Posted: 7/10/2013 8:09:13 AM EDT
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I know there are threads on security systems but I am looking for comments by people that have SimpliSafe and whether they like it or not and other that chose a different path and why.
I want to save money and install it myself and I want it wireless for easy fast installation. If I go this route, I will have the $20 per month monitoring. Is there any interference with 2.4 or 5 GHz wifi? Comments? Good / bad. |
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I have it, and I love mine. It works great and the only trouble I've had was a bad batch of smoke detectors they sent out in the first wave. They gave false error alerts periodically, and it was aggravating. They contacted me (before I even tried to contact them), and sent me new ones for free. They even sent a postage paid label to return the faulty alarms for free. I can't bitch about that. They seem pretty proactive in keeping folks happy.
I haven't had any Wi-fi problems either. I initially had the base station right beside the router, byt have since moved the router. Everything worked fine either way. Seeing the magnetic door trips through the window? I guess if you have a window looking directly in at your interior door frame that's possible, but then they'd see any magnetic switch that way? I use blinds and curtains. I have the magnetic door switches, motion detectors, CO, smoke, freeze, and water sensors, and they all work just fine. I love using an app on my Iphone to arm/disarm and monitor the system. I have it set up to email me everything, and with push notifications I monitor my families comings and goings via my phone. That part is great for peace of mind, and I love it. It's pretty idiot proof--- even I installed it with no problems...  
I would definitely recommend the system based on my experience with it so far. Shameless aside: If someone with a system "refers" you, then they get a free month of service, and you get a discount coupon to use on the purchase of your system. And: No, I wouldn't recommend something that sucked just to get a free month of service.LOL 
ETA: added edit of co2 to CO.
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Quoted:
I have it, and I love mine. It works great and the only trouble I've had was a bad batch of smoke detectors they sent out in the first wave. They gave false error alerts periodically, and it was aggravating. They contacted me (before I even tried to contact them), and sent me new ones for free. They even sent a postage paid label to return the faulty alarms for free. I can't bitch about that. They seem pretty proactive in keeping folks happy. I haven't had any Wi-fi problems either. I initially had the base station right beside the router, byt have since moved the router. Everything worked fine either way. Seeing the magnetic door trips through the window? I guess if you have a window looking directly in at your interior door frame that's possible, but then they'd see any magnetic switch that way? I use blinds and curtains. I have the magnetic door switches, motion detectors, co2, smoke, freeze, and water sensors, and they all work just fine. I love using an app on my Iphone to arm/disarm and monitor the system. I have it set up to email me everything, and with push notifications I monitor my families comings and goings via my phone. That part is great for peace of mind, and I love it. It's pretty idiot proof--- even I installed it with no problems...
I would definitely recommend the system based on my experience with it so far. Shameless aside: If someone with a system "refers" you, then they get a free month of service, and you get a discount coupon to use on the purchase of your system. And: No, I wouldn't recommend something that sucked just to get a free month of service.LOL
Thanks. I meant looking in the windw and seeing the magnetic switch OnThe window. Do you have any on windows? If you do, are they easy to see from the outside. I plan on putting one on every window and door, I have 2 large dogs and the motion sensors will not work well with them. I also do not see any glass break sensors. I have 2 large bay windows that need protecting. The website has a good sale on refurbished systems, but it says all the refurbished systems are the " Original SimpliSafe model" Sounds like it is an older model, but I am not sure. Did they change stff and come out with an improved model? Please send me the referral I will probably order this tomorrow |
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If the window sensor can be seen from outside the window, the burgler just has to hold a big magnet up against the outside of the window when he opens the window.
I was thinking of making brackets attached to the window that will get the magnet and sensor away from the window so it can not be seen from outside. |
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Have to ever tried to disable those magnet switches with a magnet? I doubt if it would work, the switch has to be pulled in the correct position. It might be worth you time to buy a magnet switch and see if it is possible to defeat it before making a bunch of brackets.
