Showing posts with label wireless security system. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wireless security system. Show all posts

3/23/2012

AAS 600 Wireless Home Security Alarm Kit Pet Immune DIY (R) Review

AAS 600 Wireless Home Security Alarm Kit Pet Immune DIY (R)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I did not want to spend $30/month on a monitored system that only includes two door sensors and one motion detector. By comparison, a wireless system might only cost $30/YEAR in batteries and replacement double sided tape. But up until now, it seems like none of the DIY systems out there are expandable enough to do everything I need them to do on a moderate size house (2500 SF). AAS appears to have finally filled that void in the marketplace with a programmable, customizable, and interestingly expandable system that does almost everything a homeowner would want it to do.
I purchased the AAS 600 Pet Immune system, which included an ample supply of door/window sensors and pet friendly motion detectors. It took me an afternoon to set up (mostly due to me playing with the sensors and planning where I wanted to put things). So far, it's better than I expected. Programming is EASY. The instructions are okay (I had no issues). I feel I need to add some helpful information here that I didn't read elsewhere when I was deciding whether to make the purchase:
1.The sirens don't need to be connected to the system. You can make it a silent alarm (dialing your phone). Or you can just make it flash a silent alert on its display when a zone is triggered (which is GREAT for quietly testing the system - no need to bother neighbors, or the family). Also, all of the sensors have small diode lights so you can see they're functioning properly while you work with them.
2.The motion detectors I received take two standard alkaline AA batteries. The door/window sensors take a smaller ALKALINE battery about half the length of AAA size ("Vantt" 23A, 12V). The smoke detector takes a standard rectangular 9V alkaline battery. Battery access is EASY. There is a place to put a screwdriver to pry open the units, but I found it easy to do with hand pressure (the plastic pieces still fit snuggly). I have no idea how long the batteries will last.
3. My kit came with four key fobs which can arm/disarm the house system as if it were a standard car alarm. So if you don't want the hassle of punching in a code to disarm the system, you can treat your house like a car. But this feature is OPTIONAL and it can be disabled if you want (say you lose a key fob). ALSO, the instruction manual indicates that the system can monitor for unknown devices using its airwaves and will sound an alert (in case of tampering or interference).
4. The door/window sensors do not need to be in contact in order for the alarm system to work. That is, the sensors send a signal only when detecting a "change". So if you have a door jamb that isn't flush with the door (like all of my doors), don't panic! It will still work. Just install them off-set. The alarm system can still be armed and then the sensor will work when the door moves the magnet past the sensor on the jamb. You can also off-set the sensors on your windows so that the windows can still be opened a crack without setting off the alarm. And I was able to install the magnet in several orientations with respect to the sensor, even with a bit of a gap.
5. I'm still testing the range, but it seems to be pretty darn good. It's definitely better than our in-home WIFI system. Right now, I'm installing the keypad at one end of the house. If I find that the farthest sensors can't reach, I'm absolutely certain that I can install the keypad near the center of the house and get perfect all-around reception.
6. It has convenient quick buttons for arming the system when you are HOME (i.e. motion detectors are ignored) and when you are AWAY (i.e. no sensors are ignored).
7. These sensors are smaller than I expected. When I saw the size of the UPS box, I was horrified thinking that it couldn't possible include everything I ordered. But I'm really happy with the size of the things - not as obtrusive as I thought they would be.
8. I haven't had to use customer service for troubleshooting, but I do have to say that their shipping department rocks! I ordered during the early evening (west coast time) and was amazed to get a shipping confirmation number only two hours later that night! Somebody was working late!
I wish this company the best of luck. They are obviously trying hard to be very competitive in the DIY home security market and I think they're off to a great start.


Click Here to see more reviews about: AAS 600 Wireless Home Security Alarm Kit Pet Immune DIY (R)



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2/21/2012

GE Simon 3 Wireless Security System Review

GE Simon 3 Wireless Security System
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Well worth the money for the system and can be monitored by yourself for no monthly fee. I bought this system about 1 year ago for my apartment. The instructions leave a lot to be desired. That is why I gave it a 4 star. Written in Engineerese--- YOU have to figure out what they were telling you. Find someone that's set up one before so you don't wind up pulling out all your hair. If I had to install the same system in my place again, I could probably manage it in under an hour ( I have 5 sensors ). I bought a Tracfone with a one year subscription for about $100. and programmed the system to call me silently. Saves me from having to pay monitor fees and since it is silent, I can respond within just a few minutes and see who has walked into my place or opened a window. Well worth the money for the peace of mind. Hope this helps someone looking for a home security system.

