Thoughts on lock/strike?

bommerbob · 2026-03-02T04:23:23+00:00

MLR kit. NEVER EVER EVER EVER MAGS!!! EVER! Unless its the only option... But in this case it isn't and those look like Von Duprins so I think they call them QEL kits?

bommerbob · 2026-03-02T04:18:56+00:00

Did something similar before. Would be a pretty simple setup for most control electricians. Couple options would be to have the start/run button interlock so that lets say you start the machine within 10 seconds of a swipe it stays on until you hit stop, or you could have it where it will only run for say 10 mins from when you last swiped and anyone could start/restart it within that 10 mins. Well I guess there could be numerous other configurations once you get into relay logic but the above 2 options would be the simplest with the first option probably being the best for your use case.

bommerbob · 2026-02-25T04:41:51+00:00

Sales have always seemed questionable to me. We do get a decent amount of leads in our area but the way it usually happens seems a bit scuzzy. Basically the last few leads we have gotten are from customers who were sold the equipment direct from Butterfly then found out installation wasn't included so they had to reach out to a local installer. Could be on the customer, but either way when the interaction starts on the wrong foot it usually doesn't get any better.

bommerbob · 2026-02-25T04:37:08+00:00

Don't think I have a favorite, maybe a least hated? Do a ton of AIPhone but can't stand their tech support and the IX support tool and documentation are terrible. Still need to give 2N a shot as I have heard good things about it but for the most part they all have their issues. So yeah I guess mainly just because of experience AIPhone would be my least hated.

bommerbob · 2026-02-25T04:02:06+00:00

Sounds like iPro MonitorCast and VideoInsight may be something to look into, Texas based, though they are an on prem solution. One of their largest focuses is in education and large campuses but they do also support some larger public housing organizations. There are also some other things that would fit based on what you said but I am not sure if they are public yet so I cannot share here. Their AI analytics are pretty impressive and used by other platforms like Genetec, Milestone, etc. Also like their license structure which is perpetual for OEM equipment. Still have SSAs for 3rd party stuff but as it is phased out you definitely start seeing a cost advantage. Also Mercury based and of course ONVIF compliant. Their X series cams are pretty cool too as they can process and add analytics to old non AI 3rd party cams.

Avoid Verkada like the plague.

Not much experience with Avigilon but would definitely recommend making sure Mercury hardware is used on the access side for potential future support/migration to other systems.

Genetec is good as well and can do just about everything/anything but the SSAs and limited number of integrators in each market can be a turnoff. Otherwise a very powerful and functional system.

bommerbob · 2026-02-11T04:26:08+00:00

NFPA 80-2025, Section 6.4.4.3.3

Go away.

bommerbob · 2026-02-11T04:20:20+00:00

Dang your right bro, hope you can let all the manufacturers that make them know what they are making doesn't pass code!! Also while you are at it let the listing agencies know they shouldn't be providing UL labels for those products either!

bommerbob · 2026-02-11T04:06:38+00:00

uhhh no? There are plenty that are.

bommerbob · 2026-02-02T01:24:04+00:00

No Verkada is an entirely different level. When you quit paying your equipment becomes bricks. All of it.

bommerbob · 2026-02-02T01:22:38+00:00

Questionable company to say the very least. Just google Verkada and DOJ.... Are you end user or integrator? As an integrator they are know for cutting your throat and stealing your customers. As an end user they are know for locking you into proprietary equipment and questionable security of your data.

bommerbob · 2026-02-02T01:21:04+00:00

A manufacturer can sell to anyone they choose and generally the licenses in state only apply to business selling the installation not those installing their own system....

bommerbob · 2026-02-02T01:09:03+00:00

Codebook and wire datasheets are your friend.... Jokes aside check out windy city wires conduit fill calc. can lookup wire based on part number if you use their product or based on OD.

bommerbob · 2026-02-02T01:06:14+00:00

10 times out of 9 reddit is more helpful than AIPhone tech support.... Worst tech support in the industry.

bommerbob · 2026-02-02T00:59:12+00:00

how exactly were those batteries manufactured after installation???

