Bosch G-Series Intrusion Tested

Published Jul 26, 2017 14:24 PM

Bosch is one of the biggest names in intrusion, and the company's G-Series panels are their most advanced commercial and high-security panels. But just how well do they perform?

We bought and tested a Bosch B8512G panel and a B942 graphic keypad to see how it stacks against competitors.

In this test, we examine the system covering:

  • Strengths & Weaknesses
  • Competitive Comparison
  • Distribution Availability
  • Physical Overview
  • Keypad Options
  • System Price
  • Remote Security App
  • RPS Software Programming
  • IP Cameras As Alarm Sensors
  • Central Station Monitoring Options

Separately, we have tested the Bosch B-Series panel.

Inside, we detail our results, including 4 main strengths and 4 main weaknesses, contrasting the G-Series to other high-end commercial intrusion alarm systems like DMP's XR Series (see test results) and Honeywell Ademco Vista (see test results).

Strengths Overview

Our test shows Bosch G-Series B8512G has some competitive advantages, even compared to others common in the commercial and high-security markets:

  • More Than Intrusion: We tested the B8512G to do more than zoned and partitioned intrusion detection. We also tested its access control features, programmable output configuration, and ethernet connectivity. We also integrated a Bosch IP camera and used it as an alarm sensor, essentially expanding the scope of detection to include Bosch Analytic Events in intrusion detection.
  • Deep Programming Options: While many intrusion systems strip down operation to basic operations and programming of systems by limiting options, G-Series panels offer granular management of most features. Our review included discrete configuration of inputs (PIRs, Keypads), outputs (horns, cameras), user codes/ cards, and creating operation menus that prompt specific users to take customized steps to disarm/arm the panel.
  • Easy To Wire: The B8512G has full-size contact strips to hardwire sensors, and incorporates modular sockets for items like cell communicators or input/output modules.  G-Series panels are big compared to other intrusion boards, and while the enclosure must also be bigger, the additional room and larger size of contacts makes installation work easier and faster than compact boards like Tyco DSC PowerSeries Neo. 
  • Bosch Camera Integration: For most systems, 'camera' integration with intrusion systems are limited to a few basic low performing cameras and use an add-on cloud service to integrate video. Our tests shows that G-Series supports two-way camera integration for basic inputs and output alarms. However, integration is limited to only Bosch cameras, and no video events can be streamed through the panel. External VMS or Apps must be used if video clips are desired, otherwise the keypad or panel alarms/notifies as if a sensor has been triggered.

Weaknesses Overview

However, our test shows the G-Series has some drawbacks relative to intrusion competitors:

  • Complex To Learn: The B8512G takes time to fully configure and build programming and schedules for. Putting together our G-Series test system required careful attention in both ordering and install with multiple, unkitted parts. The range of options, connections, and configurations needed for G-Series means quick 'plug & play' installations will not be typical.
  • High Installer Skill Required: Our test system used only 8 points, but still required several hours of configuration work to commission. In general, a high-volume installer looking for a 'blow and go' system is likely going to be intimidated by the number of configuration options and potential adjustments needed to fully commission a G-Series system. 
  • Not Wireless By Default: While G-Series does support Radion wireless, these are done through separate and additionally purchased modules that add both time and cost.
  • No Home Automation By Default: G-Series also lacks default integration or control of Z-Wave or Zigbee devices. While separate modules are available, installing them adds cost and complexity to a system whose competitors often include this by default, ie: DMP or 2Gig.

Competitive Comparison

In terms of features and hardware design, G-Series is at the high-end of commercial intrusion platforms with deep configuration, access control, and multiple partition, and configurable output programming for integration with fire and video surveillance systems.

Competitor systems like DMP XR Series and larger Honeywell Ademco Vista panels offer similar features, but Bosch G-Series generally offers more points, areas, outputs, supervised keypads, and operation process customization. Other factors like number of users/codes, schedules, logged event storage may lack compared to DMP or Vista, but are sufficient enough for large systems and are not likely practical issues.

G-Series Dealer Limited

Bosch limits the G-Series platform to sales and service by trained dealers. However, we found the channel rather loosely control and bought our test panel via a grey market internet reseller.  Typically, resellers are installing dealers, and given the technical complexity of configuring a system, most end-users will avoid purchasing to "DIY" and we expect the direct sales threat to be minimal.

In contrast, Bosch B-Series is widely available from internet distributors, and cost competition and pricing is likely much more aggressive.

Test System Details

The G-Series model IPVM tested was composed of an B8512G panel, and a B942W touchscreen keypad equipped with a prox reader, and an mix of hardwired sensors including a Bosch Blue Line Intrusion Motion Detector.

Of note, this assortment was not sold like traditional intrusion kits, including a siren, sensors, keypad(s), and batteries. Users and installers will need to specify and buy the pieces separately.

Physical Overview

The B8512G is an 108-point/zone master board installed inside a steel can enclosure, with 8 hardwired zones onboard, and up to 16 supervised keypads. In a standard enclosure, there is room for three 12 VDC 4AH backup batteries, and the panel itself is covered against airborne dust and static discharge:

The plastic enclosed printed circuit board is equipped with a hard-soldered RJ45 ethernet jack and USB port, along with three configurable outputs:

The panel includes a 'heartbeat' LED and hard reset button onboard, and confirming the panel is responsive is possible by just opening the enclosure.  The LED flashes when systems are operating 'normally':

If the system becomes locked up or unresponsive, users can press the 'reset' button to reboot the system, rather than physically removing power like other systems typically require.

