Home Security Systems

[Bacash]

Home today cause the kid was up all night sick, so looking at deals I get through a corporate partnership, specifically with SimpliSafe.

The system I built has:

2 Keypads
1 Camera
3 door alarms
1 glass break sensor
2 key fobs
2 motion sensors
2 smoke Detectors
2 yard signs
1 105 decibel airen

All that is $672, minus 50% for the corporate thing. And they offer two levels of monitoring, one for $0.50/day and one for $0.83/day, both with no contract.

They’re details on how they monitor and what they do sound pretty good.



Question being, what’s everyone’s thoughts on monitored alarm systems?

Does anyone have them? What’s your experience and reasoning behind it?

Anyone not like them? Why not?

I’ve been thinking about getting one since we don’t have neighbors all around us anymore that might catch something strange going on, especially the fire with the wood burner.

Interested to hear opinions and experiences.

 

[Jayclimber]

We have one very similar to what you are looking at, all the same features. We like it a lot. Ours is hardwired with backup battery system verses wireless. We've had it for 15 years.

 

[COharbinger]

Looks like a good setup. I agree with Jay on the battery backup. My router, ONT, camera, and computer are all backed up to an APC UPS battery.

 

[Bacash]

This one has a 24 hour battery backup. If the power is out longer than 24 hours at my house, I won’t be leaving it lol.

 

[240Geezer]

Looking at that one as well Ba.
Just haven’t pulled the trigger yet.

 

[HandLoad]

Pretty UNHAPPY with ARLO system. Bought into early version. Notice of Intruders typically arrives about when the UPS driver is leaving.

Cameras have failed (@179.00 each) in each Year of service. To have Four in service for Three Years, have had to buy Four New Cameras.

 

[HandLoad]

RING system ain't much better.

 

[240Geezer]

I don’t want to be locked in on the service contract mostly.

 

[Bud]

I use NEST which is owned by Google. I am always looking for something better

 

[HandLoad]

ARLO (original system) allows Five Cameras, One Week back, Free Storage and access (no monthly fee)

 

[COharbinger]

I dont have monitoring, I just have a camera covering the front door. Free 14 day cloud storage plus space for SD card. It got PTZ and a speaker and microphone. Its got a pretty good person detecting feature. It will send me a 12 second clip notification. biggest downfall is a 5 minute recharge between sending clips. But for a $34 camera covering my apartment I cant complain

https://www.amazon.com/Wyze-1080p-I...=wyze+ptz&qid=1575399659&s=electronics&sr=1-3

Its basically enough for me to send a video of their face to the police

 

[Bacash]

I don’t want to be locked in on the service contract mostly.

That’s one of the things I like about this one, no contract.

 

[sauced07]

My dragon takes care of any issues

 

[Inazone]

We have two systems, technically: Ring (tied to our Echo devices) and whatever was part of our Comcast/Xfinity package deal. We called to cancel the Comcast service, but they offered it to us for two years free. Sure, fine, whatever. Honestly, we never even arm it, though. The Ring is sufficient for our purposes, although I have yet to dig into to see what (if anything) is recorded, be it video or even an activity history. I haven't put the app on my phone yet.

The Ring is fine for what it is, as long as you make sure to keep the batteries fresh. Had someone come to the door to pick up something from my wife (who was at work) and I never heard the "doorbell" because the battery had died, and they didn't think to actually knock on the damned door. Genius!!!

 

[HandLoad]

My dragon takes care of any issues

Seattle has a New XFL Football team, Support them, by buying "DRAGONS" gear! Hey! It is NOT the NFL!

(kinda wish they had chosen some other color scheme than Burnt Orange and Navy)

 

[disturbed1970]

Almost every professional install will only cover ground-level windows and doors.

I went heavy on locks, and cameras. You will not get near any door or window on my house without being on at least two cameras.

My downstairs doors and windows are all very solid and/or covered in 3m security film.

Decorative bars over downstairs windows.

Doors have Door Devil systems on them.

Exterior motion detectors linked to an app, which notifies me to start checking cameras.

Dual Medeco deadbolts on each door.

Storm doors on each door.

Beware of dog signs

Alarm signs

Hedges trimmed back from windows

Excellent lighting.

Motion detector at the end of my driveway, with hidden trailcam pointed towards my house (to get license plate #'s of any cars coming down the driveway). This motion detector is wired to an alarm in the house to notify me when anyone turns down my driveway (long driveway)

Sign on my end of the driveway saying you are on camera.

Standard window/door sensors on all windows and doors (even upstairs).

All of that is worthless if someone really wants in YOUR house. My system is based on deterrence, and being able to identify anyone that is not deterred...and slowing someone down long enough for the dogs and guns to come into play.

House is ICF construction with a metal roof.

 

[Jayclimber]

And if that doesnt work there is always the Claymore Roomba...

 

[john 1775]

We have one very similar to what you are looking at, all the same features. We like it a lot. Ours is hardwired with backup battery system verses wireless. We've had it for 15 years.

Can you say what brand? I don’t think I’d go with a monitored system. But a loud enough alarm inside and out to scare the bejesus out of someone.

 

[Bacash]

Can you say what brand? I don’t think I’d go with a monitored system. But a loud enough alarm inside and out to scare the bejesus out of someone.

I’m interested in the monitoring more for the fire than anything.

 

[john 1775]

That’s one of the things I like about this one, no contract.

So if you cancel, what’s left that will still work for you?