Any suggestions on simple wired alarm system with some kind of switches on doors and windows--reed, mechanical, whatever. All I need is an alarm tone and a little flashing light inside the house, nothing fancy. Must trigger if door/window opened or wire cut. That's it. Dead-simple. Thanks for any help!
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Dead-Simple, WIRED Alarm System?
- Thread starter jaymar_
- Start date
PopcornSutton
Well-known member
A wired system makes it not so dead simple. Simple is a wireless system. I have a Simplisafe system, all components come pre programmed. You can have it monitored or stand alone.
Nothing that's programmed is simple, but I get what you're saying. Couple of questions on that... Wireless. Does that mean it's transmitting all the time, or the receiver is constantly searching for the transmitted signal (like your phone always looking for the nearest tower)? Wi-Fi or something else? Subscription required? Thanks!A wired system makes it not so dead simple. Simple is a wireless system. I have a Simplisafe system, all components come pre programmed. You can have it monitored or stand alone.
PopcornSutton
Well-known member
The base station gets a signal if an entry sensor opens or closes. No wifi involved unless you want to use cameras and remote access. No subscription unless you want a monitored system. Monthly monitoring is less than 20 bucks(I think less than 20, we had it for 15/mo for years but they have gone up once or twice since then).
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Stuart in MN
Well-known member
Where are you located? I have an old Radio Shack hardwired alarm panel that's pretty simple - it accepts a number of inputs and will sound an alarm if you don't disable it with a key switch within a time delay (I forget exactly, I think it's adjustable but is set at 30 seconds.) It was replaced by a more advanced alarm system and has been sitting in the closet for probably 30 years, but there's no reason it shouldn't still work. You can have it for the price of shipping (it's in a steel enclosure , from memory it's about 10" x 12" x 4".) No door/window switches or alarm horn are included but they're readily available and inexpensive.
Having said all that, one of the modern systems like Simplisafe are going to be better and easier to install. Simpllisafe often sponsors various YouTube channels, and those channels offer discount codes for buying a system.
Having said all that, one of the modern systems like Simplisafe are going to be better and easier to install. Simpllisafe often sponsors various YouTube channels, and those channels offer discount codes for buying a system.
pcmeiners
Well-known member
Agree, Simplisafe is just about the easiest system you can setup, far far easier than the simplest wired system. I setup and maintained wired systems, they can be a pain in the *** with breaks in the alarm loops, EMP pulses from lightning or even electrified trains setting them off.
Stuart in MN
Well-known member
Jaymar, if you haven't seen it yet I replied to your private message...let me know.
75gmck25
Well-known member
I bought a Simplisafe system about 6 weeks ago, and at the time they were running a 50% off sale. The base unit and keypad are relatively cheap, and really easy to install.
One consideration for using wireless is that sensors are relatively expensive ($20-40?), and if you add up all your windows and doors, and then throw in a water leak sensor and a couple temp sensors, you begin to have a much more expensive system. On the other hand, wired systems are a real PIA to install (and run wiring) if the house is already finished, but the sensors themselves are usually just a cheap pair of magnets.
I use to have an old Honeywell system that also offered hybrid sensors. The sensor was wireless, but also had multiple connections for wired sensors. You could use one wireless sensor to cover multiple windows if they were close enough make the connections.
One consideration for using wireless is that sensors are relatively expensive ($20-40?), and if you add up all your windows and doors, and then throw in a water leak sensor and a couple temp sensors, you begin to have a much more expensive system. On the other hand, wired systems are a real PIA to install (and run wiring) if the house is already finished, but the sensors themselves are usually just a cheap pair of magnets.
I use to have an old Honeywell system that also offered hybrid sensors. The sensor was wireless, but also had multiple connections for wired sensors. You could use one wireless sensor to cover multiple windows if they were close enough make the connections.
Stuart in MN
Well-known member
Jaymar, I need your mailing address.
the shifty jesus
Active member
- Joined
- Sep 21, 2013
- Messages
- 41
Have had both old and new Simplisafe systems since 2014. Loved them both but hated the “motion” detectors (they are actually infrared detectors). They were always the source of false alarms, regardless of the sensitivity settings on them.
Dead simple to set up, and pretty flawless once I ditched the above detectors.
Dead simple to set up, and pretty flawless once I ditched the above detectors.
PopcornSutton
Well-known member
I've had Simplisafe since 2013 and have never had a false motion alarm. I've wondered whether they even work, but occasionally put it in rest mode and it goes off. The motions only alarm in "away" mode.Have had both old and new Simplisafe systems since 2014. Loved them both but hated the “motion” detectors (they are actually infrared detectors). They were always the source of false alarms, regardless of the sensitivity settings on them.
Dead simple to set up, and pretty flawless once I ditched the above detectors.