Home Security Systems

**twistedredbird** · 04-03-2012, 12:07 PM

Anyone know a lot about these? Just wondering what I need, versus what are unneeded bells and whistles.

**AIBClone** · 04-03-2012, 12:18 PM

Depends on what you want. A keypad is a necessity but than it is your choice as to how many you want. The style and hightech part of them is also your choice.

The panel is a requirement but how many devices you want will determine how big of a panel you will need.

The more devices, the more expensive it will be. Most people get a siren but they are not needed. They will definately scare someone off but the keypads will always go off in the systems I have ever been around. Motions and glassbreaks are where you have to think the most. Alot of salespeople will try to sell you a glassbreak or motion that is somewhere that someone will never break into. Like your second story bedroom, ya I totally need a glass break because the robber would never think to break into the first floor windows. Be smart. They also now have some fancy screens for windows that send low voltage through them so if you ever have one cut, it will set off your alarm.

I am by no means an expert but I installed many of these in my summer job the last two years and could probably give you a better opinion than some jerk off salesman who is just trying to make his quota. My dad has been an installer and now install manager of security systems for 20+ years so I have always been around them.

**greatshu** · 04-03-2012, 12:32 PM

I have basic security system through protection one. Cost me something like 30 a month. 24/7 monitoring with pet friendly motion censor inside. I could have done more fancy stuff but didn't really need it and didn't want to pay for those.

Dropped my homeowners insurance quite a bit in exchange which was nice.

**twistedredbird** · 09-12-2012, 01:13 PM

In case anyone else out there is looking, I did a lot of research and ended up with FrontPoint. Their systems are completely mobile/cellular based, and has a phone app so we can disarm/arm etc. Given so many of us don't use land line phones anymore, this is a plus for us, as well as no risk of not working if power is out. Also, like that I can have my garage armed (with most systems you don't have enough time to open the garage door, get out of the car and into the house. (which I worry about a lot given the equipment and toys in there).

**Cybeliever** · 09-12-2012, 01:16 PM

12 gauge shot gun with 00 buckshot and a wooden baseball bat.

**twistedredbird** · 09-12-2012, 01:20 PM

Originally Posted by Cybeliever

12 gauge shot gun with 00 buckshot and a wooden baseball bat.

does very little but get stolen when you are away from home more than home.

**Cybeliever** · 09-12-2012, 01:24 PM

Originally Posted by twistedredbird

does very little but get stolen when you are away from home more than home.

Not when you booby trap the doors with said shotgun and wooden baseball bat and other household objects like paint cans, marbles, irons, and your common tack.

**cyadict** · 09-13-2012, 01:35 PM

Here is mine...

**ISpyCy** · 09-13-2012, 01:46 PM

What would Carl Spackler do?

**Gonzo** · 09-13-2012, 02:43 PM

I travel a bit for work, and with a wife and two young daughters, none of whom are comfortable relying on the 20 gauge in my absence, I have an ADT system. It was around $80 for each window/door sensor you have installed, along with motion detector (optional), and in addition to the base installation/keypad fees. Pretty convenient with the app you can monitor/arm/disarm from your phone. Works for us.