Home Security Systems

sigfan250 · Dec 8, 2014

Hey folks,

Anybody have any experience with home security systems? ADT, etc.? Or smartphone-friendly wireless security cameras?

We live in an unsavory neighborhood (not for too much longer, thankfully) and I'm curious what you guys use, if anything, along these lines. Pros, cons, I'm keen to learn.

I want something like this to use as a deterrent, as well as to document if anything bad ever goes down in or near my house.

I do have a good-sized dog with an authoritative bark, but wouldn't mind another layer.

Thoughts?

forefathersrback · Dec 8, 2014

I got our security system installed for the wife. She absolutely loves the added security that it provides for her. Plus it's backed up by....well you know!!!!!

. As a husband, I enjoy knowing she has double the security. Not that she can't guard her LZ, without it. But when the alarm goes off, it does give the perp a slight chance of knowing he can run!!!!

IronMonster · Dec 9, 2014

I have a couple of systems supported by Alarm.com Both have worked well and have been well supported by them. I have stand alone camera systems that are not supported by the alarm though.

The alarm I can arm or disarm from my phone and I get text message alerts and updates.

erudne · Dec 9, 2014

I suggest you up-grade NOW, TSIGTHTF as soon as the "Organizers" are done with LA which is quite soon. There has already been a visit by Al Sharpton to Portland.
Doors windows outside lights are the 1st thing thugs check when casing a neighborhood.
What about your neighbors, can you trust them?

sigfan250 · Dec 9, 2014

That's what I'm after! Can you tell me a little bit about what company you used, what kind of equipment, cost, etc.?

Joe Link · Dec 9, 2014

Moved to the correct section

erudne · Dec 9, 2014

I did my installation work but my system is so old it is no longer made
I recommend whatever the specialists use
Don't forget to use extra long screws for your doors that run into the door frames and the wall studs

clearconscience · Dec 9, 2014

We use adt/tyco for work and they have been terrible. Maybe the home side isn't as bad but commerical stuff they suck and are really expensive.
I had a dome camera stopped working they charged me for the camera $400 and another almost $300 for 4 hours of labor.
They installed it in 30 mins BS's for about an hour and then left. Now I just order the camera for about $270 and install myself.
I also had another location they screwed up the install on and my fire panel would go off non-stop for hours and they have trouble shot, replaced parts, etc and it still does it randomly every 2-3 months it's been installed for 5 years!!

clearconscience · Dec 9, 2014

Someone else posted on another thread about simplisafe?
I looked up the website looked decent for a good price. Nothing beats good lighting and a advertised cctv system.

Stomper · Dec 9, 2014

I've used Monitronics for years, and they've been great. We have a wireless system, the panel is a "smart"panel with touchscreen controls, battery backup, uses cellular tech for dial out, basically it's stand alone from all outside utilities so it can't be "cut". I can access and control it with my smartphone as well. Monitoring service runs me about $52/mo.

bluesurf · Dec 9, 2014

I am looking into getting a system for the house also. What company do you use and why?

forefathersrback · Dec 9, 2014

Sigfan250: We had our security system installed several yrs ago. It was actually pretty good in price. You'd need to check prices in your area of course. Since we live in Central Oregon. If I recall, my monthly charges are right around $ 30.00 per month. Our security provider only provides services for Central Oregon. We had our home pre ~ wired during construction. I do know that many companies provide wireless systems. Sorry I could not be of more help.

Mephistopheles · Mar 2, 2022

yep

Bacchus · Mar 3, 2022

I looked at SimpliSafe pretty hard as a replacement for my existing system. The monthly bill would be maybe $20 (?) less each month with SimpliSafe, but with my existing system I am renting the equipment. With SimpliSafe I would have to buy their equipment up front, about $250 as I recall. Whatever the numbers, I calculated it would take 2 or 3 years before I came out ahead with the smaller monthly payments.

That's not too bad, provided you expect to keep your system that long, but there was some function that SimpliSafe didn't have that my existing system had. I believe it was when you leave the house with the alarm set previously. With my existing system, you push a button on the control module to get a minute delay to open the door, step out, and reclose it. With SimpliSafe I would have to 1) turn off the alarm, 2) reset the alarm, and then step out the door on its delay that you only got when you just enable it after it being disabled. Maybe six button pushes instead of one button push. Things might have changed with SimpliSafe since then, and maybe you don't think having to completely disable and then reenable the alarm each time you want to go out the door is a big deal. I knew it would annoy me because I'm used to just pushing one button.