DSC or Napco - newbie needs help

[nemo1]

I have an existing 11 yr old DSC power 832 with a 5010 box with LCD5500 keypads. currently uses 9 zones (35 windows; 6 doors, 3 IRs  NO smokes);  replaced windows in the house so the alarm needs to be put back together.

Needs: Add 3 smoke detectors; 2 CO detectors and swap 2 current IR with Pet IR and add ability to access system via internet.

Options:

1. I have received a bid to do all the above with a Napco 1632 and 2 GEM DK1CA or K4RF and the above for about $1000

2. neighbor is handy with alarms and thinks can replace keypad with wireless capable keypad; wireless smoke and CO and add a wireless access communicator; cost around $700 or so. Items to be purchased online.

Questions:

1. does it make sense to replace the system with the napco for 300-400 more?
2. what is the life span of a 10 yr old DSC pwr 832
3 Is Napco a good product
4. Are CO detectors worth the cost if you already have CO detectors? the theory is if they alarm and I do not wake up there is a backup. I have 2 gas fireplaces; stove; furnaces and water heater.

thanks

[Repairguy]

1 - Personally, I wouldn't, but that's more just my own preference.  Napco equip. works, Its just not seen as much in the market as some of the other brands.  I'd personally prefer Honeywell/Ademco or a newer DSC for the $$$.

2 - Not set span.  It could go another 10+ yrs or it could quit tomorrow.  It is just like any other electronic device, the older it gets, the likelyhood of a problem increases.  You also begin to deal with the platform no longer being supported as newer ones come out.

3 - Not a bad product, just not widely used in the industry.  There is a lot of it out there but you won't see as many distributors carrying major components for it as some other brands.

4 - The advantage to monitored COs is the call to the fire dept made for you if you are not home or if you cannot do it yourself.  Can't really put a price on life safety IMO.

[DEL Installations]

In addition to what repairguy said:

1. I also wouldn't. Napco is also easily locked out using multiple methods. Also, Napco seems to be "behind the times" on a lot of their product line IMHO.

2. Generally the only item that really wears is the keypads, but it's not unheard of for gremlins to show up in electronics, it's more likely for physical wear to happen.

3. Napco isn't horrible, but I've had experiences that left a bad taste in dealing with their products, lock outs, as well as their engineers denying issues existed. I had their technical training guy out to our office bragging they just got "stay" arming on their keypads....every other manufacturer has had it for 10 years before them.

4. CO's are only as good as the human factor. A monitored CO takes the battery equation out of the loop as well as the majority also take into consideration the lifespan of the device.

[nemo1]

thanks for your input. Is there a recommendation to update my existing system if I want wireless capabilities?  I think my zones are used but would a wireless keypad enable greater zones. thus if I want to add a CO or wireless smokes?  Also, I researched and came across a EyesOn IP1OOD which seems to enable internet access to remotely arm/disarm the alarm. Any experience with such a device?

thanks

[DEL Installations]

Never heard of that unit, so I'd be wary.

I'm in either the Elk or Honeywell boat for panels, others have their favorites, just depends on budget and what you're trying to accomplish.