[Panel Comparisons] Powermax vs HKC Quantum

KoolKid

This is the second of some threads where debate on the differences between panels will take place.
There are too many threads descending into the same arguments over & over . From now on people asking for information on upgrading etc can be given information and then referred to these threads. If there is something interesting it will be moved to here.
In addition to the charter the rules for these threads are as follows:
The debate is only on the panels mentioned above. Other threads for other panels will follow. Bringing other systems into the discussion will be considered off topic and will result in infractions.
Debate is fine but in a constructive manner . If you wan't to debate the pros & cons please answer any questions put to you regarding what you post.
Trolling will not be permitted in any form & will result in infractions or a ban from this thread or the forum if deemed necessary.
If there is an issue with any post use the report post function. Do not derail thread with these issues.

KoolKid

These would be the most popular of the fully wireless systems.
The Powermax Complete
http://www.visonic.com.pl/PMComplete/PowerMaxComplete_pliki/PMComplete_Bro_View.pdf

Up to 28 zones (Maximum using duel facility on Inertia Contacts) & 2 hardwired zones
Can have either wired or wireless external bell
Can have wired or wireless internal bell.
Wireless devices are one way.
Wireless devices are cheaper than HKC
Wireless PiRs used a power save feature where they can sleep for up to 2 minutes when there is continual movement within the protected area. They awake & work as normal after that time has elapsed.
Wireless key fobs & keypads can be 1 way or 2 way.
Remote control of system can be via voice dallier or SMS.

The Quantum 70
Can have upto 70 Wireless devices
Can have 1 hardwired zone or up to 10 using HKC ID sensors.
Can have either wired or wireless external bell
Can have wired or wireless internal bell.
Wireless devices are two way.
Wireless devices are dearer than Visonic.
Wireless Key fobs are 2 way and can use code entry.
Remote control of system can be via voice dallier or SMS.

Thunderbird2

The HKC PIRs do not transmit detection while the panel is unset they sleep to save battery life. They do transmit an ok signal every 20 seconds so the panel monitors all the devices. When the panel is armed they wake immediately and work as normal because they are 2 way . The visonic PIRs sleep for 2 mins so the system can be armed but these device will not work if movement was detected before arming until the time has elapsed .

KoolKid

This has been covered above and many times on boards.
The sleep time is 2 minutes this means they are not active for 2 minutes after they see no movement. Taking an average exit time of 30 seconds and that the PiR is on your exit route this means the PiR will not be awake. For between 90-120 seconds after the system is set. For this to be a vulnerability you need to be broken into within the remain time out of that .Also whoever breaks in will have had to gain access in that time and have got by a sensor / contact somehow without activating the system.
In reality those 90 seconds are the time you spend locking up ,getting into your car and getting sorted. And all this is only relevant if you pass the PiR in the hall on your way out.
Also important to note is the Powermax Complete comes with 2 PiRs . Chances are one will be awake in a shorter time. Also a point to consider is a PiR on an entry/exit route will be on access. That means that PiR is inactive during entry and exit times anyway. That's on every system.

altor

Up to 28 zones (Maximum using duel facility on Inertia Contacts) & 2 hardwired zones

Installing the inertia/contacts using dual on one zone:

If the Inertia/contact is programmed into the system as a dual sensor on one zone then the system can be set with any window open.
Learning the sensor in dual onto two zones will indicate that the contact on the Inertia/contact is open.
In theory it can turn 28 wire free zones in half.

Can have either wired or wireless external bell

Yes it can but an output card is needed to add the wired bell.

Remote control of system can be via voice dallier or SMS.

The powermax system can be controlled remotely by phoning the system and entering your user code.
SMS control can also allow this feature by means of sending a text to the system.
The system has a built in dialer that can be used to contact a monitoring station or ring a customers phone to play a pre-recorded message of an alarm activation at your address. The system will also allow you listen in and talk into the house.
If you have broadband on your line then you will need a DSL filter fitted as there is none in the powermax system.

altor

Remote control of system can be via voice dallier or SMS.

The Quantum 70 will only allow remote access to the panel if a GSM is fitted.
It has a DSL filter fitted as standard.
It can text from your land line if your service provider is Eircom or Vodafone.
Any other provider that can give you an analog line, the voice can be used.

If there is an alarm activation, it too will play a pre-recorded message if the voice is used, alarm activation at your house but will also give a description of the zone that has activated, e.g back door, back window. The thing I like most is if an internal PIR is activated it will tell you, (The Quantum pack comes with 2 PIRS) It is like a verified alarm after getting the first call.

Thunderbird2

Any gross and pulse settings on the power max or light control features?

altor

There is a gross setting but no pulse on the wire free sensors.
No X10 control either.

John Kelly of

Pulse setting on quantum sensors enables sensors to detect small tapping on window or door wheras Visonic sensors only detect a big hit.
Sensitivity for quantum sensors can be programed on scale of 1-9 by the user at the keypad, which can't be done with Visonic sensors.
Big differences when it comes to effective shock sensors.

Thunderbird2

. The thing I like most is if an internal PIR is activated it will tell you, (The Quantum pack comes with 2 PIRS) It is like a verified alarm after getting the first call.[/Quote]


Will it tell you if the beams tripped while its talking over the phone or does it need to hang up and redial ¿¿

KoolKid

Visonic kits come with 2 PiRs also. Voice dialler does talk you what zones have activated as well.

Stephen868

KoolKid wrote: »

Visonic kits come with 2 PiRs also. Voice dialler does talk you what zones have activated as well.

The quantum has a voice lib so instead of "alarm zone 2" the dial says "alarm zone 2 kitchen , window , left." also the new software will tell the user what open zone is open when trying to arm the panel.

Thunderbird2

Stephen868 wrote: »

The quantum has a voice lib so instead of "alarm zone 2" the dial says "alarm zone 2 kitchen , window , left." also the new software will tell the user what open zone is open when trying to arm the panel.

The nagging paid off I see ! Haha :-)

altor

Thunderbird2 wrote: »

. The thing I like most is if an internal PIR is activated it will tell you, (The Quantum pack comes with 2 PIRS) It is like a verified alarm after getting the first call.

Will it tell you if the beams tripped while its talking over the phone or does it need to hang up and redial ¿¿ [/QUOTE]

Yes it will list off all activation's. Set up the zone audio for each zone.

altor

New products for the HKC Quantum 70.
Version 3 or higher needed.

RF Panic
RF Keypad With Voice And Prox Tag Option.
Plug On GSM-Q
RF External Bell With Built In Jam Detect

KoolKid

altor wrote: »

RF Panic
RF Keypad With Voice And Prox Tag Option.
Plug On GSM-Q
RF External Bell With Built In Jam Detect

For comparison purposes all the above are also available on Powermax with Voice & prox on the main panel.

Stephen868

KoolKid wrote: »

For comparison purposes all the above are also available on Powermax with Voice & prox on the main panel.

But comparing like with like the HKC RF RKP has prox and voice. Power max RF keypad doesnt.

KoolKid

That's why I said on the main panel

altor

Stephen868 wrote: »

But comparing like with like the HKC RF RKP has prox and voice. Power max RF keypad doesnt.

Comparing the two there is a big difference.

KoolKid

These threads are not for the promotion of brands or products. If any company wishes to represent themselves they can apply to the office for a verified rep account.
Anyway they are probably outdated at this stage, so we'll leave them as is.