Our regular reader shares his experience in choosing and configuring GSM alarm systems. We hope that this text may be useful to those who are thinking about a modern and easily controlled alarm system for their home or office.

Our regular reader shares his experience in choosing and configuring a GSM alarm system. We hope that this text may be useful to those who are thinking about a modern and easily controlled alarm system for their home or office. “Wireless GSM alarm system is relatively inexpensive and at the same time extremely convenient. The alarm functionality can be easily adapted to the specific needs of the household. The number of connected sensors is in principle unlimited, and the use of a set of sensors different principle actions and assignments allows you to control all potentially vulnerable places in the house."

Why

Winter. Mice and... various strange creatures roam around the dachas in triumph. Having discovered an attempt to open the metal entrance door at the dacha, we decided to act somehow. Set up a stretch? It’s dangerous - children, neighbors, and it’s a pity for the dacha. Hire a security guard? Very expensive. Even if you don’t buy him a machine gun. And then I remembered about wireless GSM alarm. In the event of an alarm, the alarm will notify us, and we will call the neighbors who permanently live in the holiday village, who, with the help of a shotgun and a kind word, can quickly find out who is roaming around other people's yards.

Of course, a wired remote alarm would also be excellent option. But the holiday village is simply not served by “wired” security companies due to its significant distance from city communications. In general, for suburban houses, cottages and rented apartments, a wireless GSM alarm system will be the best option. Such an alarm will not require the conclusion of contracts, and when moving to new apartment or it’s easy and simple to take her home with you. The alarm system informs about all alarming events via the almost ubiquitous GSM mobile connection. Moreover, if desired, and with additional financial investments, the alarm can inform not only about the entry of strangers into your abode, but also about the threat of a fire or a household gas leak, a water pipe break, etc. Having received the corresponding SMS or voice call on your mobile phone, you immediately decide whether to call the police, neighbors, firefighters, gas service, or run to the plumber for a bottle.

Difficulty of choice

I’ll be honest, I recently understood no more about alarms than I did about the nature of dark matter. Initially, as always, I wanted to save money. Therefore, the choice started with GSM alarm OKO-U with a very attractive price at $50. But I very quickly realized that the stingy one would overpay three times. Poor equipment even without sensors, a suspicious bunch of different firmware for some use cases, and finally a bit weird appearance“young technician” forced me to say a resounding no to the toad and OKO-U.

The alarm system should be beautiful - that’s what my wife thinks. Although all my life I have been trying to convince her that any thing should be practical, but so far it is useless. A cool screen with blue backlight plus a bonus in the form of a built-in keyboard was found in the ALFA Vip 606C GSM alarm system costing $144. But honestly, no one will bother with a screen and keyboard at the dacha. The alarm system will be operated wirelessly - using a key fob or smartphone, and the control panel will generally be hidden away from prying eyes. Why all these frills? Plus, having turned the alarm in my hands, I was not very impressed with the build quality of the control panel, as well as the properties of the screen. Finally, the absence of an official website is very suspicious and typical of fly-by-night companies and “last echelon” manufacturers, so I never bought the “alpha”.

But China rules the market. The next one that came into view was the Chinese Tenex Guard 3220G GSM, priced at $125. The seller spent a long time explaining to me what a cool thing this was. But I haven’t been fooled by empty words for a long time. And I prefer to do some additional digging on the Internet. On the home site, the alarm is called the ideal solution. But probably ideal for someone else, not me. The need for manual soldering of contacts to obtain a code compatible with the alarm system for sensors (even for those included!), lack of the necessary sensors on sale, finally, the inability to trigger the siren when powered autonomously from the built-in battery finally convinced me that Tenex is not the option to take.

So that you understand what soldering of contacts is and the alternative setting of the central control code with jumpers, I provide two pictures: in the first case, the contacts are soldered, in the second they are connected by jumpers. What do you think can be done easier, faster and with less risk of damaging the sensor?

In general, it seems to me that the cheapness of Chinese do-it-yourself alarm systems is explained by the fact that a significant part of buyers turn to a service where they are charged an additional fee for soldering the sensors.

Then I got to the “witch virobnik”. The first GSM alarm system I came across was the Guardian Avizor Kit, worth $135. But the lack of a cable for connecting to a PC in the package confused me a little. It’s somehow more common to configure the hardware with a convenient user interface in front of your eyes. Therefore, the Guardian Evolution Kit alarm system was chosen, which had not only a USB cable, but also more modern look, as well as an impressive battery included, which was very important for me. In total, for $180 I purchased an option that suited me quite well and had decent equipment for alarm systems of this level. Since the neighbors in the country had two years of positive operating experience burglar alarm"Ajax" of the same manufacturer, the choice was finally finalized.

What did you like about the Guardian Evolution Kit alarm system? She, unlike chinese crafts of a similar class, out of the box it is configured for normal joint operation of the control panel and the included sensors and does not require fiddling with a soldering iron. Free availability of additional sensors for sale, availability of service support and a reasonable one-year warranty. Decent official website. Installation does not require mounting or renovation work, and the modular expansion principle makes it possible to flexibly expand alarm capabilities by connecting new sensors (the number of which is practically unlimited), key fobs, signal amplifiers and even relay-controlled devices. It is easy to connect even powerful infrared barriers to this alarm system if you are seriously concerned about security country house. And finally, autonomous wireless sensors are a plus; they continue to work when there is no voltage in the mains, which is not uncommon for a summer residence. Actually, all this prompted me to buy a Sentinel alarm system. You, of course, are free to choose the alarm model yourself, especially since the operating principles of different alarm systems and especially sensors are very similar.

The Guardian Evolution Kit alarm system includes only “security” sensors - opening and movement. Additional sensors, such as fire sensors, water leaks, gas leaks, etc. will have to be purchased separately. Fortunately, these sensors are relatively inexpensive and can often even operate autonomously. That is, without a central alarm system at all. To raise an alarm, autonomous sensors are equipped with their own built-in sirens. However, without a control panel, these sensors are not able to report an alarm via GSM communication, which greatly limits their functionality. For example, while you are “hanging out” with friends, a pan forgotten in the country kitchen can flood the stove, and the house will be filled with gas from a cylinder. The siren will sound, but you won't know why. All you have to do is rush into the house with a cigarette, and fireworks are guaranteed.

