Time to upgrade Alarm

Newnews

Hi,

I've been reading the threads here for some time and found them very helpful as they've given me a lot to think about but also open up more questions!

A few months ago we replaced all the doors and windows in the house. We didn't use the alarm at that point (though it worked) and just disconencted all the sensors (shock and contact downstairs on 4 doors and 6 window openings and contact only on 10 openings upstairs).

The alarm is quite old so we are just considering are options and are looking for suggestions. We've been quoted approx €500 to reconnect all the sensors or €1000 to reconnect and upgrade the panel to one that can handle monitoring/gsm auto diallers/texters but obviously the GSM unit would be an extra €200 or so. The current panel is an Aritech one (don't have the model number to hand) and we've been told it would need to be upgraded if we wanted to do anyhing new.

What are the reccomendations, is an unmonitored alarm pointless today? Should we include PIRs regardless of what we do? All advice is appreciated.

Thanks

KoolKid

If Upgrading using the existing wiring got for either the SigNET or Astec Fusion.
The Signet will give you the options to add wireless should there be a problem with any cable. It also has the option to add text via GSM or PSTN if supported by your provider (Eircomor Vodafone).
The Astec Fusion supports Astec 2 wire, which can also help with cable problems, There will also be wireless available in the future should the need arise.
All alarm systems should have at least 1 PiR.

Jnealon

The signet would be a good choice but other brands to consider would be the honeywell galaxy or Texecom ricochet. The Texecom has the best wireless kit I have come across and it will work with all SMS servers.
Extra pirs are a must but get some more quotes before you decide

altor

Newnews wrote: »

Hi,

I've been reading the threads here for some time and found them very helpful as they've given me a lot to think about but also open up more questions!

Hi Newnews, welcome to boards.

Newnews wrote: »

A few months ago we replaced all the doors and windows in the house. We didn't use the alarm at that point (though it worked) and just disconencted all the sensors (shock and contact downstairs on 4 doors and 6 window openings and contact only on 10 openings upstairs).

The alarm is quite old so we are just considering are options and are looking for suggestions. We've been quoted approx €500 to reconnect all the sensors

Is the engineer looking for €500 just to reconnect the sensors to the windows ? That is very expensive if the sensors are already there.

Newnews wrote: »

or €1000 to reconnect and upgrade the panel to one that can handle monitoring/gsm auto diallers/texters but obviously the GSM unit would be an extra €200 or so. The current panel is an Aritech one (don't have the model number to hand) and we've been told it would need to be upgraded if we wanted to do anyhing new.

Replacing the control panel, keypad, battery, internal bell plus external bell should cost about €500.

If the alarm is working then its only a matter of adding a GSM to the alarm. You can get a GSM that can be triggered off the outputs off the alarm to give you a text or voice message.

Newnews wrote: »

What are the reccomendations, is an unmonitored alarm pointless today? Should we include PIRs regardless of what we do? All advice is appreciated.

Thanks

A pir on to the system is always good.

Newnews

Hi,

thanks for all the feedback. If we were to go for a Signet would that involved just swapping out the panels or would the sensors have to be replaced. Any idea how much it would cost to add each PIR or GSM to the alarm?

Thanks

KoolKid

Switching to Signet you can use existing devices.
A GSM would cost between €250-€300
A PIR between €90-€120