Wireless motions (DSC)

[[email protected]]

I have been planning for two years to upgrade with my system with
three additional motion detectors. In fact, I already had installers
out twice, but they were unable to access my attic either without big
ladder or during rain (second time they showed up, finally with a big
extension ladder, it was raining). Now, it's gotten even worse since
attic access point (outside) has been "sealed". I need to create new
indoor attic access point, but that's going to be a big project,
probably done years from now.

So I've decided I'm just going to have to use wireless motions. How
reliable are these compared to wired kind? My biggest concern is
false alarms. I have a DSC system (10 years old) so I assume they
will have to use DSC wireless motions. In 10 years, I have no false
alarms (well, I actually had one that I think I can explain, some
glass broke) and I want to keep it like that.

Do they use 2.2Ghz? I have 2.2Ghz saturation in my house with both
802.11G networking and Sonos. I also use X10 wireless appliance
control (work OK, but I often have to put AC line filters on
fluorescent lights and LCD tvs to keep it working) and I don't know
what frequencies it uses. And radio shack remote extenders (which use
RF). And a microwave oven, etc.

Frankly, I hate wireless unreliability, and I use wired whenever
possible, but in this case I think I'm going to have to go wireless.

When first installer couldn't access my attic with his short ladder,
he suggested wireless, and quoted me a price (higher than wired). I
think it requires a new zone, so two previous zones in my 8-zone
system will have to be merged to allow for a new zone.

Charles Peterson

 

[CH®IS]

I have been planning for two years to upgrade with my system with
three additional motion detectors. In fact, I already had installers
out twice, but they were unable to access my attic either without big
ladder or during rain (second time they showed up, finally with a big
extension ladder, it was raining). Now, it's gotten even worse since
attic access point (outside) has been "sealed". I need to create new
indoor attic access point, but that's going to be a big project,
probably done years from now.

So I've decided I'm just going to have to use wireless motions. How
reliable are these compared to wired kind? My biggest concern is
false alarms. I have a DSC system (10 years old) so I assume they
will have to use DSC wireless motions. In 10 years, I have no false
alarms (well, I actually had one that I think I can explain, some
glass broke) and I want to keep it like that.

Do they use 2.2Ghz? I have 2.2Ghz saturation in my house with both
802.11G networking and Sonos. I also use X10 wireless appliance
control (work OK, but I often have to put AC line filters on
fluorescent lights and LCD tvs to keep it working) and I don't know
what frequencies it uses. And radio shack remote extenders (which use
RF). And a microwave oven, etc.

Frankly, I hate wireless unreliability, and I use wired whenever
possible, but in this case I think I'm going to have to go wireless.

When first installer couldn't access my attic with his short ladder,
he suggested wireless, and quoted me a price (higher than wired). I
think it requires a new zone, so two previous zones in my 8-zone
system will have to be merged to allow for a new zone.

Charles Peterson

Reliability shouldn't be an issue with DSC's wireless motions. They'll
still false as often as a wired motion of course, and have 30-60 pound
(somewhere in there) pet immunity. The newer DSC equipment is at 433 Mhz,
which I haven't had any interference issues with. The older stuff is 900
Mhz, just like everything else at that time, so that may be a different
story.

Wired is always said to be better, but I think the wireless technology has
improved to the point where it's just a matter of whether or not wires can
be run.

The wireless motions will each use a separate zone on your system, but
they're not restricted to zones 1-8 like the hardwired zones are. I'm
assuming you have a 5010 (Power 832) system.

If you don't already have a wireless receiver, you'll need one of those as
well, which will also raise the cost of adding the motions.

If it were my house though, I'd go with the wireless.

 

[Jim]

I have been planning for two years to upgrade with my system with
three additional motion detectors. �In fact, I already had installers
out twice, but they were unable to access my attic either without big
ladder or during rain (second time they showed up, finally with a big
extension ladder, it was raining). �Now, it's gotten even worse since
attic access point (outside) has been "sealed". �I need to createnew
indoor attic access point, but that's going to be a big project,
probably done years from now.

So I've decided I'm just going to have to use wireless motions. �How
reliable are these compared to wired kind? �My biggest concern is
false alarms. �I have a DSC system (10 years old) so I assume they
will have to use DSC wireless motions. �In 10 years, I have no false
alarms (well, I actually had one that I think I can explain, some
glass broke) and I want to keep it like that.

