I've just bought a house with an alarm fitted (no manuals but have found those) and its a white Optima XM control box. Having read loads of the forum on this I'm not sure whether it's worth bothering with.

Could you give me an idea in layman's terms whether its a good or bad bit of kit? I'm happy to stick with it (and maybe even get it serviced!) if its a BMW or Merc standard, but if its more of a Lada or old dodgy Escort then maybe it should just go...

Richard

Hi Richard,

Nothing wrong with the Optima XM. IT is a basic panel with basic features, but if it works, and does everything you want it to, then you may as well keep it.

If you want a more modern system which is easier to operate, and gives you more control (and looks prettier), then it is worth upgrading. If you are having problems with it then it may be worth upgrading. You also need to assess the detectors you have - are they correctly placed for your needs (they may have been right for the old tennants, but are you using the house differently?), do they all work, are they prone to false alarming?

Is the system maintained? If so, ask the engineer for his/her honest opinion on the next visit!

D7

Its a ten year old Astra and dependant on how many miles its done should still get you to the shops and back without using to much petrol. As D7 says though best to get it serviced as with all cars an unserviced one is an unreliable one.

Pete

Agree with Peter on this one.

Every time I come across one I tend to try and get them replaced for something this side of the 21st century.

They do the job but are very limited from an installers point of view.

1st thing I'd do is check the battery and see if it rattles! Had two of these today, completely dead door stop.

Had an Optima XL4 in my parents house when they moved in, that went straight away!

Edited April 23, 200422 yr by Chris Horrocks

Thanks for the advice. System isn't maintained. May give it a bit of a wash and wax and see how it behaves and then consider swapping it.

Richard

Dont used WD40 on its door hinges as the pins will fall out