Re: Need Advice For Packaged Home Alarm Purchase

["Mike" <wxyz09@xxxxxxxxx>]

Very interesting and useful post.  Can DIY systems be monitored remotely
by a CS?

Mike

"Robert L Bass" <sales@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:hqdpt1tl3o5kgpbgup9o306qlla5hkpe2l@xxxxxxxxxx
>> 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