Re: Never had an alarm before but...

["Jim" <alarminex@xxxxxxx>]

R.H.Campbell wrote:
> Sir, your post is full of half truths, misconceptions and plain outright
> incorrect facts. See below

Robert, this is a really great post.

I'm sure you'd get thanks from everyone.



> ..........................................................................................................................................................
>
> "Bill" <bill190nospam@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
> news:42fh8qF1ipadtU1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> > Beware! Some alarm companies can be bigger "crooks" than the crooks you
> > are trying to protect yourself from.
>
> RHC: Some may be just as in every other industry; however, the vast majority
> are NOT, and are simply trying to provide good honest service to their
> clients. Your generalized smear of the industry is not warranted in any way,
> shape of form.
> >
> > They will lock you into monitoring contracts and control the electronic
> > equipment so that if you cancel their monitoring, your equipment will not
> > function.
>
> RHC: They may well lock you into a contract of some duration. That is the
> industry norm. It's also a fact that if you shop around, you may be able to
> find companies that don't. However, cancellation of monitoring does not
> affect the system in it's ability to work in "local" (non monitored mode).
> Many if not most DIY'ers opt for no monitoring, or something they call "self
> monitoring". IMO they are shortchanging themselves; however, the measure of
> security they choose is their choice. But all alarms will work in local
> mode.
> >
> > Don't sign any contracts.
>
> RHC:  A long term contract may or may not be an option depending upon the
> company you choose. However, no company will ever work without a contract
> being signed whatever the term...monthly or long term. That would be
> extremely foolish !
> >
> > Buy your equipment for cash/credit card on internet or wherever. Pay
> > someone to install it or do it yourself - no contracts.
>
> RHC: That is an option. However, it may be difficult to find a company that
> wishes to install a non monitored account...for two reasons. Or if you do,
> it will be at an expensive price. Monitoring is where the money is, and
> second...non monitored accounts simply don't work very well. The party you
> choose to do the installations may or may not do a good job. It has been my
> experience that the contractors that do this casually for clients generally
> don't have the experience level to do what most would consider a
> professional quality installation. That usually translates into the systems
> ability to do it's job with no false alarm problems !
> >
> > There are companies which will do monitoring for very little and have
> > fairly simple contracts. The following company looks good to me, but might
> > want to look at others as well.
>
> RHC: Provided you choose a ULC rated company, you can get raw monitoring for
> $10 a month. What you give up is the warranty and service of a dealer for
> the extra dollars a month. At that point, it becomes a crapshoot ! You're
> betting you never need the services of a dealer, because if you do, it's
> going to be a subcontractor, and his prices for the simplest service will
> quickly eat up any perceived gain from the lower rate ! But like everything
> in life, it's the consumers choice. But my personal opinion, is it's a poor
> bet for the consumer !!
> >
> > Anyway be in the position where *you* own your equipment and you decide
> > where it will be monitored. If not happy with your monitoring, you may be
> > locked in for a year, and may be required to give them notice in writing
> > that you want to cancel, but at least you will be able to switch.
>
> RHC: That's the first thing you've said that makes sense !!! Freedom to move
> comes with the shortest contract but in turn will be the hardest to find !
> Long term contracts build a measure of equity in their companies, so most
> choose to sell that way. It's purely business; NOT a scam as you seem to be
> suggesting !
> >
> > Also alarm systems can be "locked out" by the monitoring company. Get it
> > in writing that they will not lock out your alarm system and that should
> > you cancel, they will return control of the alarm system to you.
>
> RHC: Your terminology of "locked out" is confusing. Every company changes
> the installer code while they are responsible for your system, and that is
> as it should be. Any other company coming in simply has to default the board
> back to factory specs, and reprogram. It's no big deal, and wise to do
> anyway, to eliminate undefined signals going to the Central Station !!
> However, if the board has the hardware lockout activated as well, this
> cannot be done. If the equipment belongs to the client, and there is nothing
> owing in the way of revenues to the company, it is not legitimate for ANY
> reason. If it is locked, and the company refuses to unlock it, it amounts to
> theft, pure and simple.
> >
> > So far as interrior motion detectors, get a "dual" type which is IR and
> > microwave. The are not likely to have false alarms. And wireless systems
> > use batteries which cost a fortune. I have my system "hard wired" and
> > don't need to buy any batteries.
>
> RHC: Wireless systems today are very good; however, they do require more
> service due to batteries. A hard wired system overall usually gives you more
> reliable service over the long term.
> >
> > Ask questions here about specific door contacts, smoke detectors, motion
> > sensors, best monitoring companies, etc. and you should get good answers.
>
> RHC: Yes, you will get good answers here provided you don't come in with
> preconceived and incorrect ideas as you have stated in this post. Try coming
> in with an open mind; ask valid questions that don't piss people off at the
> beginning, and you will generally get good advice from professionals in the
> business.  Continue to "diss" our industry and you will get what you
> deserve...
> >
> > One monitoring company...
> > http://www.alarmrelay.com
>
> RHC: Another good "direct to end user" ULC rated company in Canada is
> www.themonitoringcentre.ca. But know beforehand, you will be charged for the
> setup, and one full year in advance. Service will be by subcontractor who
> has no vested interest in your system, and can be expensive. Your choice !!
>
> R.H.Campbell
> Home Security Metal Products
> Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
> www.homemetal.com
>
>
>
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