Home Security Systems

Serendipity

I have a question for the security experts here (disneyjoe7)

I am currently running a DVR with 24/7 video monitoring, but would like to be able to view details in the video such as license plates, etc. The reason why I am asking is because there have been a lot of thefts in the area lately and the police say if the video is blurry/unwatchable it's useless to them.

So is there some kind of software that can do this?

Also, would like any advice on expanding my DIY alarm system - it's an Ademco panel that I installed myself. I currently have glass break sensors in all the zones, combined with a redundant set of contacts on each door/window. Also have every entry way secured with numerous sensors. I'd like to set up a silent alarm at night so that the sirens don't ring (they are horn PA speakers driven by the Ademco siren driver) but I can be waken up. Is this possible?

disneyjoe7

Hmmm.... Security Expert yes, but getting a little old... Been out too long to answer you questions nicely.

Video system to see license plates, not sure if a IR camera would work better or if you need a better outside light upgrade.

A house security system to siren doing the day, but to be silent during the night.. Not sure, but why is my first question

Serendipity

I would say why but that would defeat the purpose. Let's not give thieves ideas.

Basically last night there was a lot of suspicious activity going on, and after speaking to the neighbors today I found out there were a lot of break-ins recently.

disneyjoe7

If there's no horn monitor, this is something that would send a message to the security company. You could remove a wire to the bell, but that's isn't a nice thing to rewire to get the bell to work during the day. I imagine you could put a relay to but the bell to work during the day when the interior zone work when you're out of the house. Not sure what you model Ademco system is, and what you can do with it but some idea's.

Serendipity

I'll look into it.

As for the cameras, I am looking into IR cameras with a long IR range so that details in the picture can be determined. That way the videos can be given to the police to identify the thieves.

Thanks!

treitz3

If a thief can walk up and disconnect your phone line and power supply before entering the house, should you be worried about a silent alarm at this point because if he can? Your priorities need to shift a little bit.

Serendipity

treitz3 wrote: »

If a thief can walk up and disconnect your phone line and power supply before entering the house, should you be worried about a silent alarm at this point because if he can? Your priorities need to shift a little bit.

That's taken care of already. And I have a nice large battery on the Ademco panel too. Keeps it running for a loooooooooooong time.

Knucklehead

As far as a cam to capture license plate info....yes, their is an option, but I can tell you those cameras run $750 to $1000 a peice, there is software built into the camera that compensates for light etc.....they work excellent as my Co's. gov't division has installed several of these at Langley AFB here in Va. Im not sure how many on-board relays your Ademco panel has, it may just have the siren relay, but you could use your panel to trip a "off-board" relay to drive a strobe light or something like that.

Serendipity

So - I reviewed my DVR and noticed some suspicious activity - someone was walking around at 3AM and there was a Chevy Astro Van parked outside around 3:30AM.

There is a BMW 750i parked on this street and a souped-up Range Rover so they might have been targeting those cars. Also see a lot of MB's, Jaguar's, and an occasional Escalade parked around here.

disneyjoe7

Can you state what equipment you're using for this DVR camera system.


BTW did you get my siren off at night thing? It would be a programed output.

Serendipity

Just a basic (commercial grade) CCD surveilance cam with a DVR. IIRC, it's 480 lines resolution and goes down to 1/2 lux.

I'm not even going to worry about the siren at night thing. I just stay up all night and go to sleep when it gets bright outside in the morning.

NotaSuv

130 pounds of SchH III GSD
poison proofed..eats at same time out of same bowl in same place
trained to not eat anything anywhere except from his bowl by me the alpha male
Also put thru military K-9 track and attack modules
Attacks are to the inner upper thighs and groin area keeping his vulnerable areas protected

Responds best on the "out' call of any dog I have the pleasure of working with

Just seeing him in the front house window is enough for someone to look elsewhere

TNRabbit

Who here believes thieves don't lurk in these forums to pick up hints on who has the goods?? Might not be the best idea to advertise on a public forum what mitigation steps you have or will have....

