Best House Alarm?

Reyman · 01-11-2006 6:52pm #1

My Homeguard Scopetronic alarm that I installed about 14 years ago is starting to give trouble and I was thinking of replacing it with something more reliable.

I need maybe 8 zones and something good i.e. I'm prepared to pay plenty for a good quality alarm.

Would some of you experienced guys be able to reommend a quality alarm?
If I could plug in my laptop and do diagnostics on it now that would be a real bonus but maybe domestic alarms aren't that fancy yet?

Reyman · 02-11-2006 9:33pm

Anyone knowledgable out there?

Beach Head · 28-11-2006 8:25pm

The Aritech CS350 is still available for the domestic market and is a good system.

But the best domestic alarm on the market at the moment IMO is the HKC Securewatch system. It will be compatible with your current sensor, panic buttons and beam installations and will have the same physical size panel as your old Homegaurd. The keypad is a lot nicer though. It comes as standard with eight zones, is expandable (Small Card) to twelve, has a dialler facility (Plug On) that you can text up to 19 numbers with when the alarm is activated. Has loads of outputs and configurations for them, all in all a very versatile and reliable system.

Stay away from Astec, no other equipment is compatible with it. This means that you will have to change every sensor and beam in your house.

Reyman · 29-11-2006 12:34am

Beach Head wrote:

But the best domestic alarm on the market at the moment IMO is the HKC Securewatch system. It will be compatible with your current sensor, panic buttons and beam installations and will have the same physical size panel as your old Homegaurd. .

Sounds like I made a good choice - I bought the HKC and am putting it in at the moment. There's a nice layout on the board and as you say the keypad is very good .
I'm impressed.

One question if you know the answer. How do you wire the tamper part of the internal bell? I can't see any terminals to connect it to.
I suppose I could wire it in series with the bell box tamper but that doesn't seem good practice

nosmo-king · 29-11-2006 9:20pm

This looks good . Approx how much €
How much would it cost (approx) to have it fitted.
Tks

Beach Head · 29-11-2006 9:43pm

Firstly, internal bell tamper. Top two connections on RHS of panel, SAB Hold and Tamper return. Connect wire from SAB Hold to SAB Hold in Bell. Link 4K7 resistor from terminal beside SAB Hold in Bell to terminal marked Tamper return. Connect wire from Tamper return in bell to tamper return on panel.

Second, cost of fitting depends on number of windows, if you want smoke heads(Which I believe are a must), panic buttons, text diallers, PIR's or other stuff like lights activating when alarm is activated etc.

However, bog standard prewired should be around €500 - € 550
If it has to be cabled no more than €1700

If you want my opinion, do not accept a quote over the phone, there are too many alarm companies now quoting cheap prices over the phone and putting in a cheap system

johnnyrotten · 29-11-2006 10:00pm

I replaced my Aritech with the HKC system a few months back. I have to say its great. Get the Text card extra. Send you a text when alarm is activated.

Reyman · 29-11-2006 10:11pm

Beach Head wrote:

Firstly, internal bell tamper. Top two connections on RHS of panel, SAB Hold and Tamper return. Connect wire from SAB Hold to SAB Hold in Bell. Link 4K7 resistor from terminal beside SAB Hold in Bell to terminal marked Tamper return. Connect wire from Tamper return in bell to tamper return on panel.

That sounds like the instructions for the external bell tamper?

I don't know if it 's good practice to wire the Internal/external bell tampers in series. If something goes wrong you're not sure which bell it is !

Beach Head · 29-11-2006 10:16pm

Reyman wrote:

That sounds like the instructions for the external bell tamper?

I don't know if it 's good practice to wire the Internal/external bell tampers in series. If something goes wrong you're not sure which bell it is !

Sorry, my mistake, those are the external bell tamper connections. They are usually wired in series as there is only on bell tamper connection.

If you have a spare zone, you can always connect the tamper connections to it, program it as a tamper zone and rename it Int Bell tamper or something.

Reyman · 30-11-2006 10:05am

Beach Head wrote:

Sorry, my mistake, those are the external bell tamper connections. They are usually wired in series as there is only on bell tamper connection.

If you have a spare zone, you can always connect the tamper connections to it, program it as a tamper zone and rename it Int Bell tamper or something.

Right thanks BH!

