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Control
panels
 The
control panel is the heart of the alarm system. The control
panel is an electronic circuit board that provides power to
all system components and makes decisions about the operation
of the system. The circuit board is enclosed in a metal cabinet
which also contains the backup battery and serves as the central
connection point for the cables that run to the security devices.
The
control panel circuit board includes a microprocessor, memory,
and data storage components that essentially make up a small,
specialized computer. This computer takes commands from you
through the alarm keypad, watches the condition of the intrusion
sensors and makes decisions about when it is necessary to
sound the alarm, call the police, etc.
Alarm control panels have become very sophisticated in recent
years and even the most basic models are now capable of many
advanced functions such as;
- Determining
whether or not a homeowner is "at home" or "away"
- Tracking
who is coming and going from a business premise
- Automatically
arming at a certain time of day
- Performing
constant self-tests to determine that major system components
are working correctly.
The
alarm control panel is the most important component you will
purchase. The selection of the alarm control panel determines
the system capabilities in all regards. There are a huge variety
of systems on the market and with a few exceptions most alarm
panels are well built and have an incredible number of features.
A key feature of any control panel is the number of zones
inputs available (a "zone" is an input for connecting
sensors). Another critical feature is the design of the "user
interface", the way in which you give the system commands
and receive information from the keypad. A system which is
too simple may not have all of the features that you require,
while a system that is too complex may be difficult for you
to operate.
The
systems that we most often recommend are manufactured by DSC.
We have chosen DSC for the following reasons;
- Systems
are powerful, flexible, expandable and very easy to use.
- The
most widely supported brand of alarm system in the city
(and all over Canada). Every alarm installation company
in Victoria supports DSC products.
- High
level of reliability at a very competitive price.
- Sophisticated
alarm communication features and remote management capability.
- Components
are manufactured in Canada, most with ULC approval.
For
a more detailed understanding of alarm system functions we
recommend that you click on "Tell Me More", below.
Tell
Me More About Alarm Control Panels
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I
first had Quality Alarms monitor the alarm system in my house
because of their low rate and I wasn’t asked to lock
into a contract. Since that time, I have had them install
an alarm system in my rental property and also switched the
monitoring of our dental office. I do not hesitate to recommend
them to anyone looking for an alarm system or looking to save
money on alarm monitoring.
