New Alarm

greyc

Our house is about 35 years old and there was an alarm fitted when we moved in 20 years ago. There's infrared sensors downstairs and the windows and external doors are fitted with contacts but they're not working on most windows.

Because we have a dog, we don't use the full alarm when we're out, as she'd trigger the infrared beams, so we just use the part guard which isn't much good as it would only set off the alarm if one of the doors was opened. The alarm isn't monitored either, our next door neighbour has a key, if it goes off.

So all in all it's not a very good system, and I was thinking of upgrading it so I could turn it on and off remotely and be alerted on my phone if it goes off.

Anyone any suggestions on a suitable system, and approx cost for a 4 bed semi. I wouldn't want to spend more than €600.

KoolKid

If upgrading I would look at the GSD i70,Siemens or Risco these will all give you free self monitoring over IP and free apps. Whether you can do all this in your budget would depend on the state of the detection and devices and if they need to be replaced/rewired etc. Also look at sensors and contacts for ground floor and accessible windows.
Beware of systems where you are charged for apps & charged annual subscriptions for remote access. This is not needed for what you want.

Evolution1

I wouldn't go near the GSD i70 as it is an all in one unit. Always best to have a seperate panel eg Risco,Hkc or siemens.
If you do choose a system with free service just remember that you will not have a leg to stand on should the System fail to notify you of an acrivation. Also if your systems communucation path fails then you won't be notified of the issue as quickly as the paid for service.

KoolKid

You can also get the i70 with a separate keypad or use a power supply and expander as a separate control panel if you are retro fitting.
You could have full monitoring and multiple comms paths if you want to pay for annual fees.

An Cigire

KoolKid wrote: »

If upgrading I would look at the GSD i70,Siemens or Risco these will all give you free self monitoring over IP and free apps. Whether you can do all this in your budget would depend on the state of the detection and devices and if they need to be replaced/rewired etc. Also look at sensors and contacts for ground floor and accessible windows.
Beware of systems where you are charged for apps & charged annual subscriptions for remote access. This is not needed for what you want.

Any tips on were to get any of these brands?

I'm upgrading my house alarm also and have UPC phone/broadband so I know these some a Restrictions with UPC.

KoolKid

Take a look at the Suppliers Sticky.

Siemens is available through
Northwood Technology
REW
RWL
Borsatec.
Risco Is available through
REW

GSD Is available through

IDAS
Kellighers

An Cigire

KoolKid wrote: »

Take a look at the Suppliers Sticky.

Siemens is available through
Northwood Technology
REW
RWL
Borsatec.
Risco Is available through
REW

GSD Is available through

IDAS
Kellighers

Thanks for that... Do any of them have app for contacting etc.. Or a dialling box as I remember UPC doesn't text based systems?

KoolKid

All of those systems have free apps & free cloud connection services without any subscriptions etc.
I am currently testing the new Siemens app & cloud service.Its sweet. I'm told it will be available by the end of this month.I have promised quite a few people this nice present in time for Christmas.:D

The GSD has a voice dialler on board if you want the more basic voice alert.

Evolution1

KoolKid wrote: »

Take a look at the Suppliers Sticky.

Siemens is available through
Northwood Technology
REW
RWL
Borsatec.
Risco Is available through
REW

GSD Is available through

IDAS
Kellighers

REW won't supply Risco gear to anyone bar installers. I checked this out a while ago.

KoolKid

Really depends on how you go about it. Most places will say trade only over the phone anyway.