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SIAC Builds Lasting Relationship with APCO

September 1st, 2009 No comments

Gains strategic partner in fight against non-response.

Stan Martin, executive director for the Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC), and Glen Mowery, SIAC’s law enforcement liaison, recently spoke to members of the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) about what SIAC and the industry is doing to reduce alarm dispatches.

“It was apparent that more than 90 percent of those attending had no idea how much progress we have made as an industry and had never seen any positive statistics on reductions,” Stan said. “The session generated quite a bit of positive energy.”

The duo educated the group on SIAC’s training initiatives, ordinances, alarm management committees, Enhanced Call Verification and CP-01 alarm panel standards. After the session, Bill Hobgood, one of the primary coordinators on the new CSAA/911 communications standard, invited Stan to join him as he travels around the country doing promotional/educational sessions on the new standard.

Based on Stan and Glen’s presentation, Donny Jackson of Urgent Communications Magazine has published an article that includes statistics and other information about false dispatches. Read the article here.

This new relationship will go a long way in helping SIAC, the members of NBFAA and the industry, gain nationwide support for Enhanced Call Verification and CP-01 in municipalities looking to combat false dispatches.

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Categories: Industry News

Do You Know the Most Influential Person in the Security Industry?

September 1st, 2009 No comments

The polls are open and Security magazine will be accepting ‘Most Influential’ nominations from every corner of the industry. The Top 25 will be profiled in the December issue of Security magazine and online at www.securitymagazine.com in front of more than 35,000 industry peers! Who would make a good nominee?

Find out how to submit your nomination.

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Categories: General

New! Security Industry Insights Video Series

September 1st, 2009 No comments

Tom Binish of A&A Fire and Security Inc. talks with Ron Davis of Davis Marketing Group, aka Graybeards, about his experiences in the security industry.

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Categories: Industry Insights, nbfaa

NBFAA to Hold Free Legislative Events in Pennsylvania and Vermont

September 1st, 2009 No comments

Join NBFAA for lunch in Pennsylvania and breakfast in Vermont as we hold two legislative events for the chapter membership in those states.

The Pennsylvania Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (PBFAA) is holding its quarterly board meeting on October 6 and PBFAA members are invited to have lunch on us. We’ve scheduled Representative Brendan Boyle to talk about the PBFAA-sponsored statewide licensing bill (H.B. 1544) and other important topics.

Time and Location:
October 6, 2009
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Pennsylvania State Legislative Lunch
Holiday Inn Harrisburg East – Harrisburg Suite
4751 Lindle Road
Harrisburg, PA 17111
www.iharrisburg.com
For directions, call (800) 458-8512
Please RSVP by October 1 to Michelle Whitaker at (888) 447-1689 or michellew@alarm.org.

On October 13, the Vermont Alarm & Signal Association will hold a legislative breakfast for its members where one of the topics of discussion will focus on the introduction of industry licensing legislation in Vermont.

Time and Location:
October 13, 2009
7:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Vermont State Legislative Breakfast
Capitol Plaza Hotel – Ethan Allen Room
100 State St. #100
Montpelier, VT 05602-2891
www.capitolplaza.com
For directions, call (802) 223-5252
Please RSVP by October 7 to Michelle Whitaker at (888) 447-1689 or michellew@alarm.org.

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FTC Red Flags Rule Delayed

September 1st, 2009 No comments

As the result of a lawsuit filed by the American Bar Association on August 27th, the Federal Trade Commission has delayed implementation of the Red Flags Rule to November 1st.

Arguably all alarm companies who provide PERS service, maintain credit card information for their subscribers, or send invoices for recurring periodic revenue, are covered by the regulations. According to the regulations you need to have a written plan to deal with potential identify theft.

The FTC has developed a handy do-it-yourself guide to help businesses comply with the new rules.

A complete overview of the regulations can also be found here:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/business/idtheft/bus23.pdf

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Categories: Government Relations

August State Legislative Report Available Online

September 1st, 2009 No comments

The August State Legislative Report, which includes information compiled between July 16 – August 15, is researched and assembled by the NBFAA Government Relations department, and is now available online. The report is located in the Members section under Government Relations at www.alarm.org. To access the report you will be required to log in using your member user login and password.

