Alarm recommendations

[techguy]

I'm looking at getting an alarm fitted, and my FEO would like one installed before he will increase the number of firearms I can hold. Those of you who have an alarm (mainly those of you who have fitted one because of having firearms/wanting to hold more of them). What have you got, and what are the ballpark costs?

[Dangermouse]

Firstly, I hope you are primarily doing this for yourself and thus don't mind if it keeps your FEO happy or not. If you are only doing it for him then I suggest you speak with your national shooting organisation first.

Having said that, I have spoken to many engineers about this and they have all said similar, pay for a propper nationaly recognised instalation team, British Gas for example, who can offer a quick call out and anual servicing (beware servicing costs - rip off).

Several one man bandswill do a good job, but as with any building works, if it does not turn out as expected you may have difficulty getting it sorted.

Good luck,

DM

[johngarnett]

I fitted a wireless SL1/SL2 'Response' system to a new build mancave/garage/gunroom. The alarm is solar powered, the 3 IR sensors are PP9 powered. It has remote fob as well as standard keypad. It is extendable ie add more sensors. It may not be hi tech but it does for my purpose and my FLO was happy. He did not recommend this make particularly so he wasn't trying to flog it!!

Hope this is a start for you!

JohnG :cornwall:

[25Pdr]

For a tenner, this one is easily installed...

Alarm....

Battery operated
Attach to your phone line
Can be set to silent
Will phone up to three numbers if tripped.

It's a monitored alarm alarm, simple, worth a try.

[ovenpaa]

We have a fully serviced and monitored system with Dualcom signalling. The system includes break glass and door shock detectors as well as PIR and two stage door switches, there is lots of technical stuff involved such as the PIR's have anti masking functions and the whole thing was installed to Grade 3 which means no wireless units, different bell box, bigger backup battery, key fob entry etc.

Now the interesting part, we called in three companies to quote, two suggested hybrid systems, the third chose to check the required specification with a quick 'phone call whilst with us and it was this company that explained what was required. He was slightly cheaper than the other two as well. He also took time out to discuss the installation options and worked with us to keep the system neat and tidy. he also came back and decommissioned the system ready for plastering free of charge and then did the connects again as part of the service agreement so all in all a company that goes the extra mile.

If you are going to spend the money on a proper install make sure it conforms to Grade 3 requirements and can be expanded at a later date when you decide to make the next step.

[Polchraine]

Are you competent with electronics and wiring? If so, why not do your own install using the appropriate standard of equipment. I can send you details of a hardware supplier that will provide equipment of a suitable standard for a Grade 3 system.

If it needs monitoring you can always get it inspected by a local company and then taken on by them.

[DL.]

I really want one of these :

http://www.flashfogsecurity.com/

But lets face it - normal is boring!

[Polchraine]

The INFERNO is a nasty piece. 125-127 dB(A) alarm is ferocious and because it is mixed frequency and also changes continually almost impossible to stay close to even with some form of ear defenders. They are not cheap at around £450 each.

[Mattnall]

We have a similar system to Ovenpaa, with dualcom and keyfob entry.

My only problem with this system was the insistence of the police to have a keyfob rather than keypad code entry system. If I loose or misplace the keys and someone picks them up they will have the fob with them to gain access and disable the alarm. Getting the users to have the keys on one ring and the fob on another not as easy as it sounds, and then there will 2 items to loose or misplace.

Without the code in a keypad system, lost keys are more a nuisance than an actual threat. A lost fob could allow anyone to kick the door down and then disable the alarm.

Our system allows both keypad and fob access to the system, we have tried removing the fobs and using the codes only, with no problems but the police still insist on fobs or no call-out.

[Polchraine]

We have a similar system to Ovenpaa, with dualcom and keyfob entry.

My only problem with this system was the insistence of the police to have a keyfob rather than keypad code entry system. If I loose or misplace the keys and someone picks them up they will have the fob with them to gain access and disable the alarm. Getting the users to have the keys on one ring and the fob on another not as easy as it sounds, and then there will 2 items to loose or misplace.

Without the code in a keypad system, lost keys are more a nuisance than an actual threat. A lost fob could allow anyone to kick the door down and then disable the alarm.

Our system allows both keypad and fob access to the system, we have tried removing the fobs and using the codes only, with no problems but the police still insist on fobs or no call-out.

What about FOB to set alarm and FOB + Code to disable/unset.

You are right about a Fob allowing anyone to access - yes there are more combination than a pure code but it is still fallible.