Home Security Systems

[airborneranger]

With the thread going on about a home burglary and my upcoming trip overseas, I am in need of a home security system. I don't know jack about these things. I went on USAA and they have a deal with ADT but it still costs over 300 for installation and then the monitoring fee. I found some places with free installation but I don't know how legit it is.

What are your suggestions? I live in the Springs.

Thanks.

[275RLTW]

Comcast now has a security system with wireless cameras that you can access online. I've been looking into it for my home. I'm sure it's expensive, however being able to check on it anywhere is a big comfort.

http://www.comcast.com/homesecurity/index.htm

[Sharpienads]

I can't really help you, but some guy tried to sell us a home security system. I told him no thanks, we already adopted a rescue panther. He just looked at me with a blank stare for about 10 seconds until I told him I was joking.

<iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8O1SX4x7uUE?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Dangit, my video isn't working, here's a link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8O1SX4x7uUE

[Monky]

The installation fee from ADT is dumb. They contract out to installers (you've probably gotten the crap in the mail). The big thing is the 'up sale'. The 'basic' free package is shit. 2 door sensors... one Motion detector... or a glass break or whatever.. then you pay out the ass. for each new area..

Honestly, I got ADT and as SOON as my contract is up they're out. W/in a month one of the sensors went out and i fought with their CS for months to get it repaired.

I've been looking at the comcast one, but comcast gives me chills. Their CS isn't any better.

I know there are better ones out there.. I was just in a hurry to get one.

[airborneranger]

The installation fee from ADT is dumb. They contract out to installers (you've probably gotten the crap in the mail). The big thing is the 'up sale'. The 'basic' free package is shit. 2 door sensors... one Motion detector... or a glass break or whatever.. then you pay out the ass. for each new area..

Honestly, I got ADT and as SOON as my contract is up they're out. W/in a month one of the sensors went out and i fought with their CS for months to get it repaired.

I've been looking at the comcast one, but comcast gives me chills. Their CS isn't any better.

I know there are better ones out there.. I was just in a hurry to get one.

That is how I feel about it as well.

[BushMasterBoy]

http://keyalarms.com/


I have used them since 2007. Great install, was $140. $26.25 a month monitoring fee. Only problem I ever had was a backup battery started dying after 4 years. I called and they came out and replaced battery the next day! The have an office in Pueblo West. Offices in Pueblo and La Junta too.

Sometimes I am late for 3 months on payments, and they never complain. No late fees, no annoying phone calls and no price increases. I'd give details of my security, but I think it is just bad OPSEC.

[ruthabagah]

ADT install can be pricey as is Comcast. But no matter what system you want/need let me just point out that If you are not at home an alarm system will do nothing to you if it is not monitored by a central station....

A bad guy can/will enter your house by breaking a door/window, grab whatever you have that is of immediate resell value for him, then be gone in less than 3 minutes with your alarm screaming!

Monitoring and having good locks / protected windows will make a huge difference. Just having flower pots on the window sill will act as a deterrent! It is more important to prevent entry than detect once they are inside.

DISCLAIMER: I used to work for ADT

[esaabye]

We use peak av at http://peakavelectric

They have been good by us for 5 years now. Local owner, reasonable monthly rates and the install was done well.

[Great-Kazoo]

ADT install can be pricey as is Comcast. But no matter what system you want/need let me just point out that If you are not at home an alarm system will do nothing to you if it is not monitored by a central station....

A bad guy can/will enter your house by breaking a door/window, grab whatever you have that is of immediate resell value for him, then be gone in less than 3 minutes with your alarm screaming!

Monitoring and having good locks / protected windows will make a huge difference. Just having flower pots on the window sill will act as a deterrent! It is more important to prevent entry than detect once they are inside.

DISCLAIMER: I used to work for ADT

This. Plus having all your ducks lined up so mail, newspapers, weekly flyers, and other misc crap doesn't scream NOT AT HOME. Do you have timers on your lights, someone who will be stopping by the house at different times, in case someone is scoping out the neighborhood etc?

[airborneranger]

This. Plus having all your ducks lined up so mail, newspapers, weekly flyers, and other misc crap doesn't scream NOT AT HOME. Do you have timers on your lights, someone who will be stopping by the house at different times, in case someone is scoping out the neighborhood etc?

I have all of that established as well. I am not a believer in security systems but the wife wants it for when I am gone.

[ruthabagah]

I have all of that established as well. I am not a believer in security systems but the wife wants it for when I am gone.

Then let me correct my post: "A bad guy can/will enter your house by breaking a door/window, grab whatever you have that is of immediate resell value for him, then be gone in less than 3 minutes with your WIFE screaming!"

[airborneranger]

Then let me correct my post: "A bad guy can/will enter your house by breaking a door/window, grab whatever you have that is of immediate resell value for him, then be gone in less than 3 minutes with your WIFE screaming!"