The report contains subject highlights of bills followed for the month of August 2009:
• 32 bills relating to Alarms
• 7 bills relating to Automatic Contract Renewal
• 7 bills relating to CCTV
• 68 bills relating to Licensing
• 9 bills relating to Taxes
• 2 bill relating to Line of Duty Act fees for Alarm Companies

Of particular interest this month, MI H 5154, a bill that provides for income tax incentive for installation of photoelectric smoke detectors or ionization smoke detectors; MO H 395, a bill that provides that any section of a licensed nursing home facility in which a major renovation has been completed on or after August 28, 2007, must install and maintain an approved sprinkler system in accordance with National Fire Protection Association; and TX S 1410, a bill that would provide for the regulation of plumbers and multipurpose residential fire protection sprinkler specialists; prohibiting municipal regulations requiring the installation of fire protection sprinkler systems in certain residences.

Questions or concerns regarding the information contained within the report should be directed to our Director of Government Relations, John Chwat at Gov.Info@alarm.org.

We ask that the information enclosed be treated as a member benefit and shared only within your organization.

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Categories: Legislative Focus

Join NBFAA and Industry Titans at the 2009 Tri-Association Awards Dinner

September 1st, 2009 No comments

Share a festive evening with friends at the 2009 Tri-Association Awards Dinner, to be held Wednesday, October 28 at Chelsea Pier 61 in New York City.

Alan Forman, president of Altronic Corporation, will be honored with the George R. Lippert Memorial Award and John Murphy, president of Vector Security, will receive the Triton Award.

Each year, NBFAA, the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA) and the Security Industry Association (SIA) honor two members of the security industry at the fall Tri-Association Awards Dinner. The Lippert Award, which was first presented in 1989, recognizes outstanding contribution to SIA and the security industry, while the Triton Award, which began in 2004, recognizes industry statesmanship and efforts to promote good working relationships among the three associations.

The Tri-Association Awards Dinner brings more than 200 executives together for a high-powered networking, exceptional entertainment and to salute accomplishments of industry peers.

This year’s theme is The Gilded Age, a time of industrial and economic growth in the United States. The gala theme looks at the beginnings of that era, including structures such as the Brooklyn Bridge (1883), which represents new technology – the largest suspension bridge of that time. The Statue of Liberty (1886) dramatizes the political and economic opportunity available to U.S. citizens and Ellis Island (1892) the mass migration from all parts of the world embracing opportunity.

Click here to Register Now

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Categories: Events

Save the Dates for these Exciting Events in 2010

September 1st, 2009 No comments

Mark your calendar and start making plans to attend these exciting NBFAA events in 2010.

NBFAA Leadership Summit: Shaping the Future
Jan 12 – 14, 2010
Fort Worth, TX
This year, the annual Leadership Summit will be held in historic downtown Fort Worth. Featuring three full days of important meetings and networking, the summit will also include valuable seminars addressing industry trends and how chapters can generate non-dues revenue.

NBFAA has contracted a negotiated rate at the Fort Worth Renaissance hotel for $179 per night.

Registration for the summit is free when completed by Monday, December 14. Late registrations will be accepted through January 5 at a cost of $125. On-site registration will be available for $150. A cancellation fee of $125 will apply for cancellations after December 15.

AIREF Golf Classic
March 23
Las Vegas, NV
You know you love it – the annual AIREF Golf Classic in Las Vegas. Make sure you’re there to take part in a day of world class golfing with your industry colleagues and golf without guilt – because you’ll be supporting a great cause!

NBFAA Day on Capitol Hill
April 27 – 28
Washington, D.C.
The premiere lobbying event of the industry, Day on Capitol Hill offers NBFAA members an opportunity to sit down with their elected officials and lobby for programs and initiatives to benefit the electronic security industry.

NBFAA has once again received a negotiated rate from St. Gregory Hotel & Suites. Attendees can receive accommodations at $240 per night.

