1animal1 Posted October 24, 2016 Share Posted October 24, 2016 (edited) Hi all, I have been conducting research into a new alarm system and have been swayed by the wireless tech currently available. My ideal is for a system that can be brought together with a NEST system to give me a good grounding for home automation, rather than having several apps for several purposes - however I have so far only found one system in the US that can accommodate, Vivint who i don't think have a UK supplier? With that i thought it best to stick to a firm that offers a good app solution that looks like it is likely to develop in the future - I have so far narrowed this down to The Pyronix Homecontrol+ and Visonic Powermax systems. I know the Pyronix is more complicated for the average DIY'er, however having studied electrical engineering, worked with home electrics and renovated several homes - i feel i would be able to learn/pick up what is required to fit and program. Looking into these the Pyronix seems to be by far the most expensive when including the Wifi module, Enforcer homekit 1, 2x additonal PIR's and door contacts, remote keypad along with 2 bell box's (1 dummy) - the build quality seems very good. The Visonic is obviously cheaper and more DIY from what i can see, the door contacts are also a lot bulkier, as are the key fobs - am i right to assume the app functionality isn't as advanced at the Pyronix? What are peoples opinions on these offerings from a perspective of the equipment & apps? From looking both seem to be free once the initial items are purchased, or are there any underlying costs I've missed in terms of ongoing costs (batteries aside). One other note is that i can source these from someone i know in the trade - Not wanting to bother him until i have narrowed down my search, as I know he is extremely busy. Would trade cost for either system affect the decision? I'm kind of hoping Pyronix have a higher mark up. Many thanks Tim Edited June 21, 2018 by sixwheeledbeast Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lymebayalarms Posted October 24, 2016 Share Posted October 24, 2016 Pyronix for me, just remember that the Pyronix APP is chargeable PA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1animal1 Posted October 24, 2016 Author Share Posted October 24, 2016 Thanks for the reply... I had read that by using the wifi module, this wasn't the case? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simlec Posted October 24, 2016 Share Posted October 24, 2016 1 hour ago, 1animal1 said: Thanks for the reply... I had read that by using the wifi module, this wasn't the case? It's changed what ever communication device you use.. I would also recommend the Pyronix, I have fitted a few home control and they all work well. It will not integrate with Nest and it's automation powers are very limited (basic on/off of relays). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1animal1 Posted October 24, 2016 Author Share Posted October 24, 2016 (edited) Thanks for confirming Simlec, what is the annual charge? From Googling £36 seems to come up quite a bit.... I've read through the spec on the Pyronix - it looks like the kit needs the Wifi module, bell box housing and optional parts such as the remote pad etc - Am i missing anything? I assume all the batteries including the back up are included. Incidentally - I have since found that the Power master range from Visonic is being advertised as revolutionary regarding how it switches frequencies to reduce the chance of signals being blocked - Is there a reason why Visonic are dismissed by the industry and Pyronix is preferred? Edited October 24, 2016 by 1animal1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
norman Posted October 24, 2016 Share Posted October 24, 2016 ....... Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al-yeti Posted October 24, 2016 Share Posted October 24, 2016 3 hours ago, 1animal1 said: Thanks for confirming Simlec, what is the annual charge? From Googling £36 seems to come up quite a bit.... I've read through the spec on the Pyronix - it looks like the kit needs the Wifi module, bell box housing and optional parts such as the remote pad etc - Am i missing anything? I assume all the batteries including the back up are included. Incidentally - I have since found that the Power master range from Visonic is being advertised as revolutionary regarding how it switches frequencies to reduce the chance of signals being blocked - Is there a reason why Visonic are dismissed by the industry and Pyronix is preferred? Is power max only option in visonic range? Does visonicnreport low battery or missing devices? From what I see pyronix doesn't , but then all panels have some issue perhaps Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1animal1 Posted October 24, 2016 Author Share Posted October 24, 2016 The new range appears to be the Power master which is slightly more expensive than the Pyronix system with the apparent new tech. My requirement is pretty basic - simple 4 bed house with integrated garage. Two large dogs spend the day in the kitchen and living room so I need a PIR in the garage, living room for holidays when the dogs are with us, hallway and landing. Door contacts for front and both back doors. I have a full camera system with DVR hardwired through ethernet so not needing camera function just yet. Figure i fit the panel in the hallway then we can set via app when in bed... I'll need several programs for normal daytime setting, holiday mode and bed mode. Set via fob mainly or with tags for the lady who probably won't understand the buttons 2 boxes, one dummy with LED's like available with the Pyronix dummy, and light panel for the main box in an ideal world. From that would i be going wrong with either unit? