An alarm system can call for help in the event of an attempted break in, but only if it is armed. If an adversary forces an authorized user to disarm the alarm, however, that adversary can gain entry without alerting emergency responders. Therefor...
By Ari Erenthal - over 2 years ago
The function of an alarm panel is to gather information from sensors and respond to this information by triggering actions. While it is possible to program these responses manually, most alarm panels have a variety of responses preprogrammed and g...
By Ari Erenthal - over 2 years ago
Xandem's "full coverage motion tracking technology" is unlike any intrusion technology we have seen. We bought their new system and tested it extensively to better understand its strengths and weaknesses. Below is one of the examples from our tes...
By Brian Rhodes - over 2 years ago
Alarm installers commonly connect multiple sensors to a single zone. They do this by splicing the wires together. In this report, we will explain how alarm technicians splice the most common alarm wires, including: What a splice is Common alar...
By Ari Erenthal - over 2 years ago
The hit list. Kirschenbaum's recent newsletter complained about a 'hit list', bemoaning how a company took aim at ADT. Alas, that's the Google racket. When someone searches for a term (like 'ADT'), Google will gladly sell numerous ads for anyone...
By John Honovich - over 2 years ago
Bosch is one of the biggest names in intrusion but their B-Series panels, targeted at smaller site installs and available through distribution, are relatively new for intrusion standards. We bought a Bosch B3512 panel and a B942 graphic keypad to...
By Brian Rhodes - over 2 years ago
Intrusion panels are hard to identify, are not always clearly labeled, and often look like other printed circuit boards unless you spot telling characteristics. Compounding the difficulty, panel stickers and labels often fade or get lost, enclosur...
By Brian Rhodes - over 2 years ago
Strobes provide visual notification of alarm incidents, as sirens are used to give audible notification. Using a strobe gives alarm users and alarm responders another way confirm alarms when they cannot hear the sirens. In this note, we examine ho...
By Ari Erenthal - over 2 years ago
2Gig is one of the most widely used intrusion systems, with two product lines that are the main offering of many alarm companies, huge national installers and small mom & pop shops alike. In this dual-test, IPVM bought both variants of this a...
By Brian Rhodes - over 2 years ago
Sirens are used to alert users to an alarm condition. In this note, we examine how to choose, locate, and install alarm sirens, including Siren versus speaker Form factors - surface mount, flush mount, horns, self contained sirens, armored sir...
By Ari Erenthal - over 2 years ago
Burglars often break glass windows to get into a house. Using glass break detectors in conjunction with alarm contacts is a good way to protect the entire perimeter of a building. In this note, we examine glass break detectors, including Shock...
By Ari Erenthal - over 2 years ago
Simplisafe markets themselves as a 'better way' than traditional professional alarm companies. However, in one key way, Simplisafe hides the alarm permitting process from their marketing material, only making it clear after the system is purcha...
By Ari Erenthal - over 2 years ago
Panic switches allow silently triggering an alarm system when it is otherwise disarmed. In this tutorial we explain and contrast the 7 most common types, including: Covered Switch / Hold Up Emergency Button Latching Switch Wireless Keyfob F...
By Ari Erenthal - over 2 years ago
Intrusion detection systems can be used to alert users to environmental issues. By connecting sensors that monitor the heat, humidity, and moisture, alarm subscribers can be alerted to potential problems before they grow worse. In this tutorial, w...
By Ari Erenthal - over 2 years ago
Many residential alarm subscribers arm their alarms before going to bed at night. Wiring window screens allow these subscribers to leave their windows open while still being protected. In this guide, we will examine alarm screens, including: No...
By Ari Erenthal - over 2 years ago
DMP is a major provider of intrusion systems, but lacks the global brand recognition of some of its rivals (such as Bosch, Honeywell, DSC, or 2Gig). How does it compare to competitor systems that have been in widespread use for decades? We boug...
By Brian Rhodes - over 2 years ago
Contacts are the devices that tell an alarm panel when an entryway is open or closed. The act of opening or closing an entryway, such as a door or window, causes a physical change in the contact. This in turn changes the state of the circuit to wh...
By Ari Erenthal - over 2 years ago
SimpliSafe is one of the most controversial companies in the industry, as they have become the symbol of the DIY threat to traditional alarm providers. Indeed, Simplisafe is doing very well financially. Expanding from their foundation in alarm sy...
By John Scanlan - over 2 years ago
Sensors designed to detect movement are a good way to protect large, open areas. In this tutorial, we examine motion detectors, including: Passive infrared (PIR) detection Microwave detection Dual technology detectors Movement profiles Dete...
By Ari Erenthal - over 2 years ago
'Everybody' 'knows' that DIY alarm systems, like Simplisafe, generate more false alarms than traditional, professionally installed ones. But it is evidently false, as two executives in the know from large central stations explained to IPVM.
By John Honovich - over 2 years ago
Detection of objects across hundreds of acres through obstacles? Perimeter security startup Quantum Technology Sciences (QTSI) claims their system is so sensitive it can detect 'a foot step two football fields away'. QTSI's Vector system is fund...
By Brian Rhodes - over 2 years ago
Hikvision's 2016 acquisition Pyronix has been touting their 'huge' new large system panel. Indeed, the new Euro 280 claims features that are better than previous models. But one important feature is not there. Inside, we look at the new release ...
By Brian Rhodes - over 2 years ago
Bosch is one of the most well known brands in the industry and they have combined recently with Sony in video surveillance. But how has Bosch stood up against the rising wave of Chinese entrants? In this last entry of our 20 manufacturer favorab...
By IPVM Team - over 2 years ago
The company alarm dealers love to hate, Simplisafe, is 'blowing the doors off' according to Michael Barnes, one of the top financial advisors in the space. Inside, we examine Simplisafe's progress, business model, estimated RMR, annual revenue an...
By John Honovich - over 2 years ago
Alarm panels are the central controller of intrusion systems. The following is a list of manufacturers of alarm panels. This directory only covers commercial manufacturers and omits DIY systems. We also omitted fire-only panel manufacturers. ...
By Ari Erenthal - over 2 years ago
