Equipment Reviews

We’re running a busy office with a lot of network traffic, and I’m considering switching our core network switches from Cisco to Ubiquiti to reduce costs. For those who’ve used both, have you noticed any significant performance differences between particularly in terms of handling high traffic volumes and reliability? Your insights would help us decide if the switch is worth it.

A poll of your favourite old burglar alarm panels

Hi I recently purchased a Texecom 64-W wireless kit Version 5 and a Smartcom module for APP connection. The problem I am having is that when I try to generate an APP code by "Enable Texecom Connect APP" for an APP passcode to be generated, it eventually comes back with "NO CARRIER" meaning no access to the Cloud. I have Virgin media business broadband at home as it's where I run my business from and according to Texecom tech support, Websafe has to be disabled to allow access for the Smartcom to the Cloud. I was told to get the client to log into their Virgin Media account online and to disable Websafe. Has anybody come across this before connecting vi…

hi all Had a few premier 64-w kits richochet signals drop out lately. funny thing, seems to be with the new capture PIR's and dualtechs apart from one which was a shock detector. went back to one job on monday and replaced a P15-W PIR in the breakfast room due to tamper fault. the following morning the customer text me to say he had a tamper fault with the landing PIR. going back next week with laptop to log into the mesh and see whats happening. when logging in remotely, every device seems to communicate with the panel directly rather than bounce of each other, assuming the property is well adequate for signal top pass round freely. also whil…

Hi looking for recommendations for a Cat 5 tester, I’m not looking for a cheap LED flash through, I want to know the cable length, ideally if there is a break in the cable etc. I saw there are testers which will flash the port they are plugged into, that would be an added benefit. Main reason for looking is I have an Avigilon system where 2 cameras are offline, no led on the Ethernet port at the camera, IT have upgraded some equipment and I’m wondering if not all ports are configured correctly, problem is I don’t know where it’s connected to in the switch thanks

Hi all, Happy New Year to you all. As the title suggests, what's the collective thought of these batteries from Ultramax? I have asked them if they are a direct replacement to the SLA type and they say they are indeed. Are they worth it, will they hold the system tight for much longer with mains failure than an 8 hour stint from SLA? As li-ion is the most unstable battery known to man, would you need to monitor its environment with regards to temperature triggering a zone maybe? Look forward to your thoughts Alistair

Hi all, Wondered if anyone has any experience using DITEC automatic gate control equipment - what are the products like to install/reliability? etc Regards,

I looking to buy a new cctv test monitor. Was looking at this Chinese one, anyone got a option on these : https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F223118091538y We mainly install hik but need to be ready for most things like most people Any other recommendations for around the same price point?

Hi All,Have got a contract in the UK to install a high-end large residential IP CCTV system. Am just trying to settle on a brand and one of my suppliers (CCTV Direct) here in the UK stocks UNIVIEW kit. I understand this is very high-end kit and the specs are impressive and fits the bill for the design I have created. However, I cannot seem to find much in the way of user/installer reviews. Anyone used it and can give me a heads up?Happy New Year to all.Thanks,Alex

Anyone else found the new ProSYS Plus software to be flaky, badly designed and laid out to make it as complicated as possible to program without a laptop? The BUS system in particular is really bad, personally I have only second fixed and commissioned these systems. System 1 was cabled in CAT5e (apparently recommended by Risco tech)? had to double up power cores to get voltage above 10v at the keypad. System 2 was cabled in alarm cable and I had to double up on the power cores again and run two separate data lines within the same cable splitting the detectors up from the keypads … it was the last resort and only thing that worked. however, 3 keypads on the sys…

CSL Miniair is not bad little device for upgrading older panels & bells only jobs to app style system. Remote Arm/Disarm is useful. Had a issue where i couldn't connect to the Installer App but CSL changed all the settings for me No Problem. Can connect through Digimodem via Dialcapture (Contact ID Only) Set up your zones to display in the App, You can also connect via General Alarm Input (Bell Trigg) Both methods need a SET output going to SET on Miniair this shows device Armed Disarmed Status on the App. The Keyswitch output only supports panels with a momentary keyswitch input, however most older panels require latching like with the Galaxy i …

Has anyone used one of these? Looks like quite a good product but haven't used one yet. Any opinions? Grant

Hi all, What type of vans do you use and do you find them reliable? Leased or owned? Most co's seem to use Berlingos or something French up here in Scotland. I assume cause they are cheap to run? Grant

Time has come for a new staple gun! Im looking at the rapid R36 but I'm unsure this one will work for 6 core alarm cable 'and' larger cat5/belden/coax? Anybody use one, cheapest price I found is £40.

Recently, we got an Oculi camera that have just been released. This camera is fully functional off only a sim card and a battery - no other source required. Using a roaming sim and a data plan. Currently being used to overlook a defibrillator in a local town, and so far doing well. We have altered this slightly to what we needed. Instead of a PIR activating and recording on a public path - activated through a contact onto the box from the inside. Using the app will take a short video of when the contact activates, notifying you and storing for you to look at. Heartbeat set up so far to only once a day giving a 3 second recording of view from inside the bo…