Electronic Alarms and Home Security Devices - Information overload; Help with system choice?

I'm looking for a diy system for my home. The house consists of a basement/garage with a door and garage door; first floor with two doors and 16 windows; and second floor with 11 windows. Heated and cooled, the house is about 1550 sq ft. About 1900 sq ft with the basement/garage.

I'm more interested in wired sensors, but would like wireless capability just in case I run into an area I can't get a wire to, during install.

Cellular and / or network communications is something that's a must though, as I do not have an analog phone line.

Automation features would be nice to have as well.

I've started looking at systems; Caddx NX-6, Concord, Ademco (various). Not DSC though, as I've heard they're 'difficult' to install.

But basically, I think I've reached information overload. If not specific system recommendations, are there any places you guys can recommend I look to help narrow my search a bit?

Were it not for the sheer number of openings, the Concord express is pretty easy to work with. However, you are looking for a number of advanced features that I'm not sure you can get from that one with out a lot of add-ons and tinkering.

If you choose the Caddx/Networx line, go with the NX-8. In order to do a lot of the things you want to do, you will bang your head against the limits of the NX-6. It's a good system, but was designed for small houses and apartments.

You are looking at 30+ openings to protect. Even with an 8 zone panel, you will have a lot of openings to split into zone groupings.

Any of the brands you named can be configured to do what you want. I'd recommed the NX-8. It's not the easiest to setup, but I think it's like to be the easiest to get set the way you are describing.

I have to disagree - I strongly say go with the GE Concord Ultra system. This is the newest in the line of Concord systems with 8 onboard hardwire zones, 96 built-in wireless zones (with a 2300' range - unheard of in this industry), 2-way voice built-in, X-10 automation built-in, Phone and Voice modules built-in, as well as the capability of Cellular Backup and many, many other options.

Plus, to top it all off, it's the easiest system on the market to program.

Add to that the fact that you can get all of that, and a keypad, for under $400 and it absolutely can't be beat.

I know this sounds like a commercial, but I honesly believe this is the best system around. I've been selling them less than a month and have sold almost as many of the Ultras as I have any other system.

Let us know if you have any questions.

BTW, Ron, you should try an Ultra too - I'll get you a good deal on one :) You'll never put in another NX-8.

Thank you both for your responses..

I'm more interested in hard-wired than wireless zones (although I do want that capability), and I will not be interfacing with an analog telephone line. I will be using cellular and maybe Internet (is this an option on either system?) for communications.

Would you still recommend the Ultra, Brandon? The initial cost is higher than the NX-8, but it obviously includes some additional features. I'm just not sure if I would be paying for features that I won't be using.

Does the fact the system is newer, and the ease of programming weigh that heavilly?

The Ultra specs state it includes automation features built in. Does that mean I can use the system to control lights on timed intervals, and heating / ac temps?

What are typical uses for the outputs? I assume I can use these can trigger a relay or something when there is an alarm condition, but I'm not sure what use I would have for these. The only time I've seen these used was when wired to a VCR / multiplexor. The VCR would reduce the recording interval to a particular zone when the alarm was tripped.

If you want internet connectivity, you should probably look into the <a href="http://www.homeauto.com">HAI Omni systems</a>. HAI's have much more control and automation features than pretty much any system on the market - this includes RS232 connectivity, Ethernet connectivity (Omni Pro II only) and interfacing with many 3rd party components. Programming of these systems is also very easy. I know this is just adding another choice to the mix, but if internet connectivity is important to you, then you really need to consider it. Most systems do not have a good ethernet/internet interface at this time (I'm sure it's coming.)

However, be prepared to pay $1000 plus for an Omni Pro II.

Like you say, the Ultra includes more features than most other systems on the market (with maybe the exception of the Omni) right out of the box. Many of which you had mentioned - X-10 control, Phone/Voice interface, 2-way, etc. That in itself justifies the price difference.

I'd say the fact that the system is incredibly easy to program definitely makes it superior to most other systems. CaddX systems are good, rock-solid systems, but they are just a pain to program. BTW, both are owned by GE now too. I imagine eventually there will be the GE Concord line and the GE NetworX line - no more ITI, no more CaddX (actually, they are already moving to this trend.)

The Ultra specs state it includes automation features built in. Does that mean I can use the system to control lights on timed intervals, and heating / ac temps?
Exactly. But, the Omni will give you more control over lighting and Heat/Cool. It uses If/Then programming to control lights, arming/disarming, heat/cool, and pretty much anything else you want to control. It's pretty much the ultimate automation system.

What are typical uses for the outputs?
Sirens
Gate control
Garage door control
Voice dialers
Lighting control
Strobes
Pretty much anything that accepts a dry contact relay input.
There are litterally thousands of applications.

Be sure to take a look at the HAI line of products, you may find that they suit your needs better.

Let us know if you need help.

I'll have to give the Concorde Ultra line a good look. We primarily stick with the NX line because of the interchangeability of the modules and other components, and all use the same programming model. In fact, the Networx equipment has been shipping with the GE logo for about 6 months or more, already.

I don't dislike the Concords, I'm just better at configuring the NX panels, especially for commercial installs, which are our main customer base.