Looking forward: 2010 NBFAA Summer Conference
June 14 – 18
Pittsburgh, PA
The NBFAA Summer Conference is where association leaders help shape the future of NBFAA and work to improve the business environment for the security industry. You can make a difference – join us for the 2010 NBFAA Summer Conference. Learn more about Pittsburgh, click here [link to fun facts page]. To view the exciting Welcome to Pittsburgh 2010 video, click here [link to video].

Electronic Security Expo (ESX) – Where Leaders are Made
June 14 – 18
Electronic Security Expo experienced its second year of success and the excitement continues to build. Be sure to register early for 2010 ESX – Where Leaders are Made. Book your hotel rooms in advance to ensure discounted, convenient accommodations. Arrangements have been made with the following hotels:
• Renaissance – $129 per night
• Westin – $179 per night
• Omni – $179 per night

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First Young Security Professionals Executive Forum Huge Success

September 1st, 2009 No comments

The first ever Young Security Professionals Executive Forum held in Aurora, IL on August 19 – 20, 2009 was a huge success with 30 attendees including sponsors, mentors and YSPs. Tuesday night prior to the event, Ed Bonifas and his wife, Carmi, hosted a dinner in their airplane hangar. On Wednesday morning, the forum opened with a statement from event host and mentor, Ed Bonifas of Alarm Detection Systems. After the opening remarks, the group was treated to a tour of the Alarm Detection Systems campus before returning to the training center.

Throughout the remainder of the day, and half of the next, attendees shared and soaked up advice and best practices from mentors Ed Bonifas, Mel Mahler of ADS Security, Nashville, TN, and industry veteran Bud Wulforst, on the topics of “Effectively Managing Change,” “Implementing and Selling New Products,” and “Controlling Attrition.” Attendees not only benefited from the wisdom and expertise of their mentors but also learned from one another’s experiences during the discussions.

We want to thank the companies that so generously stepped up to sponsor this event: ADLG, Tri-Ed, Secure-I, Kleinbard, Bell & Brecker and our Executive Strategic Partners, GE Security, Honeywell, Altronix, ADI and Security America RRG. Without their support, this event couldn’t have taken place.

Thank you to our Executive Forum sponsors:

North America’s largest independent distributor of security, low voltage and home automation products, Tri-Ed offers a huge inventory spanning Access Control, Intrusion, CCTV, Fire, Structured Cabling and Sound & Communications. Tri-Ed also offers superior customer service, same day shipping, flexible credit terms, online ordering, customer appreciation events, purchasing rewards, technical systems support, and ongoing product training. For more information, please call 1-888-874-3336 or visit www.tri-ed.com.

SDM is the complete magazine of the electronic security industry. 28,500 professionals – whose companies buy/install security products – turn to the SDM family of publications each month for features on market trends, management solutions, news affecting the security industry, and unparalleled technological expertise. From what’s available in new products and services, to new and better ways of designing, installing, servicing and troubleshooting systems, SDM is the preferred industry resource. For more information, go to www.sdmmag.com.

Secure-i, Inc. was created specifically to address the emerging demand for hosted security services. The company’s first offering, in partnership with Axis Communications, is an on-demand video surveillance service. The IT and security professionals who comprise Secure-i, Inc. bring decades of combined experience in networking, system design, and digital voice, data, and video recording. Secure-i, Inc. is a woman-owned company based in Chicago with offices in both Illinois and New Jersey. Visit www.secure-i.com for more information.

Kleinbard Bell & Brecker LLP is a boutique commercial law firm active in the telecommunications, electronic security and life safety industries. Eric Pritchard co-chairs the firm’s Electronic Security Group. Eric’s practice is national in scope and focuses on mergers and acquisitions, day-to-day business advice and guidance and complex commercial and tort litigation. Eric serves as counsel to numerous industry trade associations and is a frequent lecturer at industry events. Contact Eric Pritchard at epritchard@kleinbard.com.

