DIY for newbies

[vk6hgr]

Hi Folks.

I'm thinking about installing my own wired alarm system. The fully installed package deals out there are tempting but I'd like to tackle it myself to get the system that I want.

Is there a good supplier of alarm gear for DIY installations? The hardest thing to find seems to be the alarm panel/controller itself. I can't find a source for a system that's half decent who are willing to sell to the public.

I've seen a few people with professionally installed DAS NX-4 alarms. Are they any good? Anyone know where to get one in Perth?

[MAKEDONIJA]

[TZB]

Silicon Chip magazine had a kitset one that could interface to a PC in an issue 'bout a year ago.

[markfs]

have you tried jaycar in newcastle st they got most parts

[madtech]

Do you have an ACMA cabling license?

[redstorm]

Do you have an ACMA cabling license?

I sure you already know the answer to that

[vk6hgr]

Do you have an ACMA cabling license?

Only needed if the alarm connects to the PSTN.

[vk6hgr]

have you tried jaycar in newcastle st they got most parts

Should have though of that :-)

Anyone used their AV-GAD systems?

[kalboy]

In Perth the only distributor that sells to DIY is NESS as far as i Know. Newcastle St. North Perth.




Your user name indicates that you prob. have the expertise necessary LOL, so ease up guys.
If u have an account at any of the electrical suppliers u could look at the re-badged clipsal gear.
Retail is a bit over priced but ok if you are on a good trade price.

[watchdog]

Only needed if the alarm connects to the PSTN.

Actually if it is capable of being connected to the PSTN network OR the mobile network ( ie has a comms socket )
then you need an ACMA licence BUT that is only if you are being paid for the work. If you are a DIY & you are not connecting to comms then you can do what you like. Strange laws we have hey!

But do yourself a favour , if NESS is the only trade brand you can get then get it - not a D.S, not a Jaycar , not a Pilkington

[intelliGEORGE]

Only needed if the alarm connects to the PSTN.

WRONG. Common misconception, If you are installing anything which can BE connected to the PSTN network, you need a licence.

[vk6hgr]

WRONG. Common misconception, If you are installing anything which can BE connected to the PSTN network, you need a licence.

What if I glue up the phone port on the panel?

[intelliGEORGE]

What if I glue up the phone port on the panel?

Buy a Dog, no licence needed to install

[madtech]

What if I glue up the phone port on the panel?

If the cabling may be used for any device either now or in the future that may be connect to the PSTN IN ANY WAY (eg via PC network to PC to modem) then any cabling works must be undertaken by a licensed cabler. No ifs, no buts no maybes

[jasonx]

madtech: if the cabling is present are you free to install the control panel and sensors for diy?

[watchdog]

security installation is not a restricted activity in as much as you are free to do it in your own premises. There are all sorts of standards that should be followed, but generally it is not mandatory for the DIY. If it is your source of income then you need to comply with the relevant regulations & have all the relevant licences. Telecommunications is a restricted activity & all cabling needs to be done by a licenced cabler. Assuming the existing cabling meets the regulatory standards then yes you are free to install your alarm & just plug it in, as long as it is a compliant attatchment.
But really , who is going to know ?

You are at the mercy of poorly thought out laws the same as everyone else.

[jasonx]

watchdog: Reason I asked is I want to rip out our current alarm its an old DAS alarm. The guy who set it up did a hack of a job in terms of programming the areas and the zones etc. His gone out of business years ago.

I've put in a few Ness D8x for friends and found them to be straight forward. I might try the EZ-24 for home. Wouldn't mind interfacing it with a computer. Might setup some home automation down the track.

[Micksxboxmods]

I find this post funny about the connecting to PSTN as I used to be a phone/ ptv/hsd tech for Optus a few years back and 'boy' most of the 610 sockets I saw were rarely first socket, if they were they were scotchlocked to make longer or they were connected to a tba8 block before the network boundary....LOL

I cannot say that most of these would of been DIY'ers as the customer showed reciepts for the work from the security companies! I'm not saying all would do this, but it really does exist fairly predominantly.

my 2 cents...