Are there any convenient alarm systems?

[[email protected]]

I'm shopping around for a complete "intruder detection" package and
everyone seems to offer the same thing:
* 24/7 Monitoring
* Piercing 100db siren
* 4-digit security code to enter and leave your house, go to sleep, or
wake up
* Included fire protection

None of these are very important to me, in fact, they seem like they
would be a nuisance. I'm reminded of earlier years putting up with
constant false alarms, to the point that we finally stopped using the
system at all.

So I'm wondering: does anyone build a system with the convenience of
the homeowner in mind?

What I'm imagining is something as simple as my car alarm - a small key
fob for each of us to enable and disable the alarm system, or maybe a
system that works in conjunction with deadbolt locks so that I can
continue to use my key to enter the house without worrying about the
alarm. I'd *really like* to not have to enter a keypad code ever again
in my life, much less multiple times daily. Also, I'd rather be
notified by door chimes when a door is opened, not set off an alarm.

I'm also hoping to find smarter scheduling that will let us
differentiate how it responds when we're asleep at home vs. out of the
house vs. awake in the house, rather than just "ARMED" vs "DISARMED".
In other words, a glass break is always a serious event at any time but
opening any door isn't, except maybe after we've gone to bed it could
set off an inside alarm to wake us up.

This might even be a smarthome question rather than just an alarm
system. But I figure someone must be addressing this problem even if
it costs a bit more? For me, price is not a concern when compared to
building a system which will help us enforce good habits like making
sure all the doors are locked while we're gone, rather than punishing
us for not tailoring our lives to the limits of simple magnetic
sensors.

So - have you guys heard of anything like this?

Thanks in advance!
Steve

 

[[email protected]]

In looking around since posting, the Napco "Freedom" lock seems like it
might fit the bill... It integrates directly into deadbolt locks so
that locking & unlocking them can arm the system. Also it has several
"I'm home now" vs. "I'm away" modes. Seems like a pretty good
solution. Also noticed the "MyKey 2300" which is an RFID deadbolt that
works alone - not part of a monitored system. Doesn't look exactly
right for my needs (still would need window protection, doesn't protect
against entry when accidentally left unlocked, etc) but seems pretty
cool!
Anyway, thanks again if you can help me uncover more such products...

 

[Bob La Londe]

Almost any modern alarm panel can be setup to meet your needs. remote
arming and disarming. Away/Home/Home instant. Chime is selctable, etc etc
etc... I don't care for deadbolt arming, but it can be done with most
system by a competant installer. I think the Napco Freedom is a bit limited
in its capabilities, but it is designed to be quick and easy. I am a Napco
installer by the way.

Sounds like you have a pretty good idea of what you want. If you don'tmind
paying for expertise then I am sure you can find a local company to install
it for you.

If you are looking for a DIY solutions that is doable too, but there are
only a few dealers here who will be interested in helping you.

 

[[email protected]]

I guess I had two problems:

One is that when the ADT guy visited, he didn't bring a modern panel
(it was an Ademco unit if that matters.) And the key fobs were huge
and he wanted $95 each for them. Not that I'm against paying for
convenience, but my car alarm came with "freebies" thrown in, why does
a home alarm system charge 200% markup on them?

Second is that searching on the net finds so many of the
same-ol-same-ol installers that it's really hard to find a local
installer with expertise. It seems that words like "alarm system" and
"home security" are so valuable that all the national players have
bought all the ad space. If anyone has a recommendation in Seattle I'd
appreciate the lead!

I've found one guy who's coming by tomorrow and I hope he'll be able to
offer some good options. I'm just surprised that there aren't more
"smarthome + alarm" packages available. All the security tech seems
like 1980's X10 equipment? Not that that's bad, had some X10 and it
worked, but device UI has improved since then ....?

Thanks for the advice!
Steve

 

[Robert L Bass]

I guess I had two problems:

One is that when the ADT guy visited, he didn't bring a modern panel
(it was an Ademco unit if that matters.) And the key fobs were huge
and he wanted $95 each for them. Not that I'm against paying for
convenience, but my car alarm came with "freebies" thrown in, why does
a home alarm system charge 200% markup on them?

I'm sorry but you miscalculated. The markup is over 300%.

Second is that searching on the net finds so many of the
same-ol-same-ol installers that it's really hard to find a local
installer with expertise. It seems that words like "alarm system" and
"home security" are so valuable that all the national players have
bought all the ad space. If anyone has a recommendation in Seattle I'd
appreciate the lead!

If you're looking for a local installer, I would not suggest
using the Internet. You'll most find ads for large, national
players and DIY suppliers.

I've found one guy who's coming by tomorrow and I hope he'll be able to
offer some good options. I'm just surprised that there aren't more
"smarthome + alarm" packages available. All the security tech seems
like 1980's X10 equipment? Not that that's bad, had some X10 and it
worked, but device UI has improved since then ....?