The crooks around my place just remove the fixed panel of glass/window and climb in, leaving the part of the window with the sensor on it unmoved. |
| My only complain is that the system uses T-Mobile towers. If you happen to be out of that coverage area you will run into connectivity issues. I ended up having to install a cell booster from Wilson so that I wouldn't constantly lose my link to dispatch. Other than that, I have been happy with the system. |
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Quoted: Have to ever tried to disable those magnet switches with a magnet? I doubt if it would work, the switch has to be pulled in the correct position. It might be worth you time to buy a magnet switch and see if it is possible to defeat it before making a bunch of brackets. The crooks around my place just remove the fixed panel of glass/window and climb in, leaving the part of the window with the sensor on it unmoved. A properly placed motion sensor solves that concern. |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
I have it, and I love mine. It works great and the only trouble I've had was a bad batch of smoke detectors they sent out in the first wave. They gave false error alerts periodically, and it was aggravating. They contacted me (before I even tried to contact them), and sent me new ones for free. They even sent a postage paid label to return the faulty alarms for free. I can't bitch about that. They seem pretty proactive in keeping folks happy. I haven't had any Wi-fi problems either. I initially had the base station right beside the router, byt have since moved the router. Everything worked fine either way. Seeing the magnetic door trips through the window? I guess if you have a window looking directly in at your interior door frame that's possible, but then they'd see any magnetic switch that way? I use blinds and curtains. I have the magnetic door switches, motion detectors, co2, smoke, freeze, and water sensors, and they all work just fine. I love using an app on my Iphone to arm/disarm and monitor the system. I have it set up to email me everything, and with push notifications I monitor my families comings and goings via my phone. That part is great for peace of mind, and I love it. It's pretty idiot proof--- even I installed it with no problems...
I would definitely recommend the system based on my experience with it so far. Shameless aside: If someone with a system "refers" you, then they get a free month of service, and you get a discount coupon to use on the purchase of your system. And: No, I wouldn't recommend something that sucked just to get a free month of service.LOL
Thanks. I meant looking in the windw and seeing the magnetic switch OnThe window. Do you have any on windows? If you do, are they easy to see from the outside. I plan on putting one on every window and door, I have 2 large dogs and the motion sensors will not work well with them. I also do not see any glass break sensors. I have 2 large bay windows that need protecting. The website has a good sale on refurbished systems, but it says all the refurbished systems are the " Original SimpliSafe model" Sounds like it is an older model, but I am not sure. Did they change stff and come out with an improved model? Please send me the referral I will probably order this tomorrow I didn't bother putting sensors on the windows, as they are always locked, and opening one will set off the motion detectors anyway. To dog proof your motion detectors you simply flip them upside down when you install them. They normally see a slice of room that looks straight out, side to side, and down. They have a cut off plane that doesn't look up. If you have large dogs then you flip them so they look straight out, side to side, and up. As long as you don't have 5 foot tall dogs they'll never trip the alarms. Opening any door or window will automatically trip them though... I also don't use glass breaks because (from what I've read) they have a nasty habit of giving false alarms. New vs. old systems: I couldn't comment on the old, as mine is a new style system, but it's been worth every penny so far. For the referral with the 5% off coupon I have to email the link to you from their site. Just PM me you email addy, and I'll send it right back to you. |
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Quoted:
My only complain is that the system uses T-Mobile towers. If you happen to be out of that coverage area you will run into connectivity issues. I ended up having to install a cell booster from Wilson so that I wouldn't constantly lose my link to dispatch. Other than that, I have been happy with the system. Apparently they have a deal with ATT or they can roam too, because there is only ATT coverage at my house. I was concerned about it when I ordered the system (as there was no listed TMobile service anywhere in my area), but figured I'd use the 60 day return period to find out. If it hadn't have worked, I'd have just returned it. Mine works fine though. |
