Re: Recomendation for reliable inexpensive monitoring service.

["FIRETEK" <firetech(change-the-ch-to-k)@telus.net>]

"Robert L Bass" <robertbass1@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:4ZCdnTnCUe23Li7YnZ2dnUVZ_vCknZ2d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

> No one, DIYer or paid installer *repairs*
> alarm control panels.  They are either
> sent in to the factory or replaced.  If any
> other component fails it's a simple matter
> to remove and replace it.  This isn't
> rocket science.

No, but finding out the source of the trouble often takes someone with
experience and the right tools.



> That is yet another reason to DIY.

Sure.  He'll spend "hours" of his time findng the problem where it might
take a trained technician 15 minutes.  He'll then have to wait three weeks
for some on line store to arrange to drop ship the part he thinks is faulty
to his house.   And if that part happens to require warranty service, he'll
have to wait another six weeks before he can get a replacement.

Find a local company that's familiar with your equipment to provide service.
You may spend a few more dollars (if it's not monitored), but at least
you'll know the job's in capable hands.  And before you call the "local",
check them out with the BBB.  Ask your neighbours who they use and what kind
of service to expect.

> Nonsense!  The central station receiver gets signals by telephone.  In
this day and age it is ludicrous to pretend that there's any
> difference between placing a local or 800 number call.

There's a huge difference if the station isn't acceptable to the local AHJ.
Call the local police department, fire and ambulance services and find out
what station is or is not acceptable.  If you are going to use an 800
service, make sure they know about local ordinances that could affect your
service.


>
> The local vs. remote monitoring argument has been going on for decades.
Local guys with tiny businesses argue that local is better.

It often is.  Particularly in the fire prevention industry.


> Companies using large, professional monitoring centers argue that their
way is better.  The reality is that there is no difference
> at all.

On the contrary, there are huge differences between a central that employs
licensed and certified staff as opposed to some "mom and pop" that's run out
of a garage somewhere.

>  There are good and bad local outfits and there are good and bad remote
outfits.

True.  But how do you differentiate?  And what kind of response would you
get using a "remote outfit" as opposed to a "local" one?


>
> There is one difference that the previous poster failed to mention.  If
the gentleman signs with some local alarm dealer he's stuck
> using whatever central station they choose.

That's a problem?

>  The contract even allows them to change stations without the customer's
consent if they
> find one that will do it for a dollar less.

There's a huge cost involved in changing stations.  Often it requires
reprogramming the account codes.  Most responsible dealers won't change for
"a dollar less".  Money isn't the only motivation, although you certainly
make it appear so.  That's a tad "disengenuous", don't you think?

>  If he goes the DIY route he can decide which station to use.  If he
doesn't like them,
> he can change at will.

That's not true either.  Most UL Listed centrals won't allow a DIY to
program his own alarm panel.  It's got something to do with liability.