Ya, that is my fear as well. To be honest, things are just that - things. She has a Glock (no hating) in her nightstand so that should be good. I am trying to convince to put the Saiga 12 up there as well. :)

[ruthabagah]

Ya, that is my fear as well. To be honest, things are just that - things. She has a Glock (no hating) in her nightstand so that should be good. I am trying to convince to put the Saiga 12 up there as well. :)

DON'T! That will be an excuse for her to get a new bedroom set to fit the shotgun!

[airborneranger]

DON'T! That will be an excuse for her to get a new bedroom set to fit the shotgun!

Well crap, I think you are correct.

[Monky]

Don't worry.. we can set up a rotation and make sure she isn't alone at night :D

[airborneranger]

Don't worry.. we can set up a rotation and make sure she isn't alone at night :D

I am not sure I like your tone sir!

[UZI]

[Dr_Fwd]

If someone interested I can pm the phone # of the guy who does the security system (company name is Security Network). I have it installed at my place- so far I'm happy.
It's cellular based system (doesn't use the landline) you can control it with the smartphone, via Internet, etc. I even control all the locks and couple of light switches with it (that was optional and I installed it myself but the equipment they use is compatible with this kinda stuff).
There is no installation fee + all the equipment needed is included for free. Monthly fee is $46. There's only one thing - you have to sign 3years contract with them..
I also have a big dog so they had to install some special sensors so it won't go off falsely.
Oh, they also can hear what is happening in your house and alk through the speaker as soon as alarm was triggered.
Overall I'm really happy with it.
So if anyone is interested I can pm the guys' cell #.
I WILL GET SOME BONUS FOR EVERY REFERRAL!!! SO I AM KINDA INTERESTED PARTY.....

[Dr_Fwd]

I am not sure I like your tone sir!

[UZI]

Oh come on, man! He is our Village Idiot afterall.... Lol!

[Monky]

I am not sure I like your tone sir!

[UZI]

Would you like me to say it more lovingly? [Tooth]

[armstrong001]

I have ADT. I can't really comment on its effectiveness because we haven't been broken into. I have made the mistake of opening the door before disarming a couple of times, and they called to see if everything was ok within a couple of minutes.

[xring]

Back in the day I installed custom home and business security systems. They can be effective, primarily when the audible goes off. They are useful when one comes home and can see's perimeter is secure when entering the house. They can be tactically useful when different loops are installed so the area of intrusion is known.

All of these functions do not need monitoring to function. Personally I dont think monitoring is worth the cost. He she is going to boogie when the audible goes off either from a contact switch or the panic button. If they dont ,any threat they pose will have to be dealt with far before the alarm company summons the police. Because of this i prefer custom alarm companys with history and references that have no interest in locking you into a eternal monitoring contract. Note that a dog provides all of the same functions mentioned, all that is needed is a dog, a mushroom head panic switch(s) and a high decibal alarm with ups. Additionally a dog provides companionship and a team in your absence. If you want a attack doggy well in my mind there is complete difference between a organic weapon and a team member. I prefer a team member personally.

If the threat is to your possesions i would advise more safes.

1. dog
2. more CQB training for wife scenario based armed
3. more cqb range time for wife
4. more safes for stuff
5 more scenario based training unarmed
6 simple panic button and audible horn.

No tool can substitute for individual training including a alarm system. Ultimately she must decide wether she wants to aqquire self defense skills. I see you live in the springs. I believe there is realistic effective scenario based training there. One scenario based training class that challenges her beliefs, shows her limitations, and provides her with appropriate responses will do more to keep her safe than 10 alarm systems. http://www.rmcat.com/ Ultimately skills always take work they can not be purchased. Bodyguards with skills can be purchased however. AND HAVE HER READ " THE GIFT OF FEAR"!

[airborneranger]

Back in the day I installed custom home and business security systems. They can be effective, primarily when the audible goes off. They are useful when one comes home and can see's perimeter is secure when entering the house. They can be tactically useful when different loops are installed so the area of intrusion is known.

All of these functions do not need monitoring to function. Personally I dont think monitoring is worth the cost. He she is going to boogie when the audible goes off either from a contact switch or the panic button. If they dont ,any threat they pose will have to be dealt with far before the alarm company summons the police. Because of this i prefer custom alarm companys with history and references that have no interest in locking you into a eternal monitoring contract. Note that a dog provides all of the same functions mentioned, all that is needed is a dog, a mushroom head panic switch(s) and a high decibal alarm with ups. Additionally a dog provides companionship and a team in your absence. If you want a attack doggy well in my mind there is complete difference between a organic weapon and a team member. I prefer a team member personally.

If the threat is to your possesions i would advise more safes.