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Quoted: Quoted: My only complain is that the system uses T-Mobile towers. If you happen to be out of that coverage area you will run into connectivity issues. I ended up having to install a cell booster from Wilson so that I wouldn't constantly lose my link to dispatch. Other than that, I have been happy with the system. Apparently they have a deal with ATT or they can roam too, because there is only ATT coverage at my house. I was concerned about it when I ordered the system (as there was no listed TMobile service anywhere in my area), but figured I'd use the 60 day return period to find out. If it hadn't have worked, I'd have just returned it. Mine works fine though. My iPhone (ATT) gets about 2 bars inside my house. My SO's Boost Mobile phone is lucky to get texts. So its probably more to do with the overall cell reception than the carrier. Just keep in mind that the base unit is cellular and not particular good at picking up weak signals. |
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Quoted:
I have it, and I love mine. It works great and the only trouble I've had was a bad batch of smoke detectors they sent out in the first wave. They gave false error alerts periodically, and it was aggravating. They contacted me (before I even tried to contact them), and sent me new ones for free. They even sent a postage paid label to return the faulty alarms for free. I can't bitch about that. They seem pretty proactive in keeping folks happy. I haven't had any Wi-fi problems either. I initially had the base station right beside the router, byt have since moved the router. Everything worked fine either way. Seeing the magnetic door trips through the window? I guess if you have a window looking directly in at your interior door frame that's possible, but then they'd see any magnetic switch that way? I use blinds and curtains. I have the magnetic door switches, motion detectors, CO, smoke, freeze, and water sensors, and they all work just fine. I love using an app on my Iphone to arm/disarm and monitor the system. I have it set up to email me everything, and with push notifications I monitor my families comings and goings via my phone. That part is great for peace of mind, and I love it. It's pretty idiot proof--- even I installed it with no problems...
I would definitely recommend the system based on my experience with it so far. Shameless aside: If someone with a system "refers" you, then they get a free month of service, and you get a discount coupon to use on the purchase of your system. And: No, I wouldn't recommend something that sucked just to get a free month of service.LOL
ETA: added edit of co2 to CO.
I came here to post this ^^^^ I love mine! |
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There's some threads in the safes and home security forum but you might wave to search back awhile.
I'll try to cover the basics. My house had a very basic wired system that had 3 door sensors, 1 motion, and a smoke. I know have like 42 or 45 zones covering every entry, the smokes, and some keyfob entries. Also have a keypad wired in three rooms. I searched and found two types of products. There was legacy security systems (Honeywell, ge, dsc etc) and these new home security in a box options. One of the things you'll find is the legacy systems haven't changed much in 10 or even 20 years because they are designed to be caveman simple electronics. The wireless sensors have come a long way. My system is rebadged as a small commercial fire system as well. So these things are just made differently. The new options seem like they are built like consumer electronics. They have broke down some barriers technology wise and made it seem easy , but who knows if they are designed to last. You are also committed to them for sensors and very limited on options. Wired monitoring is about $9 a month and cellular or VoIP can be integrated on your end prepaid. Keep in mind that as you know, cell coverage is a big factor. Most of these systems are using dated sell technologoy not 3 or 4 g. I use ooma free voip and plan to hardwire my system to that. If they cut my internet lines I am screwed but I can always add cell backup. My brand new state of the art ge system is pretty dated compared to many of the technologies out their. No iPhone connectivity etc. On the other hand, fire is on of my main concerns so I was able to cost effectively put smoke detectors in each bedroom as well as a couple others by buying ge fire detectors in ebay. On the magnet switches, running a magnet past them will likely trip them. I haven't tinkered with it but they are reeds that are very sensitive. I could have hidden mine but put them in plain sight so they covered both upper and lower sashes. I think many thieves would look at my house and move on. |
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They have a cell coverage map on their website, it shows "good" for my area. I guess I can try the upside down motion sensor. Why don't they advertise that trick? Actually they do mention on their website somewhere. That's how I found out about it. I forget where though. I think maybe it was in one of their videos. |