Skylink SC-1000 Complete Wireless Alarm System
by Skylink
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List Price: Our Price: $159.99 You Save: $16.13 (9%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Tools See more product details |
Product Details
Manufacturer: SkylinkModel: SC-1000
Product features:
- Rolling Code Technology - Leading edge technology
- Provides maximum security and reduces false alarm
- Dials up to 9 different numbers of your choice
- Sends out your personal 40 second message
- Easy installation
- Skylink RP-434 AAA+ Repeater
- Skylink AA-433 Audio Alarm
- Skylink AS-433E Alarm Sensor
- Skylink FS-433 Flood Sensor
- Skylink HW-434 Remote Panic Wrist Watch
Tools and Hardware Reviews of Skylink SC-1000 Complete Wireless Alarm System
Customer Review: A review of the overall Skylink system...
Summary: 4 Stars
I originally purchased the SC-1000 and the SC-10 a few months back. I ordered the SC-10 in addition to the SC-1000 because it allowed me to acquire the additional audio alarm and two additional door/window sensors for a lower price than it would have been if I had ordered the components separately. Since then, I have also acquired many more skylink components that I have integrated into my overall Skylink system. Overall, I really like the system. Tallying up my whole system, I have the control panel, the emergency dialer, 2 keypad controls, 3 remote keychains, 8 door/window sensors, 6 motion sensors, 3 audio alarms, 2 vibration sensors, 4 alarm sensors, and 1 silent alarm. This is more than enough for the 2500ft/sq home that I'm renting (which is why I went with a wireless system)
Overall, just like any other DIY security system...the Skylink system is not perfect. It is not bullet-proof. It can be defeated. However...it DOES provide deterrence, notification, and a certain peace-of-mind. That's what systems like these are for. If you are a typical consumer who is looking to deter/defeat the average burglar, this system can do a good job of it. However, if you possess highly valuable art/electronics/commodities...this may not quite cut it. If you, for whatever reason, could be SPECIFICALLY targeted by a more sophisticated type of criminal, you're probably looking in the completely wrong price-point. You won't find what you need for this kind of money, unfortunately. You'll probably be better off going with the pros in that situation.
Overall assessment
STRENGTHS:
-Easily expandable
-Easily installed/modified
-Solid range on the components
WEAKNESSES:
-Wireless signal could be jammed
-Skylink support is quite poor
-Some bulky/unsightly components
RE: the weaknesses...
The reason I put the potential jamming at the top of the list is the ease by which it could be done. In fact, I did it accidently. I purchased some Kidde 0919-9999/ RF-SM-DC Battery-Operated Smoke Alarm, Wirelessly Interconnectable alarms, which I found operate on the same frequency as the Skylink system. While the Kidde alarms were going off, the entire Skylink system was jammed. Literally no signals were successfully passed. If I can accidently jam it easily with some wireless fire alarms, I'm sure it would be quite easy for a career criminal. But, as I said earlier...what can you really expect at this price point?
Also...Skylink support is quite poor. In fact, I'll be honest...it sucks. I contacted their support when i was having problems integrating an Audio alarm. I specifically said that I followed the instructions in the Audio alarms manual, but it wasn't working (I went into specifics on the issues). Their response was literally nothing more than a copy/paste of the relevant portion from the audio alarm's manual. The same steps I specifically said I had already followed. After further trouble-shooting, I decided to ask for an exchange. I never got a response. That's bad customer service.
I figured if you are going to buy the SC-1000, you may be in the market to expand your system. The SC-1000 is the largest "system" that Skylink offers, but it really is a fraction of the overall capability that you can amass. So, I have decided to offer a component-by-component review of what this system entails.
The SC-001 Control Panel (included in the SC-1000). The control panel is the heart of the Skylink system. It allows for 4 "zones", which depending on how you set up your sequences, will react to each of your sensor activating by either completely ignoring it, chiming, beeping for 30 seconds prior to the alarm going off, or setting off the alarm instantly. The panel also communicates with all the other add-ons, such as the remote keypads, the audio alarms, the silent alarm, and the dialer. There really is quite a bit of capability and flexibility here. There are preset sequences already programmed into the panel when you receive it, but they can be changed to fit your specific needs. Setting up the panel to communicate with your sensors is pretty painless, so long as you follow the instructions in the manual. Reading the manual is CRUCIAL in using the control panel. Read, read, read! Keep the manual readily available for when changes/additions need to be made. Forgetting a crucial step can cause headaches such as wiping out all the sensor registrations of a particular zone (been there!).
The panel does have shortcomings. As other reviewers have mentioned, the alarm is embedded in the control panel. This is not a great setup. With just the standard SC-1000 setup, the alarm sound will lead the intruder directly to the panel. It would nice if the alarm and the control panel were separate components, which would allow for better security of the control panel by hiding it. At the very least, it would help if one were able to simply DISABLE the audio alarm portion of the control panel. That way, one could hide this entire control panel, while still having an alarm in the home by using additional stand-alone audio alarms.