1. Security functions

The Guardian Evolution Kit alarm kit includes a central console, a power supply for it, a backup battery (from which the alarm operates when there is no voltage in the mains), two key fobs, two sensors performing security functions (an opening sensor and a motion sensor), a siren and USB cable for setting up a security system using a PC. In addition to additional sensors, special keypads and panic buttons are connected to the alarm system. You can safely save on them as unnecessary.
Everything said below about the siren and sensors will be true for 99.9% of sets of inexpensive GSM alarms present on the Ukrainian market. Therefore, the information will be useful to owners of alarm systems of different brands.

1.1. Siren

The siren is turned on by the control panel if an alarm signal is received from the sensors. With its strong howl (110 dB), the siren will both scare away the villain (the powerful sound really “hits” the ears) and give a signal to the neighbors. The only sure way for an attacker to turn off a wailing siren is to pull out or cut the wires connecting the siren to the control panel. Therefore, you should not place the siren and alarm central too much in sight. It is possible that, unable to withstand the deafening howl of an invisible siren, the thief will prefer to retreat, simply so as not to spend money on treatment from an otolaryngologist.

There is double-sided tape glued to the back of the siren for quick attachment, but I still recommend screwing it on with self-tapping screws. The tape dries out over time, and the siren (or any sensor attached to similar tape) may fall off.

1.2 Key rings

Convenient wireless key fobs Guardian M-101 are designed for setting (button closed lock) and removal (button open lock) security alarms. The key fob is also equipped with an alarm button (with a lightning bolt pattern) and an alarm off button (crossed out siren). The panic button, when pressed, instantly activates the alarm with a deafening wail of a siren. This can be used when, approaching the house, you notice strangers there. And to prevent the siren from turning on accidentally, the sliding latch covers all the key fob buttons to prevent unintentional pressing. The set includes only 2 keychains; an additional copy will cost approximately $6.5. In general, the key fob is a convenient thing with extremely intuitive controls, like a remote control for an alarm in your pocket. Especially recommended for children and pensioners.

Unauthorized entry into a room protected by an alarm system is detected using opening sensors, glass break sensors and motion sensors.

1.3 Opening sensor

The set includes one opening sensor Guardian M-401, the price of an additional sensor is $6.3 per unit. If the house has metal Entrance door or need to be protected Garage Doors, then you will need another type of sensor - Guardian M-402, which costs $16.5. Such a sensor is already capable of working with massive metal objects, while the Guardian M-401 may not work in the presence of significant masses of metal. The opening sensor Guardian M-401 is intended exclusively for monitoring the opening of wooden or metal-plastic doors and windows.

Structurally, the opening sensor consists of two elements: a magnet and the actual sensor block with a reed switch. The magnet is attached to the moving part of the door/window, and the sensor is mounted opposite the magnet on the fixed part. The reed switch begins to conduct current under the influence of a magnetic field. As soon as the magnet moves away from the reed switch - a door or window opens - the reed switch opens and stops passing current. The sensor generates an alarm.

It is quite obvious that such a primitive type of sensor is easy to deceive. An attacker, noticing the presence of an opening sensor, will simply stick a magnet to its main unit with double-sided tape or even plasticine. And you can safely open the door or window wide - the opening sensor will not work. Therefore, to back up the security system, a motion sensor is also used.

1.4. Motion Sensor

A wireless motion sensor is designed to track the movement of people in a room. The alarm kit includes one such Sentinel M-302 sensor; each additional copy will cost $31. The sensor's operation is based on detecting infrared radiation from living beings. As soon as the sensor detects the movement of a living creature (it can ignore small pets weighing up to approximately 25 kg), it sends an alarm. If some inanimate object moves in the room (for example, a jacket falls from a hanger), the sensor will not react. The sensor detects movement at a distance of up to 12 m and must be installed so that a moving person crosses the “field of view” of the sensor. Under no circumstances should the view of the sensor be blocked by furniture, house plants, or glass structures. The sensor operates in the far infrared range of the spectrum, and ordinary glass is as opaque to it as concrete wall. Actually, this is why the sensor cannot identify movement beyond closed window or glass door. Naturally, a smart attacker will try to neutralize the motion sensor - quickly cover it with clothing or fill it with spray paint. After this, the sensor will become useless. There is no point in breaking or removing the sensor; usually the device is protected by a tamper and an attempt to open it will trigger an alarm.

To make it difficult to neutralize the motion sensor, disguise it under interior elements, install it at a height of 2-2.5 m, where the sensor will be more difficult (inconvenient) to cover or damage. After a visit from strangers, supposedly from the gas service, energy company, water utility and who knows what other organizations, be sure to conduct visual inspection motion sensors.

1.5. Glass break sensor

Glass break sensor Guardian M-601 is designed to detect glass breakage. Such a sensor may be relevant for country houses and apartments on the first and last floors of high-rise buildings - when thieves may try to enter through a window or balcony. The issue price is about $25 per sensor. It is curious that the sensor turned out to be made in Canada, not China. This sensor has a built-in special microphone that detects sounds characteristic of glass breaking. When the glass of a window or balcony is broken, the sensor sends an alarm signal to the alarm central system. The detection range of glass breakage is up to 9 m from the sensor, while the device does not respond to others, incl. loud sounds. The downside of the sensor is that it requires a 12 V power supply. The kit includes a power supply. But if several such sensors are required, the solution can hardly be called wireless. “Disarming” such sensors is as easy as shelling pears – just disconnect the house from the power supply. The alarm will see a loss of voltage in the network, but it will not know whether this disconnection is intentional or just accidental.

