My home is already prewired from a previous ADT system. I was looking to add a new home security system but wasnt sure if I should add a new Honeywell panel / Honeywell accessories or if I should invest in a new Ring or Nest alarm system.
New alarm system for home ( Honeywell or Ring/Nest)
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tangent
IPCT Contributor
- May 12, 2016
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Hardwired is always more desirable than wireless. Wired sensors can't be easily jammed. Wired sensors that are hidden in your door jam are also nicer.
You have lots of options and aren't limited to honeywell.
Please post some pictures of your current system (control panel, keypad, a sensor or two) and a zone list.
That will make it easier to offer specific recommendations.
You have lots of options and aren't limited to honeywell.
Please post some pictures of your current system (control panel, keypad, a sensor or two) and a zone list.
That will make it easier to offer specific recommendations.
I had removed my old ADT control panel, and its now covered with a plate. The home is approx. 3000 square feet with 30 windows. I don't have a zone list but according to an installer that quoted me, he said that I had at least 8 zones when it was hooked up. I attached a photo of one of the window sensors that is still in place.
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fenderman
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tangent
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Upgrading / getting your system working again will be significantly harder since the old system was removed.
Take some pictures of where the control panel (typically a metal enclosure) was. The more pictures you can post of system components/wiring the better. Are there any motion, glass break, or smoke detectors that were part of the system? What happened to the keypad(s) / keypad wiring?
It would be nice to see what sort of condition the wiring is in.
What country are you in? I've got a hunch it might not be the USA.
I'm in Florida, USA. I had removed the old control panel, but left all the wires in tact in the wall. The smoke detectors, motion sensors, and hard wiring are all in place. Here is a picture of the old keypad. An installer mentioned a touchscreen Honeywell keypad with Zwave, but I read some bad reviews about the Honeywell Tuxedo panel.
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Sounds like all your sensors and wires are still in place. Pretty hard to beat a Honeywell Vista panel. On Ebay everything you need for $140. This listing includes the keypad you need for programming.
Honeywell Vista 20P v10.23, 6160 Keypad (1)Wave2 Siren,(3) 944SP-WH, Jack & Cord 690002113046 | eBay
No connection with the listing, but put in a bunch of Vista panels. My first choice.
Honeywell Vista 20P v10.23, 6160 Keypad (1)Wave2 Siren,(3) 944SP-WH, Jack & Cord 690002113046 | eBay
No connection with the listing, but put in a bunch of Vista panels. My first choice.
As an eBay Associate IPCamTalk earns from qualifying purchases.
Any recommendations for a nice fancy looking touch screen alarm keypad that actually works and is reliable?
tangent
IPCT Contributor
- May 12, 2016
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Generally, alarm touchscreens are a little gimmicky and are almost never utilized to their full potential (home automation, cameras, etc). They're also generally on the bulky side and are most often found in all-in-one systems which aren't as well suited to an existing hard wired system.
Keeping your home automation separate from your alarm system is typically the more versatile option.
If you pull up on the little tab on the brinks keypad there should be a zone list.
A Honeywell Vista 20-P or a DSC panel are both safe choices, but there are other options including higher end options like ELK.
Do you currently have more than one keypad?
Why bother tearing out the old control panel?
Here's an old thread that you should read: Old DSC Security System - DIY upgrade?
If ultimately comes down to what you want the system to do and what your willing to spend.
Albert Einstien
Young grasshopper
Just curious,
why did you decide on Honeywell or Ring/Nest?
Good point made by tangent, Keeping your home automation separate from your alarm system is typically the more versatile option.
More specifically, a Surveillance system separate from an Alarm system.
Unfortunately, there are a number of companies that falsely claim to do both.
Ring is a horrible choice. They claim to do both Surveillance and Home security and consequently they don't do either one very well.
why did you decide on Honeywell or Ring/Nest?
Good point made by tangent, Keeping your home automation separate from your alarm system is typically the more versatile option.
More specifically, a Surveillance system separate from an Alarm system.
Unfortunately, there are a number of companies that falsely claim to do both.
Ring is a horrible choice. They claim to do both Surveillance and Home security and consequently they don't do either one very well.
Tangent hit it all on the head. Nothing wrong with DSC or Elk, I just happen to be most familiar with Honeywell. I have never put in a touchscreen, most of my work is industrial. Crazy environmental conditions and the Vista just keep working.