Topic 'Looking for security alarm advice' in forum 'Home Improvement' - dslreports.com

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:38:08 EDT

Msradell posted :

said by silentlooker:I am going to tie in the smoke detectors in to my alarm. Would that not solve the problem with sprinklers in the event of leak? [/BQUOTE :

Certainly not! The smoke detectors will not go off just because a sprinkler system starts flowing water. As mentioned by others there definitely needs to be a flow switch in the sprinkler system.

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:39:45 EDT

Bobcat posted :

said by silentlooker:

They will actually have to find the control panel and destroy it otherwise system will going off.

The panel should be protected in a zone without any entry delay, so the alarm will go off before anyone physically reaches the panel.

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:13:48 EDT

silentlooker posted :

said by davidg:

it just dawned on me, are you saying you will use the wireless keypad included with the DSC kit? if so you are misreading it. the keypad is teh wireless rx for the sensors, it is not wireless in and of itself.

The Alexor 2-Way Wireless Panel PC9155 is wireless in it self. It support communication with (4) WT5500 keypads and (16) wireless keys

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:08:42 EDT

davidg posted : it just dawned on me, are you saying you will use the wireless keypad included with the DSC kit? if so you are misreading it. the keypad is teh wireless rx for the sensors, it is not wireless in and of itself.
--
Lack of Preparation on YOUR Part does NOT Constitute an Emergency on Mine!

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:52:30 EDT

silentlooker posted : Thank you very much for that detailed post. I will make sure that battery i get is 7 amp hour even if it's means upgrading to transformer to a 40 va. I do plan on turning off control panel internal siren as to keep its location hidden. Interesting point about "trap" door, will have to think about that.

I do have an outside house fire alarm that is tied directly to the fire sprinklers/smoke detector.

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:25:26 EDT

Splitpair posted : I can make the following recommendations for what they are worth.

If you can run wiring, do so as much as possible and use wireless as a fallback.

Do use fully supervised wireless, hard wiring being a closed circuit will be supervised.

You can tie in your existing interlinked smokes using a listed relay made for the application, find the manufacturer of the smokes and check their web site or post the model here and someone will be able to help you out. Do note fire alarm circuits are open circuit therefore you must place the end of line resistor (EOL) at the relay for wiring supervision.

And speaking of EOL’s when hard wiring any circuit the EOL needs to be at the far end of the wiring or it will fail to provide short circuit supervision.

ADEMCO/Honeywell Vista is good equipment robust and very configurable. Note if you up-grade the standby battery to a 7 amp hour you may need to also upgrade the plug-in transformer to a 40 VA if it is not one already.

Also, do not cut corners on the battery, one of the best is made by Enersys under the Genesis brand, they cost a few bucks more than most but hold up very well.

Having worked in the industry for many years I have learned the name DSC is an acronym for Dog “poop” Controls, be forewarned.

If you do the install, any reputable alarm company can do the monitoring, do note most control panels Vista DSC etc are downloadable and most monitoring companies require they do the downloading to ensure the panel is programmed properly, however most alarm panels can be central station ID (CSID) locked out which prevents you or anyone else other than the CS from making any changes to the programming, do be sure to have in writing from your alarm monitoring company that they will not lockout your panel.

If you use a Vista insist the monitoring CS utilize Contact ID signaling as it is the most reliable and fastest dial-up reporting method of CS signaling. If the CS claims they cannot do CID find a real CS.

If at all possible place at least one preferably more than one inside sirens in areas away from the control panel, this serves two purposes, the sound will alert you when the fire alarm activates allowing a quick evacuation of the premises and will provide a level of confusion to anyone who may break into the home. Do not under any circumstances have the inside siren near the control panel as that only guides someone who whishes to disable the panel of it’s location, and do provide each siren with a fuse within the panel so in the case someone pulls the siren down and shorts the wiring they pop the fuse and do not shut down or damage the panel.

