Home alarm, desirable features?
 

We are looking at getting a home alarm. I'm considering buying the hardware and installing it myself if I can save money, but that's really beside the point.

For those of you that have or have had alarms...


What features do you really love or wish you had?

What features do you not want/need?

For example the cell phone backup, is that worth while? I just don't see the average crook in my neighborhood cutting my phone line. There's nothing special about our house, they'll just move on to the next house, I would think. So it seems like an option with a poor cost/benefit ratio.

I'm about to pull the trigger on this one:

80-649-3N-XT | GE SIMON XT Wireless Security System | Home Security Store | Home Security Store

But I'm still figuring out what features I want/need so hopefully those more knowledgeable will chime in. I seem to remember there was another thread on this topic about a year ago if anyone can find it.....

Glass breakage. Depending on climate you want freeze/low temp alert. Smoke/fire detection. Last house had the remote option. You can call in from anywhere and enable/disable the system. Wate of money, was kludgy and messed with the answering machine.

Is there an option for multiple pads with that one? I'd think that you'd want a pad in your bedroom as well as the main pad.

My home insurance will give discounts that will help offset the monthly charge if you've got an alarm, and I think the discount is larger if you've got smoke integrated with the alarm.

I think I'd like smoke and CO.

I'd looked at the GE Simon XT. I'm also looking at the honeywell systems.

Multiple pads are a must. Bedroom pad is a good option. Panic buttons are useless if you need to get across the house to use it.

Benefit of multiple pads is the ability to use aggressive motion detection, (barring the presence of pets/children).

I have a pad a at the main and garage entrance that are delayed to give time to disable. All other entry zones are set to sound the alarm immediately if opened.

Heat rise detectors are great options for over the furnace and in the garage - remember, some fires get hot and don't generate a lot of smoke.

be sure to get that special bell that causes invaders to instantly flee, like in the TV commercials.

Maybe one of these three

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/516716-home-security-system.html

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/491979-home-security-alarms-thoughts.html

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/bmw-r1100s-r1200s-tech-forum/506387-ot-home-alarm-system.html

We just had a system installed last week........we opted for motion sensors and two door sensors and one pad. Its not a hardline system, all battery operated (5-year warranty on battery with lifetime replacement) and two remote keys. Keypad has a 30 second punch and run feature. The glass breakage sensor was not a favorite amongst those I talked to who had systems, therefore, the motion sensors seemed to be the better option. They can scan a large area in front of the windows anyways, so its one or the other.

BUT WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

After we were told a small dog would not set off the motion sensors, our 28 pound Shar Pei sets the alarm off the first day!!!!!!!!! So, they are coming out this week to re-adjust the sensors. I hope that does not mean a bunch of trained 3-year olds can roam the house with headcams and take whatever their controllers outside see interesting!!

Just a heads up on the sensitivity of motion sensors if you have pets.

Bob

Yeah, I've had my doubts about the "pet safe" motion detectors. I found some stuff online that says that's bunk. I suspect that with a small enough dog it may be ok, but I've got an energetic 35# dog. I think I'm planning to forego the motion sensors.

I'm kind of thinking that I want 4 window switches and 4 door switches and the smoke/fire and Carbon Monoxide alarms.

I have a friend that built his owns system. I will do the same at the next house.

It will e-mail his Droid if a door is open or the temperature drops in the house. He has other sensors, and an ingenious backup.

I don't suppose he'd provide some info about the hardware he used and how he's got things setup?

For you folks that have alarms, whether DIY or commercial, what hardware are you using?

I know that he essentially bought a bunch of sensors from an online electronics discounter, wired them to a programmable controller like a Basic Stamp (I know he used a different controller, not sure which), then wired that to a computer that monitors the sensors periodically and sends him an e-mail when something is out of spec.

I'll bet a simple ADT/Brinks/etc... sign in the front and back of the home will ward off most common burglars.

The most useful feature of our home alarm is that when a door or window is opened it chimes and announces by name the location..."Bing...front door open", "Bing...master bedroom window 4 open". It was a great feature when our kids were really young and not allowed outside alone. We also have a separate hardwired fire/smoke detector in the garage and upstairs near bedrooms that is directly linked to the alarm system. Our system was installed by ADT and consists of wireless window/door sensors controlled by a single master keypad with a panic/fire/arm/disarm remote.

