Rocks1001 Posted June 2, 2020 Share Posted June 2, 2020 Hi all, I would just like to ask your advice please on which might be the best alarm solution to go for. I'm currently renovating my 1 bed flat and want to install an alarm system with cctv (probably 2 external cameras), seeing as i have all the floor open and still yet to plaster the walls I'm thinking it might best to go for a wired system so it saves on batteries running out and I think would be just that slightly more reliable. I would also like to have some home automation at some point like remote sockets and light switches, video intercom, although I think other specialist solutions are best for that side of things, Samsung's smart things and Lightwave for switches/sockets, not aware any other firm offering smart sockets and dimmable switches as a single solution. I would really appreciate your advice on this, especially the alarm options to go for, I've read that RiscoSys2 is potentially a good hybrid option or maybe just go fully wireless with SimpliSafe or similar. Many thanks in advance!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al-yeti Posted June 2, 2020 Share Posted June 2, 2020 Alarms both troublesome Specialist you got good budget try loxone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocks1001 Posted June 2, 2020 Author Share Posted June 2, 2020 6 minutes ago, al-yeti said: Alarms both troublesome Specialist you got good budget try loxone Thanks, I think Loxone could be a bit overkill for my flat as it seems quite a high-end system but will look into anyhow! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 2, 2020 Share Posted June 2, 2020 25 minutes ago, Rocks1001 said: Hi all, I would just like to ask your advice please on which might be the best alarm solution to go for. I'm currently renovating my 1 bed flat and want to install an alarm system with cctv (probably 2 external cameras), seeing as i have all the floor open and still yet to plaster the walls I'm thinking it might best to go for a wired system so it saves on batteries running out and I think would be just that slightly more reliable. I would also like to have some home automation at some point like remote sockets and light switches, video intercom, although I think other specialist solutions are best for that side of things, Samsung's smart things and Lightwave for switches/sockets, not aware any other firm offering smart sockets and dimmable switches as a single solution. I would really appreciate your advice on this, especially the alarm options to go for, I've read that RiscoSys2 is potentially a good hybrid option or maybe just go fully wireless with SimpliSafe or similar. Many thanks in advance!!! Risco prosys is rubbish And simplisafe is even worse. With 1000s of security issues I would reccomend a ion40h or pyronix enforcer v10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocks1001 Posted June 2, 2020 Author Share Posted June 2, 2020 8 minutes ago, Logan said: Risco prosys is rubbish And simplisafe is even worse. With 1000s of security issues I would reccomend a ion40h or pyronix enforcer v10 Many thanks for this, the Scantronic seems to be a little bit more modern than Pyronix but both looks like good systems, although I may not have budget to do the full install right now I'm just trying to plan ahead of where to run cables etc..., I'm guessing its best to have some parts wired such as maybe the CCTV at least and maybe leave the motion sensors wireless, assuming there isn't much difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al-yeti Posted June 2, 2020 Share Posted June 2, 2020 36 minutes ago, Rocks1001 said: Thanks, I think Loxone could be a bit overkill for my flat as it seems quite a high-end system but will look into anyhow! Forget loxone lol I was on a windup But there's allot of DIY home control stuff out there Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterJames Posted June 2, 2020 Share Posted June 2, 2020 18 minutes ago, Rocks1001 said: Many thanks for this, the Scantronic seems to be a little bit more modern than Pyronix but both looks like good systems, although I may not have budget to do the full install right now I'm just trying to plan ahead of where to run cables etc..., I'm guessing its best to have some parts wired such as maybe the CCTV at least and maybe leave the motion sensors wireless, assuming there isn't much difference. There are several alarm companies that offer automation and security. It all depends on your budget really. Many alarm manufacturers are playing catchup, but they do have to jump through several more hops than the DIY market. Many like Risco and Pyronix try to market to both trade and DIY and to some degrees they do hit that market. Personally I have a separate home automation system to my security, but I have some integration. The intruder controls my house lights, my CCTV controls my external lights, my home automation can arm the alarm but it cannot disarm the alarm. Anything that can be hacked should not be able to disarm your alarm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocks1001 Posted June 2, 2020 Author Share Posted June 2, 2020 1 hour ago, al-yeti said: Forget loxone lol I was on a windup But there's allot of DIY home control stuff out there Ha ha, yeh it does seem rather high end for a 1bed flat but still interesting Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocks1001 Posted June 2, 2020 Author Share Posted June 2, 2020 1 hour ago, PeterJames said: There are several alarm companies that offer automation and security. It all depends on your budget really. Many alarm manufacturers are playing catchup, but they do have to jump through several more hops than the DIY market. Many like Risco and Pyronix try to market to both trade and DIY and to some