Ramanoop

Do you use quad detectors as a matter of course? I’ve seen some posts here saying that all reputable installers use quad detectors. But that doesn’t seem right - Texecom for example only sells one kit with quad detectors in it. The rest have ordinary pet friendly ones. wondering whether there is really a benefit

Maybe I was premature in dismissing HKC as an insignificant player. I see that HKC is part of the security giant Assa Abloy, just like Yale and Union... So they clearly have some global financial muscle behind them.

But back on track, is there a downside to me getting a Premier Elite 64-W LIVE (a grade 2 plastic panel with inbuilt keypad, which currently seems like the best option), over: (a) a Premier Elite 64-W, and adding a separate wireless keypad; or (b) a Premier Elite 48 grade 3 panel, and adding a wireless model and a separate wireless keypad? I think the 64-W Live only has a 1.2ah battery (vs. the grade 3 panel which can take a 7ah. Is that concerning? Also, would each of the above come with a power supply on board or would that be separate?

Yes, Banham emphasise that the system they install belongs to the customer. I've inferred that they deal with a lot of high-end residential installations where the clients have their own security consultants. Unfortunately, their prices do reflect this!

I won't be asking for anything for free - I'll be paying for installation and for a year of maintenance. Every installer I've spoken to will hand the system over to me after this point. Banham even gives the engineers codes upon installation. I don't want to get an HKC system - it doesn't look like they even manufacture grade 3 panels. I don't need one, but it makes me question how serious they are. Also, Texecom has mesh networking, which seems better.

Yeti, Thanks, why the 48w over one of the live series? Thanks, David

Peter, Thanks very much for the advice - I'll take that on board. What would you suggest for a reliable wireless system (but with the option to hard wire stuff, like distant sensors, control panel, bell) that can easily be tinkered with by the layman? Money isn't really a concern - not because I'm rich, but because I want the system to last 20 years or so - if I can get a reliable system that lasts that long, the price per year won't be that much, and I hopefully won't need expensive fault finding visits.

I like Banham but they only install a Pyronix panel. I'm planning on getting a pro install, but of the system I specify. I want opinions from this forum as to what system I should get - I don't just want whatever system a particular installer happens to have too many of in his van. Whoever I go with, I'll get a maintenance contract for the first 12 months to ensure that the system is set up correctly, then likely do the upkeep after that (replacing batteries, etc) - same as with my smoke detectors, etc.

Hi, I'm planning on getting an intruder alarm for my 3bd mid-terrace house in London, with a detached garage at the end of the garden that backs onto an alleyway. I've had several alarm companies come to quote, but they all make vastly different proposals in terms of what they suggest installing, so it's very difficult to compare like for like. I'm conscious that what they're proposing might not be the best system for me - just what suits them, so I wanted to get your objective opinion as to what would be ideal. I should mention that by far the best installer I have had visit was from Banham, who really knew what he was talking about, with the worst being from Verisure (who just wanted to sell me his product). Once I've gotten some advice from you as to what I should be going for, I'm hoping to ask a number of installers whether they can install it, and choose whoever seems most competent. So here is my current thinking as to what I want - would you mind letting me know what you think? 1. Wireless system with option to wire stuff in (particularly in case the reception in the garage becomes worse over time as the 868 band becomes more congested). 2. Bells only with an autodialer. (I can't see a point in my case in getting it monitored or with police response - by the time they arrive, the burglars will have everything worth taking). 3. The system configured to minimise false alarms at almost all cost. E.g. I don't want the siren to sound if the wireless comms go down or if power is disconnected - I want it to fail silently. 4. Control panel in an airing cupboard with a wireless keypad near the door. I think I should have a wired keypad too in the cupboard - I don't want to be unable to turn off a constantly sounding alarm because of a wireless issue. 5. A dual tech sensor in the kitchen/diner and high quality PIRs in the lounge, hallway and landing (are quad tech less prone to false alarms?) 6. Two wireless bells (one at the back of garage and one at the front of the house) 7. Wireless contact sensors on the front door, the garage doors, the rear french doors and a shoc sensor on the garage window. 8. Internet connectivity. I've settled on a Texecom system. Sadly Banham seem to only offer a Pyronix system, but that's not my preference - I see this system as lasting 20 years and I want to be able to reprogram it and make additions if I need to - I see this as 'my' system, just like I might get someone to set up a computer for me, but I want to be able to install software myself! I hear Texecom is more difficult at the back end but offers much more support to end users. But I'm confused as to what to specify - specifically: (A) Are quad sensors the right choice to minimise false alarms, or are they more sensitive than regular sensors? (B) I've figured out I'll need a GSM dialler and the Smartcom wifi/ethernet communicator - that's right, isn't it? (C) Is there any chance with a Texecom system of faults causing the alarm to sound (e.g. faulty wireless connection, low batteries, etc?) Is there any way to avoid this if so? (D) Looking at the Texecom Premier Elite system, I see essentially 3 options (1) - A grade III metal control panel like the Premier Elite 48, with a separate wireless expander and hard wired keypad next to it (for emergency use) , (2) a grade II plastic control panel the 64-W - I wouldn't need the wireless expander as it has inbuilt wireless capability, but I'd still need the emergency keypad, (3) the Premier Elite 64-W LIVE, which contains wireless tech and a keypad. Is there any downside to (3)? Is it less flexible? Would I still be able to add GPRS modems, etc, down the track? I'd really appreciate any advice you have.