G'day mate.
The NX-16 is now obsolete. The new version is the R128. Without getting too technical, the R128 is just an NX-16 with the ability to expand to 128 zones rather than 48 and a few little bits & pieces under the hood.
To answer your questions, the difference between the two keypads is very little except the E series has the capacity to accept 128 zones. As for detectors, although some would argue differently, there is typically little requirement for dual techs in the average home. Modern single technology PIRs & quads have progressed to a point that you shouldn't suffer false alarms provided they're installed & maintained correctly. Brand wise? Risco/Rokonet, Bosch, Optex... any of the big names will do.
You'll be able to see what zone activated your system on the keypad so there's nothing to worry about there and as for adding to the system, yes you can. The caviet I'll put in to that is that if you're using smoke detectors with an NO output and plan to use more than 8 zones on the system, you're best to install an expander.
Finally, yes you can program the system such that only the internal siren activates with smoke detectors.
Don't know quite why you cant find an installer though. Hills products are a dime a dozen and amongst the most widely used products on the market.
Oh, and an after thought. If you're adimant that monitoring is pointless, at least make sure you do more than simply have the system call your mobile and make a stupid noise down the phone at you. Get yourself a ComNav module so the system can SMS and email you.
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