I've never felt the need for an alarm but it brings comfort to the wife when I'm out of town.

Glass break sensors are very prone to false alarms; dog barking, dropping your keys, sometimes even slamming a door. Best bet is to trap as many openings as possible (ALL doors, windows if at all possible) and use dual tech (PIR+microwave) motion detectors. Probably best component of any alarm system is signage to let the would-be thief know you're protected ;)

The downside to the Broadview/ADT/etc. signs is that if you have something that an advanced criminal wants to steal, they know exactly what they are dealing with.

I installed a NAPCO system and used their glass break detectors and have had zero false alarms. I have 2 large dogs (90+ pounds) that bark at everything that moves. I also have 2 kids that drop/throw "their" keys all the time. They've also been known to slam doors and produce screams that could shatter glass. Still no false alarms. If you are getting false alarms, my guess is that either the glass break detectors are installed wrong (poor location) or are of poor quality.

To masraum - I did a ton of research on the various alarm systems out there and determined that the NAPCO systems were the best. Basically described as "bank quality" alarms. I installed everything myself, but paid a professional to program it. I used a combo of wireless and wired for all windows and doors. Glass break in the house and garage. Motion in the shop and garage. I only have one keypad, but then again, my house is only 1100 sq feet. I have delayed entry for 2 doors, the remaining doors and windows are all "instant alarm" if opened. Also, all alarm points have built in tamper detection which will set off the alarm, even if the alarm is not armed. System has full battery back-up and can sustain the alarm siren for 3 hours and about 10 hours in "protect" mode.

I purchased everything from a company in FL and they were great w/ support. I'll find the name if you're interested. Total hardware was around $900, plus another $100 or so for the programming.

Yeah, that sounds pretty good. I'd love that info when you get a chance.

Just did a quick search and found them:

Bass Burglar Alarms

They were great w/ helping me determine what I needed and what was compatible. I had done my homework, so I had a good baseline of where to start. I think that also helped with working with them - they didn't have to teach me everything ;)

I went with the Napco Gemini P1632 panel. It looks like they have a bunch of bundles or starter packages now for a much better deal than when I had to build the kit from scratch. PM me if you have questions - what knowledge I retained, is yours...

I found the guy to program my alarm at a local alarm supply store. They didn't sell to the public, which is what lead me to Bass Home.

EDIT: Just took a closer look at their site and it looks like the systems are easier to program now and they also offer the programming software as a free download. If I had that, I'm 90% sure I could've done it 100% on my own.

Been running my own security business for 20 years. If need advice drop me a pm.

PM sent.

The Napco stuff does look like its in a different league than the more common kits that you see around if the documentation can be believed. It looks more like commercial gear than residential. Thanks for the heads up. I'd be happy to spend $1000 instead of $500 if the gear was higher quality giving fewer false alarms and with fewer glitches.

Been using the "pet friendly" motion detectors for years. The early models were not that good but the ones I have been using for the last 3-4 years work fine.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1271817333.jpg


;)

Yeah, we've got 2 dogs, and both will bark at anyone that approaches the house. The big one, even though only 35# is all muscle and sounds pretty darn scary when she's trying to warn folks off. I'm not sure why that's not enough, but it's not. So we're getting an alarm.

DSC Wireless Home Security
 

I did d DIY security system upgrade to my house last year adding wireless to my wired system. The upgrade involved installation and programming of a new keypad that has the wireless transceiver, addition of new wireless sensors/zone installed in my detached garage and hardwire installation of an exterior siren.

The programming of these the systems can be crazy. I purchased a serial connector that let me program from my home computer which helped immensely, but it was still difficult at best.

Favorite features with the upgrade included:
- Remote fob that lets me activate/deactivate the alarm. Needed to turn the system on/off when coming and going from the detached garage; nice to have if you depart the house and forget to turn the system on.
- Exterior siren is good if you don't have a monitored system. You can't hear the interior siren from the street.

Good luck if you decide to install.