Skylink AD-433S Emergency Dialer is also included with the SC-1000. It dials out if it receives a signal from the control panel, or from any other sensor that is connected to it. It does not have sequences like the control panel, so it will dial out ANY TIME it receives a signal from a sensor hooked up to it. So, if you pair a motion sensor directly to the dialer, it will cause the dialer to begin it's dialing program whenever the motion sensor is triggered. That's probably not a good idea...so typically, the only thing that should be paired directly to the dialer is the control panel. That way, the control panel will act as a "filter", causing the dialer to kick-in only if it meets the criteria you program into it. The dialer itself stores up to 9 numbers, stores a message of up to 40 seconds. You can tailor how long it will try to call a particular number, and how many times it will repeat the message. Despite the bad reviews it has received...I haven't had any issues with it yet.
Skylink 4B-434 Four-Button Remote. One of these is included with the SC-1000. Pretty straight forward here. It allows you to disarm/arm the Control Panel once it is paired to the Panel. The range is pretty decent. I'm able to disarm my system as I pull into the garage.
Skylink KP-434 Keypad Control. The Keypad control is not included in any of the prepackaged Skylink systems (SC-1000/100/10), but I think it is a vital component. It allows you to control the Control Panel from a remote location. Unlike the keychain, it is secure because you have to type in your security code. Perfect for controlling your system if you hid your Control Panel, which makes it great to put by your front or back door.
Skylink WT-433 Window/Door Sensor. Two of these are included with the SC-1000. This is the workhorse sensor. It detects when the door/window is opened, and sends a signal to the control panel. It does it's job well. As others have said, it's big and bulky and won't be winning any beauty contests. Depending on how you choose to attach it, it could take up to 6 screws to fasten it in place. 2 for the transmitter, and then 2 for each of the magnets. It can, however, be put in place using the provided adhesives. Others have said that the adhesive can fail to hold in hot conditions. It hasn't been hot since I got the system...so I will keep an eye on that. You may want to consider using a higher quality industrial adhesive, however.
Skylink PS-434A Motion Sensor. One of these is included with the SC-1000. This is my favorite of the Skylink sensors. It is very versatile, and unlike the door/window sensors, requires just two small screws or the adhesive to put in place. Using it in a home with pets is tricky, obviously. However, if one mounts it 5 feet above the floor, and carefully orients it to avoid pointing it at the floor where the pets will be, it can still be used. I have two smallish dogs and several motion sensors, and I have not had any false alarms to this point. Essentially, I use it as more of an invisible tripwire rather than a wide-area motion sensor. Be careful to avoid areas where your pets jump up on things, however, such as beds/couches. I don't know if I would even bother in a house with a cat. Yes, this would allow someone to crawl around my house...but I'm willing to take that risk.
As I said, these are very versatile. They could be put in a closet...which will trigger it immediately when the closet is opened. Same thing with a safe. One could also potentially mount one on a ceiling directly above windows, which would be a less-visible alternative to door/window sensor or a vibration sensor. If someone comes through the window, the motion sensor directly above them should trigger. The biggest weakness of the motion sensors is the potential false alarms. Be careful not to point these out windows/doors...which could cause it to trigger.
Skylink AA-433 Audio Alarm One of these is included in the SC-10 system, but not the others. The can be used as a second/third/fourth/etc audio alarm when it is paired to the Control Panel. The theory here is that more noise could increase the odds that the intruder will choose to flee. It's loud, no doubt. This, however, is the component I've had the most problems with. One of ones I have can't seem to communicate with the Control Panel consistently...despite being only 20 feet away. I think there is an issue with the antenna. Emails to Skylink support have been useless (as mentioned earlier). The other Audio Alarms I have work as expected.
Skylink VS-433 Vibration Sensor. None of these are included with the skylink systems. I have two of them, but I'm not a huge fan. Some people advocate putting these on windows is an alternative or backup to the more traditional door/window sensors, but I'm concerned that false alarms would be likely. I saw one report that a close lightning strike triggered one of these. Living in Florida, where thunderstorms are a daily occurrence in the summer, I decided against using them on windows. Using them in strategic locations inside, though, may be a good idea. Safes and jewelry drawers come to mind.
Skylink AS-433E Alarm Sensor. None of these are included with the Skylink Systems. I use these in conjunction with my smoke/monoxide detectors in my house. If the detectors go off, the Alarm Sensor registers the sound, and sends out its signal. I chose to have my Alarm Sensors link directly to my dialer. Having all of the alarms go off won't deter a fire, so I decided to skip the Control Panel. It hasn't caused any false alarms so far (knock on wood).
