House alarm advice (costs/installers etc)?

The_Governor

We had an absolute nightmare with our Galaxy 8 on Christmas Eve. It got to about 2100 when it showed a low battery indicator, then started sounding the internal alarms uncontrollably.

I'd had this once before a good few months back, and I cycled the mains and battery - of couse when I do that the outside siren starts going (bear in mind this is late on Christmas Eve so waking children up in the neighbourhood is not the most poular move!).

Trouble is this time cycling the power made no odds, and I ended up battling with the system until midnight, when I almost literally ripped the keypads off the walls which silenced it.

Then last night after almost 24 hours of peace the external alarm sounded, I pulled all the power and it stopped (which it shouldn't as the external alarm has a battery backup).

Any road up, it's dead now and having had it spoil my birthday and ruin Christmas Eve by playing up, we want shot of it.

I was planning to get some quotes and wondered if there was any new guidance for me to consider?

My requirements will be:

1. I have total control over all aspects of the system - so I can deal with it in the event of problems (no "engineer only" modes, no privileged options etc)
2. Ideally I'd like to retain the visual deterrent of retaining CIA boxes on the outside of the house.
3. I tend to prefer the idea of wired rather than wireless (maybe this isn't an issue these days?)
4. 3 x PIR's downstairs (possibly 4 depending on cost)
5. 1 x PIR upstairs
6. Key control at the front door
7. Ability to part set for night time setting

Optionally - a dialler to call my mobile in the event of an alarm plus a "panic control" that can activate the alarm in an emergency. Possibly some contacts for the rear doors.

Does anyone know how much I'll be looking to pay for the kit and installation?

Finally - any tips on good suppliers in the Southampton area?

The_Governor

No alarm experts around?

lankstar

Worth registering for this post - exactly what I'm after too so any help would be greatly appreciated!

Here's what I have so far:

ADT seem incredibly expensive but are doing a deal for £299 for basic installation then a maintenance package of £29 plus £40 police call out (something extortionate like that) with an 18 month tie in.

This company:
http://www.eaglesecuritysolutions.co.uk/wireless_alarms.aspx
Do alarms that tick most of your boxes for £499 and a wireless version for £649 and I think £20 a month maintenance. Option to call your mobile is another £120.

I'd like all of the boxes checked as above but have no idea what I should be paying and am sure I'll end up getting stiffed!

Thanks

The_Governor

Well I've had a few quotes for just replacing my control box ranging from £250 for a Scantronic to £450 for a Galaxy.

So a full install for about £649 sounds okay.

I'd be interested to see where you say that ADT deal for £299 though?