That seems the best solution.

fred funk }{ · 30-11-2006 1:55pm

I wouldn't waste a zone for the internal tamper. Series the internal with the bell tamper or use the auxiliary tamper.

ps. I'm not sure if HKC has an auxiliary tamper, don't remember off hand.

Delboy5 · 30-11-2006 3:32pm

Recently moved into my new house, its pre-wired for about 6-8 PIR's, can anyone suggest a good alarm system that has a built in GSM dialer as i dont have a phone line in the house, would like the alarm to call\text me whenever it goes off. Dont want to go down the monitored alarm path.........

nosmo-king · 30-11-2006 5:00pm

Beach Head wrote:

Firstly, internal bell tamper. Top two connections on RHS of panel, SAB Hold and Tamper return. Connect wire from SAB Hold to SAB Hold in Bell. Link 4K7 resistor from terminal beside SAB Hold in Bell to terminal marked Tamper return. Connect wire from Tamper return in bell to tamper return on panel.

Second, cost of fitting depends on number of windows, if you want smoke heads(Which I believe are a must), panic buttons, text diallers, PIR's or other stuff like lights activating when alarm is activated etc.

However, bog standard prewired should be around €500 - € 550
If it has to be cabled no more than €1700

If you want my opinion, do not accept a quote over the phone, there are too many alarm companies now quoting cheap prices over the phone and putting in a cheap system

Tks for that info.

matty2003 · 01-12-2006 3:51pm

I just bought a HKC 812 with dialler to replace my old aritech. Before I start wiring it up, can anyone give me some advice so I don't make a dogs dinner of it?? I have 1 PIR and several window/inertia sensors, couple of door entry. I may want to replace a window/inertia with a PIR. I'm not sure about where I need to have resistors.

Reyman · 01-12-2006 5:20pm

matty2003 wrote:

I just bought a HKC 812 with dialler to replace my old aritech. Before I start wiring it up, can anyone give me some advice so I don't make a dogs dinner of it?? I have 1 PIR and several window/inertia sensors, couple of door entry. I may want to replace a window/inertia with a PIR. I'm not sure about where I need to have resistors.

You don't need any resistors except in the alarm box (Sabb) where you need a 4.7k resistor on the tamper hold.

You can easily replace an inertia detector with a PIR but you'll need to run 12v from the panel to power it - so an extra cable or a 6 core to do everything

matty2003 · 01-12-2006 6:08pm

Thanks. The house was originally prewired, so I think there's 6 core going everywhere. What's the basic concept of a) STANDARD WIRING, b) Single EOL wiring, c) Dual EOL wiring ???

Reyman · 01-12-2006 7:36pm

matty2003 wrote:

Thanks. The house was originally prewired, so I think there's 6 core going everywhere. What's the basic concept of a) STANDARD WIRING, b) Single EOL wiring, c) Dual EOL wiring ???

Use standard wiring i.e. no resistors.

Otherwise with dual you will need resistors. Single also needs resistors, but I can't see any advantage to either of these systems unless you're trying to use 2 core cable

Beach Head · 01-12-2006 9:17pm

matty2003 wrote:

I just bought a HKC 812 with dialler to replace my old aritech. Before I start wiring it up, can anyone give me some advice so I don't make a dogs dinner of it?? I have 1 PIR and several window/inertia sensors, couple of door entry. I may want to replace a window/inertia with a PIR. I'm not sure about where I need to have resistors.

You will not require any resistors if all of the resistors on your old system were in the panel(Where they shouldnt be!) If there were resistors in the panel, just throw them away and program the HKC as non e.o.l.

If there are no resistors connected to the zones in the panel, they are in the inertias, just reconnect the zones to the HKC in the same order. Then check the inertias installed and if they are dual e.o.l. select dual in the zone hardware menu.

matty2003 · 02-12-2006 8:39pm

Thanks for the tips guys. I just need to connect the PIR now. Whats the colour code to use - I need 4 wires I think and short the tamper ? I have red, black, blue, yellow, green, white. The HKC manual says to use red & yellow to connect to the zone on the board, but what colours then for power?

Reyman · 02-12-2006 9:42pm

I would use 6 core cable for the IR devices

Green/White: Power
Black/red: Alarm
Yellow/blue: Tamper

No need to short the tamper

Sizzler · 03-12-2006 4:09pm

The question with all alarms is what happens next when it goes off? If you're at work a bell ringing in your house is not worth a w@nk

while some knack is helping himself to yourLCD tv!

