Skylink wireless security system (non-monitored)
#1
11-25-02, 03:34 PM
Skylink wireless security system (non-monitored)
Seriously considering purchasing the above system. Anyone out there familiar with it and/or have it installed. If you do, I would sure like to get any inputs (good/bad) regarding this system. It's exactly what I need and the write up looks real good.
(www.homesecuritystore.net)
Chuck
(www.homesecuritystore.net)
Chuck
#2
11-25-02, 04:17 PM
Well, chuck, I have never personally installed the Skylink system. As a matter of fact, this is the first time I've seen it (being a security dealer, I only deal with systems that are monitored.) But I do know quite a bit about the ITI system, as well as the Ademco system, and I've worked on a few Linear systems (and used quite a bit of their equipment), and I've heard good things from reputable companies about the Visonic systems.
So the first thing I would say is if you're looking at price, be very careful what you get yourself into, the Linear system is only about $15 more and has a much better reputation and long-term history (as well as features) than the Skylink. The one major thing I noticed about the Skylink (just from the add) is that it only has a 100ft range. This usually is measured in open air, so indoors you can reduce this considerably, depending on the environment. Another thing you might want to consider with the lower-end wireless security is the frequency it operates on. Cheaper security systems tend to operate on more noisy, or highly used, frequencies, this can lead to many problems (ie: false alarms, false chimes, not programming at all, reduced range, etc.)
If I were you the first place I would start is on the individual companies home pages. See what's available from them, and see what the specs are on each system. Another thing you would want to consider is battery life, most wireless products these days use Lithium batteries, as opposed to Alkaline batteries, you can actually get up to 2-3 years more life from these batteries, depending on use.
So, to sum up, I would highly recommend the ITI Simon system (although I think you could find it at a much, much better price, they are way to high for a self-install system, you could almost have one installed for that price.) But if you are looking at price vs. features, go with the DVS1200 from Linear. The system has a better reputation backing it, plus I think you will just get better performance out of it.
REMEMBER: All this is from someone with NO experience using the Skylink hardware. However, that in itself says a lot about the system.
Let us know how it goes and what decision you make.
So the first thing I would say is if you're looking at price, be very careful what you get yourself into, the Linear system is only about $15 more and has a much better reputation and long-term history (as well as features) than the Skylink. The one major thing I noticed about the Skylink (just from the add) is that it only has a 100ft range. This usually is measured in open air, so indoors you can reduce this considerably, depending on the environment. Another thing you might want to consider with the lower-end wireless security is the frequency it operates on. Cheaper security systems tend to operate on more noisy, or highly used, frequencies, this can lead to many problems (ie: false alarms, false chimes, not programming at all, reduced range, etc.)
If I were you the first place I would start is on the individual companies home pages. See what's available from them, and see what the specs are on each system. Another thing you would want to consider is battery life, most wireless products these days use Lithium batteries, as opposed to Alkaline batteries, you can actually get up to 2-3 years more life from these batteries, depending on use.
So, to sum up, I would highly recommend the ITI Simon system (although I think you could find it at a much, much better price, they are way to high for a self-install system, you could almost have one installed for that price.) But if you are looking at price vs. features, go with the DVS1200 from Linear. The system has a better reputation backing it, plus I think you will just get better performance out of it.
REMEMBER: All this is from someone with NO experience using the Skylink hardware. However, that in itself says a lot about the system.
Let us know how it goes and what decision you make.
#3
11-25-02, 04:22 PM
VERY IMPORTANT NOTE ON VOICE DIALERS
One more note on the Skylink system.
Do NOT use a voice dialer with this or any system to call authorities. They do not like it and in most areas these days they are outlawed and you will receive heavy fines for using these.
If you want to use a voice dialer, use it to call your cell phone, work phone, friends, relatives, neighbors, but NEVER the police, fire, or 911 systems in your area.
With the price of monitoring so low these days, these are pretty much outdated anyway. But some people refuse to pay $10-15 a month to have someone watch their home 24 hours a day/7days a week.
Do NOT use a voice dialer with this or any system to call authorities. They do not like it and in most areas these days they are outlawed and you will receive heavy fines for using these.
If you want to use a voice dialer, use it to call your cell phone, work phone, friends, relatives, neighbors, but NEVER the police, fire, or 911 systems in your area.
With the price of monitoring so low these days, these are pretty much outdated anyway. But some people refuse to pay $10-15 a month to have someone watch their home 24 hours a day/7days a week.
