How to choose the best portable, wireless, GSM alarm for your needs

The integration of GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) into the security sector has seen the introduction of a number of portable, wireless security systems on to the market over the last couple of years. These systems range from the very basic system that will cover a single area to more sophisticated systems that will secure up to 30 separate areas. As with many other products, the increasing choice makes purchasing decisions far more complicated.

The following is a guide to each of the various systems currently available within the UK market, there uses, quality, functionality and costs.

Considerations prior to purchasing a portable, wireless security system:

1. Will you be using the system internally or externally?
2. What size area will you need to cover? If a system only has 1 PIR sensor, its range is limited.
3. How many separate areas will you need to cover and does the system allow sufficient PIR’s etc. to be connected to it? Some systems only allow 1 PIR sensor and others allow up to 30.
4. Are small animals such as mice, birds, foxes, cats, dogs etc. likely to be in the area? If so, look for a system that also provides ‘small animal immune’ PIR sensors.
5. Does the system require to be completely wireless? Not all systems are.
6. How long will the system have to run prior to batteries needing to be changed? Some systems run for as little as 1 months on their battery packs.
7. How long do the PIR sensors need to run between battery replacement? Some will run for around 1 month and others up to 1 year.
8. If the system is to be used externally,  are the PIR sensors externally rated? If not, this can lead to high levels of false activations.

The following table comprises the systems currently available in the UK at the time of writing this paper and contains the most relevant information in relation to choosing which is the best for you.

Look out for the   logo when purchasing a system if you prefer to purchase and use a system that has been ‘approved’ by the UK police. Most systems are NOT UK Police Approved.

Function	CSS RDAS/RLAS Void Alarm	Alarms for Farms	NoBells	Edgarsson	Mobilert
GSM	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Type of Sim	Any	N/A	Yes	Yes	Yes
Wireless	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Portable	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Battery operated	Yes	Mains	Yes	Yes	Yes
Battery life (months)	>12	Not specified	12	<12	<12
Max. no. of PIR sensors (internal/external)	30 internal & external	Not specified	1 (un-specified)	1 (un-specified)	4 (un-specified)
Animal immune sensors available	Yes	No	No	No	No
Door/window contacts available	Yes	No	No	No	No
PIR battery life (months)	36	<18	12	<12	36
PIR max. range back to control box	600m (2000ft)	500m	N/A	N/A	15m cabled
SMS text alerts	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Max. no. of programmable phone numbers	10	N/A	4	10	10
Status updates by SMS text	Yes	No	Not specified	Yes	optional
Monthly email activity log	Optional	No	No	No	No
Note: Competitor product information was correct at time of compilation. Information obtained from published product information.  Chart is for Guidance purposes only and you should check system specifications prior to purchasing.
N/A = Not applicable