Gordo

We decided to have one installed when we built our house. I'm not an expert, and the guy who did it was highly recommended so I'm pretty happy. It can be programmed to do tons of things. We have sensors on all the doors & windows and motion sensors inside. Since we live in the country, we decided it wouldn't be that advantageous to have it hooked up to a service (plus the neighbors look out for each other and are all armed). We have 3 key pads: main entry, master bedroom, and laundry room by the back door. The back door, garage side door and main entry are delayed alarm. It has a backup battery and the control is in a locked, steel cabinet. It has two settings we use all the time. One is the alarm on while you're in the house, and the other is the alarm on when you're gone. The motion sensors are disabled with the "when you're home" option. It has two sirens: one under the house pointing out a grill in the foundation and another inside. One thing my wife likes is whenever an outside door or window is opened the thing always quietly beeps 5 times. It has the house divided into zones (7) as far as doors & windows are concerned, so if you have a widow or door left open, it indicates which zone on the keyboard. Anyway I really don't know much about them, and it offers more control options than I know about, but these are the main features of ours.

Thanks all, lots of good info.

Yeah, it is pretty much commercial grade. The manuals are massive and overwhelming, but I think w/ the software, it's pretty straight forward. At least that's the impression I got from seeing the interface the guy used to program the alarm. Just be sure to write down the code/serial number to each sending unit before programming. Otherwise you'll have no idea what is what.

I'm very happy with it and it does its job well. I've only had 2 false alarms in 6 years. Both were the motion detector in the shop, which I think can be attributed to a pesky squirrel. The only feature I wish it had (maybe it does - burried in the manual somewhere) was the beep or vocal announcement for when a door is opened. Having 2 little kids that aren't old enough to go out on their own, it'd be nice to have.

One last bit of advice to keep down you overall costs, is that you can "hardwire" to the wireless sensors. In my house, each of the bedroom windows is actually 2 side-by-side. Instead of buying 2 wireless sensors, I bought one, then ran 2 reed switches in series back to the sender. The range on the wireless senders is pretty good too. My shop is at least 50ft off the back of the house and I have not had any signal loss issues in 6 years. Also have yet to replace a battery.

Java has a key option. Especially if you have a pool or little kids. Nice to know what door is opening when even if you are home.

I worked for ADT for a number of years. Some what biased as I really enjoyed my time there and think they do a really good job for the most part.

Look around for a local authorized dealer. 3 year monitoring contract and install including basic hardware for 99 dollars.

I would recommend calling 2-3 different ADT Authorized dealer in your market and have each do a presentation. Dont be afraid to mention you are meeting with company x company y and company c. You may end up with a number of additional freebee's. The dealers are generally very competitive with each other and will get really aggresive to get your business.

The dealers cant negotiate the rate or the down payment per their agreements with ADT. What they can do is add for free or discount additional options.

key fobs, motion detectors, upgraded panels. There are some really nice LCD panels out there if you are looking to really dial a system in. I personally think the LCD screen systems are a must. Much more user friendly and certainly look better.

Do-it yourself is definitly an option. I think though that once you add up your time, hardware costs and then finding third party monitoring thats any good you will have excedded the total cost for the ADT system than by doing it the do-it yourself route.

If you go get some dealer qoutes please post them I bet we will get a kick out of it.

Equipment you will find the dealers use is GE, Ademco and DSC. All are good quality.

Feel free to PM if you need more info.

On double hung windows, are you guys adding sensors to both sashes? When building homes, it was standard to wire only the bottom sash, but all you had to do was lower the top sash to get in.

And how would you put the sensor on the top sash without it being in the way of the bottom sash? I don't currently have double-hung, so maybe that's why I can't picture it.

In some searching on the net, most recommendations are to stay away from places like ADT and Broadview. I think folks were happy with the service years ago, but these days, service seems to have gone downhill a bit based on the info on the Internet. It is after all info on the 'Net, so not necessarily 100% true, but it's easy to imagine how a national company that advertises may have gotten so big that things aren't running as smoothly as they once were.

The low up-front cost is enticing though.

The only way I've ever done this is to use recessed sensors. The clientele that I used to deal with didn't want visible sensors anyway.

If your windows have screens with full coverage, another option is to use trapped screens. You send your screens off and have the screen material replaced with new screen that has wire woven into it. Hidden magnetic sensors are also installed so that would-be thieves can't just remove the screens to get in. You can't cut or remove the screen without setting off the alarm. Makes for a very secure window.