Home security systems recommendations
#1
10-31-18, 02:38 PM
Home security systems recommendations
What are some good home security systems in 2018? I do not want those systems where I will be required to be stock in a contract.
#2
11-02-18, 11:02 AM
You probably need to understand that you can get equipment from the same manufacturers that ADT and Vivint get their equipment from, and have it monitored by the company of your choice. Getting locked into an unwanted long-term contract is what happens when you don't do your research and don't understand all of the options available.
#3
11-02-18, 02:37 PM
The main brands: Honeywell, DSC, Interlogix-Concord, Interlogix-Networx, etc. are all pretty equivalent. Each has specific features that some users like better than others. All of them can be configured without mass market monitoring.
https://www.security.honeywell.com/A...ries/intrusion
DSC
https://www.interlogix.com/intrusion/product/concord-4
https://www.interlogix.com/intrusion/product/networx
https://www.security.honeywell.com/A...ries/intrusion
DSC
https://www.interlogix.com/intrusion/product/concord-4
https://www.interlogix.com/intrusion/product/networx
#4
11-15-18, 03:40 AM
Member
What do you expect from a home security system?
Ask yourself these questions:
1. Is the neighborhood a high crime area?
2. Do I need inside and outside cameras?
3. Do I need or want police response if break-in occurs?
4. Do I need or want Internet (WiFi) or hardwired?
5. Do I want DIY or professional install?
6. Are you willing to pay a month to month fee for monitoring?
Based on these questions you and perhaps us can then determine what you need vs what you can afford.
Ask yourself these questions:
1. Is the neighborhood a high crime area?
2. Do I need inside and outside cameras?
3. Do I need or want police response if break-in occurs?
4. Do I need or want Internet (WiFi) or hardwired?
5. Do I want DIY or professional install?
6. Are you willing to pay a month to month fee for monitoring?
Based on these questions you and perhaps us can then determine what you need vs what you can afford.
#5
11-16-18, 08:48 AM
1. Is the neighborhood a high crime area?
--not really
2. Do I need inside and outside cameras?
--at the moment, outside is all I needed
3. Do I need or want police response if break-in occurs?
--no
4. Do I need or want Internet (WiFi) or hardwired?
--WiFi is preferable but hardware is doable
5. Do I want DIY or professional install?
--DIY
6. Are you willing to pay a month to month fee for monitoring?
--I'm trying to avoid paying a monthly fee. If I have to, I do not want to pay more than $20 a month and do not want long term contact either.
--not really
2. Do I need inside and outside cameras?
--at the moment, outside is all I needed
3. Do I need or want police response if break-in occurs?
--no
4. Do I need or want Internet (WiFi) or hardwired?
--WiFi is preferable but hardware is doable
5. Do I want DIY or professional install?
--DIY
6. Are you willing to pay a month to month fee for monitoring?
--I'm trying to avoid paying a monthly fee. If I have to, I do not want to pay more than $20 a month and do not want long term contact either.
#6
11-16-18, 03:37 PM
Member
Based on your answers I might suggest something similar to SimpliSafe. You want basic, minimal security. It's a DIY, and can be monitored or not but will still have alarms active. No long term contract and can be taken with you if you move. There are other companies similar to them.
I use it as several member of my family do also. And I can attest to the fact that it does work. My son entered our home while I was out and he forgot the pass code. I was at a party and was phoned within the minute of an intruder. My supplementary cam at the front door told me it was him and I told Simplisafe to allow entry and do not call police.
I use it as several member of my family do also. And I can attest to the fact that it does work. My son entered our home while I was out and he forgot the pass code. I was at a party and was phoned within the minute of an intruder. My supplementary cam at the front door told me it was him and I told Simplisafe to allow entry and do not call police.
#7
11-24-18, 12:41 PM
That's not at all how I would choose a system. I'd be looking at what I needed the system to do and the available contacts, environmental sensors, keypads, key fobs, sirens, etc. that work with each system.
People who choose systems like Simplisafe and Ring are usually poorly informed and unaware that systems from Honeywell, DSC, Interlogix, Qolsys, and 2GIG are available for DIY installation. How many times have you heard someone say, "I cross-shopped Simplisafe with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 and chose Simplisafe." Yeah, didn't think so.
If you're in an apartment or condo they might be sufficient, or perhaps you're in a rental and can't install anything that requires drilling holes or running wire. But otherwise, do yourself a favor and get a real security system.
People who choose systems like Simplisafe and Ring are usually poorly informed and unaware that systems from Honeywell, DSC, Interlogix, Qolsys, and 2GIG are available for DIY installation. How many times have you heard someone say, "I cross-shopped Simplisafe with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 and chose Simplisafe." Yeah, didn't think so.
If you're in an apartment or condo they might be sufficient, or perhaps you're in a rental and can't install anything that requires drilling holes or running wire. But otherwise, do yourself a favor and get a real security system.
#8
11-24-18, 01:35 PM
Member
That's not at all how I would choose a system. I'd be looking at what I needed the system to do and the available contacts, environmental sensors, keypads, key fobs, sirens, etc. that work with each system.
"I cross-shopped Simplisafe with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 and chose Simplisafe." Yeah, didn't think so.
#9
11-28-18, 11:27 AM
I bought a simply safe for my old home before and it was total dog poop and threw it out and got a lynx touch 5210 and I was extremely happy with my Honeywell product and bought a vista 20p for my new home. Both the lynx and vista 20p are excellent products and you can find really good shape used parts on eBay
#11
12-03-18, 11:34 AM
I have an Interlogix Simon XT (previously GE) and it is very simple to set up. Definitely a DIY install. You can program it to call multiple phone numbers when an alarm occurs. It will connect to a landline or cellular network, but the cellular module is sold separately (and is a little pricey). They have an array of sensors available. I like the NX454 micro sensors for the windows, and the recessed sensors for the exterior doors, sliding doors, and sliding windows, which are virtually unnoticeable. I also have two motion sensors and a smoke/CO detector connected.
IMO, monitoring isn't really needed if all you're worried about is burglary/theft. An alarm siren going off is enough of a deterrent. One could argue that a yard sign or sticker is also enough to deter a prospective intruder.
IMO, monitoring isn't really needed if all you're worried about is burglary/theft. An alarm siren going off is enough of a deterrent. One could argue that a yard sign or sticker is also enough to deter a prospective intruder.
#12
12-03-18, 01:42 PM
Member
One could argue that a yard sign or sticker is also enough to deter a prospective intruder.
However, the key word here is common. Now if you have something of particular that a known (uncommon) thief or intruder will be aware of then you will need the whole ball of wax. Spend several thousand and have a professional install it. And even then nothing is guaranteed.
It all depends on what you think your level of security is needed. If you want to deter theft then usually bare minimum will due the job. If want to catch a thief or intruder then spend then bucks and get the right stuff to do the job .
Personally, I'd rather deter than catch.
Last edited by Norm201; 12-03-18 at 02:38 PM.
#13
12-06-18, 02:18 PM
Member
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 7
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
I always found it funny how people put signs outside saying that their house is "protected by XYZ". Thanks!!! I'm sure thieves appreciate the heads up so they can figure out how to deal with that security system before they step inside.
Everytime we move into a new neighborhood we make sure to flip signs with all the neighbors on the block.
Everytime we move into a new neighborhood we make sure to flip signs with all the neighbors on the block.
#14
02-25-19, 09:47 AM
Member
You may not want to believe it but sign do help. Statistics prove it. Just like fake cams. Why rob a house that says it has a security system rather than one that doesn't even say it. Chances are the house that doesn't have a sign doesn't have a security system.
