What's the fuss--Great system
I don't know what all the fuss is about programming this visonic powemax plus security system? I have never programmed any alarm system and I did not find it hard at all. This system is jam packed with features. The only complaint I have is with the K9-85 motion sensor, I don't know if mine is bad or what, but the thing is just not reliable at all. The MCT-302 window and door sensors are awesome, except for the fact that they are a little large. The contact sensors work so well I ordered 13 more for every window, door, shed, etc. in my house. I found that this will give me better protection if I protect every perimeter opening rather than relying on the motion sensor which doesn't work well in my opinion. I also ordered an external and internal wired sirens to I don't have to use the control panel siren. This will allow me to not draw attention to the control panel and hide it in a place that is hard to find. I would have given all 5's if not for the motion sensor troubles.

Very Pleased
Easy to install, easy to program - after a short learning curve - easy to use, works exactly as you would expect. I'm very pleased with this system. When I tell folks about how it works and about all the things it can do (of which I only use a portion) and what I paid for it, they are amazed. Heck, I'm still amazed. This is the only residential alarm system I've used personally so I may not have much perspective, but I highly recommend it.

Good system
I am very impressed with the Powermax + system. The ability to add so many monitors and sensors is really impressive. Take a few minutes to read the instructions and once you understand them, programming is a breaze. The only downside is the main panel is not very attractive. I placed it out of sight and used some remote sirens.

Great Sysytem for the money
The system rocks but the manuals suck. The manual takes for granted that you know about this type of systems and they use abbreviations that are not explained such as UL, which appears all over the place as in doing a UL installation. However, if you are a bit good with this kind of electronic things you can figure it out without major problems. Basically, with a good manual I could have done everything in 2-3 hours instead of 6-8. I bought it with the GSM wireless communications device and worked really well. By the way, when you enter the phones the system should call in case of emergency, enter the number as you would dial it in your phone (i.e., 1-555-555-5555) otherwise it does not work.

Good system.
I ordered this system on a Monday was delivered on Friday and was totally installed by the end of the day Saturday. This is a good system, but the instructions when you first look at them can be confusing. The instruction are great for an installer but for the average home owner they could be more user friendly, but after some time you will get how it works. I almost purchased the Ademco Lynx unit but went with this one because it is easier to install and has more features and better wireless range. I purchased 6 glass breaks, 11 contacts, 1 motion sensor, two keychain remotes, and the MKP- 150 keypad. All of it works perfectly. My only complaint is the main unit is huge and kind of ugly, but you usually want to install that in a hidden or remote place using the keypad remote for the front door way so someone cant smash the main unit coming in. The contact sensor seem a little big too, however, I talk to a sales rep at another website and these sensors have a good wireless range thru walls(about 144ft) according to their tests. I would recommend this system to anyone, but you will need to spend some time reading and planning carefully of your install. Good luck!

great overall system
if you want just to start out simple and then plan ahead for a more complete system...then this is the one for you....the only set back..the user and installers guides! very poorly put together...i found that even after reading it twice i still found myself scratching my head...the reason- the guide just isnt easily understandable the way it is organized in its headings and subheadings and subsub headings and subsubsub headings...you get the drift. other that that hurdle...it is a great system with more than what is needed in range...dont waste your money buying the extra range transmitters...one thing i never read which i thought was important to me...the powerplus only accepts 2 visonic wireless sirens, which luckily for me is all i needed. conclusion: awesome system, homesecurity store = awesome site, read read read all blogs before you decide on a system.

New System...Happy
First time installer and would highly recommend system. Took about 8 hours to test system on work bench then install ...including five X10 lighting switches. Only hold backs for me were realizing that mounting bracket must be on system to clear CPU tamper open alert. Could have shaved a couple hours off install time had I realized sooner. I guess it should have been obvious. System works beautifully!