Do they use 2.2Ghz? �I have 2.2Ghz saturation in my house with both
802.11G networking and Sonos. �I also use X10 wireless appliance
control (work OK, but I often have to put AC line filters on
fluorescent lights and LCD tvs to keep it working) and I don't know
what frequencies it uses. �And radio shack remote extenders (which use
RF). �And a microwave oven, etc.

Frankly, I hate wireless unreliability, and I use wired whenever
possible, but in this case I think I'm going to have to go wireless.

When first installer couldn't access my attic with his short ladder,
he suggested wireless, and quoted me a price (higher than wired). �I
think it requires a new zone, so two previous zones in my 8-zone
system will have to be merged to allow for a new zone.

Charles Peterson

Is your home a single floor house? Does it have a basement? Is the
basement finished? Does it have a drop ceiling?
Wires can be run from the basement to a first floor .... too.

Also, depending upon where your alarm control panel is, wires may be
able to be run in the attic with out having complete access to it. Do
you have recessed ceiling lights? Sometimes you can run a wire in the
attic by temporarily removing the recessed light cans if they are
strategically located.

Although you aren't planning an inside attic entrance right now,
there's no reason that a piece of sheet rock couldn't be cut out of
the ceiling in a closest just temporarily. It's possible to squeeze
though ceiling rafters 16 inch on center and sometimes they are 24
inch on center. If you've got a good installer, he can usually find a
way to get a wire where it has to go.

 

[Bob]

why is it diyers always want to use one of the most expensive and least
useful items when it comes to security systems? too much TV? and lots of
them too. not just one strategically placed. Seldom do they inquire about
adding doors of windows to the system to keep people out. No they always
want multiple motion detectors that are more apt to false than switches &
that only work after someone has broken in 'if' you are not home at the time
and have them turned off. alot of money to spend for inferior part time
protection, if you ask me.

 

[Bob]

Expensive? DSC? Sorry, but I disagree. Wireless motion detedtors are
more expensive than their wired counterparts but if there's no access to
run new wires then wireless is an acceptable option.

so u think motions cost less than door switch as I stated? OK

As to usefulness, I doubt many

installers or DIYers would say that they are not useful.

when it comes to keeping burglars out they are useless! because when they
activate the perp is already in the house. see what I mean? door and window
switches activate when they are standing on the outside. see the
difference? did they even have motions way back when u said u were in the
trade?

 

[Crash Gordon]

and what happens when the burg throws a brick through the sliding glass door
and enters without opening the door...then that switch is useless too ain't
it?

alarms are for detection...not protection.



--
**Crash Gordon**

 

[Bob]

that's when the interior motion detector kicks in numbnut. unless u were
using a switch with a glass break built in. what did u think would happen?
but u knew that.

 

[Doug]

that's when the interior motion detector kicks in numbnut. unless u were
using a switch with a glass break built in. what did u think would happen?
but u knew that.

Would that be the interior motion detectors that the poster was thinking
about installing?

Doug

 

[Doug]

I have been planning for two years to upgrade with my system with
three additional motion detectors. In fact, I already had installers
out twice, but they were unable to access my attic either without big
ladder or during rain (second time they showed up, finally with a big
extension ladder, it was raining). Now, it's gotten even worse since
attic access point (outside) has been "sealed". I need to create new
indoor attic access point, but that's going to be a big project,
probably done years from now.

So I've decided I'm just going to have to use wireless motions. How
reliable are these compared to wired kind? My biggest concern is
false alarms. I have a DSC system (10 years old) so I assume they
will have to use DSC wireless motions. In 10 years, I have no false
alarms (well, I actually had one that I think I can explain, some
glass broke) and I want to keep it like that.

Do they use 2.2Ghz? I have 2.2Ghz saturation in my house with both
802.11G networking and Sonos. I also use X10 wireless appliance
control (work OK, but I often have to put AC line filters on
fluorescent lights and LCD tvs to keep it working) and I don't know
what frequencies it uses. And radio shack remote extenders (which use
RF). And a microwave oven, etc.

Frankly, I hate wireless unreliability, and I use wired whenever
possible, but in this case I think I'm going to have to go wireless.

