DIY home security system recommendations

[Tom Doolittle]

Hi,

I'm interested in installing a security system in my house. While it
would be nice to have something that is nearly foolproof and fully
monitored, I don't have the money for that, so I need something that
is a moderate deterrent but under $500, and can call my cell in the
event something is tripped.

My requirements are as follows:

1. Mostly wireless, since I have an old house and running wires will
be extremely difficult. There can be some wires at the control panel
(e.g. link to a phone line and an AC adaptor), and I could potentially
run a wire to an external siren if needed.
2. I don't plan to have this monitored, but would like to be able to
have the unit call my cell in the event that the system is tripped.
It seems like most systems have some sort of a dialer, but I've heard
that only a few will allow any number to be dialed (most seem to only
be able to dial a monitoring site).
3. My house is small - I will need three door/window sensors and a PIR
that can handle two cats.
4. I'd like to spend less than $500.
5. Ideally this system would be able to avoid the problem of thieves
getting into the house and destroying the control panel and thus
disabling the dialer and/or the siren.

I've done some research on the web and in this NG, and this is what
I've come up with:

Allegro - I like the fact that the dialer is separate from the control
panel. But I've heard this one can only dial monitoring systems (e.g.
can't call my cell in the event of something being tripped).

Ademco Lynx - This one seems to have some supporters in this NG and
has alot of options, but the folks at one of the sites that's
mentioned here alot told me that this can only be hooked up to a
monitoring station (e.g. can't call my cell in the event of something
being tripped).

Visonic - I've read mixed responses on this one. I know it can dial
my cell in the event that it gets tripped, but the fact that the siren
and the control panel are integrated into one is a drawback. I don't
have a place where I can 'hide' the control panel easily.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks,

- Tom

 

[fly in the ointment]

Tom Doolittle wrote

I'm interested in installing a security system in my house. While it
would be nice to have something that is nearly foolproof and fully
monitored, I don't have the money for that, so I need something that
is a moderate deterrent but under $500, and can call my cell in the
event something is tripped.

My requirements are as follows:

1. Mostly wireless, since I have an old house and running wires will
be extremely difficult. There can be some wires at the control panel
(e.g. link to a phone line and an AC adaptor), and I could potentially
run a wire to an external siren if needed.
2. I don't plan to have this monitored, but would like to be able to
have the unit call my cell in the event that the system is tripped.
It seems like most systems have some sort of a dialer, but I've heard
that only a few will allow any number to be dialed (most seem to only
be able to dial a monitoring site).
3. My house is small - I will need three door/window sensors and a PIR
that can handle two cats.
4. I'd like to spend less than $500.
5. Ideally this system would be able to avoid the problem of thieves
getting into the house and destroying the control panel and thus
disabling the dialer and/or the siren.

I've done some research on the web and in this NG, and this is what
I've come up with:

Allegro - I like the fact that the dialer is separate from the control
panel. But I've heard this one can only dial monitoring systems (e.g.
can't call my cell in the event of something being tripped).

Ademco Lynx - This one seems to have some supporters in this NG and
has alot of options, but the folks at one of the sites that's
mentioned here alot told me that this can only be hooked up to a
monitoring station (e.g. can't call my cell in the event of something
being tripped).

Visonic - I've read mixed responses on this one. I know it can dial
my cell in the event that it gets tripped, but the fact that the siren
and the control panel are integrated into one is a drawback. I don't
have a place where I can 'hide' the control panel easily.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

Tom:
It should be easy to meet your needs for the $500 budget, and get a much
better system than those you listed. Running the AC, siren, and keypad
wires is not too difficult, especially in an old house.
I would use a
DSC 632 panel, model # 1555MX.
DSC 5501-433 keypad with integral wireless receiver.
3 DSC WLS925 door/window transmitters.
DSC WLS914 pet immune motion detector. (Follow mounting directions for
pets.)
DSC or ATW 15 watt surface mount interior siren.
Amseco SSX51 exterior siren w/tamper switches.
Yuassa NP712 7 amp/hour battery.
16.5 volt 40 VA plug-in transformer.
RJ31X jack
The panel will call a pager, but if you want a voice message to your cell,
just add a voice dialer.

This system, installed with a little patience, will meet your needs and
afford better security than the stand alone systems.
js

 

[Don von Hollen]

Tom Doolittle wrote

Tom:
It should be easy to meet your needs for the $500 budget, and get a much
better system than those you listed. Running the AC, siren, and keypad
wires is not too difficult, especially in an old house.
I would use a
DSC 632 panel, model # 1555MX.
DSC 5501-433 keypad with integral wireless receiver.
3 DSC WLS925 door/window transmitters.
DSC WLS914 pet immune motion detector. (Follow mounting directions for
pets.)
DSC or ATW 15 watt surface mount interior siren.
Amseco SSX51 exterior siren w/tamper switches.
Yuassa NP712 7 amp/hour battery.
16.5 volt 40 VA plug-in transformer.
RJ31X jack
The panel will call a pager, but if you want a voice message to your cell,
just add a voice dialer.

This system, installed with a little patience, will meet your needs and
afford better security than the stand alone systems.
js


I would have to agree with all of the equipment suggested above, but you

will have to be VERY careful with two cats in the house! Location of the
PIR will be crucial to avoid false alarms. DSC equipment is quite user
friendly and easy to set up.

 

[Jakes452]

Man! you better keep both hands on your wallet when dealing with those that
use this group!! You need to be careful using this group.
Be sure to closely investigate (primarily if you
buy online) any of the online alarm seller, especially if they claim a ASA
certification, a totally false and misleading certification (see that
later). You wouldn't want to buy from someone
whose sideline is understanding your alarm system for the purpose of
exploiting it later byknowing your codes or maintenance access numbers. Be
wary of those who do not have a brick and mortar store.

When I was shopping and using this newsgroup some online dealers advertised
a ASA certification with a picture of a ASA emblem shown on their website.
It gives a good first impression but when you look into it you find out that
it was nothing more then some....guy.... creating a website to supposedly
post complaints, with no entries of complaints or follow-through. It was
analogous to someone flashing a police badge that turns out to be fake. The
ASA moniker is a badge without any accreditation and surely this is
misleading and potentially a scam.

Some of the free advice you get is not because of someone's unselfish need
to make the world a better place to live. Most are giving you advice on the
hope of getting a sale or...."other" information. Listen but don't act on
the advice until you can confirm or gain some trust in the source by
researching them.

Sometimes you can learn a lot about sellers by plugging in email address or
screenname into a Google search of past news postings. You will be
surprised, .....no..MAKE THAT SHOCKED..... at what you find out about those
offering to outfit your alarm.

This is a very unregulated online business, and especially risky for
something as important as security.

good luck....