The Alarm Sensor is the most poorly conceived of the Skylink sensors I've used. The sensor must be mounted VERY close to the target alarm (w/in 6 inches according to the manual). The most obvious use for these is in conjunction with smoke detectors...which are often mounted on the ceiling. The only means of mounting this sensor that is included in the package it comes in is an adhesive/velcro system that is pretty poor. Couple that poor adhesive with the relatively heavy weight of this Alarm sensor, and I couldn't even get it to mount to the wall. I couldn't conceive of it working on the ceiling. I had to use some partially-inserted screws and some industrial-strength adhesive to attach it to the wall.
SW433 - Skylink Light Flasher. I haven't really used this yet. I have considered coupling this with some plug-in strobe lights to create an unpleasant visual counterpart to the audio alarms, but I haven't gotten around to trying it out yet.
Those are all of the components that I have experience with.
In short, this is a solid system from a technological standpoint. It's easily installed (if you follow the instructions), and is easily expanded and modified...which is a good thing, since Skylink support is practically non-existant. Be prepared to go it alone. Read the instructions, use trial-and-error, test your systems regularly, and you'll have a pretty solid security system at this price point.
Description of Skylink SC-1000 Complete Wireless Alarm System
Skylink Wireless Alarm System... It's a complete WIRELESS security system that can be installed easily in minutes. It's ideal for your home, business office, stores, retail operations, wherever security is a concern. And thanks to the emergency dialer, there are no monthly charges because you don't have to sign up for additional monitoring services. The control panel can control up to 24 different sensors... triggering 120dB siren sounds, and sending a wireless signal to the emergency dialer that calls for help. Act ONLINE now... for some peace of mind! AVAILABLE SEPARATELY: Smoke / Carbon Monoxide, Extra Door / Window or Extra Motion Sensors - word search in our Store for 'Sensors'. Skylink Complete Wireless Alarm SystemFeaturing rolling-code technology, the Skylink SC-1000 Complete Wireless Alarm System provides maximum security and reduces the likelihood of false alarms. Suitable for homes, offices, 24-hour stores, businesses, or wherever security is a concern, this all-in-one system offers a 100-foot operating range, installs in minutes, and requires no monitoring services or fees.
 The SC-1000 is a complete, easy-to-install wireless security system that requires no monthly monitoring fees. View larger. |
Keep your home or business safe and secure with this reliable, cutting-edge wireless security system. The SC-1000 utilizes innovative technology with trouble-free wireless connections to provide security, making it a great choice for protecting against intruders and safeguarding in case of an accident, fire, flood, or other emergency.
Do-it-Yourself Security Eliminates the Need for Monitoring Fees
The SC-1000 is a do-it-yourself system, which means you can easily install it yourself and then use it without paying monitoring fees or registering with an alarm company. To arm or disarm, you simply enter your personal code or use the keychain transmitter.
Rolling-Code Technology for Maximum Security and Fewer False Alarms
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Motion, Door, and Window Sensors for Reliable Emergency Protection
The SC-1000 comes complete with a motion sensor and two door/window sensors--enough coverage for small- to medium-sized homes. Because it works in conjunction with up to 30 Skylink security accessories, including Dial Alert, Alarm Detector Sensor, and Flood Sensor, this system can be customized to suit your needs and can be expanded to accommodate larger spaces or businesses that require a higher level of protection. If any sensors are triggered when the system is armed, the included 110dB siren will make a piercing sound, and the sensor will immediately send a wireless signal to the system's dialer.
Automatically Calls for Help in an Emergency
In case of an emergency, the SC-1000 follows a straightforward process to make sure you get the help you need. When you receive the system, you can program the emergency dialer to call up to nine different phone numbers, including your cellular phone, a pager, your doctor, relatives, friends, neighbors, etc., should something trigger one of the sensors. You'll also record a personal 40-second emergency message. In case of emergency, the system's dialer will automatically dial the number or numbers you have entered. Once the recipient picks up the phone, the emergency dialer will play your prerecorded message and inform the recipient that you are in an emergency situation and that help should be sent right away.
Lighted Keypad and Low-Battery Indicator for Easy Operation
Offering simple and straightforward operation, the SC-1000 features a lighted keypad that is easy to read in dark conditions and offers Chime, Instant, and Delay modes. It runs on AC power with nine-volt alkaline battery backup (battery included), and provides a helpful low-battery indicator to prevent a loss of power.
What's in the Box
Alarm with control panel (SC-001); one motion sensor (PS-434A); two door/window sensors (WT-433); one keychain transmitter (4B-434); one emergency dialer (AD-433S); two adapters; three nine-volt alkaline batteries; three 12-volt alkaline batteries; phone line; instruction manual; and warranty card.
 This kit includes everything you need to guard a medium-sized home. Add up to 30 Skylink accessories for full, customized protection of larger spaces. |
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