Home alarm system replacement

[Krypton27]

We have a Scantronic 9800 wired system that cannot be maintained as it is obsolete. Our alarm company has suggested replacing with an uptodate Scantronic or a Gardtec CPX. They are quoting around £600 for the Scantronic or £450 for the Gardtec which I feel is a lot as all the wiring and movement detectors are in place.
As an alternative I could buy a wireless system for between £100-£200 and instal it myself.
Any thoughts? Are wireless systems as good?
Thanks

[woodchopper]

In what way cannot be maintained ? I have a Scantronic 9651 and it is certainly not obselete - the system is fitted with Dual Tec sensors and had never given a false alarm in the 5 years it has been installed It cost me £450 to have it installed then - I could have done it myself then for less but did'nt want the hassle.
If it does need replaced check the wireing first any new detectors will need a 6 core cable minimum to be current. Ifthe detectors are the old PIR I would suggest changing them to the Daul Tec ones which detect infra red and also give out a microwave to detect movement.
As for wireless ones - dont know much about them but i would stay clear from the ones from B&Q etc.

[buildersmate]

I agree with Woodchopper - I don't understand this.
Sounds like your maintenance company has decided THEY don't want to maintain it any more and think it's about time to extract some more money from the punter.
Electronic circuits last a long time and don't deteriorate over time. The only part likely to have to be changed from time to time is the battery back-up. By way of researching for this question I found this organisation that seems to operate Nationwide and provides Scantronic service.
http://www.burglarala...rms/scantronic-alarm/
Wireless systems in my experience can be prone to false alarms. But since you already have the wiring in place there are plenty of WIRED kits on the market for self-installation - just check you have 6-core wiring installed.

[Krypton27]

Thanks for that.
The alarm maintenance company said that they couldnt maintain it any longer as they could not get any spare parts that might be neccessary from Scantronic as the 9800 was now not produced. I thought that it was a ploy to get business. The 9800 was originally installed in 1995 so I guess that it doesnt have 6 core wiring.
Will all the wiring to the PIRs have to be replaced?
If I buy the latest Scantronic control panel etc is it just a matter of disconnecting the old one and reconnecting the new one? ( I have alreaady disconnected from the mains and removed the battery)

[woodchopper]

If it's working don't fix it - what spare parts would they need for it ? A part from a battery every five years it will not need anything as long a the main board stays ok - if it starts to throw up a certain zone all the time I would be more inclined to replace the PIR ( changing it to a dual tec one at the same time ) before I wold change the main board. As for the six core cable - take a lid of one of the PIRs and check if it is six core you're flying if not its not ht eend of the woorld to replace it. As for replacing it with the latest panel - it is not a straight forward as you might think - the panel has to be wired up and powered up in a cetain sequence. But, if you've got the installers manual it is easy as PI.
Personally, I think they are just trying to extract cash from you.

[Disco Fever]

I have a Scantronic 9600 and ive never had a problem with it in the 15 years or so ive had it, I would suggest you get a second opinion and I bet all it needs is the battery changing....

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