Alarm System Recommendation

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I'm looking into replacing my existing alarm system myself, I have some rather unique requirements and I'm hoping some of you can recommend a good manufacturer.

I work as a software developer and I'm fairly interested in installing an alarm system that has Ethernet support to allow me to control and monitor the status of the alarm system via various means, and possibly release software free to the public. I'm hoping to find a manufacturer that has some documentation on this functionality.

As far as my sensor requirements go we currently have 6 PIRs and 3 surface contacts and I don't really see any need for additional sensors. RKP is required and proximity tags would be nice but not essential.

I've been looking at the Texecom Premier 24 control panel and I've noticed that this has an optional COMIP module for Ethernet support, has anyone had any experience with this module? Or can anyone provide me with alternative manufacturers?

 

[3guk]

I can vouch for the Premier 24, love the proximity tags, never used the COMIP module, currently have the Com2400 module set up to text me each time there is an alarm event. I must admit I'm probably quite similar to you when looking at products and looking at ways to integrate them.

I know you can program the premier 24 remotely, and from what I remember can also connect to it via RS232, not sure if you get any monitoring though.

HTH

 

[RF Lighting]

There is a way to connect to the panel remotely if you have the on board modem fitted.

If not, you can connect to a local PC for programming / monitoring with a serial interface connector.

Not seen the comIP module. I'll have to look into that.

I've fitted quite a few premiers, and they are a really good versatile panel, and easiy enough to setup and use, especially if you programme it through a computer.

They also have the super sexy range of flush mounted RKPs

 

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Thanks for the replies guys, in the end I went for a Premier48 system as it turns out the Premier24 panel is not compatible with the COMIP module, which I only found out about after reading the technical documents.

I also fitted a sexy flush mounted Premier Elite RKP which looks brilliant. Although I have a few other questions...

I'm intrigued about the uses of the panels outputs? Could anyone enlighten me with how they are normally used?

Also is there much benefit to using higher grade magnetic contacts for the doors? At the moment I'm only using Grade 1 contacts but I feel I should get some better contacts that have better tamper detection and can't be bypassed using a high powered magnet. Or is this overkill?

 

[Atilla]

Also is there much benefit to using higher grade magnetic contacts for the doors? At the moment I'm only using Grade 1 contacts but I feel I should get some better contacts that have better tamper detection and can't be bypassed using a high powered magnet. Or is this overkill?

you`ll struggle to get graded contacts working on anything other than a simple wooden door - don`t worry about it.

but

we are seeing more cases where the front door is kicked in though - some sort of external prox reader so the said door is on instant alarm maybe?

 

[Steve]

I'm intrigued about the uses of the panels outputs? Could anyone enlighten me with how they are normally used?

Useful in a commercial application is to bring up the store lights on alarm un-set, and switch them off on setting (done via contactors). Good for making sure they save energy, and a lot more companies are taking advantage of this feature too. An output can also turn on shop lights when the alarm is raised where CCTV is fitted, to ensure good pictures of the intruders faces are captured.

You could use an output to turn on outside security lights when the alarm is raised, or switch on selected internal lights.