system to learn on ?

One from a local alarm company. They will teach you everything there is to know about the use of the system when they are done installing it.

Took me 4 years to get a reasonable understanding of the basics and some finer points, such as proper detector placement. If you can install a reliable, trouble-free system on your first try, then you're a better man than most.

You could be misled here because these folks are mostly professionals and jealously guard their turf.

Here is my suggestion (I am a do-it-your-selfer that was forced to be so by the crappy treatment I received by the PROs).

If you buy a system from the above, they will hand-hold you via email and you will learn a lot! That was my experience.

No one knows where this guy is from, so jealously guarding turf is not an issue. There are definately some handy individuals but everyone's capabilities are much different. Some may have a great interest in alarm systems but don't which end of a screwdriver to use. To just arbitrarily start instucting someone over the internet or telephone on installing personal and/or life safety equipment is very very wrong, regardless of your personal view point. Granted there are those online companies that sell equipment, but that is all they are doing. They sell equipment, they do not sell security.

A Pro or Pros. How many times did you have professional alarm companies install and service you? My guess is you had a (one) bad experience. And whom may that have been. You can easily find, right here, who to avoid. Your statement is hardly fair to a 140 year old industry with over 4000 legitimate alarm companys in the US.

Again, not for everyone. I will guarantee you, remembering some of your post, considering your time, you probably have, many times more dollars invested, than if you had a pro do it. And unfortunately, if it should ever fail and something tragic happens, who in the family will question, "would this have happened if a pro did it?"

Free: start by reading alarm installation and programming manuals to see if this is something you really want to learn/do.

I'll send you a few panels and keypads if you pay shipping via paypal

.

AT&T 8000

Me too.....be glad to get rid of 'em.

| >Is this feasible and what brand model would you guys recommend I look for ? | >

| | | I'll send you a few panels and keypads if you pay shipping via paypal | | . | | -- | | -Graham | (remove the double e's to email)

What kind? I might be interested in some used stuff for my rental properties.

Ademco (now part of Honeywell) makes some decent, easy to install and configure systems. Their Vista-20P is popular. You can probably pick one up on eBay for $100 or so. You'll need at least one model

6160 keypad to program the system once you have it installed.

Napco security makes some very powerful, flexible systems as well. They're easy to install but more complicated to program.

One possible problem is that some unscrupulous alarm dealers have been known to unload "locked" panels on eBay. They acquire a used panel during the takeover of an account that was installed by another alarm company, find it's been locked and then dump it on the auction site.

Some end users have been known to do the same thing as well. If you pay by credit card, at least you have the option of challenging the charges afterward should something go wrong.

Excellent advice, Crash. If the gentleman would like to have access to tons of manuals online, I'd be glad to help him out.

sounds like youve been watching fox news.

bass reports, you decide.

I have some DSC stuff and couple of old Napcos.

to unload "locked" panels on eBay. They acquire a used

company, find it's been locked and then dump it on the

That, sir, is a fairy tale. If you're a seller on eBay you're more concerned with your reputation (and receiving positive feedback). Unlike you, of course. How many BBB complaints is it now?? 25??

credit card, at least you have the option of challenging

If you do anything through eBay, they have their own buyer protection policy. If you're going to buy alarm parts (on eBay), check out the sellers reputation. If you're going to purchase product online (from

*any* vendor), look for the "BBB Online" logo. That, at least, assures you that they address customer concerns promptly and efficiently (and that they actually *answer* their phones and email).

Did not mean to offend anyone here or trash an entire industry.

I had excellent experiences with pros up north and poor experiences with pros in SW FL. This newsgroup is mostly helpful, BTW.

Reading the OP's message strongly suggests he is motivated and one can be kind and not question his ability to use basic tools.

who is SW Fl? Maybe someone I know?

No, it was not R.L.B. (if that was the implication).

A few Vista10 Se's and various DSC (mostly 1555's)

er..no