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Average Customer Review
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The most helpful favorable review
The most helpful critical review
67 of 67 people found the following review helpful:
Great product for the price
After my house was broken into I wanted to get an alarm but didn't want to pay any companies or commit to any monitoring contracts. This fit the bill perfectly. It works great once you plan around some caveats.
Pros: very simple operation. I've only had it two weeks but seems reliable so far. Easy to set up. The remote works well, but it's too bulky for me...
Published 13 months ago by Andrew A. Edmonds
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
Great except for Dialer & battery Life
Purchased this product in October 2008.
1st let me say that my setup for this product is as follows:
Two complete system control panels in operation. (unexpected repeat purchase)
Three motion sensors in operation. (all three pre-programmed to both control panels)
Only one of the two dialers is in operation, & that one I programmed to...
Published 12 months ago by Simple Guy
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67 of 67 people found the following review helpful:
Great product for the price, July 28, 2009
This review is from: Skylink SC-100 Security System Deluxe Kit (Tools & Hardware)
After my house was broken into I wanted to get an alarm but didn't want to pay any companies or commit to any monitoring contracts. This fit the bill perfectly. It works great once you plan around some caveats.
Pros: very simple operation. I've only had it two weeks but seems reliable so far. Easy to set up. The remote works well, but it's too bulky for me to carry around. So I just use a PIN code when I come and ago. I love the flexibility of this system. It's easy to add sensors or accessories. Compared to a pro alarm, the stuff is very cheap but built decently. It doesn't quite have the build quality "feel" of a pro system but it's simple and for the money works well. I love how it's all wireless. I"m a renter and don't want to drill holes or pull wire in walls and this is perfect.
Cons: The control panel (SC-001), PIN pad and siren are all one unit. If a crook breaks in and smashes it to bits during the 30 seconds on a delayed entry alarm it will be worthless. Or even if the siren is going off, cover it tightly with your hand, rip it off the wall and take it to the bathroom sink and submerge it in water or otherwise disable it. In other words, there's a single failure point that's not well protected. Especially if you mount it by your door for easy ripping off the wall as the crooks come in. In professional systems, the control unit is usually in a metal box in a closet so if someone smashes the keypad it will still go off. In pro systems the siren is separate as well.
Now here's how you can plan your system to mitigate the cons. Here's what to buy: Buy an extra key pad and at least one extra siren unit. They're only $30 each. Next, get creative where you hide the control panel. Put it in a closet or behind your washer and dryer or some place hard to get to. Some palace where it will take more than 30 seconds to destroy the control panel. Better yet, I am going to buy an inexpensive metal key box. It's a locking metal box that you can hang keys in. I found one on a big auction site for $15. I plan to drill a hole to poke the antenna out and another hole to run the power cord in. And some holes in the door so if the siren does go off, it can be heard. This will make it a little more like a pro system, in a locked metal box, preferably in a closet. Once the control box is secure, then set up one or more external sirens. I bought two. I put them on opposite sides of the house. Now if a bad guy breaks in, he has to find three sirens and smash them (control panel siren + 2 external ones). The sirens are very loud but I live on a noisy road and it's hard to hear the interior one from outside when traffic is going by. That's why I discreetly mounted one siren on the outside of a window on the front of the house. The other one is mounted on the outside of a window on the side of the house. I even wrapped one in black trash bad plastic to make it less obvious it's an alarm. You might even want to put electrical tape over the LED on the siren unit. Now you will have a system that's very difficult to defeat. Most crooks aren't going to want to hang around a house with 3 sirens going, not knowing it's it's monitored as well.
Some other thoughts: I didn't get a dialer because I don't have a land line and odds are burglars may cut the house phone lines anyway. But if you already have a landline, it couldn't hurt. The magnet contact sensors work well on the doors. The PIR (motion detector) works very well. The only problem is I have a cat and it might trip it. So I put a couple of the PIRs in closets. When I was burglarized, the first place they hit were the closets. Keep the closet doors closed and the cat won't set it off. I'm very careful to avoid false alarms because I don't want the neighbors hear it cry wolf from a false alarm. If you don't have pets, the PIRs will work great in the hallways or any rooms.
Wish list: separate key pad, controller box and siren units. I wish it would tell you if a sensor was "ready" like a pro system, but this would no doubt make the cost of the sensors much higher.
Plan around its shortcomings and this can be a 5 star system. I gave it 5 stars because it works well for what it is and is a great value for the money.
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25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
So Far, So Good, November 2, 2009
This review is from: Skylink SC-100 Security System Deluxe Kit (Tools & Hardware)
At the time of writing this review I have only had the system up and running for about a month. So far, I have not yet had any problems, and don't anticipate any to come up. I would rate this product with 5/5 stars, but a few minor things kept me at a 4/5, even though I am very satisfied with this product.
