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:
- Will you be using the system internally or externally?
- What size area will you need to cover? If a system only has 1 PIR sensor, its range is limited.
- 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.
- 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.
- Does the system require to be completely wireless? Not all systems are.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 | |||||