degrees they do hit that market. Personally I have a separate home automation system to my security, but I have some integration. The intruder controls my house lights, my CCTV controls my external lights, my home automation can arm the alarm but it cannot disarm the alarm. Anything that can be hacked should not be able to disarm your alarm. That’s good advice about the hacking, can I ask from your experience do you see much benefit of wired cctv opposed to wireless, I’m trying to make sure I lay any cables at this point to try and future proof myself before the floor and walls get finished Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al-yeti Posted June 2, 2020 Share Posted June 2, 2020 35 minutes ago, Rocks1001 said: That’s good advice about the hacking, can I ask from your experience do you see much benefit of wired cctv opposed to wireless, I’m trying to make sure I lay any cables at this point to try and future proof myself before the floor and walls get finished Wired is the way to go if refurbing and wireless has its uses in many devices as everyone sees Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocks1001 Posted June 2, 2020 Author Share Posted June 2, 2020 2 minutes ago, al-yeti said: Wired is the way to go if refurbing and wireless has its uses in many devices as everyone sees Yeh that is my preference, less need to worry about batteries and dodgy wifi, I think the Samsung hub option looks like a good starting point and potentially fairly future proof but that more for the automation side of things than security Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterJames Posted June 2, 2020 Share Posted June 2, 2020 45 minutes ago, Rocks1001 said: That’s good advice about the hacking, can I ask from your experience do you see much benefit of wired cctv opposed to wireless, I’m trying to make sure I lay any cables at this point to try and future proof myself before the floor and walls get finished I wouldnt use wireless for security if it can be wired, especially CCTV. If you run Cat 5 to your camera positions you can either POE them (better but more expensive) or if your on a budget you can use AHD cameras with Baluns. I would also advise running cables for the intruder and a couple of cat 5 to the TV point that way you can use HDMI over cat5 to the tv from the recorder. All my light switch's are 433 similar to the Lightwave ones (I used to have lightwave ones but having a button for on and a button for off was too complicated for my keyholder) I have outputs on my alarm hard wired to 433 transmitters, same with the CCTV, and I have a 433 receiver wired to a zone programed as keyswitch for arm only, so I can get alexa to arm the alarm, but she cant switch it off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterJames Posted June 2, 2020 Share Posted June 2, 2020 Hub wise I would recommend one of these you dont need an internet connection for your stuff to work, unless of course you are using Alexa Hubitat hub: https://hubitat.com/products Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocks1001 Posted June 3, 2020 Author Share Posted June 3, 2020 10 hours ago, PeterJames said: I wouldnt use wireless for security if it can be wired, especially CCTV. If you run Cat 5 to your camera positions you can either POE them (better but more expensive) or if your on a budget you can use AHD cameras with Baluns. I would also advise running cables for the intruder and a couple of cat 5 to the TV point that way you can use HDMI over cat5 to the tv from the recorder. All my light switch's are 433 similar to the Lightwave ones (I used to have lightwave ones but having a button for on and a button for off was too complicated for my keyholder) I have outputs on my alarm hard wired to 433 transmitters, same with the CCTV, and I have a 433 receiver wired to a zone programed as keyswitch for arm only, so I can get alexa to arm the alarm, but she cant switch it off. Hey, many thanks for the detailed reply, yes my instinct was to go with POE cameras, I heard Viper Qvis are decent 5mp, I’m only need 2 so I assume 4channel nvr will suffice. Can I ask which Brand light switches you use? And also do have smart sockets? I’m struggling to find nice looking smart dimmer switches, looked at adding the Sonoff mini’s but they don’t work with dimmers, can’t see anything apart from the Lightwave but they are expensive and also a rather bland aesthetically. For sockets I’ve seen these BG electric but again only come in white... https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/BG922HC.html?source=adwords&ad_position=&ad_id=415703895087&placement=&kw=&network=u&matchtype=&ad_type=&product_id=BG922HC&product_partition_id=889135910870&campaign=shopping_switches_sockets&version=finalurl_v3&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlN32BRCCARIsADZ-J4uX1Sc4bx0lZdQdtOh5oStXHhgGvGS4j4QsMC8P9YHBUagftElHv7kaAu4QEALw_wcB The Hubitat hub looks interesting, never heard of it but looks good, will check it out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterJames Posted June 3, 2020 Share Posted June 3, 2020 22 minutes ago, Rocks1001 said: Hey, many thanks for the detailed reply, yes my instinct was to go with POE cameras, I heard Viper Qvis are decent 5mp, I’m only need 2 so I assume 4channel nvr will suffice. Can I ask which Brand light switches you use? And also do have smart sockets? I’m struggling to find nice looking smart dimmer switches, looked at adding the Sonoff mini’s but they don’t work with dimmers, can’t see anything apart from the Lightwave but they are expensive and also a rather bland aesthetically. For sockets I’ve seen these BG electric but again only come in