Response Globalguard Review

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Having had nothing but problems with my old British Gas alarm system for the past few years, I decided to fit a new wireless system and after looking at the 'off the shelf market' I bought a Response Globalguard system, which I got discounted for £200.

The system comprises a control panel, IP gateway, 1 PIR & 1 door switch & solar siren. Ive now also added a few extra door/window switches that i picked up from fleabay.

The physical installation is pretty straight forward. The system is designed to be configured on a PC or logging-in on line to the Honeywell portal. This is where I encountered my first problems - the supplied multilingual software isnt compatible with some of the system components, and after ages on the phone to the technical department, I was provided with an older copy of the software which worked straight away. Pretty poor, shipping a CD with known compatibility problems.

I also installed the Globalguard on my Android phone, which worked straight away. I'm told however that the iPhone App, doesnt work and is undergoing an upgrade.

Next issue was the browser log-in. Whist you can log in ok, its flooded with error messages. However after more phone calls, the only browser that works with this system is IE9, with activex enabled.

Finally managed to get the system up & running and it now seems stable. So I went ahead & purchased a camera, which is supposed to record when the system or area alarms. The only problem is, it doesnt! The camera works fine, records & can be viewed online (IE9 only again) or via the Android App. Ive again contacted technical support and even they dont know how to link the camera to an alarm event or area, so I'm waiting on advice on what to try next.

I should also say that the Android App doesnt work on my Nexus 7 tablet, and again the technical dept dont know why....

I've posted this as an objective summary of what I've found, as there doesnt seem to be anything else on the internet regarding this system.

Overall the alarm works fine, and can be switched on/off remotely - which is what I want. I just need to get the camera alarm link sorted and find out why the App doesnt work on my tablet.

This system isnt for the rank amatuer installer. It requires quite a bit of computer savvy & understanding of DNS & Gateway protocols.

Time will tell if it remains stable, but I cant help think Response/Friedland/Honewell, or whatever their called today, have rushed this system out without fully testing it & making sure the customer has all the necessary information to install it properly. Its also quite apparent that the equipment is imported probably from China, therefore theres no in-depth knowledge available on technical details.

I'll update this if and when I get the camera working properly.

Hope it helps someone else.
 
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Thanks for the review. I've been searching for weeks to try and find an IP based alarm system as I work in IT and want a tech savvy alarm. I've looked at Visonic and Risco and came across this is B&Q the other day. It would come in over half the price of the other 2 systems which don't quite suit my needs anyway. The main issues with the others are down to me getting hold of the programming software which installer are not too happy to hand over in case I start to break things and they end up looking bad.

Could you let me know if to use the IP gateway I have to use the wireless box ? Can't I just plug a Ethernet cable into the control board and the other into my router ?

Also I'm a bit sceptical of the quality of this product due to it being off the shelve - does it appear good reliable kit ? The last thing I want is alarms going off all day long...rubbish battery life....poor wireless signal....

I love the idea of all the home automation and the massive price saving but something inside me says go with the professional kit.

Have you used friedland stuff before ? Do you know if it is new to market and possibly friedland are working new firmware / fixes to enhance it ?

Thanks for the comprehensive info.
 
Fireblade,
I purchased the GlobalGuard alarm with the IP gateway and camera. The alarm works but the IP gateway, software and android app are very, very poor. If I do manage to get it all to work, it will shortly become inactive, and incapable of being remotely accessed to configure the alarm.
Unfortunately, the customer service dept. only help via phone and work 9am - 5pm during the week, so I will never have chance of obtaining any advice from them. Shame there were no reviews for this system when I was purchasing otherwise I might have saved some cash.
 
Short update after a few weeks of using this system and answer questions.

The Gateway plugs directly into the router, & so far its been 100%. You cant plug the control box into a router.

I've subsequently found out the App doesn't work with the latest Android update-Kitkat or whatever its called. I'm told am update will issued soon.

The software isn't great and I had to add additional switches via the control panel. You also have to link zones via the control panel as the software just doesn't do it properly. Friedland/Honeywell are just the supplier. Its another outfit that makes the kit - probably China or similar. The Friedland team are actually very helpful once you get through.