1. dog
2. more CQB training for wife scenario based armed
3. more cqb range time for wife
4. more safes for stuff
5 more scenario based training unarmed
6 simple panic button and audible horn.

No tool can substitute for individual training including a alarm system. Ultimately she must decide wether she wants to aqquire self defense skills. I see you live in the springs. I believe there is realistic effective scenario based training there. One scenario based training class that challenges her beliefs, shows her limitations, and provides her with appropriate responses will do more to keep her safe than 10 alarm systems. http://www.rmcat.com/ Ultimately skills always take work they can not be purchased. Bodyguards with skills can be purchased however. AND HAVE HER READ " THE GIFT OF FEAR"!

Good advice. I appreciate the input.

[Jer]

I have nine cameras covering every possible entrance point to my house and most of the inside that are all accessible from my Android phone or any computer in the world. I get emails with 5 still photos anytime there's movement on any of these cameras. I have them DVR to a remote location so that if someone should get through my fortress and decides to steal one of my PCs thinking they got my security files... nope. I can activate 2-way audio or pan the cameras around from my Evo 4G running Android from Texas if I have a data connection of some sort. I can even check the status of my garage doors and open/close them from anywhere in the world so long as there's an internet connection. As part of my IT consulting I've installed these for both businesses and residential clients and with the crime rates and home invasions on the rise I think this is better than any alarm system although having both isn't a bad idea. With this I can not only monitor real time, get alerts real time and then call a neighbor or the cops myself but I've got gobs of video with them on it. Good wireless cameras can be had for around $100 each these days but the difficult part is the setup of the cameras and the various types of software required to do everything I just mentioned.

[ruthabagah]

I know this is a classic but it deserve a re post once in a while:

Best home theft deterrent ever.

1. Go to a second-hand store and buy a pair of men's used size 14-16 work
boots.

2. Place them on your front porch, along with several empty beer cans, a
copy of Guns & Ammo magazine and several NRA magazines.

3. Put a few giant dog dishes next to the boots and magazine.

4. Leave a note on your door that reads:

Hey Bubba, Big Jim, Duke and Slim,
I went to the gun shop for more ammunition. Back in an hour. Don't mess
with the pit bulls -- they attacked the mailman this morning and messed him up real bad. I don't think Killer took part in it but it was hard to tell
from all the blood. PS - I locked all four of 'em in the house. Better
wait outside.

[00tec]

http://burglarbomb.com/

[xring]

I have nine cameras covering every possible entrance point to my house and most of the inside that are all accessible from my Android phone or any computer in the world. I get emails with 5 still photos anytime there's movement on any of these cameras. I have them DVR to a remote location so that if someone should get through my fortress and decides to steal one of my PCs thinking they got my security files... nope. I can activate 2-way audio or pan the cameras around from my Evo 4G running Android from Texas if I have a data connection of some sort. I can even check the status of my garage doors and open/close them from anywhere in the world so long as there's an internet connection. As part of my IT consulting I've installed these for both businesses and residential clients and with the crime rates and home invasions on the rise I think this is better than any alarm system although having both isn't a bad idea. With this I can not only monitor real time, get alerts real time and then call a neighbor or the cops myself but I've got gobs of video with them on it. Good wireless cameras can be had for around $100 each these days but the difficult part is the setup of the cameras and the various types of software required to do everything I just mentioned.

Wow... Impressive. When you are home you dont have to view monitors the vision engine does it for you and gives you the images on your android to evaluate. What vision engine software are you using?

[Jer]

Wow... Impressive. When you are home you dont have to view monitors the vision engine does it for you and gives you the images on your android to evaluate. What vision engine software are you using?

On the Android there's an app called IPCamViewer Pro that's very powerful and works very well. For home one can even use a dedicated tablet running this same app to monitor all cameras or a combination. You can have one and plug it into power where ever you are or you can mount them at various locations to be able to monitor video from anywhere. At home, I use Xbox 360's at all of my viewing locations for streaming movies as well as all my HDTV recorded via HomeRun Prime HD tuners to a central location. I wrote a program that allows me to click individual cameras from the Xbox Windows Media Center menu to have them display or even all of them at once in a nice 16:9 grid on any of my TVs. It's quite handy if we're watching TV or a movie and something goes bump in the night. A quick button press allows for an area check. Oh, the dog is on the patio and wants back in often is the cause.

[xring]

On the Android there's an app called IPCamViewer Pro that's very powerful and works very well. For home one can even use a dedicated tablet running this same app to monitor all cameras or a combination. You can have one and plug it into power where ever you are or you can mount them at various locations to be able to monitor video from anywhere. At home, I use Xbox 360's at all of my viewing locations for streaming movies as well as all my HDTV recorded via HomeRun Prime HD tuners to a central location. I wrote a program that allows me to click individual cameras from the Xbox Windows Media Center menu to have them display or even all of them at once in a nice 16:9 grid on any of my TVs. It's quite handy if we're watching TV or a movie and something goes bump in the night. A quick button press allows for an area check. Oh, the dog is on the patio and wants back in often is the cause.
So each of your cameras has its own IP and is on the web via wireless? I thought those cameras were way expensive? Excuse my ignorance this is beyond me both technically and financially, just curious.

