Electronic Alarms and Home Security Devices - Concord 4 pre-purchase questions:
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ctay69
12-13-07, 09:42 AM
Hi,
I've been looking to install a Concord 4 system for several months, but with recent burglaries in my neighborhood the priority has escalated. I'm just about ready to order the system and parts, to install in a week or so, and have a couple questions to ensure I make the right order.
I plan to install in main level coat closet, where electrical and phone hookups are already available, and use the exterior wall for keypad and speaker/siren. Wireless sensors would be installed in various locations.
1) Regarding speaker/siren options. Is it worthwhile to get any of the GE external speakers, such as 60-278 or 60-252? These provide alarm status and 80db siren abilities. The 60-252 adds voice messages as well. Will the base Concord 4 panel support voice messages through the 60-252? I understand the ATP-1000 keypad has a small speaker for status beeps, but not voice.
2) Would an additional ATP-1000 keypad installed inside the closet next to the panel be of any value? The main ATP-1000 would be installed outside the closet, around the door on an exterior wall. Just curious how often I may need to be directly near the panel while installing the system versus going back and forth.
3) I seem to recall reading in one of the alarm forums that certain GE/ITI wireless sensors are not entirely reliable when mounted on metal doors (or inside if using recessed sensors). Is there a particular sensor that is the most reliable, such as the NX650? I'd rather use the recessed NX458s, but unsure about attenuation of signal around metal door frames.
Insight is kindly appreciated.
I've been looking to install a Concord 4 system for several months, but with recent burglaries in my neighborhood the priority has escalated. I'm just about ready to order the system and parts, to install in a week or so, and have a couple questions to ensure I make the right order.
I plan to install in main level coat closet, where electrical and phone hookups are already available, and use the exterior wall for keypad and speaker/siren. Wireless sensors would be installed in various locations.
1) Regarding speaker/siren options. Is it worthwhile to get any of the GE external speakers, such as 60-278 or 60-252? These provide alarm status and 80db siren abilities. The 60-252 adds voice messages as well. Will the base Concord 4 panel support voice messages through the 60-252? I understand the ATP-1000 keypad has a small speaker for status beeps, but not voice.
2) Would an additional ATP-1000 keypad installed inside the closet next to the panel be of any value? The main ATP-1000 would be installed outside the closet, around the door on an exterior wall. Just curious how often I may need to be directly near the panel while installing the system versus going back and forth.
3) I seem to recall reading in one of the alarm forums that certain GE/ITI wireless sensors are not entirely reliable when mounted on metal doors (or inside if using recessed sensors). Is there a particular sensor that is the most reliable, such as the NX650? I'd rather use the recessed NX458s, but unsure about attenuation of signal around metal door frames.
Insight is kindly appreciated.
MrRonFL
12-13-07, 10:34 AM
Don't waste your money on another keypad to stick in the closet. If it's that much of a hassle, simply temporarily connect the one you have in the closet, and relocate it when you are done.
There is a seperate voice module (two, actually, one with voice only, and the other with a telephone interface)
Surface mount transmitters are not an issue, normally, just the ones that recess mount.
There is a seperate voice module (two, actually, one with voice only, and the other with a telephone interface)
Surface mount transmitters are not an issue, normally, just the ones that recess mount.
ctay69
12-13-07, 10:54 AM
Thanks Ron, I'll ignore the second keypad and go all NX650s except for a recess in the front door - solid wood. I may just do voice at a later time and focus on getting the base system up and running for now.