Posted: 9/13/2016 5:10:09 PM EDT
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Posted this in safe and home security but there's more traffic here.
Looked into fortress and simplisafe both have there pros and cons. What's the hives choice.? Is there some thing better ? Looked at Iris looked promising but the reviews didn't. I have an out door camara system in place. Just looking for an interior system. Thanks |
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I've been very happy with Simplisafe. I don't have any cameras with it (I'm not even sure they are available yet), but have a totally separate camera system (Arlo).
I don't have any experience with Fortress, but if you have any questions about Simplisafe fire away. |
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Quoted:
Not looking for a monitored system. Both have the ability to dial out or notify via text. Inside cams would be a plus though Some of the best features (IMO) of Simplisafe will require monitoring. Specifically, I like how the app lets you arm/disarm while you are away and also provides text and email notifications about the alarm status. I believe the app/online control requires the higher end monitoring package, but it is only $25 a month with no contract. Edit/Clarification: When you you say you don't want a monitored system, do you mean you don't want to pay a fee or you don't want police/fire response? |
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Buy a DSC PC1832 card, box, battery, etc... Install it yourself using wireless sensors. It's not hard. The hardest part will be programming it, and that's easy if you use their PC software (DLS).
You can also buy an Envisalink to allow for email and other access. I use this, don't want it monitored just want to know when it goes off and have a siren in the house. If you want to go to the next step, you can get something like a VeraPlus home automation system, you can plug that into your DSC panel and do more automation that way. I would not get a "z-wave" based security system for anything other than casual use. They aren't made for it. The real panels (DSC, Honeywell, etc..) are time-proved, reliable, etc... Edit: You can get it in kit form it you look around, something like this |
| Get an Ademco vista-20, a 6160 panel, and all the wireless sensors you want. Screw all that newfangled "simplisafe" crap and any of those other toy-grade "alarm systems". Get a real, honest to goodness UL capable alarm panel. Installation is just marginally more difficult but it's not something some kid can hack with a cell phone. Install the panel in an attic/basement/closet and run three wires: one for power, one to the keypad, and one to the siren near an attic vent. You can put a GSM radio right beside it or even in the same panel. Everything else can be wireless. |
| I live in rural TX...15 mins from police or fire response. Been running a PISector GS08 for six months now. Main unit texts me by cellphone...for any alarm. Have 3 motions, 3 smokes, 5 door sensors running. Has local alarms in house only but texts me during alarm events. I then check house using a couple Foscams on a separate system. Bought on Amazon...pretty good Chinese unit |
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I am well versed in Ademco, but plan on going Simplisafe for simplicity sake and its less expensive.
Coupled with multiple dogs. Coupled with a dozen high megapixel cameras sprinkled about. Coupled with multiple firearms, and motion sensors on my long (~400ft) driveway. Long term plan includes having fiber detection on my fence line around my perimeter. Will act as microphone to pickup footsteps (can determine between human and animal) that will alert and sound alarms. I sell these all day, so can get very inexpensively. |
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Quoted:
I live in rural TX...15 mins from police or fire response. Been running a PISector GS08 for six months now. Main unit texts me by cellphone...for any alarm. Have 3 motions, 3 smokes, 5 door sensors running. Has local alarms in house only but texts me during alarm events. I then check house using a couple Foscams on a separate system. Bought on Amazon...pretty good Chinese unit I had a pretty extensive Visonic system and wanted to simplify as the Visonic GSM unit was giving me occasional dropouts. I have a PISector GS08 as well, lots of value for the price (loads of door/window sensors, 3 motion sensors, indoor and outdoor siren, etc. but the remotes are utter crap. I even replaced the older generation white keyfobs with the newer black automotive looking ones, and same problem- you look at them sideways and they toggle the chime or set off the panic alarm. That is my main gripe, you can't put the remote in your pocket without something happening. Another minor gripe is the text notifications- great when the alarm is tripped so I know the related sensor and can check my cams, but it would be nice if it also sent texts for low battery alerts and an option on arm/disarm. |
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I have an ismart alarm. My nephew works there and they had employee incentives to sell them so I helped him out. I actually like it. It works ok - it is 100% wifi so if power/internet/wifi is down, the thing is dead. I get notification when any sensor is triggered. I can have it text, call or whatever, and the notifications are "push" type. I have 2 of the cameras. We have kids coming and going. I like that I can tell at a glance if they've left the garage open, or if they come in too late. YMMV ETA - My dog is MUCH more sensitive, however. She goes nuts when someone puts a foot on the bottom stair tread up to the front door. And I encourage that behavior. |
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Quoted:
Get an Ademco vista-20, a 6160 panel, and all the wireless sensors you want. Screw all that newfangled "simplisafe" crap and any of those other toy-grade "alarm systems". Get a real, honest to goodness UL capable alarm panel. Installation is just marginally more difficult but it's not something some kid can hack with a cell phone. Install the panel in an attic/basement/closet and run three wires: one for power, one to the keypad, and one to the siren near an attic vent. You can put a GSM radio right beside it or even in the same panel. Everything else can be wireless. THIS^ saved me a lot of typing. ETA Just noticed the wireless, wired preferred if an option to your DIY install. |
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Quoted:
I am well versed in Ademco, but plan on going Simplisafe for simplicity sake and its less expensive. Coupled with multiple dogs. Coupled with a dozen high megapixel cameras sprinkled about. Coupled with multiple firearms, and motion sensors on my long (~400ft) driveway. Long term plan includes having fiber detection on my fence line around my perimeter. Will act as microphone to pickup footsteps (can determine between human and animal) that will alert and sound alarms. I sell these all day, so can get very inexpensively. I see the Simplisafe stuff and admit the price to play is attractive. However, for a little more I'd just get an Ademco Lynx with the GSM communicator and have a system that is tried and true. The honeywell total connect system is pretty slick. I paid $25/mo for self-monitoring (text and email upon alarm) but that included the cellular service. So with the Simplisafe basic monitoring you get central station but no SMS/email etc. The net effect is the cost of monitoring is exactly the same. With the Lynx you can choose your monitoring company; with the Simplisafe are you tied to their service? |
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Quoted:
Not looking for a monitored system. Both have the ability to dial out or notify via text. Inside cams would be a plus though Just be aware that a lot of Florida counties have alarm ordinances that regulates alarms that dial police. They all require alarm permits and fine for false alarms. |
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Quoted: It seems that from posting here burglar alarms are low priority for response, so they best defense would be a good offense, and remote monitoring with motion sensors, cameras, and alerts for when you're not there. Even well trained dogs will often take food from a stranger. All you need is a couple cheap chuck steaks to defeat that security system. If you get an interior system, hidden hi rez cams are better. A secured or hidden DVR or cloud upload is part of that. |