anyone install a home security system before?

exalted512

if I get a house, this is among the first things I would like to add. I don't want one that calls the cops or anything, just one with a siren with door and window sensors.

Anyone know about how much a good one runs and how hard it is to hide the sensors and such? one with a remote would be awesome as we'll so I don't have the hassle of putting in a code everytime I walk in.
-Cody

disneyjoe7

Just some IMHO...

Wireless sensors are great to install a new alarm.... But you spend more time and cash fixing them.

Wired sensors are hard to install to hind them.... But you can forget them, they work.

Don't sell you short about not going any alarm system will call someone. If you do it right and add a smoke sensor an alarm company can give you a page for your home insurance for a little deduct off for our premium.

amulford

You can go with motion sensors, too. It would make it easier on the install.

exalted512

I def. would rather go the wired route. The home were looking at needs some remodeling, so I don't think it'll be a problem hiding wires. I do security for cars, but never done one for a house.

How much a month are the ones that call you? also, do you have to have a land line for those to work? I know they can call your cell phone, but how does the alarm contact them?
-Cody

exalted512

I have dogs, so i don't really want to mess with motion sensors, but it maybe an option in the gararge or a shed.
-Cody

MikeC78

Mine was easy to install... I placed a .45 under the pillow.

exalted512

that works great if you're at home.
-Cody

dkg999

I'm with Mike! Why give the bad guys any warning? A .45 close by to get me to the closet where the SHTF shotgun is waiting.

Instead of a siren, I would get an alarm that lets you custom program the sequence of warning messages. The first one I had programmed would be the sound of the slide on a .45 being racked, and the second one I programmed would be the sound of a 12g pump being cocked. A smart crook would be on their way at that point.

MikeC78

exalted512 wrote: »

that works great if you're at home.
-Cody

Ahhhh, yeah... My wife has one too.:eek: Plus, when I am home, I don't go very far.... I'd love to catch one red handed!

The only substitute I have is a camera system with DVR. I have the idiot on camera, and I will find him. No need for a worthless alarm, if the crook wants in, he'll get in, don't worry...

Serendipity

exalted512 wrote: »

if I get a house, this is among the first things I would like to add. I don't want one that calls the cops or anything, just one with a siren with door and window sensors.

Anyone know about how much a good one runs and how hard it is to hide the sensors and such? one with a remote would be awesome as we'll so I don't have the hassle of putting in a code everytime I walk in.
-Cody

I did. I basically went to a local alarm parts wholesaler and bought the parts piece by piece. That included glassbreak sensors, window contacts, switches, panel, siren(s), and siren driver. You do need to have some knowledge about electronics though, I'm a EE major and still had difficulty figuring everything out.

Serendipity

Oh yeah be sure to check out a site like http://www.homesecuritystore.com/

I basically found what I needed, and then went to the alarm wholesaler already knowing what I wanted.

For glassbreak sensors I use the Sentrol 5150s which just adhere to the window with double sided tape. They are the following: http://www.gesecurity.com/portal/site/GESecurity/menuitem.f76d98ccce4cabed5efa421766030730?selectedID=16101&seriesyn=true&seriesID=

There are also many "starter kits" on eBay that you can get a panel, backup battery, keypad, siren driver, siren, and power supply in one package. Something like this would do: http://cgi.ebay.com/Ademco-Honeywell-VISTA-20P-6271C-COLOR-6270-Touch-Kit_W0QQitemZ180255048916QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item180255048916&_trkparms=72%3A552%7C39%3A1%7C65%3A12&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

exalted512

Im not worried about being able to understand how to install it, I've installed several hundred alarms, they've just all run off of 12V, not 120V.
-Cody

Serendipity

exalted512 wrote: »

Im not worried about being able to understand how to install it, I've installed several hundred alarms, they've just all run off of 12V, not 120V.
-Cody

Car alarms are very different than home alarms.

As per cost, I did mine on a budget, so it wasn't more than $600 total for all the parts.

PhantomOG

I think the big blue ADT sign in my front porch does more for deterrance than the actual system itself.

MikeC78

BTW, Smarthome.com has some cool stuff.

Serendipity

BTW, some of the programming involved in the Ademco/Honeywell panels is quite involved, just something to be aware of...

exalted512

car and home alarms are actually quite similar...at least that's coming from a guy who used to do it professionally for another shop in town that does HT and home security, just running the wires is the main difference. if I get stuck I can always give him a call as well.
-Cody

Serendipity

exalted512 wrote: »

car and home alarms are actually quite similar...at least that's coming from a guy who used to do it professionally for another shop in town that does HT and home security, just running the wires is the main difference. if I get stuck I can always give him a call as well.
-Cody

IMO the main difference isn't just running the wires, it's configuration. My setup has 4 bypass switches so that you can turn off a zone when needed (for example, sleeping with the alarm on). Also you have to take into account programming. Do you want a 30-second delay on the doors but instant alarm on the windows? That's what I am talking about.

exalted512

same thing with a car. need to bypas the shock sensor while remote started. have to have a 30 sec to 1 min delay on the door trigger for cars with domelights that stay on after you close the door...etc
-Cody

Serendipity

exalted512 wrote: »

same thing with a car. need to bypas the shock sensor while remote started. have to have a 30 sec to 1 min delay on the door trigger for cars with domelights that stay on after you close the door...etc
-Cody

Is this done with software? Or is it just a matter of flipping DIP switches?

