Re: ADT Safewatch 3000 pro RF versus GE Simon 3 with Nextalarm

[Frank Olson <Use_the_email_links@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

FG wrote:


Response "in line".


> Hi,
>
> I am debating beetween getting a GE Simon 3 system or an ADT Safewatch 3000
> pro RF. I tried to weight the pro and cons of each system (see below) and it
> looks like the Simon 3 is a winner.
> Am I right?

It's a good panel.  Please ensure your installer provides the remote
wireless or two wire touchpad.  Putting the main control which
incorporates the system touchpad next to the front door isn't a good
idea.  How long do you think it would take someone to rip the sucker off
the wall??  Could they do it during the standard 30 second entry delay??
  The main control should be mounted in an out-of-the-way location.

Make sure someone checks on your place every few days.  If you're
leaving for a whole year, don't forget to turn off the hot water tank
(and the cold water supply to it).  Turn off the water to your toilet
tanks as well.


> Thanks in advance for any advice/comment you could give me regarding that
> matter.
>
> FG
>
>
> ANALYSIS of the sistuation:
>
>
>
> While they send me in Asia for 12 months, my company is going to pay for the
> installation of an alarm and the monitoring of my condo .When I come back, I
> do not plan to keep the proffessionnal monitoring. So I am looking to have
> them install a system that will allow me to monitor by myself my condo (it's
> 1300 sq ft condo, max distance between sensor and alarm panel = 25ft). Once
> it has been installed, I want to easily be able to :
>
> - maintain it,
>
> - program it to call me in case of an intrusion and be able able to reset it
> with a touch phone,
>
> - schedule X10 events (switching on lights...) .
>
>
>
> So far, we are considering 2 possibilities for our basic setup (wireless
> system, 1 keypad, 2motions, 2 remote, 1 smoke, 2 door contacts):
>
> -         Go with an independent installer who will install a Simon 3 system
> for around $1200 and we will then subscribe to a monitoring company like
> nextalarm.com
>
> OR
>
> -         go with an ADT dealer and a Safewatch pro 3000 RF system $759
> ($499 for the basic system + $95  for the extra keychain + $165 for the
> extra motion sensor). The girl from ADT was OK to offer a one year contract
> with ownership of the sytem instead of the usual 3 year
>
>
>
> From my "limited" point of view, it seems that the Simon 3 panel fits my
> picture better since. It looks like it  will be easier for me to :
>
> -         maintain the system
>
> -         control it over the phone and program it to call me in case of an
> intrusion without the need of a monitoring service,
>
> -         subscribe to a different monitoring company (not necessary ADT)
>
>
>
> The ADT safe watch system (ADT customized vista 20P??) seems more
> professional and offer hardwired sensors but it also looks like :
>
> -         it will be a pain for me to mainatin or add new components (X10
> switches) or choose to subscribe to another monitoring company because ADT
> has kind of "locked the system"


Correct.  The ADT version of the Ademco Vista 20 has some important
differences programming wise.  It's also fairly limited with respect to
communications format.  The upside is that the main system board is
relatively easy to replace with your standard off-the-shelf board.
Anyone can do that.


>
> -         less user friendly and more expensive to control it over the phone
> (I believe you also have to pay ADT an extra $180 to get the remote phone
> control) and configure it to call you in case of an intrusion

I wouldn't say it was any less "user friendly" than the Simon 3.


>
>
>
> So, it seems to me that getting the Safewatch system would be overkill and
> that the Simon 3 would be a better solution, especially if I want ot have
> the possibility to NOT need to use a professional monitoring service but
> just want the system to call me or other numbers in case of an intrusion.

I wouldn't worry about it either way.  If your company's willing to foot
the bill, have them sign the agreement stipulating to the one year of
monitoring and that the system will revert to your ownership/control at
the end of the contract term.


>
>
>
> Am I right to choose the Simon 3 or am I missing something? : )

Simon 3's easier to install.  I'd get a second quote from another
independent dealer on the same equipment and service.  Don't forget to
ask for the remote keypad.



> Bonus questions :  ; )
>
>
>
> Q2:  Can the ADT dealer actually offer a 12 month monitoring service and
> guarantee that we will own the system after those 12 months?? I thought ADT
> dealer were only allowed to offer 3 year contracts.


You should be dealing with ADT corporate and avoid the dealers (I've
heard there are some very unscrupulous ones out there although I haven't
personally encountered any).  As for the length of contract term...  as
long as it's clearly stipulated, you shouldn't have a problem.


>
>
>
>  Q3: The dealer/installer told us that they could not install any new wiring
> because the place we own is a condo and therefore they can only offer
> wireless systems. Is this correct??

A hard wired system in a condo is problematic, yes.  A wireless system
is much easier.


>
>
>
> Q4:The independent installer told us that they are not allowed (in
> Clearwater Florida) to install smoke detector in condo (but they can in town
> homes). The ADT dealer didn't mention any restriction regarding the
> installation of a smoke detector. Who is right??

Pure hogwash.  A monitored smoke detector in addition to the unit
originally supplied only serves to enhance your personal security.


>
>
>
> Q5: The installer told me that wireless recessed door sensors are no working
> well with the Simon 3 system and that I should go with the regular wireless
> door sensor. Is this correct?

The installer's being "lazy".  The ITI wireless products are amoung the
best on the market.  The recessed contacts take a bit more effort to
install (you need a bigger drill).


>
> Is there also a  big difference in quality between the various sensors? Any
> brand/model, you would recommend  for motion detector or door sensors?

The difference isn't worth mentioning.  You might want to stipulate to a
"pet proof" motion though.  This would help when you're selling your
condo (as an extra feature).


>
>
>
> Q6:Any opinion about  www.nextalarm.com


Nextalarm doesn't do their own monitoring.  They farm it out to various
independent stations across America.  I'd suggest investigating a
*local* (to you) solution.