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Skylink SC-1000 wireless burglar alarm

A wireless alarm system is composed of battery powered components that communicate via radios signals. Today, more wireless alarm systems are sold for residential homes than hard-wired alarm systems. A wireless alarm system may consist of:

• Control Box – The hub of the alarm system and all sensors are linked to this box. May contain a keypad to arm or disarm the system.
• Window and Door Sensors – These closed-circuit sensors trigger the system alarm when a window or door is opened.
• Motion Sensors – Detect motion in a room within its field of view. Motion sensors used today are infrared (PIR) that detect body heat within a room.
• Alarm Siren – Is sounded when an intruder is detected.
• Phone Auto-Dialer – Dials local police station or a security monitoring service and leaves a pre-recorded message when the alarm is triggered.
• Key Chain Remote Control – Contains buttons to remotely arm or disarm the system.

Advantages of a Wireless Alarm System:

• Ease of installation – Wireless alarm systems are a great DIY choice. These systems are extremely easy for anybody to install as there are no wiring required for the installation.
• Sensors can be positioned in the best locations – You are not restricted to placing sensors only in locations where you are able to route the wiring. The sensors can be placed in optimal locations to ensure the best security coverage.
• Aesthetic appearance – A hard-wired alarm system can look a bit ugly with the wiring leading to the various security sensors. Wireless systems look aesthetically more pleasing. Wireless systems don’t have this problem.
• Can be easily moved after installation – If at some point you decide that you want to move a sensor to another location in your house, its not a big hassle with a wireless system.
• Expandability with other wireless alarm devices – Some wireless alarm systems today allow you to link to other wireless alarm devices, such as smoke and flood alarms.

Disadvantages of a Wireless Alarm System:

• More expensive than wired systems – Although with the gaining popularity of wireless systems, there is now not that much of a price difference between wired and wireless systems. A wireless system will normally not require you to hire someone to install the system – it may be necessary to hire someone to install a hard-wired alarm system.
• Wireless systems run off batteries – The majority of components in a wireless alarm system require batteries in order to operate, and these batteries will need to be changed from time to time. Many alarm system components will run for years before the batteries require changing. Wireless alarm system components generally warn you when the batteries need changing via an audible alarm or flashing LED.

Considerations When Choosing a Wireless Alarm System

Take into consideration the number of rooms, windows and doors in your house, and the number of motion sensors and door/window sensors bundled with the wireless alarm system. Also check if additional sensors can be purchased and added to the alarm system.

Another important consideration is the operating distance of the wireless alarm system. This is the maximum distance that the wireless components can communicate with the control box using radio signals. For larger homes, a wireless alarm system having an operating range of only 50 feet will not be ideal.

Also ensure that the alarm that comes with the system is loud enough to be heard from a distance, and by your neighbours. The alarm siren should be at least 100 decibels loud. An auto-dialer may also be included as part of a wireless alarm system. An auto-dialer automatically calls programmed telephone numbers when the alarm is triggered, and plays back a pre-recorded message. This telephone number is normally the local police service or a security monitoring company.

Skylink wireless alarm systems have become extremely popular, and offer excellent value for money with an impressive feature set. Three wireless alarm system products are sold by Skylink to match different size homes and different budgets. Skylink also sell a wide range of security accessories, to customize and expand these alarm systems.

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