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lymebayalarms Posted October 24, 2016 Share Posted October 24, 2016 3 minutes ago, 1animal1 said: From that would i be going wrong with either unit? ....apart from spending your hard earned cash on a Powermax....you can't go wrong! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james.wilson Posted October 24, 2016 Share Posted October 24, 2016 if someone was to force the front door and take out the panel just there in the hallway during entry time then what? securitywarehouse Security Supplies from Security Warehouse Trade Members please contact us for your TSI vetted trade discount. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1animal1 Posted October 24, 2016 Author Share Posted October 24, 2016 Good point, so remote keypad required to counter? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lymebayalarms Posted October 24, 2016 Share Posted October 24, 2016 ...guess he would have captured it all on his cameras.... ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1animal1 Posted October 24, 2016 Author Share Posted October 24, 2016 Don't you just love a DIY'er Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lymebayalarms Posted October 24, 2016 Share Posted October 24, 2016 Or if you are going to use the app and remotes, just locate the panel elsewhere. OR you can hardware a keypad into the panel....if you can find a sensible route for the cable, ideal. The wireless arming station is a bit pants to look at IMO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james.wilson Posted October 24, 2016 Share Posted October 24, 2016 or use a panel that knows its been attacked and will fire the bell if the panel is removed securitywarehouse Security Supplies from Security Warehouse Trade Members please contact us for your TSI vetted trade discount. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1animal1 Posted October 24, 2016 Author Share Posted October 24, 2016 i like the idea of just the fobs - the worry is the fobs not offering 3 programs, but then i guess the app can be used where the fobs cannot? On another note - how expensive are the PIR's! £40 each... different to the £5 jobbies i've fitted in past houses - admittedly wired. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lymebayalarms Posted October 24, 2016 Share Posted October 24, 2016 90% sure you can program the fobs for 3 sets, (full,part 1, part 2) would need to check the book though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james.wilson Posted October 24, 2016 Share Posted October 24, 2016 you cant compare the 2. look into wireless security on your 2 systems. but if you want cheap then security and reliability are not top 5 on your list of requirements securitywarehouse Security Supplies from Security Warehouse Trade Members please contact us for your TSI vetted trade discount. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1animal1 Posted October 24, 2016 Author Share Posted October 24, 2016 Thanks for all the replies so far. I'm not after cheap - i just want the best for my money - I don't want to pay extra if all I'm getting is something trivial. When i sourced my cameras i noticed you can easily spend a fortune and easily end up with rubbish. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james.wilson Posted October 24, 2016 Share Posted October 24, 2016 can I ask a trivial question? securitywarehouse Security Supplies from Security Warehouse Trade Members please contact us for your TSI vetted trade discount. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1animal1 Posted October 24, 2016 Author Share Posted October 24, 2016 Go for it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james.wilson Posted October 24, 2016 Share Posted October 24, 2016 what do you drive and what phone do you have? securitywarehouse Security Supplies from Security Warehouse Trade Members please contact us for your TSI vetted trade discount. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1animal1 Posted October 24, 2016 Author Share Posted October 24, 2016 A German car and Samsung S6.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lymebayalarms Posted October 24, 2016 Share Posted October 24, 2016 1 minute ago, james.wilson said: what do you drive and what phone do you have? Watch out....your PIN number and account details will be next ;-) no, valid point about to be made here.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1animal1 Posted October 24, 2016 Author Share Posted October 24, 2016 I thought I'd best play ball I think i know where this is going.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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