Also consider as an internal trap installing recessed contacts on selected room or closet doors, that way should someone make it past your perimeter protection they will fall into the trap of a closed door which must be opened to see what is on the other side.

Do locate the control panel in a well hidden location hopefully behind a locked door as once someone gets to the panel it’s game over unless you have supervised long range wireless monitoring.

Any other questions just ask.

Wayne
--
If you cannot fix it with a buttset and some beanies you're not a technician.

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:18:51 EDT

silentlooker posted : Thanks for that explanation. The system that i am going to use has own control panel and keypad is just keypad. If they don't enter the code in the permitted time it will go off regardless if they destroy the keypad or not. They will actually have to find the control panel and destroy it otherwise system will going off.

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:33:25 EDT

joako posted :

said by silentlooker:

Jin thank you for reply, i am kind of confused. The alarm panel that i chose will be directly hard wire to the power. All the sensors will be wireless, including keypad. If you set off the alarm and destroy keypads, it will be to late as the alarm already been tripped. So I am confused on what you mean it can easily be ripped off the wall and how that will destroy the system?

There are two types of systems:

1) Keypad is just a keypad, control panel is in a box somewhere (e.g. closet) Look at the DSC kits as an example. If someone rips off the keypad worst case nothing happens best case it trips the tamper alarm.

2) Keyapd contains the control panel. Someone can rip this out and that is it, your alarm is disabled.

Alarms have an entry delay. Meaning if you enter through the correct door the alarm will not immediately go off (obviously) it will give you 30-45 seconds (average) to disarm the system.

If someone were to remove the alarm control panel during the entry delay your alarm system was just made worthless. An integrated unit is that much easier to quickly rip out.
--
PRescott7-2097

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:27:03 EDT

silentlooker posted : Jin thank you for reply, i am kind of confused. The alarm panel that i chose will be directly hard wire to the power. All the sensors will be wireless, including keypad. If you set off the alarm and destroy keypads, it will be to late as the alarm already been tripped. So I am confused on what you mean it can easily be ripped off the wall and how that will destroy the system?

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:35:02 EDT

toby posted : For the battery you select; read the alarm panel manual, it will specify the max sized battery that can be used, this is limited by the charging circuit.

Most standard metal enclosure alarm systems allow you to connect two batteries.

Do not get the all in one units, they can be ripped off the wall, i.e: quicker than keying in the code.

Select a hardwired unit, and then add wireless. Such as one of these DSC (actually owned by Tyco, which owns ADT).
»www.homesecuritystore.com/c-72-h···&mfrid=6

These wireless modules are very small and have fast response times to the panel. »www.homesecuritystore.com/p-431-···sor.aspx , smallest I have seen. I use these.

These will fit in your door frame. »www.homesecuritystore.com/p-429-···act.aspx

When people are saying don't use ADT/Brinks/etc... all these companies are franchise owners for the most part. They all use different hardware, depending on what the local franchise chooses. You can download the DSC manuals, as with other hardware brands. Once you have set it all up, you can use these people, »alarmrelay.com/

For a good company to buy everything from, see here.
»www.homesecuritystore.com/
They will also help you if you call them.

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:47:28 EDT

silentlooker posted :

said by davidg:

the siren is comes with is an INDOOR siren, designed to be loud in a house, but not very noticeable outside at all. but it is cheaper to buy the DSC as a kit and then add the other devices than it is to buy teh panel/box/keypad/battery seperate.

I am still doing research on the cost and what will cost cheaper/more expensive. I know i can buy wireless door contacts from ebay for $25 instead of 29-31 i seen on other security websites. So still need to do more research to see if buying separately or combo is cheaper.

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:45:31 EDT

davidg posted : the siren is comes with is an INDOOR siren, designed to be loud in a house, but not very noticeable outside at all. but it is cheaper to buy the DSC as a kit and then add the other devices than it is to buy teh panel/box/keypad/battery seperate.
--
Lack of Preparation on YOUR Part does NOT Constitute an Emergency on Mine!

