What type alarm system for home?

[Old Paths]

I will look at a wired system, have to make calls Monday for monitoring, will try locals first, great advice. I like supporting the locals, and the fact that they are your neighbors means a vested interest in your satisfaction.

I like the wireless MURS< what kind of range ? (real world, not brochure)

I also like the relay points for the base receiver, somehow a wired system seems more reliable than a wireless indoor system.
Question, what do you do with windows that are always open in the summer? I have central air (condenser / compressor are on front porch, awaiting installation right now), don't know how much it will get used here. Is that an application for the motion sensors indoors?

For central monitoring, do they dispatch sheriff / police, or is that done only if they call and no response is received from the homeowner?

The honeywell / ademco seems like a commodity, in that it can be purchased pretty much on best available price from multiple vendors. Anything to look for in particular, ie # of zones? I see some have 8 zones, some even more.
Advantages to zones? Generally I would want to know when anyone is in the lane or driveway, regardless of whether I am home or not. Do the majority of users have dialers to report intruders via cell, text message, or voice dialers? Most of the systems have dialers as an accessory, is it worth it for the dialer?

Thanks

 

[MossRoad]

Large and loud!!! That's what you want in an alarm system. Something that goes off with sirens inside and outside as well. Also, something that flashes the outside lights to attract attention. And if you do not want to pay a monthly monitoring service, install an auto dialer that calls your cell phone and several other family members and plays an alert message.

Some alarm companies offer cell phone dialers so if the phone line is cut, it still makes the call.

For do it yourself, try Radio Shack. They have some alarm systems. X10.com also has some systems. Cheap but affective.

 

[zeuspaul]

A zone is a circuit. You want a zone for each sensor. It is difficult to troubleshoot if you put multiple sensors on one zone. My two garage doors are wired in series and act as one zone. Also you may want to bypass a particular sensor (zone).

Wiring all windows in one room in series would be an option for multiple sensors on one zone.

If you want it monitored you need a dialer or some other means to contact the monitoring service.

Windows can be assigned to *vent* zones in the Ademco Vista 20P. That means you can arm the system when the window is faulted. You can close the window when it is armed. If you then open it the alarm will sound. (if my memory serves me right

Alternately you can have two sensors on the window. One in the vent position and one for closed. Arm as usual and if the window is moved from either position the alarm will sound.

Zones are assigned a number which corresponds to how a faulted sensor will act in various situations. For example interior motions need a zone type which will not create an alarm when the system is armed home. Front doors usually have a zone type that has an entry delay. When you open the door you have x seconds to disarm the system. You don't want a delay for windows so they would have a different zone type. I don't have any delays in my system. I arm and disarm with a wireless remote from outside.

The pros generally install Ademco or DCS. DCS is similar to Ademco but I can only speak to Ademco. I believe Ademco was a better alternative for wireless. It's kind of like Chevy or Ford.

You can add zones to the Ademco by adding a circuit board. There is a maximum number of boards. Count up the sensors you need and that is the number of zones you need.

If you are going to get a pro wired is the way to go. Watch out for the big guys who install for almost nothing and then require a monitoring contract. They will install a couple of motions, give you a sign and a monitoring contract. If you hire a pro do it right and have the sensors wired. It will cost a couple of grand. You will still have to monitor for several years. My preference would be to own the system after the required monitoring time. You should have the option to get the installers code at the end of the contract. Without the installers code you won't be able to program the system.

Zeuspaul

 

[zeuspaul]

My statement about needing a dialer for monitoring isn't correct. The Ademco uses a phone line to call the monitoring service and uploads a code. As Moss indicated the dialer is necessary if you want the system to call you.

Zeuspaul

 

[beenthere]

I have a similar situation, end of a long drive off a dead end road, so want to know when someone drives in.

I have had excellent service from a Radio Shack Reporter Wireless Alert system (two sensors with one receiver). It beeps and also is wired to the doorbell which sounds off in two locations in the house.
Occasionally a car will come in under the "radar", but rare. Deer and turkeys will set it off, as will an insect that builds a cacoon in the sensor. But the satisfaction of having a warning of vehicles driving up the drive far outweighs any distractions.
I once wired it to trip a motion detector that would turn a light on in the house. That could also trigger a camera for a video or picture of the "intruder" (whatever it might be that set it off).
It is cheap (under $100) and I think effective.
Trying to outdo the robber when we are away from the house is something I am concerned about, but not something I think I can "outwit" with anything that I want to mess with (time, money, and inconvenience).
You being an electrical engineer, maybe consider a wire buried in the drive that would act as an alarm (think it is capacitance changes of vehicle passing over it? ).

 

[VitaBene]

As a security consultant, I design large scale security systems (access control, video surveillance (CCTV is now a misnomer with the advent of IP video), Intrusion detection, anti-terrorism/force protection). There have been great responses to this thread but I thought I would add a few thoughts.

Panel- the panel is the brain of your system. There are essentially three choices for transmission of alarms- hardwired telephone line, IP, or cellular. In the OP's case, cellular sounds like it would be most effective. Battery backup is highly recommended.

Keypads- Usually 2 choices here- LED or LCD. I prefer LCD as it gives more info via text on the display as opposed to flashing lights. Locate keypads at the entrances you use for the house and consider adding one in your bedroom. There are also fobs that can arm and disarm if desired.

Sensors- There are a lot of things that can be monitored Here are a few:

1. Door Contacts- locate the sensor on the lock side of the door, no more than 6 inches from the jamb if mounted at the top of the door.

