your feedback on DIY security alarm system

[aerosmith]

Hi,

I am planning to purchase a DIY home alarm system and I was wondering if
I could get your opinions about the alarm systems present here:
http://www.intellahome.com/shop/bapacks.html
Systems that captured my attention:
- Ademco Wireless Ready Package
- Ademco Plus PowerPack V20P
- PowerMax Plus Wireless System

Here are my constraints:
- Want to cover about 10 windows and 3 doors
- Need a feature that has the ability to send alerts via. phone, e-mail
- Easy to install (wireless most probably)
- Price limit $350
- Expandability (ability to monitor to about 30 devices)
- Supports a couple of motion sensors

Nice to have:
- Access from the internet to the alarm system
- Ability to send alerts to more than one phone number

I am new to home security alarm systems but I have chalked down all the
features that I like to see. I would really appreciate if you would
please give me feedback on the systems that are present in the web page.
I am open to alternatives.

Thanks for your time.

 

[[email protected]]

I had a Caddx NX8E system before rebuilding our home. It was a great
security system, and could be integrated to home automation with a
little effort (and $). It supported GE/ITI wireless sensors which are
excellent.

I now have an Elk M1G which is very easy for a DIY'er to install and
maintain. I think it will do pretty much everything you're looking
for, but will exceed your $350 project cost by a bit. You can access
the M1G via your cell phone to determine status and to control pretty
much everthing you would want to from a remote location. Internet
control is available at extra cost.

Check out http://www.elkproducts.com/products/m1/m1main.htm

I would encourage you to do hardwired sensors as much as possible. The
money you save over wireless can be put to better use in the control
panel itself.

I do not have any financial interest in any of the items I recommend.

Others here are intimately familiar with the system you''re looking at
and will likely give you some good advice.

 

[Bob (but not THAT Bob)]

Hi,

I am planning to purchase a DIY home alarm system and I was wondering if
I could get your opinions about the alarm systems present here:
http://www.intellahome.com/shop/bapacks.html
Systems that captured my attention:
- Ademco Wireless Ready Package
- Ademco Plus PowerPack V20P
- PowerMax Plus Wireless System

Here are my constraints:
- Want to cover about 10 windows and 3 doors
- Need a feature that has the ability to send alerts via. phone, e-mail
- Easy to install (wireless most probably)
- Price limit $350
- Expandability (ability to monitor to about 30 devices)
- Supports a couple of motion sensors

Nice to have:
- Access from the internet to the alarm system
- Ability to send alerts to more than one phone number

I am new to home security alarm systems but I have chalked down all the
features that I like to see. I would really appreciate if you would
please give me feedback on the systems that are present in the web page.
I am open to alternatives.

Thanks for your time.

My favorite is a simply acquiring a coupla signs with the name of a
security co. that's active in your area (from eBay or locally), along
with good locks and smart security practices.

 

[Jim]

My favorite is a simply acquiring a coupla signs with the name of a
security co. that's active in your area (from eBay or locally), along
with good locks and smart security practices.

Sure.

You must be related to the guy in this area who thought the same thing.
And when the 3 guys pushed their way in, with only his wife at home,
afterwards wished he'd had something more substantial than a lawn sign
and a good lock. You know how it goes. If you have a lawn sign, you
got to have an alarm installed in your house. If you have an alarm you
must have something valuable to protect. Therefore, it's much easier
to force a woman, who's all alone, to show them where all the goodies
are than it is to break in, setting off the alarm, and having to leave
before the police get there.

Oh yeah, did I mention one of the side benefits of a lawn sign? If you
catch it early enough, you can probably beat out the fire with one of
those signs too.

You'll never know the trauma of experiencing a break-in or a fire,
until it happens to you.

But .... I know how it goes. Seein is belevein ...... huh?

By the way, this goes for the OP too.

Question, if you get a call on your cell phone, that your alarm tripped
....... just what exactly, are you going to do? Call the police? What
are you going to tell them? Will you leave work and race home? Call
your neighbor and ask him to take the risk of checking out your house?
Suppose you're out and it's 2am?

Oh ....and, do you get good cell reception everywhere?

 

[Bob (but not THAT Bob)]

Sure.

You must be related to the guy in this area who thought the same thing.
And when the 3 guys pushed their way in, with only his wife at home,
afterwards wished he'd had something more substantial than a lawn sign
and a good lock. You know how it goes. If you have a lawn sign, you
got to have an alarm installed in your house. If you have an alarm you
must have something valuable to protect. Therefore, it's much easier
to force a woman, who's all alone, to show them where all the goodies
are than it is to break in, setting off the alarm, and having to leave
before the police get there.

Oh yeah, did I mention one of the side benefits of a lawn sign? If you
catch it early enough, you can probably beat out the fire with one of
those signs too.

You'll never know the trauma of experiencing a break-in or a fire,
until it happens to you.

But .... I know how it goes. Seein is belevein ...... huh?

I'm talking about a neighborhood (not a 'hood) where everyone else
actually HAS a security system - the guy with just the sign wins.

I once worked in a store that had a security co. alarm system, and the
ONLY theft EVER turned out to be the security monkeys " checking the
alarm".

And I said "smart security practices' too, which includes not letting
lowlifes who do your gardening, deliveries, roofing see what "goodies"
you have.

I doubt anyone ever broke into a house with a security sign and unknown
contents "on spec".

 

[alarman]

I'm talking about a neighborhood (not a 'hood) where everyone else
actually HAS a security system - the guy with just the sign wins.

I once worked in a store that had a security co. alarm system, and the
ONLY theft EVER turned out to be the security monkeys " checking the
alarm".

And I said "smart security practices' too, which includes not letting
lowlifes who do your gardening, deliveries, roofing see what "goodies"
you have.

I doubt anyone ever broke into a house with a security sign and unknown
contents "on spec".

Um, troll alert.
js

 

[G. Lavik.]

Hi,

I am planning to purchase a DIY home alarm system and I was wondering if
I could get your opinions about the alarm systems present here:
http://www.intellahome.com/shop/bapacks.html
Systems that captured my attention:
- Ademco Wireless Ready Package
- Ademco Plus PowerPack V20P
- PowerMax Plus Wireless System

Wireless!?

I want to tell you the following from Norway:

I came to my parked card and tried to open it with my remote,
no reaction, so I had to use the key. As my dealer was nearby, I
paid him a visit, but before going in, I repeatedly tried the remote,
still no go.
Then I went for the technician and when we arrived at the car, guess
what?
The remote worked fine and has done som ever since.

Heard about jamming? That was what happened to me and not only to
the car, but to my wireless housealarm as well.
So I asked the dealer - in England - why the h... the remotes were not
equipped with anti-scan, codehopping etc., like a 1st class car alarm?
He had no answer.
You just think about that fact... and buy yourself an alarm that needs
wiring.

Best regards,

George.