etc, it starts to add up. No need to pay more than $500 for a fully kitted out wired system with dialer though.
Dave :)
You can save almost $1000 by installing it yourself. Not hard to do, but running all the cables can be a pain. Well worth the cost saving though.
Dave :)
I'm really bad at installation, and i rather for a cheap one based in perth. any ideas? The icon 16 seems to be in NSW
In that case better to get someone to install it.
Most security installers will buy and install any system you tell them to, although they all have their preferred systems.
Some popular Australian made systems are Ness, MCM (Icon), and Bosch (Solution).
$1300 seems very expensive when any basic kit is probably only worth $300-$400 + installation. Shop around at different dealers. Local installers in Sydney advertise name brand systems fully installed for $600-$700. You'll pay extra for "monitoring" or "back to base" services which are a con, the thieves are long gone before anyone gets there.
Dave :)
With more than 10 years in the security game, $300 will not buy a security system. it will provide false piece of mind, and maybe satisfy insurance companies. If a security system is required, you have to spend a bit more of your hard earned money. Our top end bank alarms are equal to oversees "budget" home alarms.
Ness was banned by the major alarm companies years ago due to unreliability, and Bosch make good drills.
Some people will accept anything as long as the insurance companies are happy and it's "cheap". A GOOD quality PIR costs more than a complete cheap burglar alarm. (and I use the term "burglar alarm" with contempt)
How about sharing your 10 years worth of experience then? How much? What do you recommend? What does a $1000 system have that a $300 system doesn't? Why does a $300 system not provide piece of mind?
No security system is going to stop people breaking in and stealing your stuff. What a $300 system will do is alert you on your mobile that someone has broken in while you were away, or that someone has broken into your garage while you are sleeping etc. Hardly false piece of mind.
Dave :)
I know a guy who has spent 15 years designing the Bosch (EDM) panels and operationally they are apparently pretty good, as are the Ness. I believe that Bosch and Ness are the most popular in Australia, must be for a reason? Who do you recommend and why?
Dave :)
My quote is actually for the Ness products
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