New Install - Which System to Choose?

walshtipp

Hi all, I am going to be installing a new alarm system in my home soon. I have some experience installing HKC gear some years ago and from what I remember it was high quality kit.

However I have come across many different systems like Ajax and Hikvision from searching online.

Is HKC still considered the best option for home alarm systems or are some of the other options out there today better.

I will be installing an internal siren, external siren, a few window/door contacts and a few PIRs. 24hr monitoring not required but I will utilise a mobile app if available.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

altor

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058366721/new-install-which-system-to-choose

HKC would be my selection out of the 3, I haven't use the Ajax but many users off here have and have had no issues.

walshtipp

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122556551#Comment_122556551

Thanks. I was leaning towards HKC as I have some familiarity with them. Seems like most alarm installers use them too.

altor

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122557049#Comment_122557049

Yes, it would be

walshtipp

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122559563#Comment_122559563

To use the HKC app service, is it just a matter of installing the GSM unit in the panel, and then signing up for the subscription online?

altor

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122560276#Comment_122560276

Yes, once installed, you sign up to get an id for the control panel, which is used for the app also

walshtipp

Thank you for the advice so far. I am currently in the process of installing a HKC system. I have the panel installed and am now fitting sensors.

My intention is to fit RF contact/shock sensors to all external downstairs windows and doors. And PIRs in the hallway and upstairs landing.

There is also RF contact only sensors available. I am a bit confused as to why these exist? Why would you fit a contact with no shock function?

Is there a situation where shock sensors should not be fitted and a contact alone is better?

kub

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122614037#Comment_122614037

Unfortunately there are some installers in this country who have no idea how to locate a faulty shock sensor, I mean the traditional wired type.

So for 2 reasons, that sort of installer would choose only to specify and fit Contacts, the second being cost. Invariably then, the guy who specified both shocks and Contacts loses out.

Installation Companies who would be regarded as more professional would specify Inertia Shock Sensors with contacts to vulnerable Windows and doors.

Usually Contacts are fitted to the likes of sky light windows such as Velux ones, the logic here being that heavy rain / hail could activate an Inertia Shock Sensor.

walshtipp

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122615377#Comment_122615377

Ok that makes sense. I will stick to fitting the contact/shock sensors. For the extra cost I think it is worth it.

Thanks a million.

walshtipp

I have a SW10270 panel installed with a wired touch keypad.

I notice that the touch keypad wakes up every so often, without touching it. Is this normal or what could cause it?

altor

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122629638#Comment_122629638

The keypad is touch sensitive.

Have you tried to clean the screen?

walshtipp

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122630529#Comment_122630529

Yeah I've cleaned the keypad but no difference. It's like it is too sensitive. It's very random. The keypad could light up on it's own twice within a minute, then not do it for 10 minutes.

It doesn't really bother me, just an observation.

altor

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122630664#Comment_122630664

Strange, might be an issue with the keypad itself.

walshtipp

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122630969#Comment_122630969

Yeah a strange one. Where I have it mounted in the hallway, there are car keys hanging to one side of the keypad, and a mirror at the other side. I might move these and see if it makes any difference.

altor

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122631059#Comment_122631059

It does have prox tag ability but would beep also if the tag wasn't enrolled and give a code tamper