03-12-2006 9:18pm

Sizzler wrote:

The question with all alarms is what happens next when it goes off? If you're at work a bell ringing in your house is not worth a w@nk while some knack is helping himself to yourLCD tv!

Yes, I've come to that conclusion as well. I won't be fitting one, just some strategically placed security lights.

The house will be occupied 24/7 anyway.

Reyman · 03-12-2006 10:07pm

While I'm inclined to agree - you're relying on your neigbours to keep an eye out, when it sounds.

The alternative - an alarm phoning you every time it goes off could be a complete menace.

matty2003 · 06-12-2006 5:57pm

I absolutely agree. But they're a necessary evil when everyone else has one. If a knack as you put it wants to pick a house, he's going to go for the one without an alarm. Text dialler is a compromise solution. An alarm should not be going off regularly - if it is then it's not set up correctly (or you have a lot of knacks visiting)

07-12-2006 12:44am

fitting a dummy box will deter most from trying.....

Beach Head · 07-12-2006 10:34pm

Deleted User wrote:

fitting a dummy box will deter most from trying.....

Fitting a decoy which has not even got an LED flashing on and off is not a deterrent. In fact it is an invitation to any burgular to enter your house without any disturbance.

Alarms are necessary to deterr intruders, not prevent them from entering. Main reason I have one and fit them, to make sure that no-one comes into my house at night without me knowing.

A properly fitted and used alarm will not false alarm. Most alarms in estates that continue to false alarm do so because they have not been correctly fitted (For example, shock sensors on Velux windows, so hail rain or birds activate them) or programmed by incompetent installers who really are only out to make fast money and do not care about installation quality.

Another reason for false alarms is the home owner who only has shock sensors fitted and buggers off while leaving a window open to shake in the wind or allow the blinds to rattle etc. And these people seem to continually do it.

Jnealon · 07-12-2006 11:03pm

I'm with BH here. Trying to skimp and save when the security of your property and family is at stake is not on.
Dummy boxes used to work years ago when there were no leds in them. I have to laugh when I see white dummy boxes up on houses

whowantstwoknow · 01-06-2007 4:05pm

Hi All

Looking to install the HKC Securewatch into the house, but would like it to dial me when activated, so I need to connect it to the phone network. Now I'm using VOIP for the phone would this be a problem? Also I'd prefer text messages rather than phone calls, so again is this possible over VOIP?

Thanks

Mike

Jnealon · 01-06-2007 8:04pm

madunphy wrote:

Hi All

Looking to install the HKC Securewatch into the house, but would like it to dial me when activated, so I need to connect it to the phone network. Now I'm using VOIP for the phone would this be a problem? Also I'd prefer text messages rather than phone calls, so again is this possible over VOIP?

Thanks

Mike

If you have a digital to analogue converter that will allow you to plug in your normal phone then it will work. The only thing is it will not have line seizure.

murphaph · 01-06-2007 10:57pm

Beach Head wrote:

You will not require any resistors if all of the resistors on your old system were in the panel(Where they shouldnt be!) If there were resistors in the panel, just throw them away and program the HKC as non e.o.l.

Amazing how many 'professionally' installed alarms have the eol resistors just stuck in series inside the panel. I replaced an ancient ITEC recently with an Aritech CD95 that I got off eBay for feck all. Brand new panel, 2 bell boxes (used but flawless), new Aritech internal sounder, expander card, 5 brand new Aritech dual tech PIRs, 2 Aritech inertia shock sensors (the expensive kind with built in analyser), Aritech contacts (though a contact is a contact), batteries for panel and external sounders and 8 core cable for £100. In hindsight I'd say the seller works in the industry and 'appropriated' the gear from his/her employer. The CD95 is not a domestic panel

I put all my eol resistors where they are supposed to go-inside the sensors.

De_man · 02-06-2007 11:20pm

apologies for hijacking the thread,

has anyone got an opinion on texecom premier 816/412 alarms?

i'm looking at their 12zone system at the moment

Dilbert75 · 03-06-2007 11:09am

Can anyone tell me if the HKC alarm panel comes with installation instructions? I've not installed one before but the house is prewired and I figure it can't be rocket science...:rolleyes:

Also, on the external bellbox - is it possible to disable the actual bell and just leave the strobe working? How? I wouldn't like to have the neighbours being disturbed in the event of an activation (the sounder inside should make it uncomfortable enough for anyone there) but the visual reminder of the box would be important.

whowantstwoknow · 13-09-2007 6:37pm

Jnealon wrote:

If you have a digital to analogue converter that will allow you to plug in your normal phone then it will work. The only thing is it will not have line seizure.

