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Intruder Alarm Questions and Answers

24567…16

Comments

  • #52
    The Security ma
    Closed Accounts Posts: 77 ✭✭The Security ma


    PSA Licenced installer me arse!

    The PSA is a bigger rip-off than FAS!

    www.injusticeireland.freehosting.net


  • #53
    KoolKid
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    The Security ma wrote: »
    PSA Licenced installer me arse!

    The PSA is a bigger rip-off than FAS!

    Maybe so, but unfortunatly its the law.


  • #54
    KevinC
    Registered Users Posts: 32 ✭KevinC


    Hi, I've recently replaced two windows which had alarm sensors on them. The sensors got removed with the windows. Stupid I know. I did unscrew all the wires however. They in a single big living/dining room and they consist of a square bay window and a regular window with a side opening.

    1) Is it feasible that I can buy and fit new sensors myself or am I better off getting an alarm company in to do it? I bought the house already the the alarm installed. The room already has a motion detector and since the windows are large and to the front I doubt anyone would break in through them. Will I bother replacing them at all?

    2) One of the new windows (the square bay) doesn't have the same size frame where the sensors where attached. To be more exact; the middle upper frame is really really close to the ceiling. I'll have to move the sensor to the corner or attach it on the ceiling. I don't know how they work so which placement would be better? Or will I just not bother?

    3) At the same time the I want to bury the wires to the sensors. They go from the ceiling to the sensors. This is needed in more windows other then the two missing sensors. Will this damage/unsettle the existing sensors?

    4) Someone told me that in Lidl they are selling a special tool to cut trenches into walls which would allow me to bury the wires in. From their website I see no such tool. What is this called and do I need one?

    The house is due to be painted in a few weeks so I have this opportunity to mess with the walls now.

    If you think an alarm company is needed then please feel free to recommend one as I get the feeling that their are plenty of cowboys in that business.

    Thanks.


  • #55
    Stoner
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,952 ✭✭✭✭Stoner


    KevinC wrote: »
    1) Is it feasible that I can buy and fit new sensors myself or am I better off getting an alarm company in to do it? I bought the house already the the alarm installed. The room already has a motion detector and since the windows are large and to the front I doubt anyone would break in through them. Will I bother replacing them at all?

    2) One of the new windows (the square bay) doesn't have the same size frame where the sensors where attached. To be more exact; the middle upper frame is really really close to the ceiling. I'll have to move the sensor to the corner or attach it on the ceiling. I don't know how they work so which placement would be better? Or will I just not bother?

    3) At the same time the I want to bury the wires to the sensors. They go from the ceiling to the sensors. This is needed in more windows other then the two missing sensors. Will this damage/unsettle the existing sensors?

    4) Someone told me that in Lidl they are selling a special tool to cut trenches into walls which would allow me to bury the wires in. From their website I see no such tool. What is this called and do I need one?

    .

    First thing, IMO getting someone in to twig your alarm would be best, even if you copped the wiring there may be some work required at the panel.

    The machine Lidl have at the moment is a chasing machine, you do not need one of these if you are only hiding alarm cables, after using one you will require a plasterer.

    However they will work and you could use one and house the cables in plastic conduit. Another point is that a lot of alarm cables run from the ceiling down to windows, chasing machines work best on open walls and the wont go tight to a ceiling as the machine is too big to give you the clearance.

    A chasing machine, with or without a hoover will create lots of dust, it will get everywhere. They use two angle grinder blades set approx 20mm apart, however the gap created by a wide single angle grinder blade is enough to hide an alarm cable in, although doing so without damaging the cable requires some skill.

    You could test scoring the wall with an industrial knife, get right into the plaster, you may have enough play in the plaster to cut a line down to the window that will take the cable and can be patched by a painter.

    There is another method called chain drilling, where you score the wall as detailed above and chain drill a series of holes using a 6mm Masonry drill bit (SDS is best) you can then knock these holes into a continuous strip with a hammer and tool of your choice. This can take a long time, but is creates the least amount of dirt and is easy to patch up afterwords.

    Finally I'm sure you are not dealing with partition / dry lined walls, as I'm sure you know that they are easy to fish cables behind with only minimal plaster and work damage.

    the main point to make here is, do not use a chasing machine in a home, they are for building sites IMHO, but they are currently in stock in lidl stores, and you can rent better ones complete with a hover from a tool hire store, it would be a better unit, but still messy. Also if most of the chasing is from the ceiling to the top of a window the machine will be more or less useless (unless you have very high ceilings)

    Be very careful to look for and AVOID electrical cables and water pipes in walls when chasing and drilling.