Useful features

The threats from fire, water leaks and gas leaks should not be underestimated. All the problems mentioned are real natural disasters. The damage caused by these factors is many times greater than losses from theft. In the event of a fire, flood or domestic gas explosion, everything suffers: flooring and walls, doors, furniture, home electronics and appliances. Plus there is serious threat damage to neighbors, when the amount of losses increases several times. Fire, water leak and gas leak detectors are highly desirable as part of an alarm system!

Fire protection

A fire sensor makes it possible to quickly detect a fire in order to promptly notify the owners and prevent losses. Wireless fire (smoke) sensor Guardian M-501 is designed to monitor the presence of smoke in a room. There are sensors that can detect a fire by a sharp increase in temperature, since the flame can burn without smoke. But our sensor is simpler and is designed to detect smoke as a sign of fire. The sensor, which costs about $28, is capable of working completely autonomously, and not just as part of an alarm system; it has adjustable sensitivity and a built-in siren. The device detects smoke using infrared emitter and a photodetector. When smoke particles enter the smoke chamber, the photodetector detects distortion of the infrared beam. If there is a lot of smoke, the beam distortion becomes stronger, and the sensor sends a fire alarm message to the alarm center and turns on the built-in sound siren. The sensor is perfectly capable of ensuring that nothing burns in the kitchen, loudly reminding careless housewives of food forgotten on the stove. It is not recommended to install the sensor in a place where there is frequent and heavy smoking, as false alarms are possible.

Water leakage protection

Leaking water warps the floor, damages furniture and walls, and often damages household appliances. Plus, a leak risks paying for repairs to neighbors living “downstairs” if the flood occurs in apartment building. Alas, I did not find a wireless leakage sensor for the alarm. I was already thinking about purchasing a more expensive Ajax alarm system, which definitely has such a sensor. But the toad, the economic crisis and the family council did not allow me to do this, especially since at the dacha in winter the water supply (by a pump from a well) is turned off. GSM alarm system Sentinel does not yet monitor water leakage. Perhaps in the future on summer season Let's buy an additional autonomous leak sensor, for example, the handsome Fibaro Flood Sensor FGFS-101.

The operating principle of all leakage sensors is simple: the detector is installed on the floor, and when water appears between the contact legs, the electrical circuit closes, generating an alarm signal. According to the experience of friends, random false alarms of such sensors installed in the bathroom can be very frequent. You need to be mentally prepared for this. For a false alarm, all you need to do is let steam in the bathroom or splash water on the floor.

Gas Leakage Protection

It is well known what danger gas accumulated in a room poses. The destruction from a household gas explosion can be so severe that not only the kitchen or apartment, but the entire house will be damaged. Thanks to the gas leak sensor, you can always be sure that there is no danger of household gas poisoning or explosion of the gas-air mixture in the room. Wireless sensor Guardian M-502 detects the presence natural gas, propane, butane. This sensor can work independently, without a control panel, and when an alarm occurs, it turns on the built-in sound siren. The only disadvantage of the sensor is that, although it is wireless, it is powered by a 220 V network. Therefore, you need to allocate an outlet for it in the kitchen. The price of the sensor is $23. How does the sensor detect gas? The device has a special plate - a catalyst. When gas hits the catalyst, the plate begins to heat up. When a certain threshold of gas concentration and heating of the plate is exceeded, the sensor is triggered - it sends an alarm signal to the central alarm unit and turns on the built-in siren. When tested using a gas cylinder at the dacha, the siren (85 dB) was normally audible within the average size of a 3-story building (in the absence of strong background noise, for example, a working radio or television).

Central

The central or control panel is the basis of the alarm system. It is responsible for receiving signals from all sensors and is capable of sending SMS and voice messages to several phone numbers at once. The control panel has a unique support for Smart Home elements: the presence of relay outputs allows you to connect to an alarm system various devices and activate them by a certain type of alarm: these could be automatic water or gas shut-off valves, an automatic fire extinguishing system, etc. Just keep in mind that in the event of a false alarm (and such alarms sometimes occur), shutting off the water or gas will generally occur without consequences, but the futile operation of the fire extinguishing system can cause losses at the level of the fire itself, flooding the house.

For the alarm to work, you need to install a SIM card of any operator into it, having previously deleted all numbers from it and removed the PIN code request. To do this, you first need to install a SIM card in the phone, since such operations cannot be carried out on the alarm system itself. These procedures must be completed so that when the alarm is automatically rebooted after firmware, failure, etc. it did not lose functionality and automatically established a GSM connection with the operator’s network.
The rear panel has inputs for connecting wired sensors. Which are usually cheaper than wireless ones. But ease of use wireless sensors much higher. For example, stringing wired leakage sensors up 2 floors is a hemorrhoid.

Do not forget to connect the backup power supply to the control panel from the battery. This makes it possible to maintain the functionality of the alarm system in the event of a loss of voltage in the electrical network, for example, if attackers cut off power to a house or apartment.

Mobile alarm control is very convenient. For example, arming or disarming is carried out using a call from the specified “owner” number to the SIM card of the alarm system, without a connection, that is, absolutely free. When there is an incoming call, the alarm will simply drop the call and automatically change its status to the opposite. If the alarm was in the “inactive” mode, it will go into the “security” mode. And vice versa: if the alarm was in the “security” mode, after an incoming call it will go into the “inaction” mode. Simple and quite comfortable. I went out, dialed the number - the house was under guard. Call before arriving - and you don’t have to manually disarm the alarm. You can control the alarm more flexibly by sending special SMS commands.

However, if we talk about alarm settings in general, then everything is far from being as intuitive as we would like. The settings are quite extensive. And although the interface is Russified, even advanced users, not to mention housewives, are easily confused by the abundance of options in the configurator program. Therefore, before setting up the alarm, I strongly recommend that you carefully read the manual. He describes in detail how everything works. The configurator's capabilities are truly extensive: with its help, you can, say, check the balance on your SIM card account or update the central firmware. For those who do not need unnecessary complications, I advise you to use a configurator program with a “simplified” version of the interface, you can download it here:

Before purchasing country property, we pay attention to many factors. Convenient access, availability of infrastructure near the village and, of course, proximity to nature. Tired of the metropolis, people dream of waking up to the singing of birds, breathing fresh air and picking mushrooms at the end summer season. However, all these benefits require privacy - which means you should pay more attention to the issue of security.

