Home Security system options

[cpals]

Me too. So these two options are good but simplisafe does not have glass break sensors. According to their current customers, they've been sayning "soon" for their availability for a while now.

I'm leaning towards the Lynx 'cause of that.

Actually that information is old. I've also been researching alarm systems lately and SimpliSafe just came out with their glass break.

http://simplisafe.com/alarm-sensors

 

[gamefreakgcb]

That is weird. I don't see it in the page with the product extras. Huh. I guess I'm back to square one for deciding what to get.

The Lynx would still be cheaper to monitor monthly.

Simplisafe also requires a higher tier of monthly service to be able to use with a smartphone app.

I'm trying to determine if the Lynx would let me control using the smartphone app without any extra charges. I am adding the wifi module as well.

 

[rh71]

So for those that use it during the day when at home what about when going in and out? I guess that's OK because the door isn't open very long?

It's not ok, you still need to disarm it before you open the door while in stay mode when you go out, and also set it for going out. It can still work for you but a little too much effort everyday. I think only the paranoid or if you're in a sketchy area would you use stay during the day.

There's also an additional setting where you can make it beep 3x (at every keypad) anytime a door is opened warning you someone is in/out, but it will not dial central station of course. I disable this because kids are sleeping in the morning when mom leaves for work (1 beep for stay disarm, then 3 beeps for door open is a bit much). Otherwise it's a good enough safety measure.

 

[Pardus]

All these alarm companies overcharge for monitoring, that's how they make there money. I decided to put an alarm decal on my door that reads "Home/Business/Property Protected With Security Cameras And Alarms". I have a Dropcam installed that records all motion and stores it on the cloud.

A potential thief doesn't know if i have an alarm, camera or both. Lot cheaper that buying a overpriced alarm system.

 

[NutBucket]

Very true. Many studies say the signs are the best deterrent.

 

[WackyDan]

Very true. Many studies say the signs are the best deterrent.

As are REAL cameras that are plainly visible on the outside.

I rebuilt my fence last year, moved it up from the rear corners of the house to the front which obscures my garage side door from view and makes less of an invitation. Solid fence that is 6 foot tall and gates on both sides are locked when not in use. It would be pretty obvious to any neighbor that something was up.

Bonus is we live 4 houses into the neighborhood at a three way intersection- which is bad for traffic at times, but keeps the house under constant view. Neighbors next door work from home mostly, across the street is home 24/7 and elderly couple across next to them doesn't miss a thing. Always felt a bit more comfortable that we'd make a poor target considering we are home most of the time... Anyone casing the joint with half a brain would avoid it.

So location, location, location and multiple perimeters and preparation means that you likely will never have a bad guy trip the alarm... But you might someday get the stupid one.

 

[RossMAN]

Hmmn lots of good info, thanks all.

 

[KlokWyze]

I've got a sign out front and have a simple alarm system installed, but not activated. Reading this thread made my think about putting up fake cameras... maybe real ones. They are so cheap and could turn out to be useful.

 

[gamefreakgcb]

Thanks for all the help. I've been tinkering with IP cameras for a while and installed a bunch at my work place. They are plenty cheap and will probably provide more peace of mind than an alarm alone.

Thanks. You've given me enough to think about.

 

[velillen]

I've got a sign out front and have a simple alarm system installed, but not activated. Reading this thread made my think about putting up fake cameras... maybe real ones. They are so cheap and could turn out to be useful.

Watch slickdeals and other deal sites. Theres been some 4 camera with dvr deals for ~150-200 bucks recently. I picked one up and it was easy to setup and the quality is decently good


The signs are a good idea and i have them. but they still wont stop someone who really wants in (or is stupid). My parents live in an area where its just their house. Even with signs guy tried breaking in. The 110db siren scared him off once the motion detector got him. Then just recently dad was home during the day (retired) and 3 guys parked at the end of driveway (~100 feet from house), pulled hoods up and started coming towards the house. Walked right past a "protected by xxx" (cant remember name of company) sign thats hard to miss. What stopped them was when my dad stepped outside onto the porch. They turned and booked it to the car and left. Just saying signs work great but arent catch all either

 

[RossMAN]

Is it possible to have internet home monitoring + cell for $15/mo?

 

[NutBucket]

I don't think so.