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+--- Thread: Anyone Here Using SimpliSafe or Similar DIY Security Systems? (/showthread.php?tid=170999)
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Anyone Here Using SimpliSafe or Similar DIY Security Systems? - mrlynn - 09-10-2014
This system uses wireless sensors and base station, is advertised heavily as easy to install yourself, and can be tied by cell phone to a central office for $15/month, with no contract:
http://simplisafe.com/usa
There must be other companies offering similar systems. Anyone here using SimpliSafe or something similar? How reliable is the hardware? How reliable is the reporting and dispatch in case of emergency?
Sounds pretty good to me. But the proof is in the pudding.
/Mr Lynn
Re: Anyone Here Using SimpliSafe or Similar DIY Security Systems? - GuyGene - 09-10-2014
I like SimlpiSafe. No contract. I do not do contracts on things like phones, internet, TV, etc.
Re: Anyone Here Using SimpliSafe or Similar DIY Security Systems? - mrlynn - 09-10-2014
GuyGene wrote:
I like SimlpiSafe. No contract. I do not do contracts on things like phones, internet, TV, etc.
Gene, are you using it? Does the hardware seem reliable? Can you test it from time to time?
/Mr Lynn
Re: Anyone Here Using SimpliSafe or Similar DIY Security Systems? - GuyGene - 09-10-2014
Actually Mr. I'm not yet using it, but I have researched this topic extensively, and SimpliSafe is the one I'm getting. I just wish they had cameras. I've contacted them about my request for a camera system, and they responded right away and said they are planning to bring a camera to market. Don't know when, and that's what I'm waiting for. I went ahead and ordered signs for my property though!
Re: Anyone Here Using SimpliSafe or Similar DIY Security Systems? - Paul F. - 09-10-2014
Was just looking at that system a few days ago...
It IS tempting, isn't it?
Don't know any more about it than you, though.
Re: Anyone Here Using SimpliSafe or Similar DIY Security Systems? - hal - 09-10-2014
Interesting plug from RL - "these are the guys I trust to protect YOUR family"
wouldn't you rather deal with the guys that he trusts for HIS family?
Re: Anyone Here Using SimpliSafe or Similar DIY Security Systems? - GuyGene - 09-10-2014
Good catch hal! Anyway, I'll be going with SimpliSafe, if they get the cameras. I don't want a system that only alerts once someone has already broken in! I want to be warned while the knuckahaids are still on me place outside! Camera that sends me whatever kind of alert I want. They make them, I just don't know what kind to get yet.
Wait, I've just talked myself out of SimpliSafe! Thanks, Mr.! You just made me think this thing through better. I don't want an alarm after someone breaks in, even if it does alert the police. I want to stop the rascals outside! Hmmm, back to the old research internet… Let us know what you decide.
Oh, but IF I were to get this kind of alarm, it would still be SimpliSafe. I have researched this kind thoroughly.
Re: Anyone Here Using SimpliSafe or Similar DIY Security Systems? - graylocks - 09-10-2014
consumer advocate clark howard regularly recommends SimpliSafe and, no, he's not paid to. one of his staff members who has installed it chimes in on how easy it is to install and how reliable it is when the question comes up.
other than bright lights, a big dog or an armed guard i can't think of any kind of system that stops a thief outside.
Re: Anyone Here Using SimpliSafe or Similar DIY Security Systems? - mrlynn - 09-10-2014
Our son-in-law installed a DIY system from components he bought, which calls his cell phone when it detects an intruder. But he had to disable the motion detectors, because their cat would trigger it. It's not supposed to be that sensitive, but . . . We have cats, and a dog. Here's a tip from the SimpliSafe website:
SimpliSafe wrote:
Bonus pet trick
With larger pets, you can still use a Motion Sensor with this special "trick." Normally, the Motion Sensor looks straight out and down towards the ground. By turning the sensor upside down it will instead look straight ahead and up. This way, you can place the sensor high enough where your pet can't trigger it, but low enough where a person would.
I'll have ask him if that would work in their house.
/Mr Lynn
Re: Anyone Here Using SimpliSafe or Similar DIY Security Systems? - Robert M - 09-10-2014
MrLynn,
The first thing you need to ask yourself is what level of security do you want in a system? Just a basic system? A system that sends you alerts via email and/or text message? Central Station monitoring? Something that has video surveillance tied into it?
Other questions.. Are any alarm companies affiliated with your local police force? There is a particular company in my parent's area that is affiliated with the local force. The alarm is tied into the grid of the local police force.
Do you need a permit? In my area of Long Island, you must have a permit for an alarm and you'll get fined for not having one and you'll get fined if you have more than 2 false alarms that require an officer to come to the property in a given period of time.
Another key to consider is Simplifsafe is just one of numerous companies that offer DYI systems. Simplisafe, Frontpoint Security, etc. Or, you can buy a complete system that isn't affiliated with a particular company that provides central station monitoring and install it yourself.
There are even systems that can be controlled via an iOS app.
I have a Visonic Powermax Plus. Bought it several years ago. Installed it myself and it's been fantastic.
I found out if you have steel window and door frames (like me), you need to install the sensors in a special manner. The metal interferes with the wireless system. So, I had to buy contacts that attached to the frame and one has a wire that leads to the wireless doojigger that connects it to the alarm. The wireless doojigger is attached to the wall where there is sheetrock (or plaster).
The system I have can dial out if connected to a phone line and such. I believe it also works with central station monitoring. I haven't bothered with either since I live in a building and if the alarm goes off, someone is going to call the super or me directly.
One thing I can say is the configuration interface of the Visonic system is archaic. I'm grateful the basic hardware - alarm unit, three sensors, a motion detector and a keyfob were preconfigured. it's be difficult for people not experienced installing alarms to configure these items without assistance. I'd go as far to say that you'll want someone who can give you handholding when installing and/or configuring a DYI alarm. Unfortunately, this is common with many systems from various manufacturers.
I added a second key fob and a wireless keypad last year and had to call homesecuritystore.com for assistance when connecting them to the system. They also guided me with the installation of the system in the first place and are the ones who gave me the heads up about the wireless transmitters and the interference caused by steel windows and door frames. Definitely very happy with homesecuritystore.com. Great people! They've done right be me on several occasions, even long after I purchased the alarm system.
Fortunately, some of the newer systems have much improved interfaces for configuration and such. how much improved, I can't say but anything will be a step above the visonic system. and, as crazy as it sounds, even the Visonic system is a huge improvement over some of the other systems on the market.
Nearly forgot... Being a member of USAA, AAA and other organizations may help you get discounted service from one of the alarm system companies on both the hardware and central station monitoring.
That and be careful about entering into a contract for central station monitoring and/or on the alarm itself. Many companies will reduce the cost of the alarm if you sign up for central station monitoring. The problem is you may pay up the butt for the central station monitoring, which in turn offsets rthe savings on the alarm system and then some.
That and an alarm system may get you a discount on your homeowner's insurance premium. Not a tremendous amount by any means but something. You may need to have central station monitoring to get the discount.
Robert