Your Universal Remote Control Center
RemoteCentral.com
Custom Installers' Lounge Forum - View Post
Previous section Next section Previous page Next page Up level
Up level
The following page was printed from RemoteCentral.com:

Login:
Pass:
 
 

Page 1 of 2
Topic:
Security - DSC, Honeywell, etc?
This thread has 22 replies. Displaying posts 1 through 15.
Post 1 made on Thursday February 16, 2017 at 03:26
Daniel Tonks
Wrangler of Remotes
Joined:
Posts:
October 1998
28,779
Moving to a new place and need to install security, and was hoping to get some recommendations on what's a good, reliable system that won't lock me down to a single monitoring service.

Prewiring for that in the home is very minimal. There seems to be a few cables strung for keypads near doors, but nothing else (well, another cable for a motion sensor, but I literally can't see any others). Would still prefer to go wired versus wireless despite the difficulty that entails.
Post 2 made on Thursday February 16, 2017 at 07:54
vwpower44
Super Member
Joined:
Posts:
August 2004
3,662
DSC power series. Their software is easy, It can be monitored by anyone. Their keypads look great. You can get a keypad that outputs RF for other contacts and sensors can connect too. Again, I always liked their keypads.
Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish...
Post 3 made on Thursday February 16, 2017 at 09:01
Ranger Home
Super Member
Joined:
Posts:
June 2007
3,486
HAI/Leviton has always been ROCK solid for us. Pricey, but NEVER fails. They have flush mount kits for keypads as well. Full control via third party as well.

Easy set up with Dealer PC Access software.

But, youre going to pay 4 something just for the panel, Omni LTe.
Post 4 made on Thursday February 16, 2017 at 09:07
3PedalMINI
Loyal Member
Joined:
Posts:
July 2009
7,860
I had DSC installed in my home. I just happens that some of my integraation is either Honeywell or DSC. both offer good integration but DSCs is super super simple!

I like the look of DSCs panel and door sensors better!
The Bitterness of Poor Quality is Remembered Long after the Sweetness of Price is Forgotten! - Benjamin Franklin
Post 5 made on Thursday February 16, 2017 at 09:33
Gman
Select Member
Joined:
Posts:
February 2009
2,243
On February 16, 2017 at 07:54, vwpower44 said...
DSC power series. Their software is easy, It can be monitored by anyone. Their keypads look great. You can get a keypad that outputs RF for other contacts and sensors can connect too. Again, I always liked their keypads.

+1 We have used DSC for 20 years and their product is the best for ease of programming
Post 6 made on Thursday February 16, 2017 at 09:34
andrewinboulder
Select Member
Joined:
Posts:
August 2003
1,518
On February 16, 2017 at 07:54, vwpower44 said...
DSC power series. Their software is easy, It can be monitored by anyone. Their keypads look great. You can get a keypad that outputs RF for other contacts and sensors can connect too. Again, I always liked their keypads.

So you can program the whole system from a laptop?
Post 7 made on Thursday February 16, 2017 at 09:37
SWOInstaller
Select Member
Joined:
Posts:
October 2010
1,589
On February 16, 2017 at 03:26, Daniel Tonks said...
Moving to a new place and need to install security, and was hoping to get some recommendations on what's a good, reliable system that won't lock me down to a single monitoring service.

Prewiring for that in the home is very minimal. There seems to be a few cables strung for keypads near doors, but nothing else (well, another cable for a motion sensor, but I literally can't see any others). Would still prefer to go wired versus wireless despite the difficulty that entails.

We use Paradox, unless someone is getting a Crestron Pyng system and want security integration then we would install Honeywell (only because we have to).

The limitations to the Paradox system is that they don't integrate too well into Automation systems (they do have an automation module but control is limited), nor do they allow for Zigbee/Z-wave integration. If the home owner is wanting lock, thermostat, lighting control, then we install an automation system and allow the security system to be a security system.

I find their programming software the easiest to use and I don't need some special cord/connector to program the system (when an IP module is connected). I'm not too familiar with the other systems but I believe with Honeywell anyways, you require an AlarmNet account for any type of monitoring whether it be from a central station or personally, Paradox doesn't require this account.

Their keypads are more vertically designed than horizontally so look better on the wall beside/above light switches. They have an RF keypad that allows for RF devices to be connected to the system with a very good range on all their devices. They also have a 5" and 7" touch screen that you can load floor plans to, for more of an advanced look.