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1/16/2012

GE 51207 Smart Home Wireless Motion Sensor Alarm Review

GE 51207 Smart Home Wireless Motion Sensor Alarm
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I recently purchased two of these motion detector alarms. I had a few questions before purchasing that the other reviewers hadn't answered. I'll try to give a complete review to help others who might be considering the purchase.
The units feel a bit cheap, but they do work as described. They have two operating modes: chime and alarm - controlled by a tiny switch on the side of the remote. The chim mode sounds a doorbell like chime (fairly loud) when someone moves across the beam. The alarm has a 45 second exit and 30 second entry time. Many people obviously want a shorter entry time, fearing that a burglar would have too much time to get into the house.
A couple minor operating points. When the alarm is first tripped starting the 30 second countdown, it sounds a single loud beep. That can be good or bad. It might alert you, but it also alerts the intruder - perhaps allowing him time to disable the alarm before it sounds. When the alarm finally does go off, hold you ears because it's quite loud at 120dB.
The remote uses a small watch type battery that is included. The remote is very simple to operate with "enable" and "disable" buttons. The motion sensor itself takes 3AA batteries that are not included. The units come with a plastic swivel wall-mount bracket, screws, and sheetrock inserts. The motion sensors will not sit flat on a table, because their bases are rounded.
The manufacturer apparently has a problem with quality control. As other reviewers have pointed out, there is a problem with the screw holding on the battery compartment. I bought two units and the screw on one unit was crossthreaded into the plastic and impossible to remove without stripping the head. The screw on the second unit came right out without any problem. I've since exchanged the first unit.
I hope this answers any remaining questions. If not, please feel free to ask me.
Please be kind enough to indicate if reviews are helpful.

Click Here to see more reviews about: GE 51207 Smart Home Wireless Motion Sensor Alarm

GE Motion Sensing Alarm 51207.

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11/04/2011

Skylink SC-100 Security System Deluxe Kit Review

Skylink SC-100 Security System Deluxe Kit
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
After my house was broken into I wanted to get an alarm but didn't want to pay any companies or commit to any monitoring contracts. This fit the bill perfectly. It works great once you plan around some caveats.
Pros: very simple operation. I've only had it two weeks but seems reliable so far. Easy to set up. The remote works well, but it's too bulky for me to carry around. So I just use a PIN code when I come and ago. I love the flexibility of this system. It's easy to add sensors or accessories. Compared to a pro alarm, the stuff is very cheap but built decently. It doesn't quite have the build quality "feel" of a pro system but it's simple and for the money works well. I love how it's all wireless. I"m a renter and don't want to drill holes or pull wire in walls and this is perfect.
Cons: The control panel (SC-001), PIN pad and siren are all one unit. If a crook breaks in and smashes it to bits during the 30 seconds on a delayed entry alarm it will be worthless. Or even if the siren is going off, cover it tightly with your hand, rip it off the wall and take it to the bathroom sink and submerge it in water or otherwise disable it. In other words, there's a single failure point that's not well protected. Especially if you mount it by your door for easy ripping off the wall as the crooks come in. In professional systems, the control unit is usually in a metal box in a closet so if someone smashes the keypad it will still go off. In pro systems the siren is separate as well.
Now here's how you can plan your system to mitigate the cons. Here's what to buy: Buy an extra key pad and at least one extra siren unit. They're only $30 each. Next, get creative where you hide the control panel. Put it in a closet or behind your washer and dryer or some place hard to get to. Some palace where it will take more than 30 seconds to destroy the control panel. Better yet, I am going to buy an inexpensive metal key box. It's a locking metal box that you can hang keys in. I found one on a big auction site for $15. I plan to drill a hole to poke the antenna out and another hole to run the power cord in. And some holes in the door so if the siren does go off, it can be heard. This will make it a little more like a pro system, in a locked metal box, preferably in a closet. Once the control box is secure, then set up one or more external sirens. I bought two. I put them on opposite sides of the house. Now if a bad guy breaks in, he has to find three sirens and smash them (control panel siren + 2 external ones). The sirens are very loud but I live on a noisy road and it's hard to hear the interior one from outside when traffic is going by. That's why I discreetly mounted one siren on the outside of a window on the front of the house. The other one is mounted on the outside of a window on the side of the house. I even wrapped one in black trash bad plastic to make it less obvious it's an alarm. You might even want to put electrical tape over the LED on the siren unit. Now you will have a system that's very difficult to defeat. Most crooks aren't going to want to hang around a house with 3 sirens going, not knowing it's it's monitored as well.
Some other thoughts: I didn't get a dialer because I don't have a land line and odds are burglars may cut the house phone lines anyway. But if you already have a landline, it couldn't hurt. The magnet contact sensors work well on the doors. The PIR (motion detector) works very well. The only problem is I have a cat and it might trip it. So I put a couple of the PIRs in closets. When I was burglarized, the first place they hit were the closets. Keep the closet doors closed and the cat won't set it off. I'm very careful to avoid false alarms because I don't want the neighbors hear it cry wolf from a false alarm. If you don't have pets, the PIRs will work great in the hallways or any rooms.
Wish list: separate key pad, controller box and siren units. I wish it would tell you if a sensor was "ready" like a pro system, but this would no doubt make the cost of the sensors much higher.
Plan around its shortcomings and this can be a 5 star system. I gave it 5 stars because it works well for what it is and is a great value for the money.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Skylink SC-100 Security System Deluxe Kit

