DIY Security System

[spartan]

Hi all,

in the middle of renovating and am in the process of installing a security system...by this I mean I have installed cable for four PIRs, a key pad, and a siren, I intend to use wireless reed switches for the main three external doors, and two smoke alarms....

I intend using the hills nx 12 alarm equipment anyone have any experience/advice before I hand over my cash?

I also intend to get to wireless fobs that will open my roller door, gate, turn the alarm on and act as a duress alarm....I think I've thought of most things ...just need to pay for it and work out how to connect it.....

[BJP]

cant help with your wiring, but jeeeesh, if you need to go to all that trouble maybe you should think about moving to a quieter neighbourhood:D

[vsquizz]

Spartan, Make sure you get a wiring diagram customised for your actual system. The generic drawings can be a pain if you don't know what you are doing. E-mail the manufacturer and make sure they will do it.

Cheers

[knucklehead]

I don't have any experience with the Hills stuff, but a general comment.

I hate wireless alarms. They are prone to failure, every thing needs batteries, and they are easily defeated by someone who is serious. The last point is not really an issue for most home alarms however it is something to be aware of. The wireless key fobs transmit the code to activate and deactivate the alarm. Because this is a radio frequency it is easily picked up by a receiver and copied. Having said that some of the better alarms use a rotating code that reduces that risk (as with cars).
Generaly wireless is installed because it is quick. If you are doing it yourself why not take the time a wire it in.

[Ashore]

Don't know about Qld but wireless remote activate / disarm arn't in the standard in NSW and you can't get an insurance reduction with them





rgds
Russell



The trouble with life is there's no background music.

[spartan]

guys thanks for the comments...

interesting enough I decided to install a system because I found the house had been pre-wired for the PIRS, Siren, and Keypad....The wireless will only be used for the reed switches on the doors...and you can only move about one or two metres before hitting a motion detector....except in my laundry....so If I didn't have a reed switch there you could take my 15 year washer......(hmmm there is a thought!)

[Ashore]

Spartan

Make sure you have a Home Zone ie doors windows and SHED that you put on at night
And the away zone for everything

If you install a panic switch try to set with a double click IE must be clicked at least twice in 5 seconds takes out the "I just touched it , didn't mean to set it off"
Set your time to avtivate for at least 45 seconds for that Saturday morning you get up still half asleep for the God bother's open front door and alarm pad is at the back door

A back to base monertering service is under $1 a day here very handy if you go away


If you can, wire it into a light circuit not on your power earth leakage system and put a surge safety device in
finally don't forget to put a motion sensor in the roof cavity espically if the control box is up there

Hope this helps
Russell




The trouble with life is there's no background music.

[kiwigeo]

Hi Spartan,

Some comments from the proud new owner of a security system:

1. Bloke that fitted the system told me he would only use wireless components where it was impossible to fit wired ones.

2. A system worked from a fob is great untill the day you drop the thing on the driveway. If youre going to have fobs then you need to make sure theyre hidden away if you store them in the house and also dont have any ID on your keyring.

3. System monitoring companies.....you get what you pay for. Alot of companys have their control rooms based miles away in another city and response times to alarms and callouts can vary widely. I use RAA in Adelaide and service is good.

4. If youve got rats in your house..get rid of them before installing your system. Ive just had a sensor cable repaired after the bldi rats chewed through it.....caused a false alarm and a call out ($50) back in january!!

5. Dan P usually has some worthwhile comments on security systems.

Cheers

Martin

[kiwigeo]

finally don't forget to put a motion sensor in the roof cavity espically if the control box is up there


My system also has an anti tamper sensor on the exterior siren/light unit.

Battery backup also essential...

[kiwigeo]

cant help with your wiring, but jeeeesh, if you need to go to all that trouble maybe you should think about moving to a quieter neighbourhood:D
BJ,

When woodies fit alarm systems to their properties the aim of the exrecise is to protect the WORKSHOP.......protecting the house is a secondary aim of the exercise :)

[Ashore]

My system also has an anti tamper sensor on the exterior siren/light unit.
Battery backup also essential...Not trying to be smart but I think you'll find all reputable systems have battery back up and the anti tamper switches will also be in the control box and each sensor
One thing I forgot before mount your flashing light / siren as high as possible as the bad guys if they can reach empty a can of shaving cream into the siren unit to kill the noise

Good point on the back to base I must admit I use a local firm about 5 km away , but a larger city could be a real problem

While were on household safety about 4 years ago the local police caught a nasty who had robbed a few houses around Xmas he had a map showing houses with alarm boxes outside , dogs, and had noted where whizz bins were taken in late ( both working) or no bins out ( on holidays)
Had walked the streets with his hooded jacket on hood over his head ( in the middle of summer, which was why he was origionally stopped) and made his maps to come back later


Bottom line get neighbours to put bins in/out when your at work or away
every little helps and only costs you a beer or just being pleasant.






You can't overkill with security

[spartan]

Good points on the fob....

I have a house that has raked ceiling so I can't get cable to the doors for the reed switches, all of the PIRs are going to be cabled...as when they built the house (15 years ago) they put the cable in....for sensors no read switches...Interesting point about the shed...I live on an acre and half..so my shed is about 40 metres from the house..I will probably need to go wireless there as I don't want a trench....it is already powered...the different zones is another good tip...

I checked with the kit and the siren and PIRs are all anti-tamper...and there is a battery backup - as far as RCD circuit goes I think all my power lights and general are on it....as well as being spread across all three phases....

Roof cavity...pretty safe I'd think as they would have to take a sheet off..I have a man hole in the garage but it stops where my raked ceiling starts...and the rest of the house access is through a walk in rob ceiling...

Back to base..i've been told that they are not that reliable out my way..I believe I can program the dialler to call three numbers...so I'll look at that...calling ym mobile, wife mobile etc...I guess we then need to have our neighbours numbers...who are very good...
some excellent suggestions and ideas here as well as some good points to check....

[Snowy]

Spartan

Have a look at www.ezysecurity.com.au. He has just started importing the latest in wireless security systems. It is well worth a look.

snowy

[soundman]

a couple of tips from an ex installer.
Avoid wireless completely if you can. Salesmen love em. I don't.
Fit a siren cover in a prominent position. Don't put the siren speaker in it, put it elsewhere, properly concealed.
If you are fitting a flashing blue light don't connect it on a flash till disarm circuit unless you have monitering and guard access. Connect it to an "alarm" circuit or not at all.
Put more noise makers inside than outside, unbearably loud inside is good. You want them out.
Stay away from the domestic brands if you can.
The best PIR's are made in Israel,
PIR's that do 105 deg will cover all the way to both walls of a corner 85deg or 90deg wont.
Dual pulse count detectors properly located and adjusted very rarely give problems.
Establishing your point of entry is a good thing, a reeed switch on the entry door is the usual. But that wouldn't perswade me to go wireless.
A PIR directly facing the door will do ok to establish entry delay.
Keep entry delay short.
I would never mount a controll box in the cieling, for a variety of reasons.

In my opinion monitering is over rated in a domestic application unless you are in a high value area. The allarm companies love it because it gives them a constant revenue stream and probably a contract.

there is heaps more but. enough for one post.
cheers

[Petebass]

Sorry to re-hash an old thread. I've just bought a house and am considering buying an alarm system from Jaycar and installing it myself. I was thinking about something like this :-

http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=LA5477&CATID=6&keywords=&SPECIAL=&form=CAT&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID=421

Of course I'll need some extra PIR's and other bits, but it looks like it will be easy enough to install, especially with the 2-wire technology. But am I going to run into trouble connecting it to mains power? Any tips would be appreciated.