Last edited by SWOInstaller on February 16, 2017 10:17.
You can't fix stupid
Post 8 made on Thursday February 16, 2017 at 10:56
PSS
Select Member
Joined:
Posts:
December 2002
1,520
I've been using the new DSC Neo, there newest platform. I believe it has some features that the DSC Power Series doesn't. I have it connected to Alarm.Com for the smart phone features etc. The Power Series can't do this, at least via Alarm.Com possibly with other third party devices.
That's my 2 cents
Post 9 made on Thursday February 16, 2017 at 11:00
kgossen
Super Member
Joined:
Posts:
March 2008
3,026
Have never had problems with DSC especially when it comes to integration.
"Quality isn't expensive, it's Priceless!"
Post 10 made on Thursday February 16, 2017 at 11:11
oprahthehutt.
Active Member
Joined:
Posts:
December 2011
624
I like GE NX series.
OP | Post 11 made on Thursday February 16, 2017 at 16:05
Daniel Tonks
Wrangler of Remotes
Joined:
Posts:
October 1998
28,779
Interesting - I've been narrowing into DSC so far, and the programming does seem simple... but awfully archaic (unless that's by design). Does the touchscreen improve programming any?

My issue with going wireless is range - the house is basically a stick bungalow, but it's 90 feet from one side door to the other. More if I include the garage. Not sure whether they'll reach. On the other hand, unfinished basement and no upstairs means stringing cables should be relatively straightforward.
Post 12 made on Thursday February 16, 2017 at 16:20
chris-L5S
Senior Member
Joined:
Posts:
August 2008
1,027
On February 16, 2017 at 16:05, Daniel Tonks said...
Interesting - I've been narrowing into DSC so far, and the programming does seem simple... but awfully archaic (unless that's by design). Does the touchscreen improve programming any?

My issue with going wireless is range - the house is basically a stick bungalow, but it's 90 feet from one side door to the other. More if I include the garage. Not sure whether they'll reach. On the other hand, unfinished basement and no upstairs means stringing cables should be relatively straightforward.

the Neo Series has a line of site range of 1.25 miles. I don't think you will have an issue.
Post 13 made on Thursday February 16, 2017 at 16:27
SWOInstaller
Select Member
Joined:
Posts:
October 2010
1,589
On February 16, 2017 at 16:05, Daniel Tonks said...
Interesting - I've been narrowing into DSC so far, and the programming does seem simple... but awfully archaic (unless that's by design). Does the touchscreen improve programming any?

I believe with all security systems, programming from a keypad is very archaic and time consuming. Paradox has a very intuitive computer software designed in the 21st century allowing easy programming of a system. Easily connect over IP or with their USB to serial adapter to program/modify the programming.
My issue with going wireless is range - the house is basically a stick bungalow, but it's 90 feet from one side door to the other. More if I include the garage. Not sure whether they'll reach. On the other hand, unfinished basement and no upstairs means stringing cables should be relatively straightforward.

Not certain what the range is for a DSC system, but Paradox is from 130' up to 230' device dependent.
You can't fix stupid
Post 14 made on Thursday February 16, 2017 at 16:30
SWOInstaller
Select Member
Joined:
Posts:
October 2010
1,589
On February 16, 2017 at 16:20, chris-L5S said...
the Neo Series has a line of site range of 1.25 miles. I don't think you will have an issue.

When is line of site practical within a home for a security system? From all the systems we have installed there may be two or three devices that would be able to see the RF transceiver.
You can't fix stupid
Post 15 made on Thursday February 16, 2017 at 16:57
chris-L5S
Senior Member
Joined:
Posts:
August 2008
1,027
On February 16, 2017 at 16:30, SWOInstaller said...
When is line of site practical within a home for a security system? From all the systems we have installed there may be two or three devices that would be able to see the RF transceiver.

you won't get line of site and the sensors don't need line of site. the signal strength will give excellent coverage for long distances and through lots of different types of construction.
Page 1 of 2


Jump to


Protected Feature Before you can reply to a message...
You must first register for a Remote Central user account - it's fast and free! Or, if you already have an account, please login now.

Please read the following: Unsolicited commercial advertisements are absolutely not permitted on this forum. Other private buy & sell messages should be posted to our Marketplace. For information on how to advertise your service or product click here. Remote Central reserves the right to remove or modify any post that is deemed inappropriate.

Hosting Services by ipHouse