So im looking for a decent home security/alarm system, and 2 local installers have given me quotes on the following systems – 1 recommending the Scantronic XCel Wireless @ GBP800 installed, the other recommending the Agility 3 Wireless system, @ (cough) GBP1500 inc a PIR Camera for the garage that I can view from my smartphone. Does anyone out there in the Singletrackworld-o-sphere know about these things…is the Agility really worth GBP700 extra? Is the Scantronic a good system?

You can fit a swann camera for a lot less than the difference between the systems. I have one on the garage and covering the driveway to get Vehicle Registrations, as we live in a remote location with no neighbours. Pick them up from maplins for sensible money and can get some reasonable advice in store.

Did this myself and don’t have a full on alarm system. The swann alerts me via email to my phone, took a half day to install 4 cameras, capacity for more if needed.