Some of the DSC alarms have the ability to be programmed via a PC.

exalted512

its done with a combination of using the key and a push button switch on some alarms and a handheld computerized device on others.
-Cody

steveinaz

I have an inertia ignited, gas operated, projectile launching device that is 12 in gauge (I can't say the "F" or "G" or "SG" word here in Polkland). So far, it's never gone off, so I guess we're safe.

That PC enough for everyone?

KrazyMofo24

Well picking an alarm system is the most important choice if you are going to install it by yourself. Some alarms will not let you get in to programming without an alpha programmer.

Also make sure you are getting the installation manual, and not the user manual.

No alarm system calls the cops, it calls the alarm company, if you do not get service then it will not call anyone.
Depending on the type of home alarm you choose it will beep if its not able to communicate(sending the signal to alarm company).

Some systems are not user-friendly for programming.

If you want wireless Iti Simon 3 or Simon XT are good, and easy to install and program. If it beeps because of a trouble like not communicating, then you can turn off the trouble beeps. Be sure to get the Saw sensors because they take AAA batteries which are cheaper to replace. 3.6 volts are expensive and hard to find.

The Ademco Lynx is also easy to program and install another wireless system. Both of these systems talk, one concern for this system is that you can not turn off the beeping you can only delay it. The system will only try to send out a signal if there is a trouble with the alarm such low batteries, sensor not communicating, alarms. It will not give the failure to communicate unless it tries to send the signal and fails.

The hardest part to install with these two systems will be the wiring to the keypad/panel.


These are common home alarm systems, but they are designed to communicate with an alarm company.

I am guessing there will be some DIY alarm systems out there. If there is not and you do choose one of these two. I can help you with any questions on these system.

I used to do tech support for home alarms.

disneyjoe7

appadv wrote: »

Is this done with software? Or is it just a matter of flipping DIP switches?

Some of the DSC alarms have the ability to be programmed via a PC.

Installing an alarm vs. Programming an alarm to different worlds all together.


If you know HEX and can add LED's up it can be easier, but it won't be easy the first time.

NotaSuv

exalted512 wrote: »

I have dogs, so i don't really want to mess with motion sensors, but it maybe an option in the gararge or a shed.
-Cody

I use a "Sluggo"

No need for wired or wireless here...just food and alot of love

125# GSD Schutzhund III trained, with one mean **** sounding bark.....never a problem in 5 years...

exalted512

Yeah, I used to be a firm believer in dogs, until I started watching 'It Takes a Thief'

Yesterday, a guy had a 'guard dog' in his commercial garage. The thief gave him a treat and locked him in the bathroom. When he was done getting his cars, he let the dog out and took him with him when he left.

Couple other episodes he would just let the dog out the back door while he was doing his thing with very little complaints.
-Cody

MikeC78

Sounds like an improperly trained dog. Dogs do take a lot of care and training, they are by far cheap, however very effective.

exalted512

Either way, I'm sure thieves know 99% of dogs will follow a steak thrown out the back door any day.
-Cody

disneyjoe7

Just to state people who have dogs may have an alarm also, there's motions like "Pet Immune" and or methods which will not see a household pet.

Serendipity

disneyjoe7 wrote: »

Just to state people who have dogs may have an alarm also, there's motions like "Pet Immune" and or methods which will not see a household pet.

I've seen those before. But they seem to be more expensive.

Why not consider glassbreak detectors + magnetic contacts on the doors? They are effective and easy to install. Just wire them up in series and place on the windows/doors. For additional protection, window bars are a good idea too.

disneyjoe7

They are more expensive as it needs either more sensors or two styles of technology's to distinguish between a human or a pet.

A Glassbreak isn't a good choice as it works on noise, the newer ones made in the last 10 years are better to know a glass breakage from keys or so. But a dog can make a noise where the Glassbreak will not know what made to noise, causing a false alarm.

Now reading your post is a Glassbreak mounted in area where windows are so you need one for say 15 little windows or the type you mount to the glass plane? If the latter yes that would work, but maybe not a cost effective if you have many windows to cover.

Also a side note a standard motion detector could be installed upside down low in the corner of the room where it's like 39" from floor. This way it will see 39" and above so a pet doesn't trip it, need to masked areas where it could see a pet like countertops / stairs.