Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)The Powermax Pro is an excellent DIY home security system. The one I purchased had the built-in cellular (GSM), Powerlink and X-10. It's not incredibly intuitive to configure at the panel, but once you get the feel for where everything is in the menu it's really pretty simple. The package didn't include a 21 dollar two-way powerline interface or the .83 cent RJ11 data connector cable for it, which was disappointing. I'll have more information on that below. I purchased the Powerlink Pro from an Amazon vendor, but made the vast majority of the other purchases through home security store (google for link). They are pretty knowledgeable about the product and all its accessories and knew about the powerline X-10 interface required cable.
About the integral GSM module:
The GSM module is definitely useful as it serves as a good back up caller in case a burglar were to cut your land line prior to breaking in. The GSM module works with a GSM SIM card that you need to purchase from T-Mobile or AT&T. I found that I get bad T-mobile reception so I'm probably going to get a go phone AT&T SIM card because my AT&T signal is 5 bars in my house. Make sure you get the pay as you go SIM card. They start you out with 40-60 minutes and those expire in 90 days, so you'll need to refill the minutes. They explain how to do that so no worries there. Use you land line if possible when yor setting up initially so you dont burn all your GSM minutes you have inthe SIM card you purchased. Each call it makes via GSM is a minimum of one minute so have it as back. I was not able to do this because I have DSL and there is a special DSL filter you need as well as a special wiring situation so the alarm system can make phone calls over the land line. If you don' have DSL I think you basically just follow the basic directions.
About the integral Powerlink Module:
after you hook up the unit to you home network you can access it at [...]
as in my case since I have DSL modem/router and an additional Neatgear LAN router. You can log in with the default Admin credentials per the directions in the Powerlink CD tutorial. Once you're in there you can turn lights off and on or program that when alarms comes on or off, etc. You can't schedule lights to turn on. I have an entirely separate X-10 system for automating the lights. You can also see your camera and even control it if you get the CAM3200 - Visonic CAM3200 Wireless Pan/Tilt Network Camera.
About the integral X-10 Module:
The most important thing to note it that it doesn't work out of the box because they don't include the X-10 Powerline Interface (PSC05) or required x-10 data RJ11 cable (15FT Data (Straight) RJ11 (6P4C) Phone Cable). A regular phone cable WILL NOT WORK...it's not the same thing. Also, there is a jumper inside the panel near the X-10, RJ11 plug that is set to single-way, but since you will want two-way x-10 communication this needs to be set to the two-way jumper setting. 2.) Dollar and items breakdown
1x $480.00 for the PPROKTE - Visonic Powermax Pro Advanced Home Security System w/ built in Powerlink and GSM module. This came with the one key fob, two proximity swipers, a door/window sensor, and one pet-friendly motion sensor.
2x $68.40 Visonic MCT-425 Supervised Wireless Smoke Detector
1x $20.49 PSC05 Two-way X-10 Powerline interface -- [...]1x $0.83 15FT Data (Straight) RJ11 (6P4C) Phone Cable - you need this for connecting the PSC05 to your X-10 module in PowerMax Pro
1x $294.35 CAM3200 - Visonic CAM3200 Wireless Pan/Tilt Network Camera
1x $110.00 Visonic MCS-720 Two Way Wireless Indoor Siren Built-in White Strobe Light
1x $2.50 RJ31X RJ31X - JACK AND CORD
1x $24.00 GSMANTENNA - Visonic External GSM Antenna
3x $102.00 Visonic MCT-501 Visonic Wireless Glass Break Detector
2x $52.00 Visonic MCT-237 6 Button Miniature Wireless Two Way Keyfob
1x $149.75 Visonic MKP-150 Two Way Wireless Keypad with Voice
1x $20.00 T-Mobile GSM SIM card -- probably will go with AT&T go phone SIM for better reception in my area
Approximately (1170.00 + 480.00 = $1650 ) and my time of 30 hours is what I have in it. Since I'm monitoring it myself, as opposed to using a monitoring station, I have no monthly charges or contracts with a security provider. They do offer a $9.99 per month monitoring solution that I may look into, but I wanted to get it all set up and fine-tuned prior to doing that. Right now the only recurring charge I'll have is the minute refills on the GSM SIM card from T-Mobile which is only 10 bucks every 90 days.
Useful Research (Google the text right before the "-")
Above all read the manuals first. There are things the manual doesn't tell you and for that the following research will help.
1.) diysecurityforum - There is an assortment of info for you here
2.) visonic - this is the vendor home page
3.) Port Fowarding - you'll need to bone up on port forwarding if you want to remotely monitor with Powerlink interface The port forwarding method and configuration you use will depending upon the brand of router(s) you have and if you have two or a single home-router situation.
4.) PSC05 - This item is needed to make the x-10 stuff work.
5.) RJ11 (6P4C) Phone Cable - this is the special data cable need to connect the PSC05
6.) X-10 - Google this to find out about X-10 in general and the modules you can get to control lamps
7.) SIM Card - Google this to learn about SIM cards. Warning many SIM cards only work in an actual phone. The GSM module Panel behaves as if it is an unlocked GSM-based phone. Make the SIM you buy is supported by a Vendor with strong signal in your area. The T-mobile SIM was cheap but the reception is poor in my area so an AT&T SIM card is more appropriate for me.
In summary, Getting the full deal all working is no simple task, but you can definitely do it. I work in IT, and I'm an X-10, AV and home networking expert. For that reason it was a relatively simple and quick set up for me. I didn't need phone tech support but I suspect most of you will. That said buy from home security store or another seller that offers support after you buy. You'll spend more for the Powermax Pro ($530.00+) from these vendors, but that is because they will give you good technical support. The $480 I paid was from a vendor that has no support, so expect to pay more. Finally, there are $299.99 versions of this that do not come with the integrated GSM, X-10, or Power link. Without all that jazz you lose features, but basic monitoring of your doors, windows, plus some motion detection, and a 10 dollar per month monitoring contract may be all you require. You can add the GSM, PowerLink and X-10 later as separately powered units, but my rationale for buying the integrated version was an easy consolidation of install of all features offered.
I hope this helps and good luck.
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