TNRabbit

NotaSuv wrote: »

130 pounds of SchH III GSD
poison proofed..eats at same time out of same bowl in same place
trained to not eat anything anywhere except from his bowl by me the alpha male
Also put thru military K-9 track and attack modules
Attacks are to the inner upper thighs and groin area keeping his vulnerable areas protected

Responds best on the "out' call of any dog I have the pleasure of working with

Just seeing him in the front house window is enough for someone to look elsewhere

Nice~ that would be one tough-to-beat security system! :cool:

Knucklehead

TNRabbit wrote: »

Who here believes thieves don't lurk in these forums to pick up hints on who has the goods?? Might not be the best idea to advertise on a public forum what mitigation steps you have or will have....

I believe it! Thats why Im glad I have nothing worth stealing.:p

Polkersince85

The silent/wake sytem can be tricky. A vibrating device, such as one of those hand messagers tied to the relay will wake you up by shaking the bed post. Use your imagination. Whatever you do, don't go outside to catch them. You are safer staying in the house. Call 911, keep your back to the wall with your PSD in hand.

Serendipity

Disneyjoe7 -

Any experience with the ELK panels such as the following?
http://www.homesecuritystore.com/p-1783-elk-m1gsys3-elkm1-gold-security-and-automation-kit-with-no-keypad.aspx

This one can control lights, cameras, etc. with network capability. Can display video on the touch screen (not included) and interface with home automation systems...

maximillian

Having power line lighting control is an nice touch but don't rely on it for security. Power lin3 controls, i.e. X10, are not reliable enough for security. My system (Powermax+) has it and will blink certain lights during an alarm condition, but there are sirens that go off at the same time.

Some panels offer GSM (cellular calling) or Ethernet besides phone line service. It's a good idea to have two interfaces so one can be a backup. I have phone and Ethernet. For an alarm condition, the Ethernet is setup to email me a text message besides calling my cell (using POTS).

My security system also has camera hookup but I have to use one that is compatible and those are quite limited and expensive. A regular DVR is a better solution compared to the ones with the security system.

disneyjoe7

Serendipity wrote: »

Disneyjoe7 -

Any experience with the ELK panels such as the following?
http://www.homesecuritystore.com/p-1783-elk-m1gsys3-elkm1-gold-security-and-automation-kit-with-no-keypad.aspx

This one can control lights, cameras, etc. with network capability. Can display video on the touch screen (not included) and interface with home automation systems...

I been out of the loop so to speak for some 15yrs now so I haven't even heard of ELK panels. But fond of DSC panels for home, and like this if you wish to control X10 with it. I also wouldn't use X10 for security but would allow it to turn on a light or two to show you that your alarm has been triggered before you entered.


Panel kit.

http://www.homesecuritystore.com/p-1734-ultimate-power5-kit32-power5-dsc-power-1832-ultimate-security-bundle.aspx


Escot Voice control with X10

http://www.homesecuritystore.com/p-730-pc5580tc-dsc-escort-voice-module.aspx

soundfreak1

A Colt 45 and someone trained to use it! Works everytime and no repete offenders!:biggrin:

TaraDavis

Installing home security system is very important. This will keep burglars away from your place.

Locksmith Gresham

obieone

reported!

smglbrth

soundfreak1 wrote: »

A Colt 45 and someone trained to use it! Works everytime and no repete offenders!:biggrin:

Pump action shotguns are about the best for this purpose I would think...

michael1947

I keep a 12ga. right next to my bed, empty but broken to load in 2 seconds. Also, if your neighborhood has turned against you like Clint Eastwoods in Grand Torino, then maybe it's time to move...just saying.

zane77

NotaSuv love your GSD. Did a lot of work with my old dog about 20 years ago with the LAPD K9 squad. They can be very intimidating to the bad guys and are great friends. Sure do miss that dog. Never got to Shu III but his father was and competed in Germany. What great dogs to work with.