Designed for use in small- to medium-sized homes or offices of up to 3,000 square feet, the Skylink SC-100 Security System Deluxe Kit helps you protect your family from unwanted intruders or theft, while also giving you real peace of mind in case of emergencies. Offering an operating range of up to 100 feet, the SC-100 requires no monitoring or registration fees and is a snap to setup, arm, and disarm.
Reliable, Advanced System Uses Trouble-Free Wireless ConnectionsKeep your home or business safe and secure with this reliable, cutting-edge wireless security system. The SC-100 utilizes innovative technology with trouble-free wireless connections to provide security, making it a great choice for protecting against intruders and safeguarding in case of an accident, fire, flood, or other emergency.
Works with up to 30 Skylink Accessories for Easy Customization and ExpansionBecause the SC-100 works in conjunction with up to 30 Skylink security accessories, including Dial Alert, it can be customized to suit your needs. This flexibility means you can easily expand your system to accommodate larger spaces or businesses that require a higher level of protection.
Do-it-Yourself System Eliminates the Need for Monitoring FeesThe SC-100 is a do-it-yourself system, which means you can easily install it yourself and then use it without paying monitoring fees or registering with an alarm company. To arm or disarm the system, simply enter your personal code or use the keychain transmitter. With this user-friendly system, you gain real peace of mind and control over your personal safety and that of your family, employees, and others at your home or business--all without excessive costs or upkeep.
Rolling-Code Technology for Maximum Security and Fewer False AlarmsSkylink is the first company to incorporate rolling-code technology into a home/business security system, which means that the SC-100 provides maximum security while virtually eliminating the number of false alarms. A rolling code (or hopping code) is often used in entry systems that don't require a key, because it prevents an eavesdropper from capturing and using your personal security code. Thanks to rolling-code technology, the SC-100's control panel will recognize radio waves only from its remote sensors (door/window sensor, motion sensor, and keychain transmitter), thereby preventing high-tech thieves from duplicating signals and tampering with your system.
Motion, Door, and Window Sensors Provide Reliable Emergency ProtectionThe SC-100 comes complete with a motion sensor and two door/window sensors, enough coverage for small- to medium-sized homes. If any sensors are triggered when the system is armed, and the correct pin is not entered, the included 110dB siren will make a piercing sound to ward off intruders and draw attention to your home.
Works with Dial Alert for Immediate Emergency HelpThe SC-100 can assist you in getting immediate help in case of an emergency. When its siren goes off, the SC-100 will immediately send a signal to Dial Alert (sold separately), which will call emergency phone numbers that you have preset. When someone answers the phone, your prerecorded message will play, and the contact person will be told that you need emergency help right away.
Easy to Program with Convenient KeypadThe SC-100 includes an easily programmable, lighted keypad with Chime, Instant, and Delay modes. Simply enter your preset pin code to arm or disarm the system; an LED will indicate when the alarm is properly set. All the accessories are preprogrammed to work with the control panel, so you won't have to worry about time-consuming, individual setup of each component.
The SC-100 runs on AC power with one nine-volt battery (included) as backup. A convenient low-battery indicator lets you know when it's time for a replacement. The system also comes with all necessary mounting hardware.
What's in the BoxAlarm with control panel and keypad, motion sensor, two door/window contact sensors, 4B434 keychain transmitter, AC adapter, all DC batteries, mounting materials, and instruction manual.

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