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:18:49 EDT

silentlooker posted : The control panel will be on second floor hidden. I don't want to run a wires all over the house to hard wire it. Control panel does come with own siren which i will disable as to hide it. Also backup battery will be connected to the control panel as well as back up gsm. So if they cut cable line in my case alarm can still communicate with alarm center.

Regarding battery replacement, they last good 4-5 years. Yes I might have a big battery bill ever 4-5 years but i am okay with that.

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:51:46 EDT

davidg posted : if you wire a siren for power only, you may as well wire it to the panel. keep in mind that going all wireless will require a LOT of batteries be replaced at one time in several years. some will require replacement sooner if the window/door is opened more often, same with a wireless motion it will require fairly frequent battery changes.

you want a hybrid system and hardwire motions/smokes/entry door/keypad/siren. this way if some jack ass cuts power to your home(this is getting to be SOP here) the alarm battery will still power everything. and that dinky little 4aH battery in teh kit earlier won't do it long.
--
Lack of Preparation on YOUR Part does NOT Constitute an Emergency on Mine!

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:10:13 EDT

silentlooker posted : Way ahead of you, already have the installation manual downloaded :D :) but thanks for suggestion. Also thanks for the link, always appreciate an extra place to check the prices

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:05:14 EDT

robbin posted : I only posted the link to that site as they have good prices on the system and their monitoring also seems to be good. If you have the ability to install and program a system such as this or any other I would sincerely hope that you have the knowledge necessary to research the info needed (hint -- I would download an installation manual if I were considering the installation of a particular system)! ;)

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:33:03 EDT

silentlooker posted :

said by robbin:

If you want an outdoor siren I think it has to be hard wired, otherwise everything is wireless. Here is a link to all of the accessories for the XT

»www.safemart.com/Wireless-Home-S···essories

Unfortunately that site is pretty limited in the information that it gives. An outside siren can be wireless if your system supports it in terms of "connection". You can just wire it for the power only.

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:21:06 EDT

robbin posted : If you want an outdoor siren I think it has to be hard wired, otherwise everything is wireless. Here is a link to all of the accessories for the XT

»www.safemart.com/Wireless-Home-S···essories

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:41:54 EDT

silentlooker posted :

said by robbin:

Differences?

Hybrid is combination of wired and wireless. A hybrid system is combination of wired/wirelsss. A lot of hybrid system require that you to have keypad, siresn etc wired. All wireless, let you have everything wireless and no wiring with exception of power to the cotrol panel is required.

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:14:39 EDT

robbin posted : Differences?

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:03:29 EDT

silentlooker posted :

said by robbin:

said by cabot:

IMHO, for a DIY'r the GE 3 (now simon) is the easiest to install.

I have been considering installing a SimonXT in my mom's home. I like the internet monitoring capabilities available with it.

»www.safemart.com/Wireless-Home-S···ONXT.htm

There is even a monitoring app for the iPhone!
»reviews.cnet.com/8301-19512_7-10···233.html

Looking at that, i can't tell if it's fully wireless or if it's hybrid system.

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:12:07 EDT

robbin posted :

said by cabot:

IMHO, for a DIY'r the GE 3 (now simon) is the easiest to install.

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:09:04 EDT

silentlooker posted : The way my current system is designed, if sprinkler goes off, smoke detector goes off. It do not makes a difference if it's a leak or sprinklers actually went off.

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:53:45 EDT

Jtmo posted : No
NO fire, but a head leaks/breaks, the smoke detectors will sit there happily watching your house flood at 8GPM.

Yep, known folks it happened to, really fun to come back from dinner and water is coming out of every door.
»yobotsnewhouse.files.wordpress.c···2008.jpg

But, even the best sometimes have issues
»www.blogbat.us/problems2.jpg

»www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvUvG1umqLg

And the one I love, yes it is real.

