Re: Need Advice For Packaged Home Alarm Purchase

[Robert L Bass <sales@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> This afternoon I spoke with a rep from ASG alarms.  To alarm three doors and
> five windows cost about $654. plus key fob alarm alerter. Costs $70.00 per
> window to alarm wireless.  Can burglars easily defeat the wireless window
> alarms?" Three year contract and I don't own the equipment.  I'm looking for
> an independent contractor.

I'm unfamiliar with the going prices in your area so I can't
speak to that issue.  The idea of paying that much for an
installation where you will not own it, however, should send up
some serious red flags.  If it's a lease, why should you pay a
purchase price?

As to the matter of defeating wireless, yes, it's possible.
However, modern wireless technology employs supervision
strategies which help the system detect jamming, etc.  Frankly,
it's far easier to hit the neighbor's house that has no alarm at
all than to bother trying to get past a wireless alarm system in
your home.  Furthermore, to defeat the system the would-be would
need some prior knowledge of the specific hardware you employ.

Wireless isn't 100% as secure nor as reliable as hard-wired
technology.  There are simply more RF components that can fail
for a given point of protection.  There are batteries to replace
from time to time.

None of the above is the biggest drawback to wireless alarms.
The real problem is in the area of long-term serviceability.
Hard-wired door and window sensors, motion detectors, glass break
sensors and smoke detectors are generally cross-compatible with
all hard-wired alarm systems, regardless of make or model.
Almost all wireless detectors only work with the same series from
the same manufacturer's control panels.  Eventually, the
manufacturer will discontinue support for virtually any product
line they currently carry.  DSC is a prime example of what can
and does go wrong with wireless.  As a cost-cutting measure they
decided to change from 900 MHz to 433 MHz wireless.  Within less
than two years after the change they stopped supporting existing
900 MHz systems, leaving tens of thousands of customers with
systems that cannot be fully supported.  If a 900 MHz DSC sensor
fails or if the customer needs to add a door or window, tough
luck.  They need to rip out all of the existing wireless
detectors and receivers, the major portion of their systems, and
replace it all.  Imagine what that means to a dealer who offers a
three year warranty.

OK, rant mode = OFF.  :^)

If you don't plan to live in the house for more than a few years
and you're comfortable with the possibility that the system may
become obsolete, wireless does have a strong attraction.  Because
no wire pulling is involved, the dealer can employ semi-skilled
labor (unfortunately, though it is 100% true, this is certain to
bring a rain of rage from certain wireless only installers).

For the DIYer, it's a snap installing a wireless system.  That
said, in most cases even existing homes can be effectively wired
by a homeowner with a little patience and a modicum of tool
skills.  You've not mentioned DIY so I presume that's of no
interest to you.  If that is not correct, have a look at my
website.  Regardless whether you decide to DIY or employ a
professional installer, you'll get an idea what these systems
actually cost and a broad overview of the different types of
systems available.

Either way, best of luck.

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

Bass Burglar Alarms
The Online DIY Store
http://www.BassBurglarAlarms.com