An alarm system comes in three categories – a wired system, a semi wired system and a wireless system.

A wired system is one where all the sensors are connected to the control panel with wires. The cables are usually run through the roof, so you won’t be able to see them.

Benefits of a wired system: never have to change the battery.

A wireless system is one where the sensors relies mostly on batteries. We have wireless systems which relies completely on batteries and ones which are semi-wireless (like alarm pack 3).

Benefits of a wireless system: allows sensor access to areas which are usually not possible, especially for double / triple storey homes or homes with no roof access.

If your home in Single storey with roof access, we will recommend a wired system.
If your home has no roof access OR its a double/triple store and your home isn’t prewired, then we recommend a wireless / semi wireless system.

It takes roughly between 4 hours and 6 hours for a typical alarm system. By typical alarm system, we mean 3-5 sensor system for single / double storey homes and businesses. If its larger, then obvously it will take longer.

Depending on the season, we can do an install within 1-2 weeks. If your job is urgent, simply let us know and we’ll try and squeeze you in for the earliest convenient time. Give us a call or fill in the booking form and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!

If your home is still in the construction phase, and:

1. You have a single/double storey home with no roof access OR

2. You have a double storey home and you’re not keen on a wireless system, then:

we will need to pre-wire your home before the gyprock walls of your home go up. Make sure you check with your builder to ensure its OK for an alarm company to come and install your alarm. We will complete the install of the alarm once your home is completely built and you’re ready to move in.

If you:

1. Have a single storey house with roof access OR

2. You have your system pre-wired OR

3. You are happy with a wireless system,

We can install your alarm system when you are about to move in.

A zone in alarm terminology is basically a slot on the control panel for a sensor. An alarm with 8 zones can handle up to 8 detectors – whether they are PIRs or reed switches or smoke detectors.

If you have 8 zones and have used only 3 sensors so far, you have the option of adding another 5.

The sensors are assigned to zones and when a sensor is trigger the system informs you which zone a sensor has been triggered.

Getting an alarm panel with 16 zones is pointless if you’re only going to use 5 of those zones. You’ll see the packages we’ve predesigned allow you to allow for additional sensors just in case you need it.

The alarm technician will be able to program certain zones to be active at STAY AT HOME mode – this means while you’re resting at night, you can have sensors active in certain areas of your home. AWAY mode usually involves activating all the zones.

A PIR is a infrared sensor that is used to detect movement. They are commonly used in burglar alarms.

A pet sensitive PIR is a PIR that has some added technology that can tell the difference between a small movement (generally a pet) and a human. The detector allows a pet to move freely within a house but will be triggered if a large movement (like that generated by a human) is detected.

With wired alarm systems, the backup battery will need to be replaced when it is unable to hold its charge. This is generally once every 5 years. The alarm will let you know when you hear a beeping sound coming from the control panel.

We provide backup battery replacement for customers at a flat fee of $250.

With wireless systems, you would have to change the battery of the sensors every few years. The sensor will generally let you know when battery runs low. We can also assist you with this, but its generally an easy DIY change. Batteries are generally CR123A which you can buy from your local hardware store

With most alarms when an alarm is triggered will make a deafening sound for around 5 minutes. This is a rule set by the state government to reduce noise pollution from false alarms. The alarm will arm again and if broken into again, will sound for another 5 minutes.

If you have added a monitoring option to your Bosch alarm installation, we can program it so it can either ring your phone or push an app notification depending on the chosen option.

You may also choose to call your neighbour or family / friends to check up on your property if any event occurs.

If you choose to add Back to base monitoring, then an alarm monitoring centre will call your mobiles to let you know. They may then send out a security car to check up on the property for a fee.

Cash, bank deposit and cheque are all OK.
This is expected to be payable on completion of the job or other terms as discussed with our team.

We find that most average single storey homes needs 3 sensors. These go into the common areas of a house where an intruder would likely visit if they were breaking in.

The sensors would likely go:

• somewhere facing the entry
• a hallway or kitchen
• a back room

If your home is large, you may need 5 or 6 sensors.

A perimeter alarm is an alarm which features sensors at all potential entry points in the house. This is great if you’re concerned about someone breaking into a window without crossing into one of the common areas.

