Suncoast Security System - Challenger 9.0
 

Just wondering if anyone has had a Challenger 9.0 Wireless alarm system installed from Suncoast Security Resources out of Ocala. We had Burt Dulog give us the demo and he seemed very knowledgeable. He seemed legit but went through the settings on the system rather quickly. He claims his company has been around for 9 years and that they have a big presence in The Villages. Given that the system is not totally operational until the paperwork we filled out is registered, this could be a scam. One reason I think this is legit is that this company was recommended by Joe Pine of Metro Crime Prevention of Florida at the Healthy, Wealthy and Wise meeting last month (Feb 2013).

Not that I believe the BBB is nothing more than a joke, but in 9 years no complaints - but also This Business is not BBB Accredited.

Google doesn't show anything negative.

After looking into this more, it appears Joe Pine has been around a while and has been selling earlier versions of this same system that did not have monitoring connections. See 'Need Advice on Alarm Systems' thread where people in 2007 and 2010 posted they were happy with the unit. The technology in the current version detects sound wave changes caused by a break-in. Opening a door slowly will not trip the alarm but with more speed the alarm sounds. There are no fixtures to install like window and door trips. You must purchase this unit with monitoring but if that turns out to be a hassle, I will cancel it.

We purchased their system 3 years ago . It is incredible. Totally reliable and does everything they say. Puts competitor systems to shame (in my opinion).

Have It
 

We have had ours for several years now and love it. Very reliable and monitored. I take the remote to our bedroom at night and if need be, all I have to do is hit the panic button to get a response.

You can also set it for a stay at home alarm which alerts whenever it is breached in any way. I am often in my computer room and know when the door leading into the garage from the laundry room is opened. The alarm that is set for when you are away is deafening. We have absolutely no signage but it is a very rude greeting for anyone who breaches it. As Joe Pine told us, "You don't want to be alerted after someone is in (as in motion detectors); you don't want them in in the first place."

Check it out. I think you will like what you see.

I saw a recent demo on this system and found it intriguing. It uses a technology that they call "aironomics." It is supposed to detect air wave changes that trigger the alarm. It is monitored, but the presentation I saw mentioned little detail about it. There was no discussion on whether it included alerts relating to fire, smoke and carbon monoxide, although that is not necessarily a deal breaker for me. I think the unit was about $1200 plus $30 per month for monitoring. In addition, it is portable and can be used while you're on travel. Of course, if you do that, you leave your residence unprotected. Also, I don't understand how the monitoring would work while on travel.

Are there any other TOTV folks that can provide additional firsthand experiences with this system?

Suncoast Secutiry System
 

I have had the Challenger first demonstrated by Joe Pine, and installed and serviced by Burt Dulog. I have had it since 2011 and have been pleased with the service they provide. When I have a special need or technical change, they are of service quickly. The greatest advantage of this system compared to there offered in TV, is that their product required NO WIRES, and no extra sensors on window and doors. It is aironomic, and senses changes in atmosphere. It is also portable if you move. It is a small unit, the size of a book and does not appear as an obvious alarm. Could be mistaken for a weather radio. I have been pleased with the two way call center response when needed. Has panic button, if one has fallen or has emergency. I am pleased with the system and service. Only
disappointment is the Manual could be easier to use for programming, but they have responded anytime I needed help.