Tuesday, March 21, 2006

A Home Security System Provides Peace Of Mind

You walk through your front door and get the feeling something's amiss. The hair on the back of your neck stands up as you realize your belongings have been gone through. Your heart sinks, knowing your home has been violated, your privacy breached and your sense of peace shattered. For many homeowners and even renters, the best way to bring back a sense of being comfortable in their own home is to invest in a security system.

Rushing out and buying a security system right after a big incident, or even before one if fear is the motivation, can result in a purchase you might not be happy with. A home security system is a great way to make sure you home is protected year-round whether your in it or not, but buying a system that's too complicated or one you won't use certainly won't do you any good.

Before heading out and investing in the first system you see, there are some things to consider.

The first thing to do is take an inventory of your home. Look at windows and doors and decide how many and which ones need to be included in the system. Scout the house for the best locations for control panels and keypads. Many people put these right by the front door, but there are locations that are great for secondary ones, too. Imagine being caught in your bedroom late at night and hearing what sounds like a burglar ... wouldn't a panic switch come in handy?

Now's a good time to also decide if you want a system that's monitored around the clock and to think about what kind of monitoring will be done. There are some services that keep an eye on your home around the clock and there are basic services that simply dial for help when there's a problem. Things that can be watched include security, fire and even carbon monoxide.

If your family is active and has people afoot at all hours of the night, this will likely determine what kind of system you choose. Motion detectors will likely cause problems if you're up a lot or animals are around that can trip them when there really isn't a problem. However, there might still remain locations where motion sensors would be beneficial.

Once you have determined the basic layout a system should take, it's time to shop for the best home security system you can find. Shop around and see what different companies are offering and how close they come to meeting your needs. Some companies will sell you the security equipment and offer monitoring on a monthly fee basis. Others give the equipment out for free if a monitoring contract is signed.

Shop around and go with what system makes you comfortable. Remember, a security system that makes a lot of noise or even one that turns on lights at set times of the day or night can help further deter burglars. The best system, however, is the one that gives you peace of mind and enables you to contact help quickly in the case of an emergency.

#1 Resource

Home security systems

http://www.homesecuritydesigns.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ben_Franklin

Thursday, February 23, 2006

Optex RCTD-10U Wireless 1000 Driveway Annunciator: Complete Kit

Wireless 1000 Driveway Annunciator: Complete Kit
OPTEX now brings the benefits of its advanced wireless technology in the form of greater RF transmission range and design versatility, to make your life more comfortable and convenient. The Wireless 1000 Annunciator System can be installed anywhere easily and quickly with no wiring. Whether it is for home or business, indoor or outdoor, Wireless 1000 is the ideal choice for perimeter awareness and wireless remote control.

Features:

Wireless 1000 For Safety And Convenience
No more surprises!
Wireless 1000 monitors your property 24 hours a day to detect approaching vehicles and people, giving you time to prepare.

No more missed visitors or deliveries!
Wireless 1000 serves as a welcome chime or perimeter alert for your home or shop.

No more hard to reach switches!
Wireless 1000 works as a convenient wireless switch for activating a variety of electric equipment (e.g. doorstrikes / magnetic locks, lights, sirens, motors).

Tuesday, February 21, 2006

5890 Wireless PIR motion detector

5890 Wireless PIR motion detector


  • 40' x 56' coverage
  • Wireless operation for fast installation
  • For use with Q.E.D. control panels only
  • Tampered cover - unit transmits if cover removed
  • Up to 5 year battery life

Monday, February 20, 2006

Apex Destiny Door & Window Transmitters

Apex Destiny Door & Window Transmitters
5820 Wireless Slim Line Transmitter



The 5820 provides a reliable, convenient and cost-effective solution for specific applications like casement windows, double hung windows and many more. A magnet is included, simplifying ordering and stock.

Features

* Sleek, sophisticated design
* Long battery life
* Transmits supervisory, low battery and tamper messages to the control panel
* Saves installation time and reduces labor costs
* Improved performance and aesthetics
* Provides reliable protection
* Reduces maintenance costs
* Provides flexibility and versatility in any installation

Sunday, February 19, 2006

5816MN Door - Window Transmitter

5816MN Door  - Window Transmitter


Two zone transmitter with both built-in magnetic reed switches (90° apart) and wired closed circuit contact loop.

Features

  • Features a small design for a hidden professional look
  • Dimensions: 3-1/16" H x 1-9/16" W x 1-5/32" D

Saturday, February 18, 2006

Home Automation - TS16 Temperature Sensor from Apex

TS16 Temperature Sensor from Apex
The TS-16 is a temperature sensing device which communicates to the panel via standard four-wire bus.

Features:

  • Up to 16 sensors per system
  • Sensing range of 32º-158º F
  • Dimensions: 4"H x 2"W x .75"D
  • Current draw: 100mA
  • Programmable set points for high/low temperature alert

Apex Destiny Door & Window Transmitters

Apex Destiny Door & Window Transmitters

Although the 5814’s compact design slightly decreases it’s effective range to maintain a long battery life, it is the perfect solution for difficult to reach places and applications where aesthetics and small size is important (ornate doors/windows, casements, etc.)

Features

  • Extremely compact
  • Features a built-in reed switch and tamper
  • Includes replaceable lithium coin cell battery
  • Dimensions: 1-1/2" H x 1-1/5" W x 3/5" D

Friday, February 17, 2006

Apex Destiny Control System

RS232 Communication / Serial Printer Interface from Apex
Apex Destiny Control System

This interface adapter card provides full two-way communication via RS-232 to third party home control/lighting systems or to a serial printer to record system activity, all in real time.

Features:

  • DTE or DCE format 9-pin serial port for use as a printer port or interface to other RS-232 compatible products.
  • Selectable data format.
  • Full English text for printers or 2-way packet format for RS-232.
  • Open architecture protocol available.

Thursday, February 16, 2006

Home Automation - HWB416 16- zone Expander Board from Apex

The HWB416 is a 16-zone remote hardwired expansion board which communicates to the panel via standard four-wire bus. All zones can be fully supervised and have four stages of lightning protection.
HWB416 16

Features:

* Optional 4.7k EOL resistor
* Current draw: 150mA

Saturday, February 11, 2006

Home Automation - 6160AP Ademco Vista Enhanced Keypad

The oversized function keys of the 6160 keypad are easily accessed even when the keypad door is closed. They can be programmed for fire, burglary, personal emergencies, and other operations. Colored self-adhesive labels are included.


Enhanced Keypad Features:

* Large, easy-to-use keypad
* Keys continuously backlit for visibility
* Speaker with audible beeps to indicate:
- System status
- Entry/exit delay
- Other alarm situations
* Zones and system events displayed in plain English
* No confusing blinking lights
* Four programmable function keys
* System functions clearly labeled
* Functions performed by just entering security code plus command