Alarm Systems...

[goodboy]

If cost is a consideration then you can go to self monitoring... Someone earlier recommended eyes-on. I use the eyes-on module with my dcs alarm (it's compatible with most alarm panels). They have a monthly monitoring service for cheap or you can go self monitoring for free.

Self monitoring means you get a text, email, or phone call (another module) when an alarm is activated.

The only problem with self monitoring is if you have an emergency at home and you need assistance no one but you is notified... Imagine house burning down... You in need of assistance... And the home phone line in use calling your cell... Bad scenario. I've also heard that the police put little effort into attending an alarm if it's self monitored.

My alarm consists of the dcs panel, an eyes-on module and a couple of network cameras. The cameras give me the ability to say to the police "but I can see people in my house!!!" add to that I have all my neighbors phone numbers on my cell

The other thing I like about the eyes-on module is I can go online and see all the sensors and there conditions. Also get a history of doors and windows opening... Handy if you got teenagers lol

 

[nolimits76]

Okay guys, I was able to do a walk through this weekend and got some pictures. The house is definitely hard wired with door & window sensors. Also, there is a brain unit with what I think is a cellular box hooked up in a closet.

Additionally I noticed one of the fanciest door opener controls I've seen. Time/temp shows up on it. More unique is there is a white box that is wired into it. Looking closely, you can see "Code Encryptor 3" on it. It looks like the wires go back into the wall and I am thinking maybe it all ties into the alarm system. Would this mean I might have some sort of mobile functionality to open/shut the garage door when not there?

Having never owned an alarm, I'm trying to get up to speed. With all the hard wiring done I really cannot see going to a wireless system at this point. I'd just like to find someone that can tie into this system without breaking the piggy bank.

 

[goodboy]

Seeing as its a dsc alarm panel anyone/company can use it... It may need to be defaulted and reprogrammed though.

 

[goodboy]

And yes that's a gsm (cellular) communicator

 

[jimindm]

Article in todays paper talks about the police response times of burglar alarms.

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/ar...for-police?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Frontpage

Looks like many jurisdictions are charging for false alarms, and moving them farther down the priority scale. I think after reading this, I would check with your local agency, on how they deal with them. I would also bet that the alarm company does what it can to avoid false alarms. You might find out what actions they take, before calling the police. It sounds at least this guys alarm company is paying the false alarm fines.

 

[nolimits76]

Thanks for the link. I learned there is a $30/yearly "alarm permit" where I am moving to. It's meant to make home owners more aware of false alarms and give them some training on how to operate their systems. The goal is to reduce false alarms.

Looking at some of the local companies, it appears they give you the option to either call the authorities directly or call you (or another designated contact) BEFORE calling the authorities. The option is only available for potential burglar activities. Things like fire get routed directly to the authorities.

Being hard wired in, it just makes sense to use what I have. And I'd prefer to have it monitored (direct to authorities). It may be a waste of money, but it will give my family some peace. We can always re-evaluate in a year or so after we have moved and adjusted to our new surroundings. The only thing I'm not real clear on at this point is what it takes to make my system interactive (web/iPhone controlled) and how to include a camera or two into the mix. Theoretically the camera should be easy with my network. Speaking of which, I noticed just today that my cable internet company is also offering home security.

Either way, I plan on visiting with 3 or 4 local companies and digging into the details. Thanks for the help to get me this far. It's amazing I was so "alarm retarded".

 

[jeffmoss26]

I would highly recommend a wired system, especially since you have a fairly new one. i do not have much experience with cellular monitoring, though I have installed countless RJ31X jacks for burglar alarms in homes and businesses. One thing to note is that not all burglar alarms work with VOIP. A friend of mine has a much older alarm system and wanted to save money by using a VOIP service and it was not compatible with his alarm. He ended up ordering back a standard phone line from AT&T.

For monitoring, I prefer a local or regional company VS a giant national company.
We use Guardian Alarm at home, they are based in Michigan with some offices in Ohio.
Our previous alarm guy was a one-man show who basically stopped servicing customers/paying for monitoring, so we got a new system about 5 years ago. They re-used all the wiring and contacts, installed a new panel, keypads, and motion detectors.

Jeff

 

[jimindm]

In the end its about you feeling safe. If a monitored alarm is what it takes then so be it. I have kind of always took the approach of what have you got to lose. It has already consumed some of your time, just thinking about it.

I could see certain businesses would want them, but I question why so many homeowners feel the need for one. Due to others lack of being responsible in the way systems are installed, operated, and monitored, they are the ones that ruined the intended use. That's why people seldom do nothing when they hear one, and that's why police are so slow to respond.

I could see why many are installed to protect while you are not there. I am not sure how people could have them in use while you are at the site. I know many that say 24/7 protection, and I guess I have kind of wondered what parts of it are they shutting off because I am walking around or may open a door or window, while on site.

Its something that I have just considered like fishing bait. The manufacturers of lures just have to catch the fisherman, they do not have to catch fish.

 

[nolimits76]

Thanks for your comments Jeff. The previous owners had Guardian as their alarm company. The house is only 2 years old, so I believe they probably also set the system up and possibly did the install (although new construction typically has wiring in-place around here...the owner has to finish w/ contacts, etc). I put a call into them a few days ago to ask about using them, but have yet to get a returned call. So thus far, not overly impressed with their customer service.

Also, good point about the different phone lines. If we were to get one, it would be much cheaper to do so via our cable internet provider which I believe is VOIP. I am content using a cellular connection, but for those reading....is there a device you can simply add to your system to make it VOIP compliant? Seems logical from what I've learned thus far.

Lastly, thanks Jim for your insight. I agree that security (in regards to alarms) is much about perception. I go in with my eyes wide open. This is more or less for my wife and daughter's peace of mind. They are less adventurous than I in traveling and having a harder time adjusting to the move. We are only about 20-30 minutes from our old location, but the other was a very small town where Barney Fife was rarely introduced to any "real" crimes. Not to imply I am moving to the ghetto, but it's a bigger community and they are just anxious about the changes and what to expect. And yes, despite the way I worded that, they do want to move. They're just nervous.

My hopes are that we give it a year or so, and then switch over to a self-monitored setup once everyone is comfortable.

 

[rodm1]

I have to look into this.