white... https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/BG922HC.html?source=adwords&ad_position=&ad_id=415703895087&placement=&kw=&network=u&matchtype=&ad_type=&product_id=BG922HC&product_partition_id=889135910870&campaign=shopping_switches_sockets&version=finalurl_v3&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlN32BRCCARIsADZ-J4uX1Sc4bx0lZdQdtOh5oStXHhgGvGS4j4QsMC8P9YHBUagftElHv7kaAu4QEALw_wcB The Hubitat hub looks interesting, never heard of it but looks good, will check it out I imported the light switch's from China I used to buy a lot of CCTV directly I buy very little now. There are a few different ones on ebay, but most dont do two way for hall and landing where you need to switch either light from upstairs or downstairs for example. The ones I imported have a wireless switch that looks the same as the normal switches, so rooms that have two light switch's have a wireless one at one end. Mine are similar to the Sonoff switches https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sonoff-T3-EU-1Gang-Smart-WiFi-Wireless-Touch-Switch-Wall-Light-Remote/293588175534?hash=item445b380aae:m:mKb5butd_BuZhQ7hDIl-K6Q Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al-yeti Posted June 3, 2020 Share Posted June 3, 2020 3 hours ago, PeterJames said: I imported the light switch's from China I used to buy a lot of CCTV directly I buy very little now. There are a few different ones on ebay, but most dont do two way for hall and landing where you need to switch either light from upstairs or downstairs for example. The ones I imported have a wireless switch that looks the same as the normal switches, so rooms that have two light switch's have a wireless one at one end. Mine are similar to the Sonoff switches https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sonoff-T3-EU-1Gang-Smart-WiFi-Wireless-Touch-Switch-Wall-Light-Remote/293588175534?hash=item445b380aae:m:mKb5butd_BuZhQ7hDIl-K6Q Did you rewire? As you need the neutral at each point Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterJames Posted June 3, 2020 Share Posted June 3, 2020 2 hours ago, al-yeti said: Did you rewire? As you need the neutral at each point No neutral required Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
datadiffusion Posted June 3, 2020 Share Posted June 3, 2020 If you've got the usual 3 point lighting system, you can put the module at the ceiling point and switches are just plain retractable ones. I use Fibaro and the dimmer module (but only the dimmer) doesn#t need a neutral even with LED lamps. This means you can place it behind the switch and still have 2 switches, one for up one for down This way by using manufacturers own retractable grid switches I can keep all my sockets and switches looking the same regardless of which HA I am using as I've also got a few Qubino modules either for cheapness (esp. devices with no local switch required) or where only Qubino make that module such as 1-10v dimming. Quote So, I've decided to take my work back underground.... to stop it falling into the wrong hands Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al-yeti Posted June 3, 2020 Share Posted June 3, 2020 13 minutes ago, PeterJames said: No neutral required The link above rear of light switches shows neutral? Maybe I googled wrong lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterJames Posted June 3, 2020 Share Posted June 3, 2020 5 hours ago, al-yeti said: The link above rear of light switches shows neutral? Maybe I googled wrong lol Sorry I didnt look that close I said mine are similar heres a link for one with no neutral Ill post a pic of mine in a minhttps://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Smart-Wifi-Touch-Wall-Switch-No-Neutral-Required-1-2-3-Gang-UK-SELLER/164050287240?var=463672810618&hash=item263228ba88:g:VNoAAOSwFzdev~vb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterJames Posted June 3, 2020 Share Posted June 3, 2020 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterJames Posted June 3, 2020 Share Posted June 3, 2020 Wireless buttons Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocks1001 Posted June 3, 2020 Author Share Posted June 3, 2020 11 hours ago, PeterJames said: I imported the light switch's from China I used to buy a lot of CCTV directly I buy very little now. There are a few different ones on ebay, but most dont do two way for hall and landing where you need to switch either light from upstairs or downstairs for example. The ones I imported have a wireless switch that looks the same as the normal switches, so rooms that have two light switch's have a wireless one at one end. Mine are similar to the Sonoff switches https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sonoff-T3-EU-1Gang-Smart-WiFi-Wireless-Touch-Switch-Wall-Light-Remote/293588175534?hash=item445b380aae:m:mKb5butd_BuZhQ7hDIl-K6Q Yeh I looked at a few switches from China but still can’t find any ones with dimmer functionality in the actually switch, only Lightwave seem to have that functionality but don’t want to go down route, too expensive, also ideally want switches to match sockets but there is even less choice regarding smart sockets Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james.wilson Posted June 3, 2020 Share Posted June 3, 2020 you could use these for straight switches https://sonoff.tech/product/wifi-diy-smart-switches/sonoff-mini but id change them into their other mode to keep privacy etc look into home assistant to do it all yourself Quote 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...
james.wilson Posted June 3, 2020 Share Posted June 3, 2020 unfortunately your only choice in prosumer world is texecom with their sockets however this might be your issue Quote but don’t want to go down route, too expensive, what is too expensive? Quote 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...
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