The installer plugged in the sms dialler and connected it to the ATA (digital/Analogue converter) but it didnt seem to work. He also quoted HKC saying it wouldnt work over VOIP.

I'm using blueface. Anybody out there with some success? I'd like to get text messages when activated etc... Even looking at the likes of this http://www.dualtech.se/Dualtech_Product_Gsm.aspx?itemID=2 but will probably be put off by the price.

Thanks

Mike

Jnealon · 13-09-2007 8:39pm

madunphy wrote:

The installer plugged in the sms dialler and connected it to the ATA (digital/Analogue converter) but it didnt seem to work. He also quoted HKC saying it wouldnt work over VOIP.

I'm using blueface. Anybody out there with some success? I'd like to get text messages when activated etc... Even looking at the likes of this http://www.dualtech.se/Dualtech_Product_Gsm.aspx?itemID=2 but will probably be put off by the price.

Thanks

Mike

I suggest you get an installer who knows what he is talking about I've installed HKC text modems on blueface before.

dts · 14-09-2007 2:24pm

What do you think to the wireless alarms on the market? They seem like a good idea if the house wasnt pre wired when built?

KoolKid · 15-09-2007 8:05pm

Aritech is about the best..
There is also their quick bridge reciever which can add wireless to any alarm system

Jnealon · 15-09-2007 8:39pm

I would recommend the new Europlex panels. They use Visonic for their wireless components who very good.
Google visonic to see for yourself

Niallsher · 11-12-2008 10:18pm

I'm living in Wicklow and looking at upgrading an Aztec system to a HKC. I have 11 windows and 3 doors.
Does anyone know anybody reputable to fit it and what the best price out there is?

KoolKid · 12-12-2008 3:34pm

I sent you a PM on this.
If your upgrading Astec then Ttheir new panel Fusion is the way to go.

The Security ma · 06-01-2009 1:43am

Why go with a Europlex system when it uses Visonic sensors????

When you can use a visonic system complete.

Signet is riddled with software faults. Believe me. I've been there. And back.
I've had it with Visonic too, but their way ahead of europlex - hence europlex using their sensors...
When you waste your money, come back and I'll say 'I told you so'....

KoolKid · 07-01-2009 12:04pm

I havn't found any problems with the SigNet myself.
For wireless on any other system the Quick Bridge from Aritech is the best

Tim M-U · 29-05-2009 6:28pm

Delboy5 wrote: »

Recently moved into my new house, its pre-wired for about 6-8 PIR's, can anyone suggest a good alarm system that has a built in GSM dialer as i dont have a phone line in the house, would like the alarm to call\text me whenever it goes off. Dont want to go down the monitored alarm path.........

I would suggest a HKC Alarm, as others have said, it is well worth getting a HKC. GSM text diallers are more expensive than landline text diallers. the ones that call you are more expensive then text diallers. would say €600 if you put in yourself. If you got someone in I would say around €710 ish!. Dont go for anyother system. I think HKC control panels are better then the others. And you can have a tempory code for cleaners ect... And arm some rooms and unarm others too.

Only go for HKC

01-06-2009 10:33am

you can have a tempory code for cleaners ect

Same with the Astec

arm some rooms and unarm others too.

I am guessing that you mean bypass some zones when setting the alarm (arm certain areas only). You can do this with Astec too.

Only go for HKC

Why????

IMHO both Astec and HKC alarm systems are very good. Astec has a new panel out now, and it can do even more than the older Astec panels (and more than the HKC).

If properly installed Astec, Aritech, HKC (and many others) can all offer great protection. I would not get too hung up on makes. Different people will suggest different systems depending on what they like. The fact is that if any system is not put in well it can give trouble.

I would take far more care selecting the alarm company than the make of alarm. If the company is good they will select good equipment and stand over it.

If you got someone in I would say around €710 ish

Do you mean €710 labour or €110 labour + €600 materials??? For what size house with what level of cover?? I guess you mean a prewired house??