[Jer]

So each of your cameras has its own IP and is on the web via wireless? I thought those cameras were way expensive? Excuse my ignorance this is beyond me both technically and financially, just curious.

Yeah, separate IP address for each one and they're wireless so they link up with my router and then to a secure website that allows me to access them remotely or if I'm on my home network I can just access them locally.

[xring]

Yeah, separate IP address for each one and they're wireless so they link up with my router and then to a secure website that allows me to access them remotely or if I'm on my home network I can just access them locally.

The cameras are a nice little subnet under the routers IP! Sweet!

[Irving]

I think it'd be cool if you could set it up so your tv would display the split screen with several camera shots, including the one of the living room where the tv is, so that anyone who is IN your house, can see themselves on camera. You could set it up so it is triggered by ANY motion from any camera, so you don't have to have it on your tv all day long. Seems like it would be a decent deterrent to thieves.

[Jer]

The cameras are a nice little subnet under the routers IP! Sweet!

Yeah, it works pretty slick and people are always amazed at the things I can do and how well it works, day or night.


I think it'd be cool if you could set it up so your tv would display the split screen with several camera shots, including the one of the living room where the tv is, so that anyone who is IN your house, can see themselves on camera. You could set it up so it is triggered by ANY motion from any camera, so you don't have to have it on your tv all day long. Seems like it would be a decent deterrent to thieves.

You can really do just about anything your mind can imagine these days with home automation. Well, what your mind can dream up and your wallet can afford. lol Some stuff is pretty reasonable though and it's substantially more affordable than it was not that many years ago. Even the equipment has come down quite a bit for what you get compared to what it was 5yrs or so ago. It's pretty cheap when you consider what a monthly monitoring service costs versus what you get plus what it would cost to replace your belongings.

[brokenscout]

I have RattleSnakes you can have:)

[Jer]

I have RattleSnakes you can have:)

The problem isn't the protection they offer but the finicky disarm setting.

[brokenscout]

The problem isn't the protection they offer but the finicky disarm setting.
Once you get bit acouple dozen times your fine.But I csnt find anyone to re arm my system:)

[Jer]

Once you get bit acouple dozen times your fine.But I csnt find anyone to re arm my system:)

Can you control it remotely with your smart phone?

[brokenscout]

Can you control it remotely with your smart phone?
I tried, but I usually use my smart gun:)

[Jer]

I tried, but I usually use my smart gun:)

I've found that the dumb shovel works well for disarming and has better battery life.

Have we worn this out yet?

[Slapps74]

Then let me correct my post: "A bad guy can/will enter your house by breaking a door/window, grab whatever you have that is of immediate resell value for him, then be gone in less than 3 minutes with your WIFE screaming!"

Haha. My wife has been instructed to shoot!

[joesammark]

According to my view, Now-a-days many Home Security System are available in market and through online marketing also. Many software's works with network and analogue cameras to provide video monitoring, recording and event management functions up to 16 cameras. Please produce some more attachments about the topic for view detail information.

[trlcavscout]

From what I have heard comcast is doing free installs on the alarm? A buddy of mines mom got it in aurora and thats what he said. It comes in different levels of packages also I guess depending on what you wanna pay.

[Jer]

A home alarm system is the LAST thing I want in the hand of Comcrap. Perhaps I can outsource my vasectomy to them and get it all bundled to save a few bucks! I wonder if they will credit me $20 on my bill if the 'doctor' doesn't show up within his window. [Tooth]

[hatidua]

The installation fee from ADT is dumb. They contract out to installers (you've probably gotten the crap in the mail). The big thing is the 'up sale'. The 'basic' free package is shit. 2 door sensors... one Motion detector... or a glass break or whatever.. then you pay out the ass. for each new area..

Honestly, I got ADT and as SOON as my contract is up they're out. W/in a month one of the sensors went out and i fought with their CS for months to get it repaired.

I've been looking at the comcast one, but comcast gives me chills. Their CS isn't any better.

I know there are better ones out there.. I was just in a hurry to get one.

I had ADT at my beach house in Florida and the amount of "false alarms" was such that the local PD required a deposit just in case they had to come out - not even for actually coming out, but due to how often ADT alarm systems falsely triggered. Every tropical storm would set the system off and with how hard the wind blows in Boulder during the Winter, there's no way I'm going through that again.

While ADT may be just the ticket for some people, the only thing I have left from ADT is their lawn signs - which still work really well! [Beer]