If you like the idea of having a perimeter alarm, we can add:

• reed switches on the windows
• glass break detectors on windows
• reed switches on the doors / garage.

Yes, indeed. We don’t believe in trying to confuse you with taxes and other mumbo jumbo.

Our Bosch alarms are around 100 – 110 decibels. This is louder than a chain saw or a car horn at 5 meters away. 110 dB is as loud as a rock-n-roll band. The siren emits a high frequency oscillating siren intolerable to the human ear. It does a great job at forcing a burglar to have to leave.

This is fine. Customers want to add more features or change things all the time.

You have the option of working out the price yourself via our easy to use extras information. eg. If your package is 1000 and you want to add an extra 4 sensors, you can simply add the cost of the extra 4 sensors to the package cost.

Alternatively, give us a call or fill out the contact form. One of our consultants will try and help you our to the best of their ability.

The frequency of CCTV backup depends on the nature of the business or premises being monitored. For example, if you own a retail store, it is may be necessary to back up your CCTV footage weekly or monthly to ensure that any incidents that occur in the store are captured on camera. In contrast, if you own a home, backing up the footage everytime an interesting event happens.

It is important to ensure that your storage system has a large enough capacity to allow sufficient time to pass before the data overwrites on the hard drive

It is important to note when the CCTV is beeping – as this can sometimes mean a hard drive failure and it has stopped recording at that point.

You’d do the following procedure if you keep getting the unable to connnect to specified panel error and the issue isn’t the cabling.

To reset the Bosch IP Ethernet Module:

1. Use a Philips head screwdriver to open the alarm box.
2. When opening the box, the alarm tamper may activate, so use the keypad or key fob to deactivate the alarm.
3. The IP module is a smaller electronic panel separate from the main alarm control panel. It is identifiable by its attached internet cable and a flat block connection consisting of four wires (red, yellow, green, and black) that connect to the main alarm control panel.
4. To reset and restart the IP module, disconnect the four-wire power supply from the IP module itself. Carefully remove the white BUS connector from one end, then reconnect it to the same spot.

After correctly restarting, the IP module will briefly flash a blue light, followed by a steady orange and green light.

Once you confirm the module has restarted, replace the alarm panel cover. Ensure the cover is securely closed to prevent accidentally setting off the alarm again.

Restart your mobile application and verify that you can access it correctly. If not, contact us for further assistance

Why the Bosch 3000 Ethernet Module Has Issues with Telstra Modems

The Bosch Solution 3000, using the B426-M Ethernet module, has known compatibility issues with Telstra Smart Modems—especially Gen 2 and Gen 3. The problems usually stem from how Telstra modems manage IP connectivity, especially when switching between NBN and 4G backup.

Main Reasons

1. 4G LTE Failover:
   Telstra modems automatically switch to 4G backup when they detect a problem with the fixed-line (NBN) connection. This change interrupts the Ethernet connection used by the Bosch module, leading to dropouts or failure to connect with apps like Bosch RSC+.

2. IPv6 Handling:
   Telstra Gen 3 modems have IPv6 features enabled by default. If IPv6 isn’t properly configured or supported by the Bosch module, it can lead to routing issues, disconnections, or the module being unable to communicate with the Bosch cloud servers.

3. APN Configuration:
   Even if the SIM isn’t in active use, incorrect or blank APN settings on the modem can cause unexpected behavior in the modem’s networking layer—leading to intermittent communication issues with the Bosch Ethernet module.

Bosch’s Recommendations

• Enable IPv6 in the modem settings to improve stability.

• Check and enter correct APN settings—this ensures consistency, even if LTE fallback isn’t used.

• Disable 4G/LTE failover if possible—this prevents the modem from automatically changing networks and dropping the Bosch connection.

• Restart the IP module (disconnect from the BUS and reconnect) to refresh the IP assignment.

• Update the firmware on the B426-M module to the latest version available (e.g., v3.10.030), which improves performance and reliability.

Recommended Steps

Yes, installing CCTV cameras on your property is legal. However, you must ensure your cameras do not infringe on your neighbours’ privacy. Avoid positioning cameras towards neighbouring windows, private yards, or shared spaces. It’s also good practice to notify visitors that CCTV is in use on your premises.

