Easy installation of alarm?

Howdy -

I'm an IT guy so am comfortable around computers.

I have a home which was built around a decade ago and pre-wired for window & door sensors, keypads, siren, and has wired coiled behind the wall for a future motion sensor.

I'm now interested in installing an alarm in my home.

How easy is it to install an alarm system with some hardwired and wireless components?

Are wireless components plug & play like with computers?

I've had a recommendation for a Napco Gemini system. I searched online for installation instructions but haven't been able to find a manual.

I'd like the installation to be affordable (less than a thousand if possible) for panel, one or two keypads, two motion sensors, maybe a glass break detector or two, siren, several smoke detectors, and maybe a keyfob for alarming & disarming the system.

I've read great things about the Elk system but fear that it may be a lot more expensive than what I need.

Does anyone have any advice or manuals on ease or complexity of installing an alarm?

Thanks for the assistance!

Welcome to CocoonTech!

Sure, HA stuff is plug and pRay, just like in Windows

Unless you have absolutely no interest in HA, I would definitely go with an Elk or HAI panel over a standard alarm panel. Sure, it will cost you more, but what you outline should be doable as long as you keep it a basic system to start. HAI and Elk are both great. HAI will cost you a little more to get started since their stuff comes with more stuff as part of basic system (like it comes with ethernet standard instead of add on). So, if you want to start as inexpensive and basic as possible and room to grow it, Elk may have an advantage there. Wireless components can get a little costly though, but you can get at least a nice hardwired Elk system for < $1k.

Can you use a wire stripper, screwdriver, etc (basic hand tools)? Yes? Great - you are now an alarm installer! Seriously, with the great support of Elk and HAI and all the support here, it is actually pretty easy to install if you have the basic tools and willingness to do it.

Another factor in choosing a DIY system, the availability of online documentation....

Here's one that does it right:

http://www.elkproducts.com/products/m1/m1documentation.htm

The extent of online support for Elk installs is incredible - manuals, other DIY'ers, and industry presence (hi Spanky).

The manual, though, is similar to other alarm install manuals (though a little better). It helps if you have some basic knowledge of alarm installs (which you can gather by reading this and other forums). The manual was designed for alarm technicians. It assumes you know what jumpers and EOL resistors are, and where to locate them, and that you know how to use a multimeter.

Someone at Elk should take a couple days and re-write the manual for DIY'ers - triple the size, and cut down on the alarm installer 'parlance'. Offer 2 versions of the M1 install manual.

Edit - that being said, Elk is probably your best bet.

http://www.cocoontech.com/index.php?showtopic=739

hrtbreaker said:

Howdy -

I'm an IT guy so am comfortable around computers.

I have a home which was built around a decade ago and pre-wired for window & door sensors, keypads, siren, and has wired coiled behind the wall for a future motion sensor.

I'm now interested in installing an alarm in my home.

How easy is it to install an alarm system with some hardwired and wireless components?

Are wireless components plug & play like with computers?

I've had a recommendation for a Napco Gemini system. I searched online for installation instructions but haven't been able to find a manual.

I'd like the installation to be affordable (less than a thousand if possible) for panel, one or two keypads, two motion sensors, maybe a glass break detector or two, siren, several smoke detectors, and maybe a keyfob for alarming & disarming the system.

I've read great things about the Elk system but fear that it may be a lot more expensive than what I need.

Does anyone have any advice or manuals on ease or complexity of installing an alarm?

Thanks for the assistance!

Click to expand...

The Napco Gemini Series panels are great panels for general alarm systems. So are Ademco, DSC, GE etc. But if you want to have fun with Home Automation then ELK and HAI are the probably the most feature packed systems out there. Both companies support the DIY market but I dont think HAI makes their documentation available to the general public the way ELK does (at least not the installation instructions as far as I know).

I went with the ELK because in a past life I was lucky enough to get to paid to play with the ELK System. I was hooked very quickly. I have tested many other brands as well but not the HAI (yet). My opinion is that you cannot go wrong with either the ELK or HAI systems and each has its uniqueness that may sway you.

Many people are nervous at first installing an alarm system. In my opinion once people do it they feel like it really wasn't bad at all.

It cant hurt to get quotes on package prices. If it comes in under or at budget great. If its close maybe do it in phases (Four years into this I am still adding a few things here and there just for fun).

If its fun as well then its definitely worth it.