Even the most vigilant guard dogs will not protect your property if the village is located next to a forest. Installing an alarm system will prevent violation of the boundaries of private property not only in summer, but also in winter, when most summer residents move back to city apartments.

Recently, GSM alarms have been gaining popularity. This system transmits an alarm signal to a mobile phone or directly to the security console. In Russian online stores, prices for equipment range from 3,990 rubles and above. More expensive GSM alarms are capable of reporting not only about intrusion into private territory, but also about power outages, leaks and smoke. Some models are equipped with a photo and video recording system.

GSM alarm system is compatible with any telecom operator. In the event of a break-in, a siren sounds, and an SMS message and a call are sent to the owner’s phone.

The standard kit includes:

• main alarm unit;
• remote controller remote control(2 pcs);
• adapter for power supply from the network (220V);
• wired siren;
• wireless window/door opening sensor;
• battery (autonomous power supply for 5 hours);
• infrared motion sensor.

GSM alarms are expensive equipment, but necessary for suburban real estate. Summer residents can save a little on their purchases on the AliExpress website, which offers a huge selection of electronic devices and appliances. Depending on the number of sensors for windows and doors, motion sensors and remote controls, an alarm kit costs from 1918 rubles to 3850 rubles.

Installing an alarm, according to reviews, does not require special skills. Sellers take into account your wishes and send equipment configured in Russian and an up-to-date user manual. All sensors work properly, and the sound of the siren is loud enough to scare off uninvited guests.

With the exception of some nuances, the equipment works properly. As for the disadvantages, not all buyers like the voice guidance when entering the security code - the numbers being dialed sound loud enough and strangers can still hear them. You can ask your seller about disabling this option. In addition, the manufacturer advises installing applications for Android and IOS, but finding them is not an easy task.

Information about temperature conditions no, but some buyers have already checked the sensors in winter - subzero temperatures equipment from the Middle Kingdom are not afraid.

Almost every homeowner thinks about how to provide reliable protection to your home. Range of security systems for modern market quite diverse, and today without special labor you can choose equipment that is suitable in terms of cost and functionality. It is known that not everyone has the opportunity to purchase expensive devices from well-known world brands, so many install GSM alarms from China, which is considered a budget option, while having good technical characteristics.

What should you pay attention to when choosing a GSM alarm system from China?

When choosing a warning system from China, you should consider the following features:

• Security settings;
• Ease of use criteria;
• Ability to duplicate functions;
• Availability of documentation in Russian;
• Compliance of mechanisms with state standards;
• Availability of certified service centers on Russian territory;
• Compatible with devices from other manufacturers.

The principle of operation of the Chinese GSM alarm system and its complex composition

Ensuring control of a protected object using GSM alarm occurs by transmitting an alarm signal via a radio channel. For these purposes, sensors are installed in the building that respond to a certain impact factor, which, in the event of an emergency, send a signal to the receiving device. Next, warning mechanisms are turned on, for example, a siren, and an alarm message is sent to the owner’s phone.

Included in GSM alarm system made in China includes a central unit and peripheral devices. The warning system is also equipped with the following mechanisms:

• Radio key fobs or keys;
• Reed switch;
• Sensors that respond to movement.

The choice of equipment is individual and determined by many factors: from the architectural features of the building to the user’s preferences. Upon completion of installation, the complex is configured and synchronized with the owner’s mobile device. At the user's request, the alarm can be connected to a centralized security console, but for this, an agreement must be concluded with a company providing such services. In this case, the system will transmit an alarm message directly to the private security console, which is obliged to immediately take response measures.

Chinese GSM alarms are easy to configure and allow you to control the system from mobile phone owner.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using GSM alarm systems from China?

Like all electronic devices from different manufacturers, Chinese GSM warning systems have certain advantages and disadvantages in operation. The advantages of alarms include:

• Low cost of equipment and installation work;
• No need to connect to a landline telephone network and install cable lines;
• Easy to install and operate.

The main disadvantage of GSM signaling from China is its susceptibility to signal suppression by attackers using special devices. However, this problem can be solved by connecting the equipment to a landline telephone network. Also, when choosing a device, you should pay attention to its specifications and the ability of the system to function effectively in the climatic conditions of a particular region.

What are GSM car alarms from China?

It is known that Chinese manufacturers have a number of developments in warning systems that protect any vehicle from theft. Thus, the domestic market for such gadgets is filled with the following brands: Tomahawk, Huatai, Scher-Khan. They attract Russian buyers, first of all, with their price. The cost of a car alarm consists of the costs of the following mechanisms:

• Processing unit;
• Control key fobs;
• Additional components consisting of a siren, sensors, relays;
• Cable lines and fastening mechanisms.

However, when the system is equipped with additional devices, the cost of the alarm increases. Chinese GSM car alarms have the following functionality:

• Notifying the owner about an illegal attempt to break into the car;
• Indication of a specific time, date, and penetration zone;
• Charge control battery keychain;
• Providing feedback;
• Interaction with various communication channels.

The video shows an overview of alarm systems from China:

Experts recommend that when purchasing car alarms from Chinese developers, choose the latest generation models, since attackers have not yet mastered them for the purpose of hacking. It is also better to purchase systems equipped with a high-quality immobilizer, as they provide a higher degree of vehicle protection.

If you need to purchase a budget option, you need to choose systems with a basic set of functions, which can be expanded in the future.

When installing a warning system on your vehicle, you need to find out which security zones it is capable of monitoring. The best option protection are considered alarms that simultaneously monitor several components of the car, for example, wheels, doors, hood, trunk, etc. Chinese manufacturers offer a multifunctional car GSM alert system that can automatically return to its original mode, as well as control various mechanisms (sensors, locks, keys) ignition).