If you want a system that can do home automation as well as
security, ask the dealer if he works with ELK Products' M1 Gold
system or Napco's Gemini P9600. These are both competent alarms
with varying HA capabilities as well. The ELK system is one of
the best HA / security controllers in the residential market.

The Napco P9600 is a very flexible security controller that can
interface with HA systems and can also control X10 and hard-wired
devices directly. I sell these systems to DIYers and you can get
information on them from my website. Although you're not
interested in DIY, feel free to browse my website or contact me
if you need help. I'll be happy to review proposals you receive
and offer advice even if you're having the system installed
professionally.

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

Bass Burglar Alarms
The Online DIY Store
http://www.BassBurglarAlarms.com

 

[Chub]

On 16 Mar 2006 23:12:43 -0800, [email protected] wrote:
If you're looking for a local installer, I would not suggest
using the Internet. You'll most find ads for large, national
players and DIY suppliers.

I'd steer clear of either.

If you want a system that can do home automation as well as
security, ask the dealer if he works with ELK Products' M1 Gold
system or Napco's Gemini P9600. These are both competent alarms
with varying HA capabilities as well. The ELK system is one of
the best HA / security controllers in the residential market.

Nice rcommendation. too bad it's not UL listed. I'm sure his insurance
company would like him to put an electric device in his house that is non
UL, that way they wouldn't have to pay off due to loss if it was involved.

The Napco P9600 is a very flexible security controller that can
interface with HA systems and can also control X10 and hard-wired
devices directly. I sell these systems to DIYers and you can get
information on them from my website. Although you're not
interested in DIY, feel free to browse my website or contact me
if you need help. I'll be happy to review proposals you receive
and offer advice even if you're having the system installed
professionally.

Discuss your security with an ex con you met on the internet. Another good
recommendation.
and with a BBB report like this.

http://www.bbbwestflorida.org/commonreport.html?bid=41001663

 

[Norm Mugford]

Mr. BAss forgot to tell you he was a convicted felon,
killed a person, has tons of complaints against his business
with the Better Business Bureau, and operates from Brazil.....

Be safe...look to one of the other professionals on this
group...Not bassburglaralarms.com.

Norm Mugford

I'm sorry but you miscalculated. The markup is over 300%.


If you're looking for a local installer, I would not suggest
using the Internet. You'll most find ads for large, national
players and DIY suppliers.


If you want a system that can do home automation as well as
security, ask the dealer if he works with ELK Products' M1 Gold
system or Napco's Gemini P9600. These are both competent alarms
with varying HA capabilities as well. The ELK system is one of
the best HA / security controllers in the residential market.

The Napco P9600 is a very flexible security controller that can
interface with HA systems and can also control X10 and hard-wired
devices directly. I sell these systems to DIYers and you can get
information on them from my website. Although you're not
interested in DIY, feel free to browse my website or contact me
if you need help. I'll be happy to review proposals you receive
and offer advice even if you're having the system installed
professionally.

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

Bass Burglar Alarms
The Online DIY Store
http://www.BassBurglarAlarms.com

I choose Polesoft Lockspam to fight spam, and you?
http://www.polesoft.com/refer.html

 

[Mark Leuck]

I guess I had two problems:

One is that when the ADT guy visited, he didn't bring a modern panel
(it was an Ademco unit if that matters.) And the key fobs were huge
and he wanted $95 each for them.

"Ademco" panels ARE modern, and the keyfobs are no bigger than the rest with
the exception of the new DSC units

Not that I'm against paying for
convenience, but my car alarm came with "freebies" thrown in, why does
a home alarm system charge 200% markup on them?

Someone has to install it

Second is that searching on the net finds so many of the
same-ol-same-ol installers that it's really hard to find a local
installer with expertise. It seems that words like "alarm system" and
"home security" are so valuable that all the national players have
bought all the ad space. If anyone has a recommendation in Seattle I'd
appreciate the lead!

I've found one guy who's coming by tomorrow and I hope he'll be able to
offer some good options. I'm just surprised that there aren't more
"smarthome + alarm" packages available. All the security tech seems
like 1980's X10 equipment? Not that that's bad, had some X10 and it
worked, but device UI has improved since then ....?

X-10 security is junk, always has been

 

[X10SecuritySystems.com]

Hey Steve,

I read your post and think you should check out the Protector Plus at
www.x10securitysystems.com. Our system has a lot of the things you seem
to be looking for. Our remote controls are easy to use, and the system
comes with a keychain keypad for taking with you. There are no codes to
remember just press arm and disarm accordingly. We have a door chime
mode for people coming and going, so it alerts you without a siren.
You can expand it to cover all of your door and windows as you see fit.
People say x10 is not any good, but our offer is that you try it for 30
days -- if you don't like it send it back...just like that.

