Electronic Alarms and Home Security Devices - Concord 4 or Simon XT?
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aryndub
07-30-09, 11:22 AM
Hi,
I just stumbled across this forum while doing research on what type of alarm system to get. I currently have an old hardwired system that is not monitored. I've been doing some research on both the Concord 4 and the Simon XT and can't seem to get any real answers. What I'd like to do is as follows:
(in no particular order)
-X10 compatibility
-use my existing hard wired contacts
-add new wireless contacts to the exterior (such as a side fence gates) (is this possible?)
-notifications via cell phone
-alarm.com compatibility
Based on the above, what would be my best bet?
Thank you in advance.
I just stumbled across this forum while doing research on what type of alarm system to get. I currently have an old hardwired system that is not monitored. I've been doing some research on both the Concord 4 and the Simon XT and can't seem to get any real answers. What I'd like to do is as follows:
(in no particular order)
-X10 compatibility
-use my existing hard wired contacts
-add new wireless contacts to the exterior (such as a side fence gates) (is this possible?)
-notifications via cell phone
-alarm.com compatibility
Based on the above, what would be my best bet?
Thank you in advance.
GEGUY
07-30-09, 11:41 AM
Hi,
I just stumbled across this forum while doing research on what type of alarm system to get. I currently have an old hardwired system that is not monitored. I've been doing some research on both the Concord 4 and the Simon XT and can't seem to get any real answers. What I'd like to do is as follows:
(in no particular order)
-X10 compatibility
-use my existing hard wired contacts
-add new wireless contacts to the exterior (such as a side fence gates) (is this possible?)
-notifications via cell phone
-alarm.com compatibility
Based on the above, what would be my best bet?
Thank you in advance.
Well since you mentioned hardwire zones, then Concord is the way to go (Simon XT will do only 2). Concord comes with 8 hardwire zones but can be expanded up to 96. It also comes with 96 wireless zones built in. X-10 capability is built in as long as you go with the powerline transformer. It will work with alarm.com which in turn will give you the cell phone notification (as well as email and text messaging).
I just stumbled across this forum while doing research on what type of alarm system to get. I currently have an old hardwired system that is not monitored. I've been doing some research on both the Concord 4 and the Simon XT and can't seem to get any real answers. What I'd like to do is as follows:
(in no particular order)
-X10 compatibility
-use my existing hard wired contacts
-add new wireless contacts to the exterior (such as a side fence gates) (is this possible?)
-notifications via cell phone
-alarm.com compatibility
Based on the above, what would be my best bet?
Thank you in advance.
Well since you mentioned hardwire zones, then Concord is the way to go (Simon XT will do only 2). Concord comes with 8 hardwire zones but can be expanded up to 96. It also comes with 96 wireless zones built in. X-10 capability is built in as long as you go with the powerline transformer. It will work with alarm.com which in turn will give you the cell phone notification (as well as email and text messaging).
mahermusic
07-30-09, 02:29 PM
We just had a Concord 4 system installed with Alarm.com. It is amazing, and everything we could ever need. every window, 3 exterior doors, 2 motion sensors, smoke detector, siren, all hardwired, and two add'l smokes wireless. We've got two outlets X-10 operated, 2 hard wired keypads, and two keyfobs for disarming the Alarm.com system as we walk up to the house.
We actually purchased our Concord 4 through a promotion Vonage was having 2 years ago. It was shipped out to us, but we only had the entire system installed a few weeks ago. You can set the system to email you or text your phone for different things, including any alarms or anyone tampering with the system. Our installer was great, and stayed until we understood everything about the system. We're very happy with the Alarm.com/Concord 4 combination.
We actually purchased our Concord 4 through a promotion Vonage was having 2 years ago. It was shipped out to us, but we only had the entire system installed a few weeks ago. You can set the system to email you or text your phone for different things, including any alarms or anyone tampering with the system. Our installer was great, and stayed until we understood everything about the system. We're very happy with the Alarm.com/Concord 4 combination.
aryndub
07-30-09, 03:11 PM
Wow thanks for the feedback.
What would you recommend to use with the two side fence gates that I have? Wireless? (are they "outdoor proof"?)
Sounds like I'm going with the Concord. My next question is whether or not I should tackle the install myself or should have someone do it for me. I'm fairly technical and provided that I shouldn't have to actually install any sensors (as the house is pre-wired and an existing alarm is already in place), is it a project the average person can do?
I'm sure I will have another 500 stupid questions to ask in the future... but thanks again.
What would you recommend to use with the two side fence gates that I have? Wireless? (are they "outdoor proof"?)
Sounds like I'm going with the Concord. My next question is whether or not I should tackle the install myself or should have someone do it for me. I'm fairly technical and provided that I shouldn't have to actually install any sensors (as the house is pre-wired and an existing alarm is already in place), is it a project the average person can do?
I'm sure I will have another 500 stupid questions to ask in the future... but thanks again.
mahermusic
07-30-09, 04:25 PM
Good question. I don't know of any sensors that I know of that would work outdoors on a gate. Perhaps GE GUY can chime in. I'm fairly technical myself, and am good with the electrical, but I watched the installer troubleshoot some problems left over by the original installers (our home was built 2 years ago with a security system option/upgrade), and watched him program everything before he uploaded to Alarm.com, and I have to tell you that I'm glad he did it. I know my limits, and the Concord installation was definately over my head. I did type out how I wanted each zone listed on the keypads, and he took the time to set everything up to how I wanted. Have you received any quotes for equipment/service yet?