The main difference between the two from a user standpoint is the resolution. The resolution of CCTV cameras refers to the clarity and detail of the images they capture. Higher resolution means more detailed images, which can be crucial for identifying faces, license plates, and other important details.

6 Megapixel (6MP)

Resolution: 3072 x 2048 pixels

Very high resolution with excellent detail. Ideal for monitoring large areas or critical points. Perfect all rounder for most applications.

8 Megapixel (8MP) / 4K Ultra HD

Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels

Ultra-high resolution offering superior detail. Excellent for facial recognition and license plate identification. (usually 3 metres of extra clarity compared to the 6MP)
Higher storage capacity needed.

• 6MP Sample videos
• 8MP sample videos

All of our cameras have infra red – or the ability to see at night. At night the cameras adjust to the light by turning into black and white mode.

8MP black and white

4MP Colorvu (night time colour)

Sample of night vision for 700TVL system. (low resolution) 

A typical 4 camera system takes around 3-5 hours to install for either a single storey home / standard office. It will take more time if your building is large or you need more cameras.

For an 8 camera system on a double storey home, it couild take up to a day (6-8 hours).

For a warehouse, we find that on average 8 cameras will take up to 2 days.

CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) systems use cameras to capture video footage, which is then transmitted to a monitor or a recording device.

The cameras send the information on the data it captures to the DVR or NVR. The video record then:

• transmits the information to the screen
• records the information on the hard disc
• connects to a router which broadcasts it across the web

This broadcasting is what allows you to access your feed from any computer, iphone or android device.

Cash, bank deposit, credit card are all OK. Credit card – a surcharge of 1.5% exists.

This is expected to be payable on completion of the job. The exception to the rule is if you agree with our staff to specfic alternative payment terms.

Our CCTV systems have a warranty of 24 months. This is both a parts and labour warranty.

Our installation team have been in the industry for years. Over this time, they have seen inferior products come and go. We have selected to work with products that we are because of their general quality and the reliability.

Cameras on an modern analog CCTV system send their video in the traditional base band format over coax or UTP cabling back to a digital video recorder (DVR). Here, video is digitized and stored on hard drives. Most modern DVRs can allow the streaming to be accessed remotely from the LAN, or with the proper configuration, from across the internet.

IP or Digital video cameras broadcast their video as a digital stream over an IP network. Like an analog system, video is recorded on hard drives, but since the video is an IP stream straight from the camera, there is more flexibility as to how and where that video is recorded. The DVR is replaced with an NVR (network video recorder), which in some cases is just software since it doesn’t need to convert analog to digital. Video footage can then be stored on hard drives as directed by the NVR software.

Why choose an analog system?

cost is generally lower. Analog in general is lower quality up to 800TVL only (quite pixellated)

What is HDCVI / HDTVI?

These newer technologies allow digital signals to be communicated over COAX cables and thus you are able to use old cables to transmit the data. These are commonly used to upgrade old systems to up to 5MP or even 4K clarity. They are usually more cost effective than upgrading to a completely IP based system.

Why choose a completely digital system?
The data for these cameras are transmitted over CAT5/CAT6 cables instead. They run back to an NVR. They are more complicated to set up, but can utilise IP addresses to pull in data from other camera sources (don’t have to be local)

Here is a great video that runs through most of the commonly used features of the Hikvision 4.0 version NVR.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qN155d9UC80

What you need:

• the camera/s
• The NVR
• Precrimped CAT5/6 Cables or an installer who supplies the CAT6 cables (with RJ45 ends). (1 per camera and 1 from the NVR to the modem)
• A monitor or TV (with VGA or HDMI connections)

Cabling requirements:

• Run the CAT5/6 cables to the locations you require (1 per camera). The cables should come back to the location where your NVR is located
• Connect & install the cameras to one end of the cable and connect the other end to the NVR
• Plug in the monitor via a VGA or HDMI cable to the NVR
• Connect an ethernet cable from the NVR to the modem (if you wish to do remote viewing).

Yes, there are several factors that can affect the installation time of a CCTV system, including the complexity of the setup, the location of the cameras, and the type of cameras being used. Additionally, the experience and expertise of the installer can also play a role in the installation time

It is possible to install a CCTV system by oneself, but it may require some technical knowledge and experience. If you are not familiar with CCTV installation, it is recommended to hire a professional to ensure proper installation and functionality of the system.