  • #56
    fishdog
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,113 ✭✭✭fishdog


    I would agree with everything that stoner has said.
    The room already has a motion detector and since the windows are large and to the front I doubt anyone would break in through them.
    The problem with motion detectos is that they can only be triggered when it is too late i.e. the intruder is already in your house. The sensors should activate before anyone gains entry.
    I did unscrew all the wires however.
    To me it sounds like the cables are still at the windows. This sounds like at worst the cables may ave to be extended/moved to different positions on the replacement windows.
    I'll have to move the sensor to the corner or attach it on the ceiling.
    On the ceiling would not work.

    I think the best thing to do is get the guy who installed the alarm originally to make the changes. I dont think it will be a big deal, expensive or messy.


  • #57
    KevinC
    Registered Users Posts: 32 ✭KevinC


    thanks stoner and fishdog.

    I've tried to contract the company who installed it but they wont return my calls. Maybe gone out of business....I'll give a day or so before I ring someone else.


  • #58
    KoolKid
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    Where are you from Kevin?
    PM if you want me to get someone to look at this for you.


  • #59
    astrofool
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,885 ✭✭✭✭astrofool


    House was built in the early 90's, Dublin, and we have an Itec Horizon wired alarm. Upstairs and downstairs is completely wired and has sensors.

    I'm looking to get a new alarm, something monitored, would like an external bell box, and for a GSM dialler to be used if the main phone line goes down.

    On talking to Eircom Phonewatch, they pushed going for a completely wireless system, downstairs only points, dummy external box. Looking for other opinions on what the best systems are :) (there seem to be a few people on here who know their stuff). Can the existing wires be re-used? (phonewatch's first response was that they would need to be replaced if a wired system was used).


  • #60
    Jnealon
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,064 ✭✭✭Jnealon


    Ring 3 local companies and get them to come around and quote you. Phonewatch don't do retro fits and only want to sell you a vew system.
    Your existing wiring may be fine and a full survey will tell you that


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  • #61
    KoolKid
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    +1 good advice
    Remember any company set up monitoring,not just Eircom.
    If cables are limited the Astec system would give you more options to add extra equipment.


  • #62
    seanybiker
    Closed Accounts Posts: 10,898 ✭✭✭✭seanybiker


    we have a wireless one in our house and it rings our mobiles any time it goes off. Not sure how many numbers we can have on it


  • #63
    KoolKid
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    seanybiker wrote: »
    we have a wireless one in our house and it rings our mobiles any time it goes off. Not sure how many numbers we can have on it
    HKC or Astec Fusion would be your best option for this feature.


  • #64
    astrofool
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,885 ✭✭✭✭astrofool


    Any good recommendations for south east dublin area? PM if necessary.


  • #65
    KoolKid
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    Sent you a PM with a couple of links let me know if you need more


  • #66
    KevinC
    Registered Users Posts: 32 ✭KevinC


    Thanks for the advice. I drilled channels using your chain drill technique. It worked out well. I got a company to sort out the sensors (Cuala security). It all worked out well in the end.


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  • #67
    astrofool
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,885 ✭✭✭✭astrofool


    Getting quotes off a few people now, thanks.


  • #68
    KoolKid
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    Glad everything worked out for you kevin. You need anything you know where I am :)


  • #69
    flyfree
    Closed Accounts Posts: 15 ✭flyfree


    Please keep in mind that the eircom wireless system is nothing more than a basic wireless system that can be got in any DIY place or wholesalers for 300 euro and installed by any novice in a day.

    An eircom system can only ever be serviced and monitered by eircom, unlike an independant installers system which can be taken over by another company and have no ongoing charge.


  • #70
    KoolKid
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    flyfree wrote: »
    Please keep in mind that the eircom wireless system is nothing more than a basic wireless system that can be got in any DIY place or wholesalers for 300 euro and installed by any novice in a day.
    Can you back that up with make model & quotations?
    flyfree wrote: »
    An eircom system can only ever be serviced and monitered by eircom,
    Not true
    flyfree wrote: »
    can be taken over by another company and have no ongoing charge.
    The ongoing charges relate to service & monitoring . If a monitored system is taken over by another company you still have to pay for it being monitored. You also have to have a service contract if you wish your system to maintain the EN50131. I am no fan of Eircom BTW, just pointing out the facts.


  • #71
    effone
    Registered Users Posts: 18 ✭effone


    Hi, my mother in law was broken into on Friday night and I'm researching house alarms. I'm thinking of going for wireless as the house isn't wired and a monitoring service maybe with texting too. There are some gadgets in the Deaf Association shop for these applications like vibrating pillow mats and pagers. I'd need a system with a panic button or pendant.

    If you've any advice on these systems or suppliers it'd be much appreciated.