When first installer couldn't access my attic with his short ladder,
he suggested wireless, and quoted me a price (higher than wired). I
think it requires a new zone, so two previous zones in my 8-zone
system will have to be merged to allow for a new zone.

Charles Peterson

I've used many DSC wireless motion sensors and they have proved reliable
over the years.
The DSC motions use 433Mhz in North America.

Doug

 

[Crash Gordon]

dunno, perhaps it was this sentence;

"when it comes to keeping burglars out they are useless! because when they
activate the perp is already in the house. "

--
**Crash Gordon**

 

[Bob]

dunno, perhaps it was this sentence;

"when it comes to keeping burglars out they are useless! because when
they
activate the perp is already in the house. "

wow u can really cut and paste good. did u have a point? or just agreeing
with me?

 

[Bob]

Didn't you originally say they were the "least useful" items? I disagree
with you on that. I think they are one of several important elements in a
security system.

I was referring to least useful compared to the other item I was talking
about, the switch.

Nope. You said "least useful" and I took that to mean you don't consider
them particularly useful. We disagree.

only a numbnut would think they are not useful. again I was comparing them
to switchs. again, they are more expensive and less useful than switches.

I understand exactly what you mean. That doesn't make them useless or
"least useful."

it does in comparison to the other item I was comparing them to. u otoh
were trying to make it look like I was
referring to least useful compared to all devices. I never mentioned all
devices. I mentioned switches and motions. see the difference?

What is an "idy buddy?" At any rate, Usenet is an open forum -- not a
private conversation.

diy


Whatever you or I post is read by DIYers and professional

installers alike.

really? wow you must be a rocket scientist

Disagreeing is not attacking. Lighten up a little, pal. This isn't a
contest.

you agreed with my premise after you attacked it. u need to lighten up,
seems like you;re the one in a contest. and I'm not your pal.
we all know u want to sell high priced items to unsuspecting diyers. I just
think the best system is perimeter with limited and strategic motions and
maybe a GB or 2. switches don't cost alot so you tried to challenge my
assumptions in order to sell more high priced items to diyers.
You'd have them put motions in every room if you could, on that we disagree.

 

[Bob La Londe]

why is it diyers always want to use one of the most expensive and least
useful items when it comes to security systems?

Huh?

 

[Frank Olson]

Huh?

My "thought" exactly.

 

[[email protected]]

Thanks for all the information. I haven't got any recessed cans, and
cutting a hole in ceiling would result in a half ton of loose
cellulose/fiberglass insulation raining down. I don't want any of
that nasty stuff coming into the high quality air of my house.
Ultimately plan to make new access point in garage, but there are
problems there too.

WRT other detectors, yes, I have opening detectors on all windows and
doors, and glassbreak detectors on all windows. (I was reading this
list way back when I had system installed, or I would have never even
known to ask.) Also have deadbolts and window pins and all windows
are visible from streets and neighbors. In ten years, I had one
attempted break-in (or perhaps it was vandalism) that broke two
windows. On one window, the detector failed to go off. Possibly it
had boxes stacked too close to the detector, which is mounted on the
opposite wall. Or maybe it wasn't that one that failed actually.

Then I discovered this little catch. Suppose I'm on vacation (I was
on vacation at the time) and perp breaks window then runs off. Then,
maybe a day later, they come back, and gain access through already
broken window. Now there is no more defense without a motion.

Worrying about this possibility, I almost cut my vacation in half, at
great loss and expense. However, thanks to good reporting by my
neighbor, I figured out that the only important window they had broken
was in the living room, which happens to be the room where my motion
is. So I was safe, at least that time. But since that happened, two
years ago, I have been yearning to have motions added to every room
where I have valuable stuff for two reasons: Glassbreaks don't always
work, and once glass is broken and alarm resets you're wide open.

Charles Peterson

 

[Bob]

so you think they will break in and not go walking through the house to see
what you have to steal. they will just stay in the one room and steal the
stuff in there and throw it out the window and climbing in and out risking
getting cut by broken glass without opening a door to carry out big stuff
because they know you have motions outside that one room they luckily picked
to enter that didn't have a motion? maybe.
I think if they were that smart they wouldn;t be breaking in houses to start
with. good luck.