The Alarm Debt Liquidation Group specializes in the collection of overdue accounts receivable for the alarm industry. The Alarm Debt Liquidation Group uses the most effective method of recovery for defaulted alarm monitoring contracts in the industry today because their collection agents have extensive knowledge of alarm contracts and the legal resources to settle an acount.

Thanks also to our Executive Strategic Partners.

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Fall NTS Courses Filling Up Fast, Enroll Today

September 1st, 2009 No comments

Missing these training opportunities would be a shame. Enroll early to ensure your place in the class. NTS training offers certification, continued education and networking opportunities for industry professionals.

Complete course descriptions (and schedules) are available at www.alarm.org in the Education & Training section. Individuals in states where classes are not currently offered, and who are interested in receiving training, should contact NTS.

ADVANCED BURGLAR ALARM TECHICIAN
• Sep. 4 – 5 – Montevallo, AL
• Sep. 11 – 12 – Gulfport, MS
• Sep. 15 – 16 – Tacoma, WA
• Sep. 19 – 20 – Kenner, LA
• Sep. 19 – 20 – Knoxville, TN
• Sep. 24 – 25 – Charleston, NC

CERTIFIED ALARM TECHNICAIN
• Sep. 2 – 4 – Little Rock, AR
• Sep. 2 – 4 – Cincinnati, OH
• Sep. 9 – 11 – Tampa, FL
• Sep. 9 – 11 – Indianapolis, IN
• Sep. 9 – 11 – Elmsford, NY
• Sep. 10 – 12 – Huntsville, AL
• Sep. 11 – 13 – Monroe, LA
• Sep. 16 – 18 – San Leandro, CA
• Sep. 16 – 18 – Atlanta, GA
• Sep. 16 – 18 – Buffalo, NY
• Sep. 22 – 24 – Erie, PA
• Sep. 23 – 25 – Aurora, IL
• Sep. 23 – 25 – Bettendorf, IA
• Sep. 23 – 25 – Charleston, NC
• Sep. 24 – 26 – Greenville, MS
• Sep. 28 – 30 – Charlotte, NC

ELECTRONIC ACCESS CONTROL
• Sep. 17 – 18 – Cleveland, OH

FIRE ALARM INSTALLATION METHODS
• Sep. 11 – 12 – Memphis, TN
• Sep. 17 – 18 – Tacoma, WA
• Sep. 23 – 35 – Syracuse, NY
• Sep. 24 – 25 – Brookfield, WI
• Sep. 29 – 30 – Ft. Walton, FL

LIFE SAFETY CODE COURSE AND WORKSHOP
• Sep. 25 – 26 – Portland, ME

UNDERSTANDING ALARM SYSTEMS
• Sep. 26 – Birmingham, AL
• Sep. 26 – Kenner, LA
• Sep. 30 – Oct. 1 – Jackson, MS

VIDEO SYSTEM TECHNOLOGIES
• Sep. 11 – 12 – Nashville, TN
• Sep. 15 – 16 – Fishkill, NY
• Sep. 15 – 16 – Cleveland, OH
• Sep. 29 – 30 – Harrisburg, PA

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Categories: NTS

Member Benefit Spotlight

September 1st, 2009 No comments

Are you taking advantage of these cost savings? NBFAA provides you with money-saving opportunities as part of your membership. Go to the Web site often and check out the coupon savings and our member discount programs. If you’re not using these companies, you might be leaving money on the table.

Members, get your discount codes here.

Alarm Debt Liquidation Group Can Help You Collect on Overdue Accounts
The Alarm Debt Liquidation Group, a division of Anderson, Crenshaw & Associates, specializes in the collection of overdue accounts receivable for the alarm industry.

Using their extensive knowledge of both the alarm industry and the collection process, they’re able to consistently achieve high recovery rates, contributing to the profitability and growth potential of their clients. Contact ADLG for specifics on NBFAA discounts and exclusive member benefits.

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Categories: Member Benefit

Arizona Chapter Gears up for Annual Conference and Public Safety Appreciation Days

September 1st, 2009 No comments

The Arizona Alarm Association (AzAA) has scheduled its annual Conference and Public Safety Appreciation Days for Sep. 16 – 17 at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library.