First, be aware that the system comes with only a few pieces, and you will most likely need to buy extra motion sensors and/or door sensors if you own a house. I personally - after inquiring of the company - bought two SC-100 systems so that I would have extra sensors and because I was informed that they are compatible and work together. This is mostly correct. The two systems can be programmed so that all of the sensors activate both alarms at the same time (and therefore you have two separate alarms sounding, making it all that much more difficult for any crooks to disable), but both can only be activated or deactivated SIMULTANEOUSLY if you are using the remote clicker within range of both control panels. If you manually activate/deactivate on the keypad itself, it will only affect the control panel you are typing into (and you will therefore have to run through the house to activate/deactivate the second control panel and get in/out during the allotted 45 seconds). Also, any other function than the two pre-programmed "arm" settings of the clicker (1 - arm with no one home, 2 - arm with leaving someone inside, 3 - disarm, RED - sound alarm) will have to be entered manually. For example: coding in for 'Night Mode' before you go to bed will require you to manually arm both control panels. (However, if you have the extra keypad-only accessory (KP-434), you could program it to work for both control panels, and skip this step, but will have to pay for the keypad which does not light up).
I did end up buying two extra motion sensors (PS-434a) for a total of 4, as well as an extra alarm (AA-433) for a total of 3 blaring sirens, which I put out in my detached garage to sound off in case someone were to break into that building.
An individual components critique:
1. Control Panel - Easy to understand and set up. Look through 'Advanced programming' in the instructions to get a good idea of how it all works, and figure out what sensors you want in which zones. The first CP I received nearly deafened me when I set it off. The second one was only about 75% as loud, and I have not been able to locate any change in its volume.
2. Motion Sensor (PS-434a) - Settings can be adjusted to high or low, and an extra sensitivity adjustment comes with aiming the sensor down a little bit more. They pick up most movement in smaller rooms, but are sometimes limited by where you locate them. By this I mean, if you try to position them into a ceiling corner to keep them from being too noticeable, they WILL be limited in the direction that you aim them and the STILL WILL be somewhat noticeable. Despite this, they have served the purpose. I have yet to replace any batteries, and it has been one month.
3. Door/Window Sensor (WT-433) - The directions say to have both magnets no more than 5/8 inches away from each other. The kit comes with 3 extra spacers and long enough screws that you should not have any problems. However, if you use all the spacers, the magnets become more noticeable than they already are. These sensors work wonderfully and I have had not trouble with the magnets. But I did not like that the sensor 'house' that attaches to the door frame magnet is on a relatively short wire, so that you can only position it about 6 inches away from the door frame magnet. This made it a little tricky on one or two of my windows/doors because there were not very good places to screw a little box. Also the 'house' is clearly visible by your door unless you can creatively hide it somewhere.
4. Audio Alarm (AA-433) - I received this piece last. It's an alarm. It's very loud. It's very basic: sounds off only when the system goes into full alert. It does not give warning beeps during the 45-second entry delay (like the Control Panel does), but will rather just blare at you once activated. A nice feature is that you can program it to work with either the Control Panel (and system) or just individual sensors (ie, just the back garage door or basement door) or both at the same time.
5. Clicker (4B-434) - No problems yet. Seems to work within the described 100 feet, although I have not measure this out :) The only disadvantages are, first - as many others have already said in other reviews - the buttons are hard to see. I took someone else's advice and colored around button 3 (disarm) so I could see it better. Second, the clicker-on-keychain is handy, but rather bulky. With a car clicker already attached to my keyring, this adds another, almost twice as large...'chunk' (for lack of a better word) into my pocket. But I would rather deal with the 'chunk' than have to run back and forth through the house all the time.
Overall, I am very pleased with this system. The instructions for setup and programming were clear, it did not take long to set up, it is sensitive and loud enough to wake up anything in a 50-foot radius, and provides me and my family with a little more sense of security without the contract. At this point I do not plan to add any other accessories (such as the telephone dialer) to the current pieces I already have. I would recommend this product (and in fact, already have to family members).
I hope this helps!
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
Great except for Dialer & battery Life, September 6, 2009
This review is from: Skylink SC-100 Security System Deluxe Kit (Tools & Hardware)
Purchased this product in October 2008.
1st let me say that my setup for this product is as follows:
Two complete system control panels in operation. (unexpected repeat purchase)
Three motion sensors in operation. (all three pre-programmed to both control panels)
Only one of the two dialers is in operation, & that one I programmed to only one of the two control panels.
I have not chosen to install the door/window sensors... as the motion sensors cover the area used to approach the doors, & I have lots of windows.
The Good:
If you have a consistent electricity supply & no long (>10 minute) blackouts, the batteries will keep you going but you'll need to change them.
The Bad:
If your electricity supply isn't so steady, you may need to plug the control panel & dialer AC power supplies into a UPS. (e.g. APC)
Sometimes I have to re-program the dialer to the control panel.
