Re: Low-cost burglar alarm system needed

[JoeRaisin <joeraisin2001@xxxxxxxxx>]

On 12/5/2012 12:38 PM, TomR wrote:
>>> On Tuesday, December 4, 2012 4:06:18 PM UTC-8, TomR wrote:
>>>
>>>>> I am looking for a low-cost burglar alarm system -- one that will
>>>>> primarily just protect one large room (a basement with outdoor door
>>>>> and window access); and probably one that will just go off as a
>>>>> deterrent and will not dial out to police etc.  This is for a
>>>>> vacant property that I own . . . ,
>
> Chris wrote:
>> Tom,
>>
>> By the sounds of it, you could probably get away with one motion
>> detector (they generally have a range of 40') to cover the main area.
>>
>> A door contact may be wise, but probably unnecessary in this case as
>> the motion could be programmed as an entry/exit zone.
>>
>> If I were you, I would look at calling the local alarm companies in
>> your area (not the national types) and see if they have something
>> they could sell you.  I know in my office there are a few old control
>> panels that I keep around for power supplies, old keypads for extra
>> parts, random motion detectors that aren't in inventory, etc.
>>
>> A local shop may be able to put a system together for you,
>> pre-program it in their office, sell you the control panel, backup
>> battery, power supply, 30 watt siren (anything less is likely useless
>> for your non-monitored situation), keypad, and a motion detector.
>> Then show you how to wire what where (some sort of labels would be
>> nice) and let you install it yourself.  As the only parts in
>> inventory (unless they count absolutely everything) would be the
>> power supply, battery, siren, and maybe motion detector, it shouldn't
>> cost much.  They may even be able to throw in a scrap box of wire,
>> the type that doesn't have enough in it anymore to be worth packing
>> around to jobs.
>>
>> For me, especially if I had some sort of assurance that you'd be back
>> spending more money with me later on, I would probably only charge
>> $100 or so for everything, maybe $200 at the most.  It would be an
>> old system, the keypad probably wouldn't look that great (yellowed,
>> old zone lists, etc.), you wouldn't have any sort of warranty, but it
>> would do it's job.  Plus I would still trust that system more than
>> any sort of system from a hardware store.
>>
>> - Chris
>
> Thanks Chris. That's a lot of good information and good ideas.
>
> I hadn't thought about the possibility of piecing together some
> possibly-used parts from my local alarm company.
>
> I do have a local alarm company that I use for other occupied properties
> with existing professionally installed alarm systems, fire alarm
> inspections, etc.  I stopped in there last week and we talked a little about
> what I may need, but I didn't have any sample print-outs with me of some of
> the alarm systems I saw online.  They said I should stop back with the
> example print-outs and they would see what they could figure out.  Even
> though I did plan on doing that, I hadn't thought about the possibility that
> they may have some second-hand stuff around etc.  Like you, I was thinking
> that maybe all I would need would be a motion sensor to do the detecting,
> plus whatever else I would need in terms of keypad, a siren, etc.
>
> So, yes, I will try that idea and see what they say.
>
> Also, the alarm company is right down the street from my property, so if
> they can hook me up with some inexpensive parts, my guess is that they would
> probably be fine with hooking it up for me for maybe $100 or so in labor.
>
>

If the house is undergoing a lot of renovation, it would be the most
cost effective time to have that company install a wired system
throughout the structure.

You don't have to have it monitored, even turned on or even installed -
just have it prewired in case you want to put a system in at a later date.