The program is specifically designed for alarm coordinators, security company owners and staff, monitoring station personnel and others in the security industry.



Presentations include:
• NICET Level I-II Test Prep Fire Alarm Class – a two-day training class
• Understanding Alarms – a four-hour class for non-techical personnel will be offered on two different days for your convenience
• Proposed State Licensure Process for Alarm Companies
• ID Theft
• Xanboo
• Mesa Crime Prevention
• Amber Light
• Collections
• Twitter
• New Industry Products
• Alarm School

The Public Safety Appreciation Dinner will be on Sep. 16 at Don & Charlie’s where AzAA will hold a raffle for a $1,000 gas card. Tickets are only $25. Anyone wishing to purchase a ticket may do so. You need not be present to win. To purchase a ticket email info@azalarms.org or call (480) 831-1318.

Download Conference Packet and Registration Form

Directions to the Scottsdale Civic Center Library

Directions to Don & Charlie’s

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Categories: General

Tri-Ed Distribution to Award Three College Scholarships

September 1st, 2009 No comments

Tri-Ed Distribution is pleased to announce that it will be offering three college scholarships for the 2010-2011 academic year. Tri-Ed’s scholarship program is open to any graduating high school senior who is a child of a current NBFAA member.

The $1,500, $1,000 and $500 scholarships will be awarded on the basis of academic merit. To be considered, applicants are required to provide:

• A copy of their high school transcript, including college entrance exam scores (SAT or ACT).
• A copy of their college application essay.
• A letter of recommendation from their high school guidance counselor or high school teacher of their choice.
• A list of the colleges to which they are applying.
• NBFAA member name and company.

The deadline for completed applications is January 31, 2010. All applications are being accepted via e-mail at marketing@tri-ed.com.

Names of the three winning students will be announced at the Tri-Ed booth during ISC West 2010. All winners will also be notified in writing.

Scholarship award checks will be made payable to the college or university the winners will be attending – upon their acceptance – and will be used solely for tuition.

Tri-Ed is a strong advocate of industry causes and this scholarship program is indicative of its commitment to supporting the industry’s largest association – the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association – and its members.

“Tri-Ed is pleased to help ease some of the financial burdens of higher education for three deserving scholarship winners and their families,” says Pat Comunale, COO.

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Categories: Member News

Introducing Napco’s New GEM-P1664 Money-Saving Pak

September 1st, 2009 No comments


Napco has recently introduced its new GEM-P1664 hybrid 8–64 zone control communicator. This ultra panel works with all Gemini keypads and includes eight zones that expand to 64 with multiplexing. It also supports 64 user codes, 16 relays and their new Gemini DK-Series Door-Style and VPS Series talking multifunction keypads (included in two new money-saving paks).

GEMP1664DK1PK is the first of two paks offering stay/away user functionality. This powerful kit comes with EZ programming, our P1664 panel and the GEM-DK1CA door-style custom alpha blue backlit keypad with built-in four-zone expansion module.

The second pak, GEMP1664VPSPK, includes the P1664 panel and the new GEM-K1VPS talking custom alphanumeric dual-line blue backlit keypad. This multifunction keypad features built-in pet-PIR, UL siren, spoken voice prompts and a four-zone expansion module. The GEM-P1664 control panel includes two, two-wire fire zones in a large 12.5” x 14” x 3.75” locking enclosure and multiplexing to accommodate up to 64 EOL zones (from alpha keypads or multiplex modules to our low-cost GEM-EZM4/8 Expansion Module). Users can program partitioning for up to four areas and employ their Gemini crystal-control transmitters and receivers to work seamlessly with GEM-P1664.

User-friendly keypad menu driven Self-Programming Plus (for all zones) dramatically cuts programming time and labor allowing installers and integrators to set-up more households and businesses with GEM-P1664 in less time, thus increasing their productivity. What’s more, companies can quickly up/download the panel remotely using the easy-to-use Quickloader software and use alpha keypad question-prompts for easy system set-up.