A: CCTV systems can provide a range of benefits, including:

• Deterring crime: CCTV cameras can act as a visual deterrent to would-be criminals, making them less likely to target a property or area.
• Monitoring activity: CCTV cameras can be used to monitor activity in and around a property, allowing for quick response in case of an emergency.
• Gathering evidence: CCTV footage can be used as evidence in case of a crime or incident, helping to identify suspects and understand what happened.
• Improving safety: CCTV cameras can help to improve safety by monitoring for potential hazards and alerting authorities in case of an emergency.

The length of time that CCTV footage can be stored depends on the type of recording device being used. Some CCTV systems can store footage for up to a month, while others can store it for several months or even years. The storage capacity can also vary depending on the resolution and frame rate of the cameras.

For example, a 4 camera 6mp system set on 20fps will record around 1 week on 24/7 recording before it is written over.

A DVR (Digital Video Recorder) records footage from analog cameras, while an NVR (Network Video Recorder) records footage from IP cameras.

NVRs generally support higher resolution cameras and more advanced video analytics.

We only install NVR systems for new installations and would only use DVRs to replace older systems.

If you’re unsure of what system you have, please contact us

Most CCTV systems have a playback function that allows you to search for and view footage. This can be done via the app and via the recorder.

To download the footage to a USB directly, you will need to access the NVR/recorder installed inside your property.

All of our CCTV systems can work offline and don’t require an internet connection.

Having an internet connection does provide additional features and functionality like remote viewing and intruder alerts when people come onto your property

We will configure this all as part of our installation process

Determining the number of cameras needed for your property depends on several factors, including the size of the property, the areas you want to monitor, and your specific security needs.

At Serious Security, we can help you by assessing and quoting quickly based on your requirements. We have over 10 years experience and have come up with 1000s of solutions.

A general guide for a single storey home, 4-5 cameras should be sufficient to monitor all access points around the house.

A larger double storey home, we can expect to look at 6-8 cameras

Our popular CCTV package is commonly installed

4x Dahua 6MP IP network CCTV System fully installed

For the best coverage, we recommend placing cameras at:

• Front and back entrances – Monitor who comes in and out.
• Driveways and garages – Keep an eye on vehicles and storage areas.
• Common outdoor areas – Oversee gardens, patios, and pathways.
• Side access points – Detect any unauthorised movement.
• Perimeter fencing or gates – Monitor boundary security.

Ensure cameras are mounted high and angled properly to avoid blind spots and prevent tampering.

Storage duration varies depending on the system. Most standard home setups keep footage for 7 to 30 days before old footage is automatically overwritten.

If you need longer storage, consider:

• A larger hard drive (NVR or DVR upgrade).
• Cloud storage options (some plans offer 60–90 days of footage).
• Motion-activated recording (records only when movement is detected, saving storage space).

Yes, most modern security cameras have infrared (IR) night vision or full-colour low-light capabilities such as Hikvision’s ColorVu or Dahua’s Starlight technology.

Infrared Night Vision: Captures black-and-white footage in complete darkness.
Full-Colour Night Vision: Uses low-light sensors or built-in LED floodlights to capture colour footage at night.

For enhanced night-time security, consider installing motion-activated outdoor lighting.

Standard CCTV systems rely on mains power, so they will not function during a blackout unless you have:

• An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) – Provides temporary battery backup.
• A security system with solar-powered cameras – Independent power source.

If security is critical, investing in backup power solutions ensures continued surveillance.

Some cameras can record audio, but privacy laws vary in Australia. Recording conversations without consent may be illegal, so we recommend:

• Disabling audio recording unless necessary.
• Using audio-enabled cameras only for authorised areas.
• Displaying signage if audio recording is in use.

Check your state’s regulations before enabling audio surveillance.

To protect your CCTV from cyber threats:

Change default passwords – Use a strong, unique password.
Enable encryption – Choose a system with end-to-end encryption.
Keep firmware updated – Prevent vulnerabilities with the latest updates.
Use a secure network – Avoid public WiFi for CCTV access.

For extra security, consider two-factor authentication (2FA) on your remote viewing app.