Just moved down to the springs, I'm looking for a new home security system.
What do y'all have and what are some of the best features in your opinion?
Trying to prevent shots fired inside the house, if I can burn the bridge before they get inside.
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Just moved down to the springs, I'm looking for a new home security system.
What do y'all have and what are some of the best features in your opinion?
Trying to prevent shots fired inside the house, if I can burn the bridge before they get inside.
I'm interested to see where this goes.
Roll your own. So much cheaper and better than anything you can "lease".
I was recently looking into this, and there are about 10 recent threads on the subject if anyone wants a head start.
We have outside cameras and inside dogs, no kids so firearms are on hip or within reach... LOADED & CHAMBERED.
Entry door hinges and strike plates have 3"+ screws anchoring them to frame.
Trying to prevent shots fired inside the house, if I can burn the bridge before they get inside.
A reply to your last sentence is something left for another thread. As there's a few ways one could / might interpret it
Suggest one start hereQuote:
Originally Posted by Irving
https://www.ar-15.co/search.php?searchid=838636
link no workQuote:
Originally Posted by Great-Kazoo
Another vote for roll your own.Quote:
Originally Posted by asmo
It's relatively easy these days, and the quality of gear you can get is way better than most of the lease/rental deals.
I have used a basic monitored ADT system for 11 years at two different houses and been very satisfied. No video, just the doors, several motion zones and fire/CO detection.
Type in Security systems after you click on this ^^ Advanced SearchQuote:
Originally Posted by Great-Kazoo
Even if you roll your own, you can provide visual deterrence. I bought a couple ADT yard signs and a bunch of ADT window stickers on Ebay. Of course, motion detectors on outdoor lights are a good thing. Since we have a long driveway, I have a magnetic alarm to alert us when a vehicle arrives but isn't triggered by deer.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Great-Kazoo
Does this link work - Advanced Search ?Quote:
Sorry - no matches. Please try some different terms.
Doing an advanced search for "security system" yields very weak results. Many are old and not current to today's technology, in another the OP deleted all of his entries, and others discuss only surveillance.
Home security is about layers of defense. The security system is only one aspect. I use SimpliSafe and have no complaints so far but its only been a few months.
We had a Protection 1 system put in several years back after someone stole a bunch of patio furniture and may have tried to get into the house. My daughter had not been feeling well that night and she went downstairs to sleep on the couch and she told us she thought she heard someone messing with the door that same night after we discovered the stuff missing. So we wanted to act as fast as possible. We've been pretty happy with the system. Almost no problems at all (a couple minor ones with bad sensors, but they were fixed fast) and it gives us peace of mind. Of course, we also added a 100# GSD, so there's an added layer of alarm there.
We looked at ADT at the time and they were more expensive and we really felt like they were preying on fears a lot more. I don't know if they just high-ball out of the gate as a matter or practice or if they are just that much more. But the Protection1 guy who came out to talk with us was much more down to earth and seemed more interested in getting us a decent deal without playing games right from the start.
Another one for SimpliSafe. Only had it about a month. Since we didn't have any system before, there's some getting used to it which would be true for any security system.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave_L
Part of my job is user friendly design. I can say that SimpliSafe actually did a pretty good job with their setup process and user interface. it's not perfect but quite good.
As long as you can read [simple] directions and folow them, you can set up a SimpliSafe system. If you're the type that thinks that changing a flat tire is horribly complex, I'd go with someone else.
I need to get some ADT yard signs too, since I believe in deterrence, but not tipping your hand as to what you have! :)
SimpliSafe
CrewDog, since you're in the 'springs, if you have more questions I'd be happy to meet up (Whistling Pines West?) and answer them face to face. I could show you their smartphone and web interface, too. PM me if so.
O2
Ps. Had one defective motion sensor. They're exchanging it, no problem.
PPs. They give a 10% discount if you get a referral. I'm sure that Dave_L or I would be glad to give you a referral (we'd get a month free of monitoring too)! :)
These guys installed mine. Was about $120 installed and is $28 a month service. I have a land line to notify central office. 3 doors and an infrared detector inside. Was a custom install. Great service and I can pay the fee by Paypal. I have had it 10 years now on a brand new house.
http://www.keyalarms.com/
I'll second Simpli Safe. Not much more to say than above. I have it in two locations, $45 bucks a month total, including a camera in one. Stupid easy to set up and configure.
After quite a bit of looking around I landed on Livewatch. I'm happy with it.
I use Home Security Centers. They are a local run shop here in CO.
This. Putting the signs up makes the casual smash and grab scumbucket move along. The window stickers are also necessary as ADT also puts them up. If you have one, but not the other, a more sophisticated sumbucket may catch on.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mtneer
You can also buy these: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Doberman-...0148/204324506
They are loud and obnoxious when set off. Early warning if you are in the house, and will scare scumbuckets off...
Thanks O2.Quote:
Originally Posted by O2HeN2
I've got simplisafe coming in next week and i'll see how it goes. Its great because it is expandable.
Installing motion lights on all corners next weekend as well. Moving in a new house makes for a lot of work.
This is called Batesian Mimicry in the wild. There is plenty of evidence to suggest that even if you don't get an alarm (if you can't afford it), getting the stickers and signs can deter crime as well. I am looking forward to what others say as far as what is best.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mtneer
Looks like a lot of people recommending home rolling. I have seen cases of people who have their own home systems catching video of thieves stealing neighbor's cars and the like (without the hassle of going through the security company to get the video).
I think door jamb reinforcement, double doors (security and normal), and having a large breed dog in the home is a huge deterrent. I have the glass security type doors in front of my front and back door to where someone would need to break through the first door to then try and get to the second door making even more noise than just kicking in one door. Before the person even gets up the drive way my 80# lab will be barking her head off and waiting at the door. I still need to work on getting some kind of surveillance put in like the doorbell one and a better door jamb reinforcement. Also looking into those small alarms to put on the glass doors and windows that I believe Kazoo posted earlier.
I'm having trouble finding it. But anyone have link for the thread that was full of home security upgrades. Like not cameras but stuff like doors, lights, etc
Quote:
Originally Posted by ACE2GOOD
The doorbell is limited field of view. Had another forum member install this unit last week . Worth the $$ spent with great clarity, easy to ID faces even @ 1 in the a.m..
https://www.foscammall.com/foscam-fi...ip-camera.html
Most overlooked deterrent is
KEEPING THE OUTSIDE LIGHTS ON!
Between photoelectric sensors on existing lights, to solar LED motion units, there is no excuse why anyone would keep their perimeter unlit.
I think you're talking about the thread with a title like "What did you do to up your home security today?" but I can't find it either.Quote:
Originally Posted by fitz19d
Think that's it Irving
Roughly how much did that run you kazoo. Just the one for front door ? Just wired to a monitor or integrated into something you can watch by phone while away?
Agree. I was too lazy to install sensors on all my external lights, and since the front and side lights were all controlled by one switch, I put in one of these: https://www.amazon.com/Leviton-VPT24.../dp/B003AIKQZ8Quote:
Originally Posted by Great-Kazoo
It's a switch that has a built in timer BUT it can also adjust for sunrise/sunset times based on your lat/long. You set the offset from sunrise/sunset to turn on or off and it will automatically adjust all year long. Plus you can still manually turn it on or off if you want. I also have a home automation system but I wanted something dead nuts reliable for this function, and this switch has not disappointed.
As an added bonus it matched the Decora switches already in my house. It also comes with replacement face plates in different colors to match whatever you already have.