Good Luck on your search...!

x10security team

 

[Hugeass]

On 16 Mar 2006 23:12:43 -0800, [email protected] wrote:
If you want a system that can do home automation as well as
security, ask the dealer if he works with ELK Products' M1 Gold
system or Napco's Gemini P9600. These are both competent alarms
with varying HA capabilities as well. The ELK system is one of
the best HA / security controllers in the residential market.

Regards,
Robert L Bass

You still did not tell us why ELK products removed BassBurglarAlarms from
their retail dealer list.
http://www.elkproducts.com/retail_distributors.htm

 

[Frank Olson]

You still did not tell us why ELK products removed BassBurglarAlarms from
their retail dealer list.
http://www.elkproducts.com/retail_distributors.htm

You really don't read well do you?? Maybe your "Hugeass" gets in the
way...

 

[Mark Leuck]

Hey Steve,

I read your post and think you should check out the Protector Plus at
www.x10securitysystems.com. Our system has a lot of the things you seem
to be looking for. Our remote controls are easy to use, and the system
comes with a keychain keypad for taking with you. There are no codes to
remember just press arm and disarm accordingly. We have a door chime
mode for people coming and going, so it alerts you without a siren.
You can expand it to cover all of your door and windows as you see fit.
People say x10 is not any good, but our offer is that you try it for 30
days -- if you don't like it send it back...just like that.

Good Luck on your search...!

x10security team

Ahh X10, the first web page to use popunders...

 

[[email protected]]

Thanks, everyone, for your input!

I had browsed the newsgroup for about a half-hour before posting, so
I'm aware of the low regard in which you hold one particular dealer.
But I will say, in his defense, that he responded professionally and
was one of the few to give me actual recommendations (as opposed to
anti-product and anti-person anti-recommendations) and I appreciate
that help. As a newbie with a random question, I'm certainly not owed
anything by this group, but it was nice to get some advice and product
numbers that I could follow up on.

UL listing was something I hadn't thought to check, so I'll keep that
in mind... I'm not particularly interested in doing DIY for a project
with this kind of importance, so I'm hoping that when I find a good
local installer he'll be able to help me sort through the tricky
details. But now I'm aware of at least one gotcha, thanks!

Regarding "someone having to install" at a 200%+ markup - like anyone
else who's had a business, I understand the need to charge money for
services. I'm happy to pay for installation of complex parts and
hide-away wiring work. But specifically, I was talking about $95
keyfobs. When someone so obviously overcharges for a small part (a few
of which came included with my $200 car alarm, for instance), it makes
you feel like the rest of their deal must be a rip-off as well.

Thanks again, everyone; I hope I'll eventually be able to track down
the "ipod" of alarm systems (functional with well-designed UI)
Steve

 

[Jim]

Hey Steve,

I read your post and think you should check out the at
. Our system has a lot of the things you seem
to be looking for. Our remote controls are easy to use, and the system
comes with a keychain keypad for taking with you. There are no codes to
remember just press arm and disarm accordingly. We have a door chime
mode for people coming and going, so it alerts you without a siren.
You can expand it to cover all of your door and windows as you see fit.
People say x10 is not any good, but our offer is that you try it for 30
days -- if you don't like it send it back...just like that.

Good Luck on your search...!

x10security team

X10 is a nice toy to use to turn on and off lights. The probabllity of
it not working is about 20 percent. If you'd like to take the chance
with your worldly goods or your life with those probabilities
........... you're dumber than you sound. If your as knowledgeable about
X10 as you pretend to be, why don't you tell people about phase
couplers and filters that are necessary to be installed by qualified
electricians for a few hundred dollars, in order for X10 signals to
become only just a little more reliable?

X10 is garbage. It's been around for over 20 years without one iota of
change in it's design. If it was even a contender in the security
industry, it would have proven it self long before now. If it was even
a little aggressive, it would have locked up it's original invention
and protocol years ago, instead of letting it's patent run out. Since
then, even the least of it's competitors has improved upon the
technology 100 fold in a few years and X10 is still using the same old
garbage from decades ago.

Stop trying to promote this rubbish as something other than a toy.

 

[Jim]

Thanks, everyone, for your input!

I had browsed the newsgroup for about a half-hour before posting, so
I'm aware of the low regard in which you hold one particular dealer.
But I will say, in his defense, that he responded professionally and
was one of the few to give me actual recommendations (as opposed to
anti-product and anti-person anti-recommendations) and I appreciate
that help. As a newbie with a random question, I'm certainly not owed
anything by this group, but it was nice to get some advice and product
numbers that I could follow up on.

The hiss of a snake is never as deadly as the bite.

Don't be misled. It's all part of the scam to make people think that
he's not a crook.