»www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhdzjNg0···=related

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:52:54 EDT

silentlooker posted :

said by cabot:

If it sets off the current smokes, great, if you are home to hear them. How about you are out to dinner and the head(s) flow for 3 hours? Lots of damage there. Chances are slim, but there. As far as installing the flow switch, any reputable sprinkler company would/should do it, not plumbers but fitters. Monitoring the switch is a breeze, its just a NO switch.

I am going to tie in the smoke detectors in to my alarm. Would that not solve the problem with sprinklers in the event of leak?

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:12:17 EDT

cabot posted : If it sets off the current smokes, great, if you are home to hear them. How about you are out to dinner and the head(s) flow for 3 hours? Lots of damage there. Chances are slim, but there. As far as installing the flow switch, any reputable sprinkler company would/should do it, not plumbers but fitters. Monitoring the switch is a breeze, its just a NO switch.

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:44:56 EDT

Bobcat posted : If you have a sprinkler system, you really should have it tied into the alarm system. I have a BSEE degree, and I wouldn't trust myself to do something important like that myself. Using an experienced fire and alarm company would ensure there aren't any compatibility problems.

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:43:11 EDT

silentlooker posted :

said by cabot:

IMHO, for a DIY'r the GE 3 (now simon) is the easiest to install. As far as sprinklers, are these fire sprinklers or lawn sprinklers? If fire protection you really need to monitor it, 1 head flowing for 1 min does a lot of damage, especially if you are not home.

Its fire sprinklers that are in every room. If the sprinklers go off, it will automatically set off the smoke detectors

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:25:52 EDT

cabot posted : IMHO, for a DIY'r the GE 3 (now simon) is the easiest to install. As far as sprinklers, are these fire sprinklers or lawn sprinklers? If fire protection you really need to monitor it, 1 head flowing for 1 min does a lot of damage, especially if you are not home.

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:55:41 EDT

silentlooker posted : I am actually rethinking of not doing second floor and likely will add sensors to all windows. I will also add motion sensors in the hallway and likely in some of the rooms, maybe even in all bedrooms upstairs. I can't stand adt, bell south security, broad view security or any other national wide security that run ads all day.

Edit:Regarding installation, being that it's all wireless I personally do not see the problem in installing windows/door sensors, motion detectors etc. I could be totally wrong about this and it might end up costing me more because i will have to hire a pro but time will tell.

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:47:49 EDT

joako posted : Honestly if you don't have any experience with installing alarm systems I would recommend you hire a professional. And it's not as if you had a system working well and just wanted to e.g get away from ADT. If you install it yourself already as was pointed out you are leaving your upstairs area unprotected... guess what I could get a truck with a cheap magnetic sign that says "Joako Windows" and nobody will think anything of it when I am breaking into your house through the front 2nd floor windows, the alarm would only go off after I walked downstairs with all your jewlery, by the time the "Joako Windows" van is started and at the stop sign down the street is about the time the alarm company would have gotten the alert and would start to call you which they will do before they dispatch the police.

Avoid all the large national companies such as ADT, Bellsouth Security, Brinks, etc. They will all charge you too much and provide poor service (not monitoring service but when it comes to customer service or service calls)

If you are going to skimp on sensors why don't you just buy an ADT sign on eBay?
--
PRescott7-2097

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:46:52 EDT

silentlooker posted :

said by Bobcat:

said by silentlooker:

Thank you for your reply, i see no reason to hire a pro for something that is pretty easy to install.

I would recommend having someone install and program it. It's a lot more complicated than it looks.

I am confused on what is complicated to install it and program it? The Alexor 2-way wireless system is all wireless and it's easy to enroll the components.

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:14:45 EDT

silentlooker posted : Thanksx for that link, i am looking at getting Alexor 2-Way Wireless Panel PC9155. It appears you got the dsc 1832. A little different system. Still will look around the website to see if they have anything that will work for the system i am looking at buying.