For more information on the new money-saving GEMP1664DK1PK and GEMP1664VPSPK paks, visit www.napcosecurity.com/newproducts.html or contact the Customer Service Department at 1-800-645-9445.

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Categories: Member Product News

Napco Introduces Its New Innovative Indoor/Outdoor Gemini BioReader Keypad

September 1st, 2009 No comments


Napco recently added its first ever indoor/outdoor biometric keypad to its innovative line of Gemini products. With the touch of a finger, end-users can integrate our BioReader keypad with most brands of alarm panels with a keyswitch or use it for standalone alarm and garage door access control.

BioReader works with all Gemini and Express security systems (three- and four-wire bus) and operates electric garage doors and lighting systems with ease. Users can arm/disarm the system and/or activate relay groups with the touch of a button and never have to worry again about losing their keys or memorizing complicated codes. The optical biometric fingerprint reader eliminates code pass-along and ensures reliable use by those considered hard to print, such as consumers whose fingerprints are worn out such as manual laborers, elderly, etc. Three-way “live” finger detection verification thwarts use by imposters using photocopies or fake rubber impressions while anti-substitution prevents unauthorized keypad replacement.

Fingerprint enrollment and deletion takes approximately five seconds to complete. Once users are properly enrolled, their finger allows them entry into both residential and commercial properties. BioReader can also be used to control parking lot gates and restrict unauthorized personnel access to sensitive areas, files, pharmaceuticals, expensive equipment, weapons and more. Napco’s BioReader is rugged, vandal-resistant and is made with durable alloy metals to withstand temperatures ranging from 14˚ to 122˚F (-10˚ to 50˚C). Among its many characteristics, BioReader includes a high-security biometric ambush feature that allows pre-selected buttons and your enrolled finger to silently call police during robberies. Should vandals attempt to rip the BioReader keypad from its building, an alarm will trip and alert the authorities to the scene.

Audible and visual indicators like the Piezo sounder prompts/feedback and ready LEDs plus a bio-feedback indicator alerts users of the keypad’s armed status. In high traffic environments such as entrances to busy office buildings, BioReader includes Stealth/Blanking Mode for no-show alarm status LEDs. This feature reveals alarm status only to authorized users without arming/disarming first. The alarm status captured in BioReader’s memory is automatically displayed with an LED indicator as a precautionary warning to returning visitors before they enter. For extra privacy from passersby, try the durable scratch-resistant optic glass removable privacy shield. To learn more about the new Gemini BioReader keypad, contact Customer Service at 1-800-645-9445 or visit www.napcosecurity.com/newproducts.html.

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Categories: Member Product News

New Wireless Sounder Expands Long List of DMP Wireless Devices

September 1st, 2009 No comments


Digital Monitoring Products (DMP) has released the Model 1119 Wireless Sounder, the latest example of DMP wireless technology. The 1119 can serve as both a burglary and audible alert device, providing an audible tone while sending a signal to the panel. The new sounder joins the long list of reliable DMP wireless technology that includes a range of sensors, panels, and other devices.

“Wireless technology continues to be a favorite with security professionals and their customers because installation is usually faster, easier, and less expensive,” said Jeff Britton, DMP customer care manager. “DMP is committed to meeting the demand for wireless security with a growing selection of devices, including the 1119 Wireless Sounder. Like all DMP technology, the new sounder is designed to provide long, reliable service and stronger security.”

This single-zone module is equipped with a long-life battery-powered sounder. Connecting the 1119 zone input to a door contact allows the contact to trigger the sounder immediately. In retail/commercial applications, the 1119 Wireless Sounder provides a much lower-cost alternative to crash bars equipped with related sounders.

The 1119 Wireless Sounder can also be used to augment the keypad chime with additional annunciation that can provide notification of side or back door openings.

Used strictly as a sounder, the wireless capability enables total freedom of placement, with no need to run wires.

The 1119 is compatible with all DMP Burglary Panels and 1100 Series Receivers.

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Categories: Member Product News