It is better to buy one if its quality and functionality correspond to the amount of money spent on it. To make the experiment more informative, I decided to test the “signals” from manufacturers from different countries, one of which is Ukraine. To your attention, in the “light” (I emphasize twice - “light”; a big request to fans of Viewsonic, LifeSOS, Satel, Ajax and other monsters, do not compare professional systems with alarms for home use) price category: Tenex Guard 5050 G – China; Altronics Al-100 KIT - according to suppliers in Taiwan; Guardian Avizor KIT with a loud, patriotic statement of origin in Ukraine.

What do we pay attention to?

From the specifics: in the first part I will evaluate the external data: packaging and sealing, equipment, housing and board of the central part of the alarm system (popularly called the central part), as well as its board; in the second part: sensors and their boards, alarm control methods, basic characteristics, power supply and other little things important in the work. In the second stage, I will test the sensors in laboratory conditions. Finally, the final results are like icing on the cake. However, do not rush to scroll straight to them, because it is during the process of unpacking and testing that the reasons for the conclusions drawn will be examined in detail, and attention will be focused on the strengths and weaknesses of each kit.

As they say, you meet someone by their clothes. In the case of equipment - one box at a time. Judging by it (Fig. 1), the Altronics kit I purchased came to me having already been used, or having seen a lot upon delivery. Perhaps any other kit would have been in a more “fresh” condition, but this case makes me wonder. And since the box is not sealed, no one can guarantee the functionality and presence of all the little things and parts second hand. Unlike Altronics, the packaging of the Guardian kit is supplied sealed: when I tried to remove this seal (Fig. 2), text appeared on it, which means I can be sure that I am receiving the product in its original form.

On the Guardian box, as well as on all the components of the kit, I observed some kind of signature on a small sticker (Fig. 3). I can only assume that it was the person responsible for testing and packaging who confirmed the functionality of the device. And the letters on the central panel shown in the photo and other elements look like some kind of individual code. This sticker is present on all devices, even on a separate cable for the power supply.

I accidentally saw something similar under the lid on the Altronics box (Fig. 4), but since there is no seal on the box, it is not at all a fact that “Reverified, speed control No. 5” refers specifically to this set, to this alarm, to these sensors. And as subsequent testing showed, it is generally unclear what exactly was tested there.

What is inside?

Externally, all kits are similar (Fig. 5), their composition is approximately the same: a central unit, a motion sensor, an opening sensor, key fobs, power supplies, instruction stickers and other little things.

You are unlikely to want to read the full instructions, so pay attention to speedstart (Fig. 6). Tenex - the guys are very laconic, the speed start contains only 5 lines, I, of course, understand that “brevity is the sister of talent,” but I It was not possible to figure out the settings for this insert. In addition, the alarm system was not initially configured, so you will have to re-read full version instructions or contact technical support. I decided to take the second route and, I must say, it took quite a lot of time, especially considering that some answers took 5-10 minutes.

Concerning full instructions(Figure 7): Tenex has 20 pages A6 and there is no description of setting up sensors, Altronics has 15 pages A4 and the same problem with setting up sensors. There are no printed instructions for the Guardian kits, which may cause some inconvenience. However, the instructions are present on the disk, where in addition to it there are a lot of materials that greatly simplify the setup: instructions for the entire line of sensors, software for setup via a PC and, as already mentioned, the instructions for the alarm itself in the size of 80 A4 pages in PDF. The instructions are 10 times larger than those of Tenex. And 20 times more informative. I read it. Got it. Set it up.

It’s not a serious problem, but I didn’t find the “protected object” sticker from the Altronic company, but Guardian and Tenex have it (Figure 8). It might seem like a small thing, but often such stickers can scare off an intruder already at the first stage of an invasion. According to the experience of friends and acquaintances, such stickers are often used instead of the alarm itself, as a preventive measure.

The whole tsimes

Now let's look at the central itself, its main part, its brains (Fig. 9.10). They will determine the stability, reliability, noise immunity and, in general, the functionality of the system.

Fig 9, 10: Alarms Tenex, Altronics, Sentinel

About “Chinese” (Fig. 11). The Tenex alarm system itself is located on the manufacturer’s website in the “ Smart House"Which is a clear exaggeration and undisguised flattery. A more suitable section for it is “Home Alarm”. What’s interesting is that this “Chinese” has a surprisingly stylish body, but it gets dirty very easily after 3 minutes of use: fingerprints are very noticeable on it, and the slightest teal leaves black stripes.

Fig.11

Obviously, the reason is the plastic used in production. Perhaps this is a deliberate design to collect fingerprints? On the top panel of the control panel there is a row of LEDs that indicate the operating modes of the device. In addition to LEDs, notifications are provided using pre-recorded voice messages. But since they are written in English, and in addition, due to the influence of electronic processing, even the English pronunciation is distorted, it will be difficult to parse these messages even for a native speaker, let alone a person who does not speak English.

Now more about LEDs:

1. Indicator of signal reception from wireless sensors in zones 1 to 6
2. Security status: on or off
3. Availability of GSM signal
4. Radio signal performance
5. Notification about the enabled setup mode, in which sensors are searched, owners are connected, etc.

Fig.12

Outwardly everything seems to be in order. But already at the beginning of work we encounter unpleasant surprises:

1. Relay, power connector, siren connector, backup power on/off and SIM card - all this is located in the compartment under the cover (Fig. 12), which is more of a hindrance than a help.
2. The power connector fits into its port very tightly, not all the way, and for this reason is not fixed in it. As a result, contact is constantly lost and the power is turned off during the setup process. The power supply cable is very short, only 30 centimeters; as already mentioned, the power connector is not fixed in the port to which it is connected and the slightest tension on the cable turns off the power.
3. In the same small box (Fig. 13) there is a tiny backup power switch. In the original assembly it is turned off so that the battery does not run out before the client receives it; to organize backup power, this switch must be turned on. However, getting to it even using improvised means is very problematic.
4. In the same compartment there is a terminal block to which, among other things, a siren and wired sensors are connected
5. To insert the SIM card, I had to use a screwdriver, and, of course, it is very important not to damage the contacts with it. Let’s just say that the work is almost like a piece of jewelry; it’s better not to start it with shaking hands. Fortunately, the issue of connecting a SIM card in most cases is done once.

