Extend Or Replace My Optima Compact?

[dodgie]

Hi,

I've recently bought a house with an Optima Compact alarm installed. This has a sensor on the front door and a few PIRs scattered about. Searching on this forum shows quite a few hits for this alarm so I'm guessing it is\was pretty common. I'd like to upgrade my alarm coverage in the house (garage conversion not covered, would like window sensors etc...) so was thinking of replacing this with a wireless panel which also accepts wired inputs, reusing the existing PIRs and door sensor and covering the rest with wireless.

Please excuse my ignorance, but are the sensors pretty standard? How can I guarantee that the existing wired PIRs will work with a new panel and as the dodgy decorating skills of the previous occupant(s) have decided to make some of my existing PIRs less 'pretty' would it be possible to replace them and re-use the same wiring?

Any help would be most appreciated

Rich

[Rulland]

Hi,

I've recently bought a house with an Optima Compact alarm installed. This has a sensor on the front door and a few PIRs scattered about. Searching on this forum shows quite a few hits for this alarm so I'm guessing it is\was pretty common. I'd like to upgrade my alarm coverage in the house (garage conversion not covered, would like window sensors etc...) so was thinking of replacing this with a wireless panel which also accepts wired inputs, reusing the existing PIRs and door sensor and covering the rest with wireless.

Please excuse my ignorance, but are the sensors pretty standard? How can I guarantee that the existing wired PIRs will work with a new panel and as the dodgy decorating skills of the previous occupant(s) have decided to make some of my existing PIRs less 'pretty' would it be possible to replace them and re-use the same wiring?

Any help would be most appreciated

Rich

Hi Rich, Yep all PIR's work on the same principle basically-so in theory you can reuse the existing wiring-just one word of warning though I have seen DIY type installs where the cable used has just been 4 core-just enough for 2 power and 2 alarm, no tamper being run (normally closed wiring) !.

Most new panels will take zones that use resistors so in effect you can use the existing still and have tamper using just the 4 cores.

Risco manufacture panels that will take both wired and wireless zones-one of a few actually.

Regards.

Richard.

[dodgie]

Thanks for your reply, I think I'll start by having a look at some replacement PIRs to get some better looking/cleaner units then I'll look to replace the panel.

Rich

[kka]

optima is not to bad, but not very modern ie it is basic and limited, so for what you are thinking i would replace the panel

yes risco do a hybrid system but do not sell this gear to jp. (maybe get some one ,who can get a hold of this sort of gear) as do many other manufacter in their own way.

' i like' to fit wires,where possible.. if you thinking your garage may be a problem, there is always plenty ways thought....just take a little time to think about it....with a wire in, you could put a more specilised pir in.....

yes you could use the old wire, only problem may be that there is not enough wire to pull thought and make a new connection.

tip with pirs, the more you pay the better the quality (usually).