Maybe it's just my purchase but the Dialer in both purchases stopped being able to playback the messages soon after installation, although it would still dial the numbers I programmed in.
When plugged into the AC Adapter, the case of the Automated Dialer accompanying the system, generates a lot of heat and has stopped playing back the voice message... (i.e. I hear pops & clicks)......although it DOES still dial the pre-programmed numbers.
I would hear silence for the length of the message after it connects to my cell phone.
NOTE:
I use a UPS with my system.
In spite of these shortcomings, I like the product and it has brought me peace of mind.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
Very good & simple system, August 19, 2008
This review is from: Skylink SC-100 Security System Deluxe Kit (Tools & Hardware)
6 months now from installation (simple by the way), no problems to report. Only one false allarm in 6 months.
Only three wishes: little more range for the remote control, more power to siren, and better documentation (even if the whole set works very well).
With no much more other systems to choose from Amazon, I think it is a good deal.
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11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
Skylink Home Security System, November 4, 2008
This review is from: Skylink SC-100 Security System Deluxe Kit (Tools & Hardware)
Great product for the money. Siren decibel level will definitely deter would-be burglars. Optional autodialer to police, fire, relatives, etc. a great addition. Provides full-time security at a fraction of the cost of monthly monitoring companies.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
Impressive performance for the price, October 2, 2009
This review is from: Skylink SC-100 Security System Deluxe Kit (Tools & Hardware)
I liked the performance and the range of this unit so well that I decided to expand it. I purchased an additional SC-100 Kit from Amazon because it was less expensive than buying the additional sensors and parts that I wanted separately. Also, the second control panel can be used as an additional audio alarm, and as a backup in case of a problem with the first unit.
During the installation process, one of the door sensors in the second kit would not communicate properly with the control panel. Instead of the chime and the flashing light in zone 1 that was supposed to be the result of opening the door in test mode, the only indication I got was a quick flash of the ARM light. I had read at least one review of this system by someone else who had experienced a problem with faulty door sensors, and I was on the verge of sending it back for replacement when it occured to me that maybe it had to do with the initial factory programming or zone assignment. After a little experimentation in the advanced programming mode, it turned out that in this case, the factory had not assigned a zone to this sensor. After I assigned it to a zone, which by the way is easy, it worked fine.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
Great Value !, July 4, 2009
This review is from: Skylink SC-100 Security System Deluxe Kit (Tools & Hardware)
I have had "professional" alarm systems in the past and they were quite unreliable. The door or glass break units would continuously fail and of course I was paying $20/month to monitor.I was sick of false alarms and my neighbors were too. It got to the point where I just never used it.
Recently a family member's house was burglarized which made me think of installing a system in my current house. A GE rep stopped by and offered me a wireless based system which had a value of $2500 (con-man) and wanted $50/month monitoring. YEA RIGHT !
I searched the web and found the Sky Link system for $100. Read the reviews and decided to order. 4 days later I had it my hands and doing the preliminary test and it worked. Next day I installed the system. The instructions are great, easy to install and it worked first time. The hardest part was lining up the magnets on the door, which took some time due to an old door frame.
I loved this product do much I decided to add more components. This is a great feature that allows you to custom design your security system to meet your requirements.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
Needs Louder Alarm Sound, May 22, 2009
This review is from: Skylink SC-100 Security System Deluxe Kit (Tools & Hardware)
I have installed the SC-100 Security System about a week ago together with the AA-433 Remote Alarm. Installation was very easy and the Manual is concise but complete. The noise level of the alarm within the house (Part of the keypad) is loud if you sleep in the same room where the alarm is located. I have installed the keypad (alarm) in a closet in another bedroom. It is barely audible outside of the house. Knowing this from prior reviews, I purchased the AA-433 Remote Alarm (Direct from Skylink) and installed it in the attic by the front of the house. This is audible in the front yard but clearly not loud enough to disturb a neigbor - Perhaps that's a positive?? We live on a 60 x 100 lot and there are neighbors on both sides with the same size lots. We now have two alarms sounding and a burglar would not know it if he were entering the home from the rear. So I have to buy another alarm and install in the attic in the rear of the home.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
Awesome!, February 15, 2009
This review is from: Skylink SC-100 Security System Deluxe Kit (Tools & Hardware)
Look you got to give this product five stars! Yes it may not be perfect but it is about as close as a product can be. Installation and Setup is a breez and I like the way it works, and how it is preset to about what you want without any programing... I think it's packaging and design is very well done! My house got broken into twon months ago, and now I really feel safer knowing this is there!
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7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
Security Syatem, June 24, 2008
This review is from: Skylink SC-100 Security System Deluxe Kit (Tools & Hardware)
Set this up in my daughters home. Didn't take long and worked perfectly. She feels much safer at night. Highly recommend.
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