Home Security System????

[Mark42]

Thinking of getting a home security system. A basic alarm without a monitor service. There are so many choices out there that I don't really know which systems are good or not. I want a wireless system that will cover all windows and doors on the first floor, plus be able to turn on lights when a sensor is tripped, sound an alarm, and dial a phone number when no one is home.<br /><br />Anyone have a system they can recommend? I have been looking at X10, GE and Visonic.

 

[deputydawg]

Re: Home Security System????

They are all decent systems. Something from my experience to look for is find one with a battery backup for when the power fails, and some kind of fail device for when the phone lines are down. <br /><br />Also be careful if the system comes with stickers advertising or warning what kind of system is installed. I have investigated many burglaries. Many of them are small time crooks that will just smash and grab, others will take time to cut phone lines, pull electric meters etc. Advertising on windows what system you have will keep some of the small timers from trying, but anyone that knows will know the system and how to disable it. The stickers and signs will also make it look like you have a lot to portect. <br /><br />Something to think of is if possible get one that also has a fire alarm. These will help your insurance rates in most cases.

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Home Security System????

Several years ago I had some problems of my dog getting poisioned, gas stolen, cars pillfered through, fishing poles stolen, and lawn mower stolen. I got a cheap camera/monitor setup. It had the monitor and two cameras. The cameras have sound, and motion detection. If they are disabled, an alarm will sound also. I bought another to have two more cameras and a spare monitor.<br /><br />Since I put them up in very obivious areas of concern, I haven't had anymore problems. It is a basic system, but it has proved to me to being a very good deterrent.

 

[tommays]

Re: Home Security System????

Mark <br />there is nothing simple about the amount of items you want the system to cover.<br /><br />the wireless is good but it can turn into a lot of 9 volt batterys.<br /><br />not sure about NJ but on Long Island if it makes noise it has to connected to and alarm company.<br /><br />a glass break sensor that works on sound will cover a lot more windows than doing each one.<br /><br />but a lot of burglars will open and not break the window.<br /><br />my DOG and the others in the neighborhood do a very good job of early warning about anybody even walking close to are homes <br /><br />tommays

 

[cpj]

Re: Home Security System????

Mark, I would also look at Ademco.GE is also another good choice. But if you go with ademco, I can help you program it. You can also get a dialer that will call whatever phone number that you program in, and it will play a pre recorded message, (for instance it could call your cell phone etc.etc) Wireless is handy, but you will have to change batteries. Most sytems will alert you before the batteries run down , to give you time to change them. I have some other info for you if you would like it. Just post back and I can email you if you wish.<br />BTW, burg. and fire alarms is what I do for a living.<br /><br />PS I might have what youre looking for tucked away in the basement.

 

[deputydawg]

Re: Home Security System????

One more thing to say, make sure to watch the cost of monitoring. Some models that are programmable you can set to dial and alert your local police, some have to go through a monitoring company. The ones you program to dial can call the local police. These usually don't require any monitoring charge, and from what I have been around them are very good systems.

 

[cpj]

Re: Home Security System????

Originally posted by deputydawg:<br /> One more thing to say, make sure to watch the cost of monitoring. Some models that are programmable you can set to dial and alert your local police, some have to go through a monitoring company. The ones you program to dial can call the local police. These usually don't require any monitoring charge, and from what I have been around them are very good systems.

Just be sure to get the OK from the police department first. In our area there are only a few departments that allow your system to dial them directly. One local dept, put the stop to them after a guys house got struck by lighting and made his dialer go nuts. It dialed the PD every 4 minutes for about an hour and a half. Needless to say, they werent happy.

 

[CN Spots]

Re: Home Security System????

We use a Sensaphone system in the computer room at work. We paid about 200 bucks for the unit and then added some extra bells and whistles. It works by plugging into a phone line which it uses to call 4-8 phone numbers and provides an explanation in a pre-recorded voice as to what is going on. You can even listen in (like a reverse answering machine) to what's happening in the room. Ours measures sound disturbance, room temperature and has a plate on the floor to check for water (busted pipes, sprinklers etc.)there'e even an option to remotely adjust your thermostat. You can add additional sensors as you need them. Best part is, there's no service fee! It, not a service center, calls the numbers you specify, be it the cops, friends, you, Rambo, whoever. All it needs is a phone line and a 110 power outlet.<br /><br />Here's a link:<br /><br /> http://www.sensaphone.com/cabins-homes.html <br /><br />spots

 

[Scooch_2]

Re: Home Security System????

When we built an addition on to our house a few years ago, I replaced the old (dead) system in the house and wired up the new part. I purchased a DSC system from this company A&E Home Security. I used to install systems a long time ago and used Ademco the most. I do like the DSC system I put in this place.<br /><br />Scooch

 

[Mark42]

Re: Home Security System????

Thanks for all the replies. One thing I am having trouble with is X-10 controlled switches. Most of the newer security systems use X-10 controlls to turn on/off appliances, dim lights, etc. I want the system to turn on the outdoor floods when a door or window sensor is tripped. But I can't find an X-10 simple toggle switch that will handle over 500 watts. Leviton has some x10 switches that are good for 15 amps, but they are the large rectangular "contemporary" design switch. I don't want to have to start changing the switch and wall plates over to a new design just to get big wattage support. <br />Know of a site that has 10 or 15 amp x-10 switches?

 

[jsfinn]

Re: Home Security System????

We have a glass-break sensor at one of our sites at work. It's TERRIBLE - it trips the alarm WAY too easy and the sensitivity is turned way down on it.<br /><br />If something slams or bangs for some reason, you can bank on the alarm going off because of the glass-break sensor.<br /><br />Maybe ours is just particularly junky, but I wouldn't put one in my house.

 

[scrapper]

Re: Home Security System????

Maybe Rubberfrog would rent you his avatar , Dont think I d want break in and be confronted by that cat

 

[Mark42]

Re: Home Security System????

Well I ordered a system for the house. The x10 home automation stuff looks like fun stuff. Have to go easy, at $35 a switch, the bucks can pile up fast. For now I'm setting things up so the alarm will turn on all outdoor floods. A few lights will come on down stairs and the staircase. Plus a controller to turn on/off the floods from the master bedroom when we hear things go bump in the night outside. Wife likes the setup, doesn't mind spending the money as long as I'm not installing automation for the sake of automation. <br /><br />Now, a motion detector pointed at the boat behind the shed, a few flood lights on poles, and a couple of outdoor sirens and I think the boat will be safe.... <br /><br />Thanks to all for your replies.<br /><br />Mark.