Re: Security systems

[Raymond <Reb.barnett@xxxxxxx>]

Hi Paul,

1) Couldn't find price details on the site, - so how much do
they stiff=20
you for it, and what spec are you getting for that price?

The Comfort box itself is =A3250.60.
You also need a ringer module to allow Comfort to ring internal phones:
=A330.77
Kompads and doorstations are the same price: =A341.86
The standard system supports 8 detection zones, and 8 12v output zones.
I want the system to be able to have a fair understanding of its
environment to help with future automation ideas, so I need more zones.
An expansion card to take the system to a total of 16 input, 16 output
costs =A340.04.
I've also ordered a light sensor to help with switching lights which is
=A323.37. This plugs into a 12v input on Comfort so I suppose you could
use other light sensors if you wanted.
(These prices don't include VAT)

I'm trying just one Kompad and a doorstation. In theory you can setup
and use the entire system using just your telephone but the Kompad
sounds quite handy. I'm hoping to use a DECT cordless phone as a =
'mobile
kompad' but I'm not sure how well this will work - anyone know of a =
DECT
that supports CLI?  If it proves really useful (and I don't botch the
wiring too much) then I may (be allowed) to install a few more fixed
kompads...

2) Are you going to DIY install it? - I got the impression from
the site=20
that this was not "encouraged" - by virtue of their UK
installers=20
scheme, the lack of price details, and NOT being able to order
online=20
from within the UK (despite them being a UK company?!?). What's
the=20
story re installation & comissioning? - are you forced to have
it=20
comissioned by one of their installers?

I agree, the lack of prices on the site is offputting. However I've had
several detailed phone discussions with Andrew Roberts which were =
really
helpful in discovering what the system can do and what I need.

You have the choice, you can either DIY it like me, or Andrew can put
you in touch with a local firm to come and fit it for you. I've chosen
DIY because I'm replacing an existing alarm system so I don't have too
much to do. I basically have to run a 4 core wire from my BT master
socket to give Comfort control of the phones, 6 core cables to each
Kompad and door station, and a cable to each additional sensor I'm
fitting.

As to commissioning the system: The manuals suggest that the system is
pre-configured so the box will do something straightaway. You can then
tailor the system using a simple but flexible looking programming
language using voice prompts and the Kompad. You can get PC software =
for
programming the system but it looks easy enough using a bit of paper =
and
the Kompad - I'll only need the software if I begin to explore the IR
control features. The manuals I've seen so far are extremely
comprehensive, easy to read and understand, and easily shame =
Microsoft's
meagre efforts. They provide full reference information and also
examples covering all aspects of the system functionality.

Well, I hope that didn't sound like too much of sales pitch! I'm at the
point where I've just ordered a new gadget and am filled with
enthusiasm. I'll post a follow-up next week when I've bench-tested the
system, and another when it goes live.

Ray Barnett.

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