Keypad Options

We tested the panel using a B942 touchscreen keypad connected using a traditional 4-wire connector bus using G-Series SDI2 port.  While we connected a single keypad directly, up to 16 (B8512G) or 32 (B9512G) supervised keypads can be daisy-chained or T-tapped connected and still remain addressable, an uncommon feature.

In terms of operation and programming, the keypad uses plain-language prompts, big button controls, and is easy to configure basic features and system operation.

The onboard alarm sounder is not loud, and mass-notification will require use of an external siren. The auto-dimming panel has a motion sensor and automatically displays when users approach.

G-Series keypads can be used to program basic features, but functions like naming zones, defining delay periods and uploading panel program templates were only possible through use of RPS software.

Clear Radionics Influence

In many respects, Bosch G-Series resembles Radionics panels, a business Bosch acquired in 2002. However, Bosch tells us panel functionality and features are largely new for G-Series, introduced in ~2011.  When comparing the two brand's panels side-by-side, the hardware commonality is obvious, with both featuring the same large enclosed panel and same relative placement of contacts:

Since being acquired, Bosch has incrementally changed the hardware design by most notably adding the USB/Ethernet ports and plug-in module sockets for communicator modules, but more substantially changing how the panel integrates with other Bosch security products, namely Bosch BVMS video surveillance.  

Advanced Features

G-Series offers several power features not common in many intrusion platforms. We tested several of these features, including:

  • Configurable Menu Structure: This feature allows for process of arming/disarming to be customized for a specific zone order or triggered outputs, such as turning security lights on before the panel is armed.
  • Dual Authentication: Using the integrated 125 kHz reader in the keypad, we used this feature to require two forms of credentials to operate/arm/disarm the system.
  • Scheduled Events: Both system status and outputs can be programmed to activate automatically on a schedule, rather than only rely on user activation.

These features are not typically needed or used in residential intrusion systems, but give G-Series panels an advantage in heavily customized and integrated high-security environments.

System Pricing

The B8512G panel has a street price of ~$350, while the B942 keypad prices at ~$225. Contrasted with offerings like Vista or DMP, Bosch G-Series is generally cost competitive. A G-Series panel does not include other standard features like keypads, door/window contacts, horn, and motion sensor parts. The total 'all-in' price for a small 8 zone, ten device system could exceed $2000, especially if wireless devices or Z-Wave automation is integrated.

Bosch RPS Software Programming

Not all panel features can be programmed by keypad, and instead require the use of an installer PC and Bosch's installer software named RPS. We found programming via RPS easier than managing it via keypad, even the graphic touchscreen model we used.

While keypads can be used to program basic features, RPS must be used to configure 'Enhanced Communications' settings from other communicator modules, output relay point assignments, zone alarm delay periods, and uploading panel program templates.

RPS is not free, because a hardware dongle is required to use it for G-Series panels at a street cost of ~$500.

IP Cameras As Alarm Sensors

The B8512G can also be configured to use up to 8 cameras as sensor points (the B9512G handles 16 cameras), which then makes attached cameras intrusion sensors.  In our test, a Bosch camera was configured to essentially monitor the camera's FoV as a zone, with a fault causing the keypad to sound and notify the event just like a sensor would:

Bosch IVA analytics can be used to configure the camera to send alarms to the panel when conditions are met, using logic that is more granular than course motion in PIRs, simple contact closure types. While our test camera was configured with Intrusion Detection IVA, the environment was simple, and more complex testing in harsher environments would be needed before deeming it equal to traditional detection sensors.

However, only Bosch IP cameras can be used for this feature, and if video monitoring of the event is required, then an additional viewing client or web-browser access is required.

Integrated Access Control

The G-Series also includes basic electronic access control support. We tested it out, using the B942W keypads with an integrated 125 kHz card reader.The keypad includes output connections for integrating door strikes or maglock contacts. With a Bosch panel based access system, the keypad serves the functions of a door controller, and the typical installation close and on the secured side of the door closely resembles edge-based access.

However, compared to most dedicated access platforms, Bosch's onboard management tools are basic and difficult to navigate. Adding users is often a multi-step process requiring several different elements to be managed including codes, profiles, individual doors, and schedules. Events are not displayed in a graphic/map form.

The G-Series integrated access will appeal most to small system users seeking basic 'keycard' support on a few perimeter doors, but those seeking more powerful management and heavy integration will need to use other platforms.

Remote App

For mobile systems, Bosch G-Series is supported by the Remote Security Control App, a free remote control to arm, disarm, and otherwise control the system from smartphones.

While Remote Security Control allows system arming and disarming and management of connected outputs, only Live video from integrated cameras is supported, not recorded segments.

Central Station Monitoring Options

Bosch panels can be centrally monitored by the majority of central stations, as they use Bosch/Radionics 'Modem4' and common Contact ID [link no longer available] formats. Both formats are widely supported by central station providers, with no major coverage gaps in monitoring in any portion of North America and in most of the globe.

Bosch sells a line of central station receivers that support a broad range of format protocols, including the major ones used globally, including SIA, Format ID, Ademco, and Radionics. These receivers are not just limited to Bosch panel's offerings, and many central stations use them as general equipment even if Bosch panels are not the primary type being monitored. Most geographic areas contain multiple monitoring options supporting the formats used by Bosch alarm panels.

Expanding Intrusion Tests

This G-Series test is one in a string of IPVM's platform tests including:

Upcoming tests include Honeywell's Total Connect. If you have other interest or suggestions for other platforms, please leave them in a comment below

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