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:00:44 EDT

davidg posted : that is the same one i got. i HIGHLY recommend you get at least a 7.5aH battery, as the 4aH is only code legal for the included devices in the kit. if you add any extra motions/smoke/keypads then teh included battery is not large enough to run the panel long.
--
Lack of Preparation on YOUR Part does NOT Constitute an Emergency on Mine!

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:28:48 EDT

Bobcat posted :

said by silentlooker:

Thank you for your reply, i see no reason to hire a pro for something that is pretty easy to install.

I would recommend having someone install and program it. It's a lot more complicated than it looks.

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:25:13 EDT

Bobcat posted :

said by Jtmo:

Then you need a fair amount of hardware and programming. You don't want the PIR's going off when you get a midnight snack. You also want the second floor to be separate so you can have a window open at night.

The Vista systems provide for both of these functions.

1. The Vista systems have AWAY and STAY arming modes. If configured properly, the motion detectors will be ignored in STAY mode, but all exterior zones will be active (including the normal exit and entry delays). There are two different interior zone settings available, depending on the physical layout of the house.

2. The Vista systems allow you to bypass a zone before arming, so you can leave a window open. Or, for windows that are routinely left open, you can define them as a Vent Zone; an open window will be ignored when arming, but if the window is later closed, it will be protected; opening the window again causes an alarm.
--
It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice.

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 02:48:01 EDT

Dan_D posted : I just replaced my Brinks system with a DSC.

»www.alarmsystemstore.com/DSC-32-···01nt.htm

Brinks had installed the system with wired contacts on almost every opening with heat and heat/smoke detectors. This system allowed for the connection of all existing zones plus the added benefit of being able to add wireless to it.

The alarm system store was helpful and will even program it for you ahead of time for $55 if you choose. I opted to program it myself and it wasnt difficult; however, I was able to call them for assistance with the finer points that I was not clear on for no additional charge. The price was right and the customer service was excellent!
--
^^There's no place like 127.0.0.1 ^^

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:09:51 EDT

silentlooker posted :

said by Jtmo:

Vista is a decent brand.
But, if you do the work, will anyone monitor it?

From the reading i done, yes. There are plenty UL rated monitoring center that will monior DYI system

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:52:46 EDT

Jtmo posted : Vista is a decent brand.
But, if you do the work, will anyone monitor it?

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:03:42 EDT

silentlooker posted : Thank you for your reply, i see no reason to hire a pro for something that is pretty easy to install. After doing some more reading i see there are wireless smoke detector being they are all chain connected, if one goes off all of them go off.

I found that DSC has Alexor 2-Way Wireless system, fully wireless. I will either get this or vista 20p. Can't tell yet how expensive the DSC system will cost, as otherwise it's perfect system.

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:19:25 EDT

Jtmo posted :

said by silentlooker:

1)Both, I would like to be able to have it monitor my house while away and also provide security while i am home.

Then you need a fair amount of hardware and programming. You don't want the PIR's going off when you get a midnight snack. You also want the second floor to be separate so you can have a window open at night.
2)No pets
Easier, but you need to take it into account for the nextt homewowner.

3)All smokers detectors on a/c and also have back up battery in each of them.
This is a life safety device and setting this up is best left up to a professional if it will be monitored.

4)Yes have sprinklers, not sure what you mean by flow sensor? Again, life safety. Plus, if you are away and a sprinkler fails and starts to flood the house while you are in Hawaii, you want the flow sensor to send a Fire flow signal. Again, best left up to a professional.

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:13:04 EDT

silentlooker posted : 1)Both, I would like to be able to have it monitor my house while away and also provide security while i am home.
2)No pets
3)All smokers detectors on a/c and also have back up battery in each of them.
4)Yes have sprinklers, not sure what you mean by flow sensor?

