DIY - Home Alarm

Ximian

I'm interested in an alarm system for my house and I had a quick look around on a few forums and from what I have discovered so far is that Risco and Texecom systems are recommended manufacturers. I found the following online seller for a Texecom Wireless system: http://www.alertelectrical.com/cat/8/texecom-ricochet-wireless-technology
I was thinking of going the DIY route and buying the wireless system and installing it myself. Is this something I can do myself?
Is it complicated to program the system (entry/exit routes)?
Is it easy to set up the dialer/sms feature?
Will full installation/programming instructions be provided with the unit?
Is the Texecom Ricochet a decent system and are there any other models or manufacturers I should consider?

TIA

WobblyDog

I recently installed a replacement Texecom unit into an existing wired alarm system. It seemed to be a well-made item with good documentation. I can't comment on wireless systems.

If ease of programming and use is important, it might be worth spending a bit extra to get a model with an LCD text display, rather than one that tries to display information via a small number of LED lamps.

Bogtrotter

One thing to be aware of if installing DIY alarm is that, if you tell your insurance company that you have an alarm, it opens up the possibility that they may not pay a claim because they may argue alarm was not installed properly, or does not comply with some specific standard.

Ximian

Bogtrotter wrote: »

One thing to be aware of if installing DIY alarm is that, if you tell your insurance company that you have an alarm, it opens up the possibility that they may not pay a claim because they may argue alarm was not installed properly, or does not comply with some specific standard.

Good point, thanks Bogtrotter.

stephen25uk

Ximian wrote: »

Good point, thanks Bogtrotter.

i think if you put an alarm on your house,people will think you have something worth stealing and you are then more likely to be broken into.....especially with a d.i.y alarm...there are crap

muckybutt

stephen25uk wrote: »

.....especially with a d.i.y alarm...there are crap

I half disagree with that !

There are many diy systems....a lot of them are utter tosh.....Yale .....Micromark etc to name but two, one cracking diy system is the Infinite Prime wireless system, there are add ons such as an auto dialler etc. I have had them myself in the past and fitted and recommended them, never had any bother with them either.

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/ESKITPWESslashPET.html?source=adwords&kw=infinite+alarm&gclid=CL-gjaW9kKoCFYpA4QodYiGAxA

Ximian

stephen25uk wrote: »

i think if you put an alarm on your house,people will think you have something worth stealing and you are then more likely to be broken into.....especially with a d.i.y alarm...there are crap

Everybody has something worth stealing to some extent. I have a laptop, TV, computers, not worth much but to some druggie looking to make a quick buck I'd rather have an alarm installed.

rob7475

muckybutt wrote: »

I half disagree with that !

There are many diy systems....a lot of them are utter tosh.....Yale .....Micromark etc to name but two, one cracking diy system is the Infinite Prime wireless system, there are add ons such as an auto dialler etc. I have had them myself in the past and fitted and recommended them, never had any bother with them either.

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/ESKITPWESslashPET.html?source=adwords&kw=infinite+alarm&gclid=CL-gjaW9kKoCFYpA4QodYiGAxA

Another vote for the infinite prime - cracking bit of kit and not too difficult to configure.

I've installed two of these in different houses and never had a false alarm