Enduser Access To Support/software

[Heathy65]

I’m in the market for a new residential alarm system, these are the systems I’m considering

- Scantronic i-on160EX
- Electronics Line iConnect 2-way
- Risco LightSYS2 (or Agility 3)

I need a hybrid system since I’m considering the replacement if my existing wired system.

The challenge I’m having is that I want to install this system myself.  I’m not an ‘installer’ but have installed alarms in the past, including the Cytech Comfort system so am used to the complexities involved and complex configurations.  I’m a self-confessed home-automation geek with 25+ years experience in data/telcoms too.  So whilst I appreciate some/most endusers need the help of a professional installer, that's not me.

So I initially favoured the Scantronic but them found-out that the manufacturer doesn’t play-nice with endusers (i.e. no access to support or critically for me, software updates).

I can’t find the iConnect for sale in the UK anywhere.

And I’m not sure about the enduser support policy with Risco (although I can at least get the installation PDFs from their website which is better than Scantronic, but I can’t seem to download the software/firmware).  Also I can't find this product for supply-only sale in the UK.

Any thoughts most appreciated, in relation to support/upgrade access.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

[Ronnie]

I’m in the market for a new residential alarm system, these are the systems I’m considering

- Scantronic i-on160EX

- Electronics Line iConnect 2-way

- Risco LightSYS2 (or Agility 3)

I need a hybrid system since I’m considering the replacement if my existing wired system.

The challenge I’m having is that I want to install this system myself.  I’m not an ‘installer’ but have installed alarms in the past, including the Cytech Comfort system so am used to the complexities involved and complex configurations.  I’m a self-confessed home-automation geek with 25+ years experience in data/telcoms too.  So whilst I appreciate some/most endusers need the help of a professional installer, that's not me.

So I initially favoured the Scantronic but them found-out that the manufacturer doesn’t play-nice with endusers (i.e. no access to support or critically for me, software updates).

I can’t find the iConnect for sale in the UK anywhere.

And I’m not sure about the enduser support policy with Risco (although I can at least get the installation PDFs from their website which is better than Scantronic, but I can’t seem to download the software/firmware).  Also I can't find this product for supply-only sale in the UK.

Any thoughts most appreciated, in relation to support/upgrade access.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Why not stick with Cytech, they're very well supported in forums etc.. If you can work one of those then you should be fine with most other panels..

[Heathy65]

Hi RFS, I'm really looking for a system which is less expensive and not (quite) so feature rich.  Hence the query re. the systems I mentioned.

Ian

[Heathy65]

Following on from my last query.

I'd really like to self-install a Scantronic i-on system and am 100% confident that I have the technical ability to do it.

However as stated in my first post, I'm concerned if there is an issue at anytime, i.e. post-install (or a firmware upgrade available) I won't be able to gain access to their support/software.

So based on the assumption that I do install the system myself and subsequently do have an issue (or want to upgrade the firmware) is this a service which can be provided by an installer.  Obviously if I have an issue with the system then I'd need either help from an installer (or alt least them to proxy my query to the manufacturer).  In relation to a software upgrade I'd just need access to the upgrade so I could do it myself.

Obviously I'd be more than willing to pay for these services but I want to understand whether this type of service is available from the installer community.

[datadiffusion]

Why the 160? Planning on more than 40 or 50 zones?

[Heathy65]

Why the 160? Planning on more than 40 or 50 zones?

 

I need Ethernet connectivity and AFAIK there aren't many of them that have that (I also need wired & wireless zones).  However, having looked again I think an i-on50EX would do what I want.

 

Either way I'm stuck because the manufacture won't support tech-savvy self-installers like me 

[datadiffusion]

That's for a reason, the ion40 has wireless on board (only 1 way), 16 zones without an expander needed and ethernet on board.

 

It is however completely unexpandable after that. But does have 16 on board outputs via plugon loom, as well as the 4 via terminals.

[james.wilson]

heathy, there are a few that do but most manufacturers wont support you, ie siemens, hkc and scanny. have you looked at the texecom units they do?

[Heathy65]

That's for a reason, the ion40 has wireless on board (only 1 way), 16 zones without an expander needed and ethernet on board.

 

It is however completely unexpandable after that. But does have 16 on board outputs via plugon loom, as well as the 4 via terminals.

 

Ah well then a ion40 would be perfect for me........not withstanding my support/upgrade issues )

heathy, there are a few that do but most manufacturers wont support you, ie siemens, hkc and scanny. have you looked at the texecom units they do?

 

jameswilson, thanks for the thought.  I got a negative response from Scanny & Risco but haven't tried Texecom.

I'm used to Cytech Comfort and their enduser support is excellent (although their products are very feature rich and hence not-cheap).

[Alarm Protection]

I would go texecom and look out for their firmware updates .