Having said all that, its actually very stable, no false alarms & can be switched off & on by my phone. I've also added a camera which is really very good. You can also log-in from any PC. BUT (and I've only found this out) its only compatible with IE9 with ActivX enabled. A small fact the bumph doesn't mention!

Would I recommend it? Yes but its not for the faint hearted! But once installed its very stable. Its a lot cheaper than professional alternatives.

If there's any more questions happy to try & answer.
 
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Hi, I am interested in purchasing this product, What functions are available on the app? Turn burglar alarm on and off remotely? Email notification? Any additionals?
 
If it worked those are the functions you would have. Look at the poor feedback left by the android app reviews.
I would not recommend buying this.
 
Fitted one of these a few months back.....simply not upto the job and certainly not cheap.

My advice which no pro would disagree with is go Visonic powermax complete kit and add the powerlink 2 unit - quality with functionality all day long.....

Just becareful where you buy from as there are many non UK visonics on the market currently which are not supported by visonic uk.

Rgds
Matt
 
Fitted one of these a few months back.....simply not upto the job and certainly not cheap.

My advice which no pro would disagree with is go Visonic powermax complete kit and add the powerlink 2 unit - quality with functionality all day long.....

Just becareful where you buy from as there are many non UK visonics on the market currently which are not supported by visonic uk.

Rgds
Matt

Matt what you didn't like about Globalguard?
I'm pretty much 50/50 between this one and Visonic Powermaster. You've recommended Powermax. Which one is better between Powermaster and Powermax? Would I be able to install one of these myself? In the past I've setup Yell and Response wireless alarm and I'm a techie if my background helps in anyway answering this question. Thank you.
 
Hi, I think the guys at response woiuld be mortally offended at even trying to compare their grade 2 system to a response diy jobby.......

Visonic meets the qualification of grade2 basically meaning it meets the legal requirements higher end alarm systems...The response has nothing....

Yes the powermax is more complex to fit but if your a bit techie, you will be fine.
I would go powermax complete kit and add a powerlink 2 unit..
Rgds
Matt
 
What are the main differences between Powermax and Powermaster range?
My requirements apart from standard stuff are as follows:
At least 2 zones + garage (not attached to the house) monitoring.
Voice alert and smartphone arm/disarm functionality.
IP cam monitoring from smartphone and PC/laptop.

Which one would you choose?
Where can I buy these and is there any good guide which I can follow when installing?
 
Hi, I would go for the powermax as the powermaster really is very specialised and a lot more money.....The powermax complete kit is a good starting point...it has three zone arming and you can add the Powerlink 2 module for internet connectivity.

You can add cameras BUT they are not that good and extremely high cost for what they are.....I would fit a separate samsung cctv system such as the SRD-470 if you need four channels....The Samsung Ipolis app is superb!!

Basically with the above you will not better better quality product...
Hope this helps
Matt
 
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E999 I can't thank you enough! Its guys like you who keep these forums alive and meaningful to people like me! THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
I think I'll order the Powermaster kit today. Would I need to play with the electrics? I mean is the control panel a standard plug in one?

With regards to camera, I'm looking for an IP camera which I can use to monitor the house. Even just camera connected to a PC which I can remotely monitor would do the job. I'm mainly looking for an indoor one. Any suggestions?
 
Is perfect but the main reason for using AVTECH is the remote viewing software......by far the best on market.......

BTW Alarm to use is the powermax....the powermaster is seriously complex and you will get no support from anywhere as its pro install only...
 
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Is perfect but the main reason for using AVTECH is the remote viewing software......by far the best on market.......

BTW Alarm to use is the powermax....the powermaster is seriously complex and you will get no support from anywhere as its pro install only...

Thanks once again.

Sorry I realised my mistake once I had finished typing. I meant "Powermax". I'll be ordering it later today. What are the main differences between Powermax Complete and Express? I've tried going through the comparison chat on visonic website but they both look the same to me.
http://www.visonic.com/Data/Uploads/PowerMax_and_PowerMaster_table_UK.pdf
 
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The pmax complete comes with a siren in the kit.....the pmax express is an older panel that has a gsm built in..


Start withe pmax complete and then add extras such as gsm or powerlink2 modules...
And make sure you buy from a uk stockist as there is a huge import issue from outside uk and the panels are not backwards compatible...ask before you buy...
 

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