replacement windows and alarm contacts

Subject: replacement windows and alarm contacts Newsgroup: comp.home.automation => snipped-for-privacy@gmail.com We're in the planning stage of installing an HAI Omni system in our

You're mounting the x-mitter on the window and surface mags on the sides?

There has got to be a better way. If hard-wiring is not possible how about mounting the x-mitter concealed in a cabinet and hard-wiring contacts hidden inside the sash?

Can you post pics. to a site so we can have a look?

If the performance was margial, a larger magnet should do the trick. Are those wireless contacts compatible with the Omni? Remember that wireless contacts are typically proprietary to a manufacturers panels. For example, a Caddx wireless contact won't work with an Ademco panel.

From: snipped-for-privacy@gmail.com snipped-for-privacy@gmail.com

Graham, The contacts will be recessed into the window frames, and the magnets installed in the sash's. However, between the window frame and the sash is a gap in which the slide moves vertically to accommodate the opening and closing of the window. There are slides on both sides which the sash clips in.

My concern is with the gap between the sash and the frame (channel in which the slide travels). The gap is 3/4-1". Will stronger magnets work as previously suggested, or is there an alternative way of installing the contacts?

Bruce - Those contacts are ones that work with the Caddx Quickbridge, which I've read is now recommended by HAI for wireless connectivity. Is there a standard gap distance under which the contacts will still work properly, or is the gap distance based on the strength of the magnet?

Thanks.

Subject: Re: replacement windows and alarm contacts Newsgroup: comp.home.automation => snipped-for-privacy@gmail.com Graham,

Without seeing it I don't know. Rare earth magnets are the strongest.

The big problem with magnet venting is that if it get's cold at night and you need to close the window, you have to remember to disarm/rearm the security. Perhaps consider alarm screens. Very nice, the window may be full open and still is protected.

Of course, so many diy's are very cost concious and the screens are not inexpensive (50 to 100 $).

I wasn't aware that screen were an option. Can the security screens be installed if there are already screens in the window? The Caddx contacts that I have been looking at cost around $50 each. There are only 5 windows that need to be secured, so any additional cost isn't that much overall. Can you point me to somewhere that I can find out more info about these? Thanks.

You still have to get a wire to the screen, or use a wireless transmitter, so the cost is an add versus a replacement for the window. Existing screens are preferred, and can save a few bucks as they will typically be remanufactured with the wired screen material.

Check your regional yellow pages for "alarm screens" or

Hi Jim,

You can install "wide gap" magnetic contacts which have a minimum 1" gap. Use two magnets, side by side, to further extend the gap of the sensors. Install the magnets with like poles adjacent (the magnets will try to push each other away). The resulting gap will be roughly 40-60% greater than with a single magnet.

Sentrol, GRI, Ademco and a few others make reliable magnetic contacts. Stay away from Tane.

Alarm screens are an excellent solution. As mentioned above, they are pricier than magnetic contacts. You can get around the disarm/rearm hassle in one of two other ways. Some panels allow you to adjust the time it takes for each loop to respond. For example, Napco's Gemini systems will allow you to specify that the zones containing "vented" window sensors not respond unless the circuit is broken for at least 750 mSec. It takes less than 3/4 second to slide the window shut. Problem solved.

The second method is less secure but for some folks it's more convenient. You can program a Napco Gemini panel (and several other makes/models) to ignore zones which are already open when th system is armed. This is usually called "auto-bypass" or something similar, depending on the manufacturer. Leave some windows open for ventilation and then arm the system. The keypads will emit a 2-second beep warning you that the system is partially armed. When you're ready for bed, slide the windows shut. Another programmable feature will automatically activate the affected circuits as soon as the windows close. These features are independently selectable by zone so you don't have to worry about accidentally leaving a door or something else unprotected.

The obvious weakness to the above option is the auto-bypassed window is unprotected until you shut it. The plus side is it's easier to use the system. There are other brands with similar features. I mention Napco because I installed them for many years and I also sell them online but you can accomplish the same thing with other brands.

I don't offer Tane for that reason. I've had Ademco contacts on my website for more than five years. I've always preferred Sentrol (now GE) contacts.

Nonsense!

now I agree with that.:)

Ummmm.... That's a "switch". When did Ademco start making "reliable contacts"?? The reason I ask is that you have for many years stated they're not and won't recommend them.

I've had instances where Sentrol contacts have caused nothing but grief on an access control system and yet the GRI contact installed right next to it and on the same door (that's part of the burg system) hasn't caused a single problem... We switched to GRI years ago. When they first came into the market place they actually offered to pay a portion of the service labour for every contact that failed in service... I call that *customer service*!! Would that DSC had done the same!! GRI's also great in my book because they'll provide contacts with built-in end-of-lines in all the popular resistance values without having to buy 200 at a time (like you have to do with Sentrol)...

The question I asked was what has caused you to switch from stating Ademco contacts are unreliable to your now listing them as the opposite?? (Not that I've had a single problem with Ademco contacts, or Amseco for that matter)