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  • #72
    KoolKid
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    If the house is not wired I'd recommend getting a survey of the property done first. Wireless may suit & partial wireless may also work & save you some money.
    I'd also recommend monitoring to contact family members


  • #73
    flyfree
    Closed Accounts Posts: 15 ✭flyfree


    You do realise that it is illegal for you to install a system yourself in someone else's property unless you are PSA licenced.


  • #74
    KoolKid
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    A little off topic , but that is correct only if payment is recieved.


  • #75
    flyfree
    Closed Accounts Posts: 15 ✭flyfree


    I don't think its off topic he asked for advice.

    I would be very careful about any monies exchanging hands even just for materials if not licenced. We are talkin about serious fines or imprisonment. Not to mention it could invalidate her insurance policy.


  • #76
    KoolKid
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    Its an argument that pops up a lot on this forum so I'm sure most users are well aware or the implications.
    If anyone is looking for more indept info on the PSA & NSAI its all in my post here
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055461114


  • #77
    Hennybug
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 492 ✭✭Hennybug


    I'm looking for some info on the costs of getting an alarm installed i have a 3 bed duplex that's already wired and have gotten a quote of €1,500 reduced from €1,700. It seems on the high side to me but have nothing to compare it to - can anyone give me some idea?


  • #78
    KoolKid
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    €800-€900 would be around average.


  • #79
    Hennybug
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 492 ✭✭Hennybug


    koolkid wrote: »
    €800-€900 would be around average.


    Thanks I thought it was a bit steep!


  • #80
    CuppaCocoa
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,858 ✭✭✭CuppaCocoa


    My 80 year old mother is having problems with her 5 year old alarm. She gets it regularly serviced. Just before Christmas the hall door sensor started giving trouble. It had been serviced only a few weeks earlier. It started going off especially when put on at night giving her a terrible fright. She called the guy who fitted it and he came and replaced the sensors (which she paid for). At Christmas it started again. She rang him and he promised to call but never did. She kept the alarm off as a result.

    She thought it might be down to bad weather swelling the door (it's very old) and started putting it on again a few weeks ago. All was well until it went off again last week and I had to rush home from work. She called him again and he said 'this can't go on' and promised to call her back but never did. Now my mother is an especially polite woman and was upset at this. It's obvious he is not interested in the job and if I get on the phone to him I'll lose my temper. So, would anyone know where I can get an engineer who will actually come out and do something? She's just paid €200+ to the monitoring company which is useless as she's not using the alarm. :mad:


  • #81
    KoolKid
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    I just sent you a PM with my details. Give me a call Monday & we will sort it for you.
    It is discraceful that you have already paid for this to be fixed.
    We will not charge you any call out .


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  • #82
    fred funk }{
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,827 ✭✭✭fred funk }{


    Thats very generous Koolkid.


  • #83
    KoolKid
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    fred funk }{ wrote: »
    Thats very generous Koolkid.

    Thats me ;)


  • #84
    paconnors
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,641 ✭✭✭paconnors


    hi I have an alarm that has a rj11 port for telephone line, so if alarm goes off it will dial a number and let me know alarm is going off. now here's the problem I have no landline, is it possible to get a device that I can put a sim card into and use that to dial out.


  • #85
    KoolKid
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    Yes, Astec sell a device called D2M (Dialler to Mobile)
    Basically it takes a sim card & give out an anolouge phone line.


  • #86
    djkat
    Registered Users Posts: 86 ✭✭djkat


    Hi all

    I was broken into last friday and the oh has insisted on getting a new alarm

    The best on i have been quoted is the europlex signet,

    Just wondering does anyone have one of these and what to they make of them

    The quote i got was 1080.00 eur and that was for 2 motion sensors, 6 window sensors, key pad, bell box and 2 door sensors

    Thanks


  • #87
    KoolKid
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    The quote seems a bit steep for what you are getting. 6 window sensors is hardly covering all accessable points for entry.
    Is this quote for wireless on the SigNet?
    If you are getting the SigNet insist on the SigNet 300 thats the one that has IP access.
    Otherwise i'd recommend the Astec Fusion.
    I would also suggest geeting a few other quotes & ensure whoever you are dealing with is NSAI & PSA licenced.


  • #88
    AlmightyCushion
    Moderators, Education Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 35,100 Mod ✭✭✭✭AlmightyCushion


    Moved from DIY.


  • #89
    djkat
    Registered Users Posts: 86 ✭✭djkat


    Hi Koolkid

    It is for the wireless model


  • #90
    DublinDilbert
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,390 ✭✭✭DublinDilbert


    djkat wrote: »
    Hi all

    I was broken into last friday and the oh has insisted on getting a new alarm

    The best on i have been quoted is the europlex signet,

    Just wondering does anyone have one of these and what to they make of them

    The quote i got was 1080.00 eur and that was for 2 motion sensors, 6 window sensors, key pad, bell box and 2 door sensors

    Thanks

    Ummm based on your post above it sounds like you already have an alarm.