KoolKid · 01-06-2009 2:21pm

Looking for whats best really depends of what features you want & will use.
At the end of the day HKC & Aritech are now 10 year old technology.
The Astec fusion followed by Eurplex SigNet are the newest on the market & the ones with the newest features .
All systems can give you text alerts now.
All systems can give you multiple codes & tem codes
All systems can give you the ability to inhibit zones.
You would not call these features these are all standard across the board.
Features of Fusion would be Dial in upload/download
Text alert for exit fault
4 line keypad display
4 Quick access keys

Features of Fusion would be Unlimited wireless devices
IP access over broadband (200 & 300 models)

Tim M-U · 03-06-2009 6:20pm

2011 wrote: »

Same with the Astec

I am guessing that you mean bypass some zones when setting the alarm (arm certain areas only). You can do this with Astec too.

Why????

IMHO both Astec and HKC alarm systems are very good. Astec has a new panel out now, and it can do even more than the older Astec panels (and more than the HKC).

If properly installed Astec, Aritech, HKC (and many others) can all offer great protection. I would not get too hung up on makes. Different people will suggest different systems depending on what they like. The fact is that if any system is not put in well it can give trouble.

I would take far more care selecting the alarm company than the make of alarm. If the company is good they will select good equipment and stand over it.

Do you mean €710 labour or €110 labour + €600 materials??? For what size house with what level of cover?? I guess you mean a prewired house??

Ok, i can see that you like the astec systems. sorry i meant if you get someone in to do it, it would cost €600. But if its a DIY job, to cost of the system would be around: €390. This would include the following:

1 HKC 8 Zone panel (this includes a keypad (RKP) )
1 door contact
5 motion sensors (also known as PIR)
and 1 shock sensor (also known as a slimline sensor)

remember, different suppliers charge different prices. this is all HKC make btw!!. any questions or problems (like the others have on me) pm me.

KoolKid · 03-06-2009 6:26pm

Features of Fusion would be Unlimited wireless devices
IP access over broadband (200 & 300 models)

Correction this should be Features of SigNet:o

altor · 04-06-2009 11:09pm

Tim M-U wrote: »

Ok, i can see that you like the astec systems. sorry i meant if you get someone in to do it, it would cost €600. But if its a DIY job, to cost of the system would be around: €390. This would include the following:

1 HKC 8 Zone panel (this includes a keypad (RKP) )
1 door contact
5 motion sensors (also known as PIR)
and 1 shock sensor (also known as a slimline sensor)

remember, different suppliers charge different prices. this is all HKC make btw!!. any questions or problems (like the others have on me) pm me.

no external bell, no internal bell, what about a back up battery ? how much extra will this cost ?
sorry, 1 more question.. WHAT IS THE SHOCK SENSOR FOR, THE SLIMLINE ONE..

KoolKid · 05-06-2009 8:34am

altor wrote: »

no external bell, no internal bell, what about a back up battery .

And no digi. Who is going to hear this alarm if it does go off????
The corners people cut to save money:eek:

Tim M-U · 06-06-2009 9:01am

altor wrote: »

no external bell, no internal bell, what about a back up battery ? how much extra will this cost ?
sorry, 1 more question.. WHAT IS THE SHOCK SENSOR FOR, THE SLIMLINE ONE..

€390 includes the following:

internal ECHO
enternal SABB
5motion sensors PIR
1shock sensor
1 8 zone panel
txt digi (this texts you, up to 19 mobile)
-

the 8 zone panel comes with a keypad. a shock sensor (or a slimline) detecks viberation on walls, windows or doors. this can be used in trophy cabinets ect..

sorry, I should have told you it in detail. my appolagies. lession learned.

fred funk }{ · 06-06-2009 9:13am

Tim M-U wrote: »

€390 includes the following:

internal ECHO
enternal SABB
5motion sensors PIR
1shock sensor
1 8 zone panel
txt digi (this texts you, up to 19 mobile)
-

the 8 zone panel comes with a keypad. a shock sensor (or a slimline) detecks viberation on walls, windows or doors. this can be used in trophy cabinets ect..

sorry, I should have told you it in detail. my appolagies. lession learned.

Hi Tim,

Can I ask where you got the stuff?

Tim M-U · 06-06-2009 9:46am

fred funk }{ wrote: »

Hi Tim,

Can I ask where you got the stuff?

GreenHills limerick! www.grdcctv.ie . I paid €442.20 . for the above

Best House Alarm?

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