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:08:57 EDT

Jtmo posted : #1 Are you using this for when you are away, or when you are home. That would determine whether you can just use wireless PIR's or need window sensors etc.
#2 Pets? Need to take that into account.
#Fire, you say your smokes are all wired together, that means they are likely an AC vs. battery type. So, if true, you need a LOCAL company who does fire and will monitor. YOU cannot do this, and there are codes that your local AHJ may need you to follow.
#4 Do you have sprinklers and a flow sensor?

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:40:10 EDT

Bobcat posted : You don't need to duplicate all your smoke detectors for the alarm system. The primary purpose of smoke detectors is to wake you up so you don't die. As long as you have a couple additional ones as part of your alarm system, you'll get extra protection to have the monitoring service call your fire department.

We can't tell you how to lay out motion sensors without seeing your house. It really depends on the areas a burglar would travel. It's quite possible you only need one or two.

For finding a company, check out the alarm company stickers on some major businesses in your area. See who they use.

Meanwhile, check with your town to see if registration is required. Some towns won't respond unless your system is registered with them.

EDIT: Were you asking about alarm system manufacturers? Check out the Honeywell (Ademco) Vista systems. A Vista 15 or 20 may work for you. Other people here may have more suggestions.
See - »www.security.honeywell.com/hsc/p···dex.html

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:04:47 EDT

davidg posted : cheaper than the screens, and JUST as effective, is to do what i did and mount 2 magnets. one lines up with teh sensor when the window is closed, the other lines up when the windows is open about 4-5 inches. i did not go any wider than that because it is getting more common for thieves to shove a small kid in a window. so you want it wide enough to allow air flow, but narrow enough a small kid can't fit thru.

i agree on the GB, my cousin that i got teh system from said he never uses them anymore unless the person just demands them. i remember my stepdad setting off their GB one time when he sneezed!
--
Lack of Preparation on YOUR Part does NOT Constitute an Emergency on Mine!

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:57:07 EDT

silentlooker posted :

said by cabot:

Yes, but no need to replace, just add. New code says smokes in all floors, all sleeping areas.

I have smoke detector in every single room, hallway etc. So basically i have a lot of them. I just basically need a way to connect it to the alarm system so if fires starts it alert the monitoring company.

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:08:29 EDT

cabot posted : Yes, but no need to replace, just add. New code says smokes in all floors, all sleeping areas.

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:55:22 EDT

silentlooker posted : Thanks for all of the replys i am getting here!

The main thing i want to go wireless is sensors(such as windows, motion etc in term of connection with keypad), i have no problem hard wiring the power to the siren, keypad. I will look at the sensors you talking about, yes 55-75 is bit price being how many windows i have.

If glass breakers are a waste, should i add more motion detectors? Basically have motion detectors cover all the rooms and in big room, overall each other?

One more question, i have smoke detectors all over the house inter connected with each other. Can i replace one of them with wireless smoke detector to tie in with the alarm system?

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:39:50 EDT

cabot posted : If you are going wireless, one thing to think about is alarm screens (can be connected to your x-mitter). Better than a contact on the window and you can have a window open(and armed) without bypassing. More convenient than PIR's as they dont have to be bypassed or armed "stay mode" PIR's are also tricky if you have pets. Glass breaks are a waste (IMHO) as they are susceptible to false alarms. May be a bit pricey for ya (about 55-75 bux a shot) but the concept is to detect an intruder before he enters your house all the while not impeding on the home owner. Good wireless equipment can be purchased by DIY'rs, just beware, it may not all be "wireless". Another thing to think about is, if you do not want monitoring, make sure your system can call your cell and text you whatever message you want.

Re: Looking for security alarm advice

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:29:16 EDT

MNark posted : Check out »www.smarthome.com

They sell all kinds of wired & wireless alarms, home automation gadgets and accessories. They also offer a monitoring service for about 9 bucks a month or so.
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