2. Window Contacts- Sensor mounted on the side of the window. I like using 2 magnets so that one makes contact when the window is closed and the second makes contact at 4 or 5 inches open, This way you can leave a window open for ventilation without bypassing. Drill a hole thru the window and slide a pin or large nail in when open so the window can't be opened easily from the outside.

3. Motion detectors- I avoid these when possible due to false alarms. They do have a place but in my estimation it is only for when the home is unoccupied.

4. Glassbreak detectors- These listen for the sound of broken glass and can remain active 24X7

5. Hi/Lo Temp- Set a high or low temp and it will indicate if your house is getting too cold (or your wine cellar too hot).

6. Water detectors- Put in mechanical spaces etc if your boiler or HW heater leaks.

As others have said, the alarm will give you a heads up- there are few home defense weapons better than a 12 guage (I also use a Remington 870). A quality handgun is also good- I use a SW M&P in .40 Caliber.

I could go on for hours, let me know if you have any questions!

John

 

[zeuspaul]

Driveway sensors

The Winland Vehicle alert is the driveway alert on my watch list.
Driveway Alarms - Vehicle Sensors
It is a wired magnetic sensor you bury at the edge of your driveway.

Motion sensors.

I have had a few false alarms with motion sensors. I believe one was due to a computer monitor acting as a heat source as it turned itself on and a couple of false alarms from cats even though I had pet smart sensors. I solved this problem by placing the motion sensors in a list. Now two motion sensors must fault to set off an alarm. I agree motion sensors should be a last resort. Secure the entry points and you don't need motion sensors except as a second line of defense. However if the perimeter is difficult to secure the motions can come in handy.

Keep it simple. Use reliable equipment. Secure the perimeter. Make it loud if the perimeter is breached. Avoid high tech and fancy. Use outdoor sensors as alerts only, you don't want any false alarms.

Zeuspaul

 

[CurlyDave]

I have a somewhat different take on security.

You need:

1. At least one dog, may be two, not guard dogs, alarm dogs. Friendly dogs who will let you or your wife know someone is there, but ones you can trust not to chew up a visitor.

2. Firearms. As you are doing, get a CCW for your wife and one for you. Carry all the time. In the house, when going out, and especially when returning to the house. Returning to a supposedly empty house is a very vulnerable time. Also answering the door is surprisingly vulnerable.

3. Insurance and documentation of all your belongings. Get a cheap video camera and do a walk-through. Keep this in a safe place away from your house. This will replace whatever gets stolen.

5. Gate and electric gate opener for your driveway. Put up a barrier of any sort and the bad guys will look for an easier mark.

6. Get a driveway alarm that sounds in the house to let your wife know if someone has bypassed the gate and is approaching.

If you want an alarm system after this, go ahead and get one, but I don't really see the need. Alarm company guys will differ with me, but I just don't see what an alarm can do for you if you are warned and prepared for intruders.

If someone breaks in while you are not home, that is the purpose of insurance.

 

[schmism]

many good suggestion but like most TBN projects.

I would first ask what your goal is.

Security theater? the allusion of security to make yourself (or the insurance company) feel better?

24/7 surveillance?

loud blaring alarm to scare off some would be robber in the middle of the night?

a system to alert the authorities to some robber in the hopes of catching him in the act....


From my experience out of the way rural locations are not robbed by the traditional smash and grab "opportunistic" robber. Generally the rural nature and out of way locations mean someone has to be familiar with the area, have an idea of what you ahve that they want. It also means there are no patrols 2 blocks over ready to respond to some alarm.


for truly out in the sticks rural areas, loud alarms and expensive 24/7 monitored bazillion zone alarm systems arnt going to 1) deter anyone from breaking in 2) keep them from being caught in the act.

so what does that mean? put up good cameras, record the data to a well hidden/secured computer or better yet upload off site. then youll have everything you need for the cops to catch the person who did break in if/when they do.

oh and remember they cant steal what they cant find!

 

[Old Paths]

Looks like another project...
Lets see, I looked on fleabay at security systems, seems most are wireless. I have gone through countless cordless phones over the years, I have determined that batteries are an issue, at least they have been in the past. I would loke to forget how many times in the summer the windows were open and rain came in, I can imagine what a wireless window sensor would do when wet...
Looking at past history, I often bought junk because it was all I could afford. I shy away from off brands unless I know someone else has had ok history with it, (let them be the test pilot)...
I think I see about 3 major manufacturers of wired systems. DSC, Ademco which is honeywell, and GE. I would look at thise first. I called ADT, they "give" you a system for free, with any deviations from the standard menu being extra cost items. Then it is 39.95 per month for monitoring. And service is time and materials, they install initially, no DIY for them. I can cross that one off the list.

By the way, how about smoke and fire detectors? Anyone wire them in as well?

I bought a set of driveway alerts today from Home Depot, I have 2 bird houses on trees that have no residents currently, they are naturals for the PIR detectors. The receiver has a 9V battery and an ac wall wart adaptor. It also provides a contact relay for input into a security system.

Wife is excited about concealed carry, it will take about 6 weeks for her paperwork to clear. Ladysmith S&W 3913 maybe?

Lights need to be added, have fixtures for outside of barn.

Lets see, Mossberg 500 JIC 12 ga is already here, nervous about that not in safe, but....

Video camera is a great idea for inventory of items on hand.

Dog is a no, she doesn't want a replacement, hasn't the heart for it now.

Access to the neighbors lane is an issue, the neighbor lady who's house was hit is the owner. I think I could convince her now, if I put in seat time, I can sink the steel posts, I'll buy the chain, he rlock will be on it. I chained across trees on my lane, just worried for the atv types, will put flags on it.

Great suggestions all!
Thanks