Deactivating Texecom Vertias 8 system

[simondyntDBeK]

I've been testing out the iSmartAlarm system and it works really rather well! The only thing it's missing is a bell box but that's coming very soon.

To the point now where I need to completely deactivate my old Texecom Vertias 8 in order to remove the PIRs and replace them with the wireless ones.

Is this a fairly easy process? I have the engineer code. I'm guessing I just go into 'engineer mode', disconnect the battery and remove the mains connection (after shutting off the mains of course!)

Cheers

Simon

 

[EightyTwo]

Don't forget to disconnect the backup battery in the bell, as well.

 

[cybergibbons]

I'd not heard of these alarms before. They look interesting, so I did a quick write-up of them:

http://cybergibbons.com/alarms-2/ismartalarm-quick-teardown/

Where did you get yours from?

 

[simondyntDBeK]

Thanks EightyTwo!

cybergibbons - they're not currently available in the UK but are due for release very soon. I'm beta testing the device for use here and in the EU (although they've been around in the US/Canada for a little while now).

Let's be clear here - I'm protecting my home and not Fort Knox. The current system I have, although extremely high quality, simply makes a loud noise!

The iSmartAlarm will also make a loud noise - but in addition it will notify family members by iPhone/Android app and SMS and also send a photo/video if using the optional iCamera.

It's very easy to use, very easy to install and relatively cheap compared to a full-on installed system.

I'm sure that a dedicated hacker could find a way to disable the system but then I don't think those skills are possessed by the average Staffordshire home burglar!

Yes, there are some improvements needed - eg I'm not really happy that it can be armed/disarmed by a simple fob (a keypad is in development) and some sort of backup battery is also required. But I'm certain that more features will be added to this system than Texecom have added to the Veritas range in the last ten years

 

[cybergibbons]

Yes, the lack of battery back-up is a big worry. But then you'll need your router on the same backup as well?

I wish there was more detail on their site. The hardware means it could do a lot.

Things like battery life monitoring, encryption, shutting down sensors when disarmed etc.

My biggest security concerns would be at the remote end however. "Cloud based" monitoring could mean that a DoS for the whole system is possible

 

[simondyntDBeK]

Yep good point about router battery backup too - maybe a separate battery backup is the answer? I do believe the iSmartAlarm will notify you if it loses connection.

I've been researching a more 'advanced' replacement for my home alarm system for a while now and this is by far the best I've come across.

 

[cybergibbons]

I'd imagine it would work like most proper signalling systems - a period "I'm OK" poll that will trigger an alert if not received.

The market is a bit strange at the moment. There are the professional alarms which have some important features (soak tests, double knock, powerful zones, part arming) but are really lacking in smart features and ease of use.

Then you have things like Piper, Canary and a few others that are so basic that they are almost useless for a house alarm.

The middle ground is almost empty - a genuinely good alarm with smart features.

I'd honestly not feel happy with a lot of the big names developing IP connected alarms as it's very specialist and the RF side of many of them is very poor, which would probably carry over.

 

[cybergibbons]

Do you have an idea about how much they are going to sell for?

How are they doing an external bell box?

 

[bernardgreen]

Do they comply with UK regulations as to RF frequency, ERP ( effective radiated power ) and channel occupancy as detailed in the Short Range Device Licence Exempt Regulations published by OfCom.

If you formally Beta test and approve them for sale in the UK when they do not comply with those regulations then you will be on a sticky wicket.

 

[simondyntDBeK]

The external bell box will be a satellite siren. Don't know about pricing but US pricing is on their website.

Everything is CE marked for the Euro market - can't comment on any other checks.