Modern alarm systems consist of many different electronic devices working together to provide you with security. The keypad which is more commonly referred to as the arming station is arguably the most important device on any security system. As most people's only interface to their security system is through an arming station, choosing the correct one is very important.
The arming station provides a window into the alarm system which allows you to arm and disarm the system, summon for help, check the status of points, add or delete user codes or check your alarm panel's event buffer. With a few possible exceptions, the arming station will also allow you access to the system programming.
Almost all alarm system arming station offer a 3 x 4 keypad user interface just like a standard telephone system. The Keypad allows you to enter your personal identification number (PIN) to arm and disarm the system and perform secondary functions such as adding a code, sending a silent alarm or activate any of the other system features or options.
All arming stations include small audible alarms to provide feedback and annunciate entry & exit delays and most of them incorporate "instant action" keys to summon emergency personnel.
All systems will have at least one keypad which is normally located near the main entry door. Many people choose to add arming stations at secondary entrances or in master bedrooms.
Some systems will not support multiple keypads, so be sure that the system you get will support the total number of arming stations that you want to install, including any future expansion.
The simplest keypads offer annunciation of the zones with LED anunciators. Most of these keypads are limited to smaller installation with less than 8 zones of protection. For basic functions, these keypads are very simple to use.
If you are installing the system yourself, be aware that performing system programming with an LED keypad can be a cumbersome task. Correct programming is critical to an alarm systems performance and most systems will provide some form of feedback to let you know the programming you have entered has been accepted. Because the feedback provided by an LCD keypad is usually presented in a binary format, it requires you to pay close attention to the programming manual.
The next step up in arming stations offer fixed alphanumeric displays. A fixed alphanumeric display keypad offers enhanced functionality over standard LCD keypads and will provide the user with more detailed information. Feedback such as "alarm zone - 1", or "system trouble - low battery" can help you quickly decipher what is happening with your system and provide a friendlier programming interface.
The top of the line arming stations offer 2-line 32 character displays that can be custom programmed with alphanumeric descriptions to individually annunciate alarms. A large library of standard "words" are available along with user definable custom words so that you can have the system display exact information such as "Tony's Bedroom Window", or "West Office Motion". These keypads are only available on higher end systems, but some people feel that the extra price is well worth it.
Most arming stations are hardwired, although a few manufacturers are offering wireless keypads as an option. Some manufacturers are even offering wireless keypads that are non-supervised so that you can keep it in your vehicle to allow you to arm or disarm the system remotely.
If you are considering the purchase of an alarm system, remember to ask about the features and benefits of the standard arming stations and find out if there are upgrades available. You might just consider spending a little extra money for alphanumeric arming stations because it might be critical to know exactly what is happening when the alarm goes off at 3-am.
