Perhaps we should start this thread again, but aim it directly at the
questions you've asked.
If you are designing the system yourself, make sure you run the normal
"telephone" type wire - 4 conductor quad - to each exterior door, and to
every other place where you wish a detector of any sort..ie outside corner
mounted motions, glassbreaks facing large windowed areas, one to a siren
location on the main floor perhaps, plus to ceiling mounted smoke detector
locations on each floor. Also, run a wire for a second floor keypad in the
hallway, plus several spare loops to the attic (you'll find you will use
them over time). Run two quad conductors to each keypad location (many
systems provide for a zone on the first two keypads in addition to the ones
on the main board....). And a loop to each basement window if the basement
is going to be finished on day one...
Magnetic contacts require a two wire loop and powered devices require two
loops....ie yellow and green for the contact loop and red and black for 12
volt power for example is a common colour combination.
As to alarm panel make, that is a personal choice. In the USA, Napco, Ademco
and DSC are common makes. In Canada, DSC and Paradox are often used (being
Canadian brands). Whatever brand you buy, make sure in advance that it is
"user friendly" and easy to understand. Often it is wise to opt for the
higher end LCD keypads which can provide more information, and these are
relatively inexpensive if you are buying it yourself as a DIY'er, as opposed
to getting it from a professional alarm company where it is often premium
priced. A lot of the newer panels will call a pager but not a cellphone.
What you end up paying can vary a lot depending upon where you buy the
equipment. I can't give you a realistic bottom line here because so much
depends upon the quality of the components you buy....for example, there are
cheap motions and there are good ones. Costs can vary widely !
Do give some serious thought to having it professionally monitored, but
search around for a company that won't lock you in to a long term contract
and where there is a reasonable price ($20 or less). Contracts do absolutely
NOTHING for you as a consumer; they simply guarantee the company a
guaranteed revenue stream for a future predetermined time. In doing so
however, they also take away your freedom of choice to shop around if the
company doesn't provide you good service ! As others have correctly said in
the thread (albeit somewhat impolitely), a non monitored system is really
not that useful, and depending upon your neighbours totally is what we here
in Canada call "penny wise and pound foolish". And assuming because your
neighbour is a cop will help prevent you from being robbed is simply and
totally incorrect ! They get robbed just as often as anyone else !
But of course as a consumer, the choice is totally yours. But most
important, don't forget the physical security precautions....good locks,
long steel strikes in the frame, doubling up of the studding on both sides
of the exterior doors....all easy to do when the house structure is wide
open. It also might be a good time to relocate the telephone company
demarcation block inside the garage or basement.
Get back to us if you have further questions....best of luck !
R.H.Campbell
Home Security Metal Products
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
www.homemetal.com
)