    Why not figure out why that one didn't go off? and fix what ever the problem is.

    I'm sure some of the guys here would be able to advise if your current system is worth looking at. Just a thought....


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  • #91
    Jnealon
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,064 ✭✭✭Jnealon


    As already mentioned get a few other quotes and make sure that you are comparing like with like.
    The signet 300 is a bit OTT for a domestic alarm plus it's 3 times the price of the standard 100 model. The 100 version is more that enough for any domestic alarm alarm system


  • #92
    KoolKid
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    djkat wrote: »
    Hi Koolkid

    It is for the wireless model

    I was asking were you quoted for a wireless system because the spec seems to be skimping on perimiter protection
    Jnealon wrote: »
    The signet 300 is a bit OTT for a domestic alarm plus it's 3 times the price of the standard 100 model. The 100 version is more that enough for any domestic alarm system

    I was suggesting this model if he wanted IP access . Was also asking him to query what he was getting for the price he was quoted.


  • #93
    DublinDilbert
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,390 ✭✭✭DublinDilbert


    sorry to high-jack the thread, but a quick one for KoolKid, as he seems to be up on his alarms.

    What sort of dialler would you recommend for an aritech alarm? I would like something that would allow me to access the alarm over a standard phone.


    If i knew the protocol aritech use to the keypads i could probably make up something to control it over my broad band... but that seems like too much work at the moment :o


    <aside>
    I'm wondering if we should have an alarm sticky, which has info regarding diallers ect...
    </aside>


  • #94
    KoolKid
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    Depending which Aritech panel you have.. Presuming its a CS350 then there is no straightforward option for remote access.
    You could use something like Astecs Gate to Mobile which takes a sim card & gives you an open/close relay out, connecting the relay into a zone programmed as arm/disarm.
    Although with the CS350 only having 6 zones something will have to be sacrificed.


  • #95
    DublinDilbert
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,390 ✭✭✭DublinDilbert


    koolkid wrote: »
    Depending which Aritech panel you have.. Presuming its a CS350 then there is no straightforward option for remote access.
    You could use something like Astecs Gate to Mobile which takes a sim card & gives you an open/close relay out, connecting the relay into a zone programmed as arm/disarm.
    Although with the CS350 only having 6 zones something will have to be sacrificed.

    Thanks for the reply... Ummmm might have to make something up to communicate like a key pad to the system.

    I might try get an old aritech panel & key pad and set up something on the bench to play with...


  • #96
    KoolKid
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    sounds interesting...


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  • #97
    DublinDilbert
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,390 ✭✭✭DublinDilbert


    Do you think there might be a product in it?

    I do some work with machine to machine communication, accessing stuff across the internet. A high percentage of houses have a DSL connection which could be used to access alarm + heating + lighting.....


  • #98
    fold2john
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4 ✭fold2john


    The panel I would recommend would be thr HKC 8/12.

    I took over all the alarm work from an electrical contractor who did not want to get a license from the PSA. His company had been installing Astec for a number of years. My heart is broken repairing them. Even the most simple of jobs, like changing a battery takes at least twice as long, as you also have to remove the PCB to get at the battery.Which is only a 2amp battery by the way. Where most panels will accomadate a 7 amp.

    Most wholesalers in Dublin dont even stock it anymore, that alone must tell you something.

    I used 120 Aritech CS250 panels on a project two years ago as they were all monitored systems and as the 250 has the digi on board it was cost effective. It was a mistake. The maintenece on them is much higher than a HKC panel, so in the end it has cost me I reckon.

    In one wholsaler I use I have been told that the 8/12 outsells the 250 by 100 to 1. They dont stock Astec!!!!


  • #99
    fold2john
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4 ✭fold2john


    Hi Koolkid,

    Your name would'nt be ............. by any chance would it ?

    Jost curious !
    :D

    Edit by Stoner . <<Bang him down a PM to check who he is, thanks>>


  • #100
    Stoner
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,952 ✭✭✭✭Stoner


    DublinDilbert wrote: »
    <aside>
    I'm wondering if we should have an alarm sticky, which has info regarding diallers ect...
    </aside>

    we have one, made it in November, but people don't use it, I can go back and merge them if people think that would be a good idea?

    Or maybe a more catchy sexy name


  • #101
    Stoner
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,952 ✭✭✭✭Stoner


    DublinDilbert wrote: »
    Do you think there might be a product in it?

    I do some work with machine to machine communication, accessing stuff across the internet. A high percentage of houses have a DSL connection which could be used to access alarm + heating + lighting.....

    BTW, don't Firmax have a product that does this, lights, heating, blinds and heating already.

    We've put em in but as per usual people dont use em to their potential.

    I'll request the infor from one of our O&M manuals later on


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