Newbie Question: basic system with wireless keypad

[Cloy]

Hope someone can help me.

I'm putting an office in my garage. No windows, two steel doors. I'd
like to install a simple, inexpensive security system on the doors to
protect my computer.

I've found an inexpensive wireless system at Radio Shack:

http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog_name=CTLG&product_id=49-1000

However, I'd like to have a wireless numeric keypad so I don't have to
carry around the special fob to disarm the system.

Is anyone aware of a wireless keypad that would be compatible with
Radio Shack's Plug 'n Power system?

Any suggestions would be appreciated

Thanks! -Cloy

 

[Mark Leuck]

Hope someone can help me.

I'm putting an office in my garage. No windows, two steel doors. I'd
like to install a simple, inexpensive security system on the doors to
protect my computer.

I've found an inexpensive wireless system at Radio Shack:

http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog_name=CTLG&product_id=49-1000

However, I'd like to have a wireless numeric keypad so I don't have to
carry around the special fob to disarm the system.

Is anyone aware of a wireless keypad that would be compatible with
Radio Shack's Plug 'n Power system?

Any suggestions would be appreciated

Thanks! -Cloy

Yea a Vista-15P has a nice working keypad, come to think of it the thing
also has a nice working panel to replace that piece of crap you purchased

 

[alarman]

http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog_name=CTLG&product_id=49-10
00

Yea a Vista-15P has a nice working keypad, come to think of it the
thing also has a nice working panel to replace that piece of crap you
purchased

No need to sugar coat it, Mark. Say what you feel.
js

 

[Mark Leuck]

No need to sugar coat it, Mark. Say what you feel.
js

I was sugar coating it, I almost recommended a Moose panel

 

[Cloy]

Thanks for the response, Mark.

As it turns out, I haven't purchased anything yet; but the RS kit seem
to have the features I need to cover my one-room office -- two door
controllers, a motion sensor and a dialer.

It was also in the right ballpark for price -- I have one up-to-date
computer and a bunch of sociology books that I don't think anyone would
steal... so I don't know if I can justify spending a whole lot for the
system. [In my area, garage break-ins are far more common than home
invasions, so I'd like a little extra protection in that area.]

If there is a different brand you'd suggest, I'd appreciate hearing
about it.

-Cloy

 

[Bob La Londe]

If there is a different brand you'd suggest, I'd appreciate hearing
about it.

Other than the Vista 15P He alreayd suggested? LOL

Personally I don't care for Ademco panels (Vista), but that is one of the
few solid option with a quality wireless keypad. Paradox also makes one.
As to price... you get what you pay for. I don't waste my time trying to
retrofit good stuff into junk systems. People who buy the junk systems
aren't willing too pay for my time to do that. If they were they would have
bought a good system to begin with.

Bob La Londe
www.YumaBassMan.com

 

[alarman]

I was sugar coating it, I almost recommended a Moose panel

 

[Cloy]

Thanks for the message, Bob.

Is there a FAQ for this group? I've located a couple versions, but they
seem a bit out-of date.

In short, I just want a simple, reliable and inexpensive wireless
system that will notify me (by phone) if someone gets into my office
inside the garage. (I would prefer NOT to pay a monthly monitoring
fee.)

When I look at the Ademco site and others that sell the Vista, I'm
totally confused about what components go together and which parts I'll
need to get wirless set up(and I'm a fairly intelligent guy with regard
to computer networking and wireless). Is there an online configuration
tool or service that would put together the parts I need?

Thanks! -Cloy

 

[Mark Leuck]

Thanks for the message, Bob.

Is there a FAQ for this group? I've located a couple versions, but they
seem a bit out-of date.

In short, I just want a simple, reliable and inexpensive wireless
system that will notify me (by phone) if someone gets into my office
inside the garage. (I would prefer NOT to pay a monthly monitoring
fee.)

When I look at the Ademco site and others that sell the Vista, I'm
totally confused about what components go together and which parts I'll
need to get wirless set up(and I'm a fairly intelligent guy with regard
to computer networking and wireless). Is there an online configuration
tool or service that would put together the parts I need?

Thanks! -Cloy

I would suggest any other brand than Rat Shack

 

[holger]

Think about it. How much did you spend for the computer and making the
garage your office? But you won't spend 1/2 of 1% of the cost to protect
your investment.

A poor security system is worse than none.It can give you a false sense of
security. Do it right, or don't do it at all. The only person you will fool
is yourself.

<H>

 

[Cloy]

Is there an online configuration tool or service that would put
together the parts I need?

-c

 

[Crash Gordon®]

....and the Radio Shaft stuff ends up being more expensive in the end.

Think about it. How much did you spend for the computer and making the
garage your office? But you won't spend 1/2 of 1% of the cost to protect
your investment.

A poor security system is worse than none.It can give you a false sense of
security. Do it right, or don't do it at all. The only person you will fool
is yourself.

<H>

Thanks for the response, Mark.

As it turns out, I haven't purchased anything yet; but the RS kit seem
to have the features I need to cover my one-room office -- two door
controllers, a motion sensor and a dialer.

It was also in the right ballpark for price -- I have one up-to-date
computer and a bunch of sociology books that I don't think anyone would
steal... so I don't know if I can justify spending a whole lot for the
system. [In my area, garage break-ins are far more common than home
invasions, so I'd like a little extra protection in that area.]

