Electronic Alarms and Home Security Devices - Updating my alarm system
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Data55
11-04-09, 04:24 PM
Hello, I just wanted to start off with a quick hello and thank everyone that has put their time and effort into this forum. I have been looking around for awhile but still can't seem to find the answers I have been looking for so I hope some of the pro's might be able to help.
I just moved into an older house that had a Napco Magnum alert 850 in it. It's no longer working(powers off, wires are all still there and nicely marked) and wanted to update it to a new system but not have to be hooked up to a service where I pay a monthly fee. But I wanted to be alerted through my iphone.
So my budget is up to $600. I have 10 rooms that I would like to be monitored, and room for four cameras in the future. I would like to keep it wired for reliability and easy trouble shooting. Any help and a direction to get all this and started would be great. Thank-you.
I just moved into an older house that had a Napco Magnum alert 850 in it. It's no longer working(powers off, wires are all still there and nicely marked) and wanted to update it to a new system but not have to be hooked up to a service where I pay a monthly fee. But I wanted to be alerted through my iphone.
So my budget is up to $600. I have 10 rooms that I would like to be monitored, and room for four cameras in the future. I would like to keep it wired for reliability and easy trouble shooting. Any help and a direction to get all this and started would be great. Thank-you.
Fishlips25
11-04-09, 05:40 PM
What sensors are on the old system? Can u re use them?
Are you willing to wire new sensors or do you want wireless?
I prefer DSC or Ademco panels. They both have wireless and hardwired options. They both can be wired to a phone line to call a cellphone. You can check their web sites for product info.
Most homes use sensors like door/window contacts, motions and glassbreak sensors, and even fire detectors.
I prefer hardwiring all devices. Parts are cheaper and you dont have to worry about battery fails.Good luck
Are you willing to wire new sensors or do you want wireless?
I prefer DSC or Ademco panels. They both have wireless and hardwired options. They both can be wired to a phone line to call a cellphone. You can check their web sites for product info.
Most homes use sensors like door/window contacts, motions and glassbreak sensors, and even fire detectors.
I prefer hardwiring all devices. Parts are cheaper and you dont have to worry about battery fails.Good luck
MrRonFL
11-04-09, 07:21 PM
Basically, it's a standard system swap. You are going to want the new control, new keypad(s) to match the number you currently have. In general, if you have any motion detectors, if they are more than 5-6 years old, I recommend replacing them. Door and window contacts are just switches, only bother replacing them if they fail.
The only joker in the deck is whether the original install put the end of line resistors out with one or more of the contacts. In a residential install, they rarely do.
Look at the various manufacturers websites and compare similar model to similar mode. Read over the posts on forums like this one to see what the common issues on install and setup are.
The only joker in the deck is whether the original install put the end of line resistors out with one or more of the contacts. In a residential install, they rarely do.
Look at the various manufacturers websites and compare similar model to similar mode. Read over the posts on forums like this one to see what the common issues on install and setup are.
Data55
11-05-09, 03:47 PM
Thanks for the fast relpys. I'll look into those companies.