X10 House Alarm Recommendation

[mdavenport]

We are just doing our house up and want to install a new alarm system that is X10 compatible that I can extend to include other features like light controls, cameras etc.

I am looking for the following from the alarm:-

1. Exterior alarm sounder
2. Control panel to be in the hall so it can be de-activated when entering the front door
3. Wireless sensors (about 5 required with the support for more)

These are the basics I would require, however I would be interested in something that can be added to like the following:-

1. Ability to SMS you when the alarm goes off
2. Ability to set/unset the alarm over the internet (I have a wireless router at home)

I'm not too bothered about having this monitored by a third party company.

My budget is around £500.

I'm not too sure how all the X10 bolts together etc so any information on how this would all be added would be a help.

All suggestions/recommendation are very much appreciated.

Thanks

[jaffab]

Well, as a starter for 10, Can I suggest you look at the Sc9000 starter kit....

http://www.uk-automation.co.uk/marmi...em-p-1158.html

Its a fairly basic alarm, but is X10, the starter kit has two sensors (one door, one movement, but you can add upto 30 other sensors) and one key fob controller (again, you can add more).

The unit will do most of what you are looking for, except it does not send SMS, but will dial 3 numbers and play you a recorded message is the alarm is triggered.

You will need to purchase more sensors and the external alarm box, but all should come in within your budget.

There are other options, but I cant see you getting anything better for less than £1000.

[mdavenport]

Well, as a starter for 10, Can I suggest you look at the Sc9000 starter kit....

http://www.uk-automation.co.uk/marmi...em-p-1158.html

Its a fairly basic alarm, but is X10, the starter kit has two sensors (one door, one movement, but you can add upto 30 other sensors) and one key fob controller (again, you can add more).

The unit will do most of what you are looking for, except it does not send SMS, but will dial 3 numbers and play you a recorded message is the alarm is triggered.

You will need to purchase more sensors and the external alarm box, but all should come in within your budget.

There are other options, but I cant see you getting anything better for less than £1000.

Thanks for the info this looks good. Can you point me in the direction of the external alarm box and are these easily configured to work with the device you selected?

Thanks again

[toscal]

Why not go for an infinite Prime alarm with the x10 interface and gsm card this is identical to Marmitek Pro Guard system but cheaper.
these are places you can buy the Infinite prime
http://www.alertelectrical.com/Burgl...ts/default.asp
http://www.tritonfiresystems.co.uk/b...FVtn4wodE17srA

This is the uk company site http://www.espuk.com/

Also the prime can use a special wireless alarm box for outside so it only needs a mains connection. The sc9000 cannot use an external sounder. There are x10 activated sounders that would need say a dummy bell box to put it in.
I don't recommend the SC9000 as a security system. When we have installed these in the past we normally tell the client that its a programmable home automation controller with basic security functions. The other problem with the sc9000 is that when you need to change the batteries in the sensor, unless you can change them very very quickly you have to delete the sensor from the panel then once the fresh batteries are installed you the re-assign it to the same zone. With most other wirless alarm systems you don't need to do this.
Battery type is very important. I always recommend Energiser lithium batteries or simialar, if the sensors use either AA or AAA batteries.

[mdavenport]

Why not go for an infinite Prime alarm with the x10 interface and gsm card this is identical to Marmitek Pro Guard system but cheaper.
these are places you can buy the Infinite prime
http://www.alertelectrical.com/Burgl...ts/default.asp
http://www.tritonfiresystems.co.uk/b...FVtn4wodE17srA

This is the uk company site http://www.espuk.com/

Also the prime can use a special wireless alarm box for outside so it only needs a mains connection. The sc9000 cannot use an external sounder. There are x10 activated sounders that would need say a dummy bell box to put it in.
I don't recommend the SC9000 as a security system. When we have installed these in the past we normally tell the client that its a programmable home automation controller with basic security functions. The other problem with the sc9000 is that when you need to change the batteries in the sensor, unless you can change them very very quickly you have to delete the sensor from the panel then once the fresh batteries are installed you the re-assign it to the same zone. With most other wirless alarm systems you don't need to do this.
Battery type is very important. I always recommend Energiser lithium batteries or simialar, if the sensors use either AA or AAA batteries.

Does the infinate prime come with the X10 interface? What does the X10 interface provide me that others dont?

On the sites you gave me it doesn't mention x10. Is it a proper X10 compatible alarm?

For example, can the lights in the house be set to switch on when the alarm sounds?

[jaffab]

But the Sc9000 can use an external alarm box. The one I was going to direct you to was the one I use....

http://www.uk-automation.co.uk/x10-e...it-p-1096.html

[mdavenport]

if I went for the SC9000 what else would I need to be able to extend my X10 range, for example:-

1. Arm/Disarm the alarm over the internet
2. Switch lights on over the internet

How do you program the SC9000 up? Do you do this from PC or from the alarm unit itself?

Is it simple to install and configure or do you need a professional?

Thanks

[toscal]

There is no arm or disarm or x10 control available via the internet for the SC9000.

Alert electrical do mention x10 and they do mention the x10 interface just scroll down and look for the home automation module. I believe an INternet interface is coming for existing Prime users. There is an internet version of the prime already here http://www.electronics-line.com/apage/4985.php
and there is a PC interface so all programming can be done via the PC.
http://www.electronics-line.com/acon...992/124994.php

Jaffab if you read my post I did say that there are x10 activated sounders which is exactly what you have.

Here is the USA data sheet for the Prime as this briefly mentions about the web interface http://www.el-usa.com/Product/itemcu...uct%20Info.pdf

[mdavenport]

If you can't arm/disarm over the internet is the any way to do this remotely? Can this be done from a phone via SMS or touch tone?

Also, can the door alarms be used as motion sensors?

[toscal]

The SC9000 can be armed and disarmed via the telephone. The door sensors can not be used as motion sensors.