Re: Newbie questions on alarms

["Crash Gordon" <webmaster@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I especially like 5

--
**Crash Gordon**







"Frank Olson" <use_the_email_links@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:SVeZl.34535$VL5.28716@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Mike W. wrote:
>> Hi!
>>
>> I am interested in installing a home alarm system, but like anybody, I
>> am uncertain on which company to go with and what to get.  Many web
>> sites I've seen seem a little shady, and the company web sites are not
>> user friendly at all.  IE: GE, Honeywell.
>>
>> The one that seems user friendly is the Smarthome SecureLinc alarm,
>> though I've read some negative things.  It looks like the majority of
>> people go with GE or Honeywell.  Here are my requirements.
>>
>> 1) I have two dogs, so I believe a PIR/motion sensor is out of the
>> question for the house.
>
> Not necessarily.  What size are the dogs?  There are several "pet immune"
> detectors on the market.  It's a matter of "positioning" where they go to
> minimize the risk of false alarms.
>
>> 2) I have a detached garage that I need monitored.  PIR, window
>> sensors, and/or a BMS for the overhead doors and service door is
>> possible.
>
> Problem with a wireless PIR in a garage is the lack of heat.  It depends
> on what area of the country you're in whether installing a PIR is even
> possible.  Window bugs, contacts on the windows and doors shouldn't be
> difficult.
>
>
>> 3) Two keyfobs to arm/disarm the system.
>
> Most security panels are capable of this, however...  "Disarming" may not
> be where you want to go.  Consider if someone were to steal your wife's
> purse.  They'd have your home address and the means to disarm your
> security system.
>
>
>> 4) I prefer to hardwire the system.  I like the convenience and easy-
>> setup of the wireless system, but I'm a little leery about the battery
>> life, false positives, and interference.
>
> Modern wireless controls don't present any problems of the nature you're
> concerned about when set up properly.  If you want to go "hard wired",
> you'll need some specialty bits and other tools to run the wire in the
> attic.  It's not something just any "monkey" can do...  :-)
>
>
>> 5) Prefer to connect it to my LAN for external monitoring.  I like the
>> idea of being able to receive email if the alarm goes off, and
>> utilizing a camera to see if I should call the police or not.
>
> You start of with #6 by saying that "money isn't an issue".  The cost of
> third party monitoring (and the inherent security afforded by modern IP
> communicators) would ensure your home is safeguarded (even when your cell
> phone is "off" or "out of the service area").
>
>
>> 6) Money isn't an issue.  I like installing things myself and would
>> like to do it myself.  I have some experience in the security field
>> and feel confident that I can do this on my own.
>
> Good for you.  I have no problem with helping someone wire their own home
> (for security).
>
>
>> 7) I have 9 windows and two doors on the house.  I have 1 door, 2
>> overhead doors, and one (rather large) window in the garage.  I have a
>> 1st floor and basement, and I'm able to access the attic in the house.
>
> This isn't sufficient information to provide a proper recommendation. We'd
> need to know if the windows are accessible from the ground floor or if
> they're second story.  We'd also need to know something about the layout
> to properly recommend the best protection for the dollars you want to
> spend.
>
>>
>> As I mentioned, I checked out the SecureLinc one and it seems to meet
>> all my requirements, but just want to know if there's something else
>> out there I should be going with...and where to purchase it.  I prefer
>> to also purchase it locally, but don't know where in the Chicago area.
>> (South side).
>
> I wouldn't suggest X-10 to be the "be all" and "end all" of wireless
> alarms.  Far from it...  It's unsupervised crap.  I'd go with a "hybrid"
> system like Ademco's Vista 20 or DSC's "Power" Series.
>
>
>>
>> Thanks for the help!
>
>
> You're welcome.  You can explore some helpful tips at
> http://www.yoursecuritysource.com.  Good luck!!
>
>