Re: Low Cost Security Alarm ?

["Bob La Londe" <nospam@xxxxxxxxx>]

"James" <jnipperxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:b-ydnYkCpsg0u9HRnZ2dnUVZ_tSdnZ2d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> I know that this is a very general question, but what is a very good,
> basic,
> simple to install home security alarm ?   I don't need monthly monitoring,
> etc, just a system that will sound an outside alarm when door and window
> switches are set off.
>
> I have had a simple, wired system from Radio Shack for many years, but the
> control unit has become defective.  So, I could stay with a wired system,
> or
> would consider wireless.
>
> Is there anything decent in the  $150  range ??
>
> Thanks !!

In answer to your question:  Any commercial 6 zones hardwired panel will
probably be a superior replacement for your Radio Shack panel.  Depending on
how it was wired you may not have to do much except at the panel.  Most
modern ones I work with have the ability to add an integrated (self
diagnostic and device/battery monitoring) wireless receiver for a few
wireless devices.  $150 will probably buy a number of different control
panels with a keypad new.  Add on a battery and you are good to go.  To add
wireless to it will go past your budget.  Retail for decent (not junk
consumer only) wireless transmitters is going to be around $50 each (give or
take) for contacts and $100+/- for motions, glass breaks, smokes, etc.

I throw in some perspective here for DIYers since our resident, "Its not
rocket science," advocate no longer seems to be contributing.

Now, a real professional should be a lot more comprehensive than that, and a
smaller installer like myself or a number of those here are going to be a
lot more in tune with the capabilities of each component they install.  Yes,
we get paid for our time and expertise, but you get something with a lot
fewer possibilities of having problems and greater chance of working as
desired.

Hmmmmm.....  Maybe I should reincarnate DIYComponets.com.  Nah.  I don't
want to spend that kind of time on support.