Fig.13

If you can close your eyes to each problem individually, then collectively this leads to big problems at work. The power supply is unstable, the power supply cable is short. Even if the alarm is on the edge of the table, the cable will not reach the socket mounted at the bottom of the wall. Of course, the power supply can be soldered, but even if you have soldering skills, there is a chance of damaging the microcircuit and you will certainly lose the warranty by breaking the seal when trying to open the case. As a result, in pursuit of style and a miniature case where all the cables are hidden inside, this alarm system is inferior to competitors in terms of simplicity of banal connection with the ensuing problems with reliability. Without exaggeration, even at this stage Tenex can hardly be called an effective or close to the real defenders of your home alarm system; it looks more like a dummy or a toy for amateurs.

Fig.14

Now let's talk about the Altronik alarm (Figure 14). The case is stylish, does not get dirty as easily as Tenex, and is equipped with an information board that displays the status:

1. Power supply;
2. Protection status;
3. Indication of the enabled setting mode;
4. Availability of GSM signal.

The speaker holes are also located on the top.

Fig.15

Functional elements are mounted on the rear panel (Figure 15), including:

1. Relay for wired zones and siren;
2. SIM card slot;
3. Key to enter setup mode;
4. The reset key is apparently in demand;
5. What’s good is that the power supply is 12 V, because it won’t be difficult to find an inexpensive power supply, connect a battery, or organize a backup power supply (UPS);
6. ON/OFF switch;
7. SMA connector for connecting an external antenna.

Let me immediately focus on the advantages:

1. Remote GSM antenna, by the way, like that of the Guardian;
2. Presence of a reset key;
3. Easy access to the SIM card and battery;
4. Nice design;
5. Grooves for wall mounting.

Essentially the only one, but very significant minus, which greatly influences the operation of the system is the fact that connecting the siren and wired sensor loops to the terminal block will be very problematic. The fact is that the latches are very tight; even a stripped small-section cable does not fit into them. In order not to spoil the appearance, I decided to leave the central unit alone. Ultimately, if I need to connect wires to the block, it will only be for the siren. And if I stop at this particular alarm, then I’ll scratch it. The main thing is that it is reliable. By the way, everything is fine with the power connector; the power supply plug (Fig. 16) is fixed securely.

Fig.16

Now let's talk about the Guardian alarm (Figure 17).

Fig.17

On the top panel there are indicators that during operation will notify you about:

Backup power status – yes or not, indicator – “Power”
When receiving a signal from wireless devices – “Radio”
In alarm mode or inactivity - “Alarm”
Availability of GSM signal – “GSM network”
Setup mode in which sensors are searched and firmware updated – “Settings”
When the system is disarmed, partially or fully armed - the “Armed” indicator

Fig.18

On the back side (Figure 18), like Altronics, there is a terminal block and other functional blocks:

Lever to turn on/off battery saving mode or settings from a PC;
Power connector. By the way, the Guardian is powered by a 14 Volt unit. The power supply is included, but if you need to buy a new one, a power supply with an equivalent voltage will cost more than the same 12 volt one;
Connector for external microphone. With its help, you can independently record voice commands, which in certain cases will be played back for you, or voiced indoors in your absence by calling from a mobile phone;
Relay for connecting sirens, actuators, household appliances;
Terminal blocks for connecting an external battery and wired sensors (which are available in a wide range and are very inexpensive). Unlike the alarm systems that we have already reviewed, these terminal blocks are easily accessible and convenient for connecting sensors, keyboards, and sirens. It will not be difficult to connect several devices into one connector, since the sockets are wide and located outside;
Connector for connecting to a PC. More on him later;
Key to enter setup mode for connecting sensors, key fobs and other wireless devices.
SIM card slot. It is from the SIM card that calls will be made and SMS will be sent in case of an alarm. It is the SIM card that will receive commands in the form of calls and SMS, allowing you to control the alarm from your phone;
SMA connector for connecting a GMS antenna from the kit or a more powerful one. A more powerful antenna may be useful in areas with bad signal GSM, such as rural areas, basements or rooms with thick reinforced concrete walls.

Not pleased:
No wall mounts;
It will be problematic to turn it on and off, insert wired sensors, go into setup mode and pull out the SIM card slot without an awl or a small screwdriver.

Returning to the ability to connect to a PC for configuration, which other models in comparison do not have (not even all semi-professional systems have this function). This feature greatly simplifies the process and saves setup time. All the deepest functionality of the Guardian central becomes available. So, from a PC, you can differentiate access rights to certain functions, set up a response delay, voice control, firmware update and much more. With the naked eye, when comparing alarms externally, this palette of functions is not visible.

Below is a screenshot of the configurator, where the available functions are visible (Figure 19). Now imagine that your alarm system does not connect to your PC. Even if it has the same functions, setting up via SMS will take a decent amount of money, time and nerve cells. Users of the GSM communication operator Life can roughly imagine and compare the setup process with replacing the melody on an incoming call through the LifeBOX menu using DTMF commands (for example, the most popular of them is *111#).

Fig.19

Speaking of power supplies. I won’t say anything special, but their parameters may be useful.

Fig. 20: Small 1A 12V Tenex power supply with a very short cable

Fig. 21: 1.2A 12V block for Altronik

Fig. 22: 14V 2A power supply for STRAZH with stickers, I believe, about passing technical control

It was very interesting for me to look at the “insides” of the centrals and compare them. The barrier turned out to be a seal on the screws. Still, I planned to return 2 out of 3 alarms. Only the Strazh screws were unsealed (Fig. 23). The authenticity or maybe verification label is present, but does not cover the screw sockets.

