GE Choice Alert Wireless Alarm System Alarm Siren

Similar to all the other components of the GE choice alert system, they are ok but could be improved. Don't rely to much on the instructions as it will have more information about other accessories rather than what this thing actually does. Linking is easy (make sure other transmitters in the home don't emit signal during this process) The product works fine, but as many of these ideas are made overseas, but though up over here - what you get is a product that even GE probably isn't entirely sure about. Here are a few things about it: The armed LED only lights when this unit sounds (not when home system is armed), only one of the two siren holes is actually an sound emitter, the antenna is a bit tricky to install as it is not evident where it should go in the instructions (it goes in the bottom and must push the short end hard into unit - it hangs down), the power connection to the unit is in the way of the off switch, the tiny door for this compartment is finicky to replace and you should tape the 9V battery to ensure connection (in all GE C.A. products with a 9v). However, as these are discontinued, and want to add to a compatible system it is ok for the low price.

Just bought the system using the 45142 Wireless Alarm System Control Center, 45132 Motion Sensor, 45131 Wireless Door/Window Sensors, 45144 GE Keychain Transmitter Remote and 45136 Choice-Alert Wireless Alarm Siren. The system performed OK but there were a few minor issues that I would like to share. In reading the reviews, I read that battery replacement was a problem considering the Door/Window sensors are installed with double sided tape. This prompted me to use 'velcro tape' to mount these sensors instead of the enclosed double sided tape. This will permit easy removal enabling the battery replacement without the problem of tearing the double sided tape off the door. You will also find there is a learning curve to the removal of the back of the Door/Window Sensors, it is difficult. Lastly, I found the Door/Window Sensor needed an adapter (which I made) when attaching to the door. This is needed due to the door gap and/or location of the magnet on the door jam. This adapter is helpful in maintaining the required 1/2 inch or less gap. The adapter should be the size of the Door/Window Sensor plus an extra 1/2 inch in width. The adapter attaches to the top of the door, (using the double sided tape)so that it bridges over the gap from the door jam. You then attach the Door/Window Sensor to the adapter as close to the magnet as possible. Keep in mind, use the 'velcro' when attaching the Door/Window Sensor to the adapter. I found this to be a good solution the the battery replacement problem.Since the 45142 Control Center has no provision for wall mounting, use the 'Velcro tape" here as well.

For a 2-bedroom apartment, may not need this GE45138 repeater. However, for any size beyond this or for multiple levels, you will definitely need to place perhaps multiple Signal Repeaters between essentially all >25ft. 3V cell sensors (i.e., garage and window/door sensors), along with the 9V battery motion sensors, if those placed more than 50-ft away from any GE Control Center. Each repeater takes up ½ of an AC duplex outlet, but includes a test button with LED indicator. If you have a choice, I suggest placing these repeaters closer to the sensors vs. midway between sensor and any controller...as you're essentially 120VAC boosting the weak 3VDC sensor cell transmission.And these repeaters are not just plug-&-play, either: i.e., just by tilting the antennae 60 degrees vs. 90 degrees will often make the difference between bypassing interior wall wooden studs or fire-blocking to make this repeater boost sensors reliably 24-hrs. a day. If you're a "technoid", like me, and don't mind playing with your system---no problem. Conversely, if you're easily frustrated, you should probably avoid this GE Choice Alert system entirely, and just spend about $75/month for a professionally installed hard-wired service. But professional systems false-alarms occasionally too. Plus, then you will usually need to also spend $148/yr. just for a city alarm permit, plus likely get $75.00 city citations per more than 2 false-alarms per month.My overall advice for technoids is to purchase multiple GE45142 controllers + GE45137 as a basis for designing your own "silent-alert" (with non GE phone dialer) vs. "audible-alarm" system and get creative, remembering that the 3VDC cell sensors will not have the radio-transmission range as compared to 12VDC equivalent Skylink sensors. But GE system generally much cheaper, plus GE's Controllers and ordinary 9V motion-detectors work great! Just remember, you'll have the flexibility of multiple and movable control centers as its primary advantage (vs. hardwired). Additionally, while the system sets up in minutes, you'll probably spend hours tweaking it over time. But that's the fun part!

Works for the rental property I bought it for but beware the distance does not go as far as they advertise, especially if the central unit is hidden behind a wall. I thought I found the ideal place for the alarm in the basement, hiding the electrical wire and setting it up on the furnace duct. When I tested it, the alarm sounded at the same time the command center sounded. When I turned off the command center, it stopped sounding but the siren above the ductwork kept on sounding at 135 decibals. I had to blast my ears out to get to the siren, and manually turn it off. I ended up hiding it in another place in the basement in a wood rafter that has a shelf and located within 10 feet of the command center located above the floor. It works fine now. Please make sure you are close enough to the command center to receive commands to turn it off.Also, I have my command center hidden so I can not manually get to it to turn it off. I use the key chain control to turn it on and off when I leave/enter. This keeps me from having to worry about the command center being found by an intruder within 45 seconds. Mine is setting in the attic and the electric cord drops down to the first level to an electric outlet. If an intruder would find the cord, he would harmlessly pull the cord out of the unit and it would work of the battery. Just a tip.

First the distance is not 150 feet. It is about 20 feet and should be direct site and the antenna is at a certain position. Do not call GE because there is no tech support. I filed a complain with Department of Corporation for false advertisement. If you put the control center in garage you will not hear it. I have a steel garage door and it made a few holes because of trial and error.I am adding this review: The 20 feet is not very consistent--sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't-- I had to put it right next to the garage motor for it to be reliable. I definitely cannot hear it inside our house.Update: I was going to return all these GE center/sensors, but i threw away all the packaging. I bought the repeater, and that thing did the job. i put the repeater next to the garage motor and moved the control center away where I wanted it. I say if you still want to buy this, you need the repeater. I was able to extend it more than i even desired. I also bought the liftmaster garage door monitor and that thing was extremely reliable and a lot cheaper, and they have an excellent tech support.Update: It does not work well if you installed batteries and plugged it into AC outlet. You have to take off the batteries.I will never buy GE products again.Update: The system will only respond to one garage door at a time. If you open a garage door, you cannot open another one until the other one is finished, because it will not recognize it--that means monitoring would be a failure....