If there is a different brand you'd suggest, I'd appreciate hearing
about it.

-Cloy

 

[Frank Olson]

Is there an online configuration tool or service that would put
together the parts I need?

There are many "online" security dealers that post here. Then there are
dealers and installers that post here that don't sell online. Which group
would you be comfortable dealing with?? Every professional I've met on this
group has their own preferences when it comes to the security equipment they
sell or recommend using. For my money, I wouldn't purchase product through
Radio Shack. You can probably do far better going with professional grade
equipment. Visonic makes a nifty little wireless alarm system that's loaded
with features.

http://www.visonic.com/visonic/Viso...tailsActiveByName/PowerMax plus ?OpenDocument

Then there's GE.

http://www.geindustrial.com/cwc/pro...amid=55&catid=1131&id=Dtim20ZoneCP&lang=en_US

There are others out there as well. In Canada, the more popular alarm
products are manufacturered by DSC, Paradox, GE, Ademco, Napco, ELK and ITI.
They all have their own websites so you can explore their offerings on your
own. As for programming and set-up, some are relatively easy (DSC is
probably the simplest to learn) and some require training (or knowledge of
"alarm-ish" which you actually learn in the trade) and the ability to read a
technical document.

Good luck!!

 

[Mark Leuck]

They used to have semi-decent stuff made by Ademco, not anymore

....and the Radio Shaft stuff ends up being more expensive in the end.

Think about it. How much did you spend for the computer and making the
garage your office? But you won't spend 1/2 of 1% of the cost to protect
your investment.

A poor security system is worse than none.It can give you a false sense of
security. Do it right, or don't do it at all. The only person you will fool
is yourself.

<H>

Thanks for the response, Mark.

As it turns out, I haven't purchased anything yet; but the RS kit seem
to have the features I need to cover my one-room office -- two door
controllers, a motion sensor and a dialer.

It was also in the right ballpark for price -- I have one up-to-date
computer and a bunch of sociology books that I don't think anyone would
steal... so I don't know if I can justify spending a whole lot for the
system. [In my area, garage break-ins are far more common than home
invasions, so I'd like a little extra protection in that area.]

If there is a different brand you'd suggest, I'd appreciate hearing
about it.

-Cloy

 

[Crash Gordon®]

That was only during their relationship with ADT I believe. Their common stuff was made by...I forget. I used to manage a Radio Shaft a looonnnng time ago.
Nicad backup batteries...huge switches, fuses with cute red ribbons on them, cheesy keypads...junk...expensive junk.

They used to have semi-decent stuff made by Ademco, not anymore

...and the Radio Shaft stuff ends up being more expensive in the end.

Think about it. How much did you spend for the computer and making the
garage your office? But you won't spend 1/2 of 1% of the cost to protect
your investment.

A poor security system is worse than none.It can give you a false sense of
security. Do it right, or don't do it at all. The only person you will fool
is yourself.

<H>

Thanks for the response, Mark.

As it turns out, I haven't purchased anything yet; but the RS kit seem
to have the features I need to cover my one-room office -- two door
controllers, a motion sensor and a dialer.

It was also in the right ballpark for price -- I have one up-to-date
computer and a bunch of sociology books that I don't think anyone would
steal... so I don't know if I can justify spending a whole lot for the
system. [In my area, garage break-ins are far more common than home
invasions, so I'd like a little extra protection in that area.]

If there is a different brand you'd suggest, I'd appreciate hearing
about it.

-Cloy

 

[-pull@shoot]

Hi Cloy,

As you noticed nobody in this group recommended you to purchase from
Radio Shack!
Just ask then "WHY" they say its crap and what technical
specifications allow them to say it is?
Why is theyre recommended system better, where did they get the
technical specification from to justify theyre reply OR is it just
because they don't sell the system you are looking for who allow them
to say that they don't like your choice?

 

[Frank Olson]

Hi Cloy,

As you noticed nobody in this group recommended you to purchase from
Radio Shack!
Just ask then "WHY" they say its crap and what technical
specifications allow them to say it is?
Why is theyre recommended system better, where did they get the
technical specification from to justify theyre reply OR is it just
because they don't sell the system you are looking for who allow them
to say that they don't like your choice?

Because you couldn't compare the unsupervised components in the alarm system
you "purshased" (which is no longer available) and a fully supervised
wireless system like the "Visonic PowerMax" to begin with.

 

[Mark Leuck]

Because you couldn't compare the unsupervised components in the alarm system
you "purshased" (which is no longer available) and a fully supervised
wireless system like the "Visonic PowerMax" to begin with.

Gotta admit even the worst system from Radio Shack beats what he bought

 

[Frank Olson]

Gotta admit even the worst system from Radio Shack beats what he bought

You figure?? )

 

[Jackcsg]

Because you couldn't compare the unsupervised components in the alarm system
you "purshased" (which is no longer available) and a fully supervised
wireless system like the "Visonic PowerMax" to begin with.

I don't know Frank....I'm seriously considering going strictly Radio Shack.
They do make some pretty awesome equipment. I just wonder why they don't use
their own equipment in their own stores???????