Skylink SC-1000 Complete Wireless Alarm System Review

Skylink, Wireless Security System Reviews

The Skylink SC-1000 Complete Wireless Alarm System features rolling-code technology to provide maximum security and reduces the possibility of false alarms. The system provides a 100-foot operating range that can be installed in minutes and does not require any monitoring services or fees. The wireless alarm system is suitable for homes, offices, 24-hour stores, other businesses and anywhere where security is a concern.

The Skylink SC-1000 is a reliable, cutting edge wireless security system that uses innovative technology with trouble-free wireless connection to keep your home or business safe and secure against intruders, and in case of an accident, fire, flood or other emergency.

The SC-1000 is easy to install where it is a do-it-yourself system and it is a system where you do not have to pay the monitoring fees or registering with an alarm company. Just enter your personal code or use the keychain transmitter to arm or disarm the unit.

The Skylink SC-1000 is equipped with rolling-code technology that virtually eliminates false alarms but still delivers maximum security. A rolling code (or hopping code) is normally used in entry systems that don’t require a key because it prevents an eavesdropper from capturing and using your personal security code. This technology will only recognize radio waves only from its remote sensors (door/window sensor, motion sensor and keychain sensor).

The Sc-1000 system comes complete with a motion sensor and two door/window sensors enough coverage for small to medium sized home. The system can be customized to work with up to 30 Skylink security accessories such as Dial Alert, Alarm Detector Sensor and Flood Sensor to cover larger spaces or business.
The included 110dB siren will make a piercing sound if any of the sensors are triggered and the sensor will send a wireless signal to the system’s emergency dialer.

The dialer can be programmed to call up to nine different telephone numbers (your mobile phone, pager, relatives and etc). The system also allows you to record a personal 40-second emergency message. The dialer will automatically dial the numbers that you entered and play the pre-recorded message in case of emergency.

The system also features a lighted keypad for easy reading in dark condition and offers Chime, Instant and Delay modes. The Skylink SC-1000 is powered by an AC power with 9 Volt alkaline battery backup (battery included). The low-battery indicator will alert you in advance to prevent a loss of power.

The Skylink SC-1000 Complete Wireless Alarm System consist of 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.

Below are the summary of the pros and cons of the Skylink SC-1000 Complete Wireless Alarm System as experienced by its users.

Pros

The built in alarm is unbearably loud to scare anyone off.
The dialer can be set so that you can hear the numbers being dialed, or you can opt to make it completely silent.
The motion detector is very sensitive and it will trip the system with slight movement.
If you combine this with an in home motion detection webcam such as the Linksys WVC54GC you can not only be alerted via phone, but also get pictures sent to your cell phone, send streaming media to your cell phone, or simply hop onto the web and view your house in real time with no computer needed.
Programming the base key pad is a snap and the remote control is great. With the remote, the user doesn’t really ever use the key pad.
The system even has entry delays and one can program all of the input devices to a selected zone – delayed or instant.
This system is ideal if you want to be notified if there is a break in, but don’t want to pay an arm and a leg, plus your first born for the service.
The system can call multiple numbers with a pre-recorded message to let your friends, family and you etc, know that there’s a break in.
You can set the order or frequency of calls to the programmed numbers.
The system can be set to silent or audible alarms and you can add vibration, smoke, temperature detector etc, modules to it.
You can set different zones to react instantly or to count down before going off.
The system is easily expandable. You can slowly keep growing/adding on security sensors as your budget allow.
The system uses 9volt batteries as backup power.
The customer service has been quite good actually in responding to questions where you can email them any questions you have and they responded in under 24 hours each time.
The system can be easily installed/modified.
The price is reasonable. The system is a quality system for the price paid.
The batteries have lasted for a few months without needing to be replaced yet.

Cons

Be careful where you put the motion sensor or you’ll get constant false alarms because light reflecting through your windows/glass doors could set it off.
One user had his system for about 6 months when the speaker stopped working where the solder joint on the back of the speaker came off. It’s made in China, so he wasn’t too surprised, but getting it fixed was a hassle. Customer support offers very little assistance even though it was still under warranty.
The system doesn’t has the ability to phone in from a remote location and check the status of the alarm and arm/disarm it.
The system works OK in default configuration, but once you start tinkering with Advanced Programming or adding new elements to the system pretty soon you’ll get across of all kind of problems.
The wireless signal could be jammed by a device that operates on the same frequency as the Skylink system.
Some of the components are bulky/unsightly.
The alarm is embedded in the control panel because the alarm sound will lead the intruder directly to the panel.
The instructions were a little vague.
You will get only one type of notification.
One user experienced poor support from the tech support and was saying that the tech support has no knowledge of the products, though they pretend to and will waste your time. It would be cheaper to work through a professional alarm service!
The dialer does not send a message if the power was turned off or the backup battery became low.
The door sensor has a wire coming out of the transmitter to the magnet.
The double sided tape didn’t stick very well.
The control panel siren is not loud enough for neighbors to notice. You need to plug in external siren.
The control panel allows the system to arm with doors/window open.
There is no notification in control panel if some sensors fail.
The programming doesn’t allow to eliminate the entry/exit delay.
The stickers comes with the kit is not enough to keep the thieves scare. The stickers are neither bright colored or big enough.
There is no yard sign comes with the kit.
The system looks very outdated with cream ivory color and cheap plastic casing, flimsy antenna sticking out, rounded molded sides.
The accompanying sensors did not work properly because they either failed to link with the command module or they operated when moved them in a certain angle.