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Alarm advice: Service, upgrade, or new install?

  • 14-04-2014 10:53pm
    #1
    javapie
    Registered Users Posts: 8 ✭


    Hi,

    I have two wired alarms (main house & annex) which need servicing, batteries, and possibly parts. One is an old Aritech (keypad + correct/incorrect symbols) in the main house and the newer one is a SecureWatch HKC (keypad + play/record/lightbulb symbols). The wiring seems to cover all windows/doors upstairs & downstairs.

    Instead of paying to get the old systems serviced I'm wondering if I'd be better looking into getting one of those spanking new IP-based alarms that you can self-monitor from a smartphone, and even eventually connect IP cameras and smoke/gas alarms. For example, the video for the GSD i70 looks nice!

    So can either of the wired alarms be upgraded at a reasonable cost, or would it require a full-price new install? Maybe I should wait till these IP alarms are more popular before upgrading?

    Thanks for any advice/comments.


Comments

  • #2
    KoolKid
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    The IP alarms are popular now. All our new systems are capable of IP remote access.
    The devices would be fine and you would just need to replace the panel and keypad.
    With a the likes of the i70 you would need an expander card for the wired zones.


  • #3
    javapie
    Registered Users Posts: 8 ✭javapie


    Thanks KK. Sounds like the panel upgrade to IP might be the way to go.

    Quick question - there are 2 alarms in the same physical house (main house, annex extension). If two new panels were installed could they both be self-monitored & controlled from a single smartphone?

    Does an IP-based alarm connect to the broadband router via WiFi or does it have to be wired LAN?

    Thanks again.


  • #4
    javapie
    Registered Users Posts: 8 ✭javapie


    Does an IP-based alarm connect to the broadband router via WiFi or does it have to be wired LAN?

    I guess a universal WiFi adaptor (~30 euro) could be used if the alarm panel is wired Ethernet only. Not the most elegant but should work?


  • #5
    KoolKid
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    javapie wrote: »

    Quick question - there are 2 alarms in the same physical house (main house, annex extension). If two new panels were installed could they both be self-monitored & controlled from a single smartphone?
    Yes , or you could use the likes of Siemens and have a single control panel & a split system
    javapie wrote: »
    Does an IP-based alarm connect to the broadband router via WiFi or does it have to be wired LAN?

    The on-board connection is lan, but you can use mains network adapters & wifi adapters instead of using a hard wired connection.


  • #6
    stuartkee
    Registered Users Posts: 297 ✭✭stuartkee


    The HKC 10/70 can be partitioned so one panel one bell one ip module 2 keypads and you can use the 2 areas independently save on cost big time and the HKC wifi card and gsm/gprs module and app is out end of may


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  • #7
    KoolKid
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    Areas are standard on Siemens & Risco as well. Not sure about the i70 yet.


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