Fig.23

On the board (Fig. 24) there is a sticker already familiar to us. Important point: I couldn’t find such painfully familiar words as “Made in China” anywhere on the board. The board is quite neat, no leaks or poorly soldered parts. And they definitely didn’t solder with a soldering iron. Everything is civilized, it looks more like serial stamping. I'm not a professional, so I didn't find anything else for myself here. Except that GSM module I was reminded of the EMAI code that is given during customs clearance. This information will not be useful for those who do not know what EMAI is. But I know and asked if GUARD, Tenex and Altronik have an EMAI code. Guardian and Altronik had it, but Tenex did not. Perhaps the time is not far off when unofficially imported iPhones and other GSM devices will be disconnected from support, and the Tenex alarm system will be useless. Anyway. There's nothing else for me to see here.

Fig.24

Now let's look at the sensors (Figure 25). There are no seals on them, so it is possible to take them apart, look and compare.

Fig.25,26

The first thing that catches your eye is the images on the Sentinel sensor. Their essence is an advanced system of operation of the IR sensor. The first thing the Sentinel sensor is protected from is: at a time when a conventional IR sensor will react to sudden changes in illumination, for example, if the sun came out from behind a cloud or when a very bright light turned on after dark room, the compensation algorithm will work in the Sentinel sensor and false alarms will not occur. Secondly, the Sentinel sensor has so-called immunity from animals, which, being in a room that is armed, can cause false alarms. If you use sensors in which “immunity” is not implemented and, for example, you have a dog, get ready to drive home every time the dog enters the room with a motion sensor.

After I disassembled the sensors, I discovered a couple more details:

Firstly, batteries like those from Altronics and Tenex will be more difficult to find than for the Guardian;

Secondly, the tamper - this is a small lever on the left above the switch - only the Guardian sensor has, and it, the tamper, is extremely necessary to protect the system from sabotage, in case an attacker manages to approach from behind unnoticed and tries to break the sensor, tamper will do push-ups and give an alarm;

Thirdly, setting sensitivity, turning on immunity and choosing a power consumption mode is, again, only available for the Guardian sensor;

Fourthly, about the board manufacturer. Looking at Altronics, I began to doubt more that this is Taiwan. I decided to take a photo of the box and google it and was almost not surprised: manufacturer Delta Security Co., Limited (http://www.deltasecurity.cn/) Domain CN - means China. Drips on the board, careless soldering and a sloppily assembled case - only China could look like this. All of these things are typical for Tenex, but at least they are honest in their statements about the country of origin;

Well, fifthly, these are jumpers. They are necessary in order to assign the sensor to the control panel, how to do this is described in the instructions for the sensor, which, as already mentioned, is only available to the Guardian. Even if you found necessary information and figured out how this setup happens, then in the case of Tenex, you have to do a lot of soldering to connect the necessary racks, but with Guardian and Altronics everything is configured with jumpers, which allows you to configure the sensor yourself and relatively quickly. But the saddest thing for simple user the fact that neither Altronics nor Tenex are initially configured to work with the control panel. How it happens in reality: You bring such a kit home, a kit that seems to be “already ready for use,” but not a single sensor works, what a surprise. Should I send it to a service center? As I inquired about the support, the majority do just that. Can I set it up myself? Theoretically it is possible, but it will cost you extra time, and in the case of Tenex, a lot of extra time.

Motion sensor test

And finally, I tested it in the field. I attached the sensors with double tape to the wall (Fig. 27,28). The test is banal - will they work on me and will they be able to ignore my “domestic creature”. I don't have enough knowledge for more.

Fig.27

Fig.28

The results are as expected. I won’t go into depth: Altronics and Tenex worked for my daughter (Figure 29) and me (they winked at us with an LED), but the Guardian only worked for me – “immunity” worked. At the same time, only the Guardian alarm system turned on, and the other two sensors, as already written, were not assigned to the control panel.

Fig.29

Comparison of reed switches

The situation is identical to the situation with motion sensors (Fig. 30, 31): the advantages of the Guardian, the same problems for Tenex and Altronics. These photos simply make it easier to see where Tenex will have to be soldered, where drips could damage the board or burn the sensor.

Fig.30,31

In the Guardian we again find a sensitivity module, a fuse, a quality control sticker and already installed jumpers for binding to the control panel. But Tenex and Altronics sensors are still not assigned to the control panel, do not have any additional functionality, and in the case of Tenex, they do not even have a battery (Figure 32). In this case, the jumpers for both the Chinese and the Taiwanese sensor (or, after all, let’s call a spade a spade, the second Chinese) will have to be soldered; there is no longer the possibility of installing jumpers in the Altronics sensor!

Fig.32

Triggering and measuring the distance between the parts of the sensors is not difficult for it. Nothing special, 1 cm distance between the main unit and the magnet.

Fig.33

In laboratory conditions, friendship won, all sensors worked. True, not everyone sent a message about the activation to the central.

Sirens - chants

Fig.34

As I already described at the very beginning, it was not so easy to plug the siren plug into the Tenex alarm system. I was able to figure out where to connect the siren to the Altronics control panel only with the help of technical support, despite the fact that I set myself the task of figuring it out as much as possible on my own - the kits are for self-installation. Only with the Guardian everything is extremely clear: “D” in “D” and “Bell” in “Bell” - there were no problems with logic.

Control devices

I would call this section “keychains” if the Guardian did not also have a remote control for settings. Well, don’t forget about the ability to configure via PC. The functions of all key fobs are the same: “arm,” “disarm,” “partially” and “panic button.” I’ll just say that I had difficulty opening the TM Tenex key fobs - the safety latch moves quite tightly, perhaps it will become easier during active use.

Fig.35

Reserves

Well, the last thing you should pay attention to is backup power. The fact is that even when reading the characteristics you discover that the Altronics and Tenex alarm batteries are rated at 7.4V. Attention, the question is: “how will it power the 12V siren if the power goes out?” Early answer: “no way.” The problem can only be solved with an additional external battery, and the Guardian immediately thought of this, the battery is 12-volt, another “plus”.