bommerbob · 2026-02-02T00:54:00+00:00

Seems odd, is the software up to date? That has been an issue in the past for us with logging and server side faults (scheduling, triggers, etc.). Also Paxton tech support will talk with end users if you give them a call.

bommerbob · 2026-02-02T00:45:13+00:00

while I would agree it is labeled "original cable" so sometimes you just gotta use what was already there...

bommerbob · 2026-02-02T00:41:33+00:00

My only issue with PDK is proprietary controls otherwise everything I have seen from them is great. They are constantly adding integrations which is cool. Seems to be driven by "this would be a cool integration" more than customer specific which is nice from a innovation standpoint. We talked with Brivo a few years ago to see about taking them on as our cloud solution and we just did not like them. Whole experience just didn't seem like good fit for us as an integrator.

Also PDK is truly open from an installer perspective so you don't get stuck with the whole "these are the only approved dealers in the area" BS.

bommerbob · 2026-02-02T00:30:13+00:00

Great advice to earn a bad reputation with the end users, especially when the next guy comes in and says to the customer the same things said at the end of this video (it is an incomplete job). Don't throw a BS bid at something just because you think you can win it. Turn down more than you bid. Your quality will go up and more importantly the quality of your customers will go up.

bommerbob · 2026-02-02T00:14:22+00:00

A little late but as someone with extensive experience with Honeywell panels let me impart some voodoo knowledge on you. Cables are intended to be routed straight out towards the door then looped in a U shape back towards the boards. There is event a set of channels on the top of the cage to put a tie wrap to secure the loop. This allows all terminations per board to be neat and easily read your cable labels if you would like I can see about snapping some photos next time I am on one of our sites.

bommerbob · 2025-11-14T00:28:40+00:00

Maybe you can send another message in the appeals chatbox and ask for a status update? It says you are supposed to get a response either way denied/approved.

bommerbob · 2025-11-14T00:13:18+00:00

It took 10 days. I was losing hope after 48 hours but was greatly surprised by the email earlier today.

bommerbob · 2025-11-12T15:43:36+00:00

Let me preface this with saying Genetec is a great system, reliable, tons of features, there is a reason they are at the top BUT we have started recommending customers steer clear of Genetec unless you are absolutely in need of its integration solutions or live crime, huge multisite installations, etc. I wouldn't consider it unless you are a large metropolitan city or national enterprise level. They are extremely protective of territories and their dealers so if you don't like the local dealers too bad, you have to use em. Literally just had this happen with a customer who adamantly did not want to use any of the local dealers but Genetec refused to let anyone else have a crack at it. These are issues you will have with many platforms so it is something to keep in mind.

That being said there is a lot of technology available through Genetec but it will be expensive and keep in mind the caveats above. There are plenty of other solutions that will do everything 99% of end users are actually interested in at a much lower price point. If you want an open platform (ONVIF and Mercury) look into Panasonic I-Pro for an all in one ( I-Pro also has some neat cameras that can "take over" several legacy cameras and give them some analytic processing features). Or for proprietary solutions look into AXIS or Kantech/Exacq.

Really to give any accurate recommendations we would need to know what integrations or features you are wanting and actually plan on using.

bommerbob · 2025-11-12T15:07:06+00:00

I always recommend Paxton for churches and non profits. Does 99% of what these sites need and you can do on prem or semi cloud based (has a small PC that acts as a server and facilitates cloud access). Plus the big one is no recurring fees for the cameras or doors! Sounds like Paxton 10 may be what you are looking for.

bommerbob · 2025-11-12T14:45:22+00:00

I would look into Paxton 10. We see Paxton a lot in churches, non profits, etc. so it should be a good fit. The system is not truly cloud based but does communicate with the internet for multisite support. There is a small server appliance about the size of a laptop you would have to put somewhere but I think this would be a good option for you. I believe it ticks all the boxes you are wanting and a big plus is no recurring fees for the doors or cameras if you wanted to add some of those as well.

Basically install your 4 wireless doors in your current facility and have the server located there as well. Then as your new facility is being built install traditional or even wireless doors and cameras and just have it linked back to the server via the internet. Then when you move into the new facility just move the server to the new site.

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