Electronic Alarms and Home Security Devices - wireless home alarms

where can I find literature on wireless alarms. I would like to get a good understanding of them (starting from zero) so that I may install one in my home. I am willing to put the time and effort and I am in no particular rush to finish it next week or even month ;)
thank you

Well, the really nice thing about wireless alarms is that there really is not much to learn. Other than looking up the manufacturer's websites and studying the separate features, the only other thing to do is read the installation and user manuals - most of which you can find on our site at http://safewatchservice.com

As for manufacturers, there are several:

<a href="http://www.itii.com">GE/ITI</a> - my personal preference - very easy to install, program and use and most of their products have built-in wireless, or at least support it in some way

<a href="http://www.ademco.com">Ademco</a> - very good and reliable equipment, lots of choices in wireless - most of their panels support wireless, but only the self-contained wireless system (the Lynx) comes with it built-in

<a href="http://www.dsc.com">DSC</a> - very good and reliable equipment - however, like Ademco, only their wireless system (the Envoy) comes with wireless built-in - their wireless products leave something to be desired, personally, I don't use DSC's wireless anymore (supposedly, it's better now, but I don't trust it) - however, their hardwire systems are top-of-the-line

<a href="http://www.visonic.com">Visonic</a> - some people have said good things about the PowerMax system - I've personally never installed or serviced one, I have however used some of Visonic's wireless equipment, and to me it just feels "cheap" - there's no substance to it and it seems very unreliable to me - I would avoid it

If you want a stricly wireless security system (meaning, virtually no wires to run - self-contained - all wireless zones) then the absolute best one on the market is the GE/ITI Simon 3 - it simply cannot be beat.

If, however, you want a more traditional hardwire security system (meaning, the control panel is hidden in a closet or the basement, the keypads are wired and the system is made-up of separate components), but with support for wireless zones (all or some, your choice) then the GE/ITI Concord Express is the ticket - very easy to install, very easy to program (I've never had a complaint) and very easy to use. It comes with 16 wireless zones built-in to the panel, so installation is made even easier.

I hope that helps. Let us know if we can be of any more help.

Brandon
Thank you very much. It has been quite helpful in making a decision