Fig.36

Fig.37

The results of my research

GUARDIAN Avizor

The Guardian is the answer to the question of whether “ours” can be proud. Can! In terms of performance and reliability, this system easily beats its competitors in everything except price. The manufacturer sets it at 2551 UAH, which, in general, is not much more than what they ask for untuned and slow-witted visiting comrades.

Advantages:

1. High-quality assembly of the control panel and sensors guarantees stable operation;
2. Can be configured via PC;
3. a battery that allows you to power all included devices in the event of loss of external power, and, according to my calculations, should last 2-3 days of operation;
4. You don't have to solder anything. The kit is pre-configured, and it is not difficult to attach jumpers to additional sensors in order to assign them to the control panel;
5. Ukrainian assembly is a nice patriotic plus.

Disadvantages:

1. The price is higher than competitors;
2. It is not possible to mount the central unit on the wall;
3. The battery is quite bulky and external.

Altronics Al-100 KIT

Altronics is a below-average alarm system, for those who want to save money and not worry about whether it will really work.

There are advantages:

1. Nice, reliable case;
2. Possibility of voice recording;
3. Possibility of mounting the alarm on the wall;
4. Price at 2280 UAH.

But it is worth considering the disadvantages:

1. It is important to check the package upon receipt. No one guarantees you that all the parts will be included in the kit;
2. Complex (and expensive!) setup via SMS; connection to a PC is not possible. The 300 hryvnia that you will save by purchasing Altronics instead of Sentinel could easily be spent on setup;
3. The siren does not operate on the included battery;
4. Not long-term operability of the system as a whole in the absence of power;
5. You will have to solder jumpers on the opening sensor and configure the motion sensor yourself with jumpers;
6. China, not Taiwan, with all the ensuing consequences. It looks like a visit to the service center cannot be avoided.

Tenex Guard 5050 G

If it turns out that you bought Tenex, don’t be upset - of course, now you’ll have to figure everything out and visit a service center, but you have a good chance of becoming a professional in setting up the system, and you’ll also save a lot of money (cost 1900 UAH). Unfortunately, I couldn't find any other advantages. There is nothing in it that its competitors do not have, while it has collected all their shortcomings and generously seasoned them with its own exclusive ones.

Thank you for reading the article, I hope that I helped you clarify some points of interest and save time. The choice is yours!

Every owner of movable and immovable property sooner or later thinks about ensuring its security. Today, the user market is overflowing with all kinds of means of protecting premises and vehicles. It could be like mechanical systems, and automatic complexes. Each of them has its own positive and negative sides. Therefore, for many, the question of choosing the right security system remains open. High-tech GSM alarms, which today are considered the best means warning and protection from intruders of both houses and apartments, and vehicles. The only drawback of such systems is their fairly high price. The truth is that the Chinese GSM alarm system will allow you to get out of this situation. It has almost the same functions as more expensive equipment, but costs much less. As for quality, if you follow all the manufacturer’s recommendations, it will last a long time and will not require any maintenance or repairs.

What is Chinese signaling?

Alarms of this type refer to budget options security systems that can be installed in, houses, or. Security systems of this kind include a central console with and peripheral devices with executive systems, which include:

• active or passive motion sensors;
• reed switch with magnet for installation on doors or windows;
• sound alarms;
• light signaling elements;
• radio key fobs or electronic keys.

For those who need a multifunctional system, the Chinese security system must have a special central unit that supports the connection of not only sensors from the standard set, but also additional sensors that allow you to monitor temperature increases, gas and water leaks, and the appearance of smoke. Such systems will not only prevent intruders from entering the facility, but will also protect against various emergency and emergency situations.

The principle of operation of GSM alarms

Security systems of this type operate on the principle of instantly notifying the owner of a house or apartment about penetration or the occurrence of an emergency situation. Alarm transmission can be carried out using messages to various mobile devices or using an automatic call to a cell phone or landline phone. In parallel with the transmission of the alarm signal, psycho-emotional impact systems in the form of sound and light alarms can also be activated.

The security system is brought into the active phase when one of the sensors located at the facility is triggered.”

Sensitive sensors and sensors can transmit signals to the central console via cable lines or using a high-frequency radio channel.

The alarm signal received by the central unit is processed, as a result of which the owner is notified using one of the methods listed above and the executive systems are activated.

Advantages of Chinese alarms

Security systems from China have a number of advantages, among which it should be noted:

• low cost of equipment and its installation;
• the ability to select systems with wired or wireless sensors;
• the ability to expand the standard configuration with additional sensors;
• ease of installation and configuration of security alarm devices;
• ability to work both through cellular and landline telephone networks.

Disadvantages of security systems from China

In addition to advantages, cheap GSM alarms also have disadvantages. It is important to note the following nuances:

• possibility of jamming signals security complex by intruders using special devices - in this case, the Chinese GSM alarm system does not see the network and cannot transmit an alarm signal (this problem can be solved by connecting the central module to the landline telephone network);
• functional limitations of the basic configuration, which can be expanded with an appropriate central module, although this leads to additional financial costs;
• It is important to study the technical characteristics of the equipment, paying attention to the climatic conditions under which the GSM alarm can operate. China has a fairly warm climate and sometimes equipment that is suitable for it cannot function normally in the harsher domestic climate.

What should you pay attention to when choosing an alarm?

Chinese GSM alarm system is selected based on the following principles:

• level of security provided by the security complex;
• range functionality alarms;
• complete set of basic equipment;
• support for security devices of other devices;
• possibility of integration into existing electronic warning and safety systems;
• possibility of installing additional sensors and sensitive sensors;
• Availability of service centers for servicing the selected alarm system.

Chinese car alarms

GSM security systems from China are produced not only for houses and apartments, but also for vehicles. They can be equipped with cars to prevent theft and warn about various situations.

Buying Chinese alarm, you should choose from the latest models that have not yet been hacked by car thieves and own highest level security, as well as highly effective immobilizers. It's better to choose those security systems, which allow you to simultaneously control several zones of the vehicle with engine blocking in the event of an emergency situation.