DIY Home security?

[HAWKEYE10]

I am wanting to get a home security system. I am thinking about getting a do it your self system. Has any one had experience installing them? How hard is it to do? I could use some help on this. Thanks! Don

 

[foggood11]

I did quite a bit of online research and ended up buying a SkyLink SC-1000 system off of Amazon.com about 3 months ago. No false alarms (so far) and fairly easy to plan and setup. Auto-dials several numbers if tripped. Very happy with it so far, although I realize I haven't had it for all that long.

Get the strongest double-sided tape you can find from the hardware store to mount the sensors and put fresh batteries in from the start. That's what I did, as most of the negative online reviews seemed to be related to those two issues.

Also, you can call me paranoid, but being a heavy sleeper who lives alone with no dog, I also bought a SkyLink SC-10 with no-delay motion sensors to monitor first floor and stairway and protect from home invasion while I'm asleep (my bedroom is on floor 2). I figure that with the combined systems, I have at least 5-6 seconds lead time to wake up and grab either the 12 pump from under my bed or the 357 on the nightstand.

Hope this helps.

 

[neon8]

I have been using the same system for over a year now. I also bought it from Amazon.com I use the no delay mode at night. So far it has been working well as intended. You can program the unit to call several numbers to notify if the alarm was tripped.

 

[m1gunner]

For wireless transmitters and receivers, I like the Lanier line. Their receiver interfaces with nearly every alarm panel made, and are very easy to set up. Range is better than any other line of transmitters I have run across.

For the in home system, a hard wired system is the best by far, but is very expensive to do to an existing structure.

If you have a long driveway, Dakota Alert sells a wireless transmitter/receiver system that works with either a motion detector (yuk!) or a buried wire loop type probe (excellent!). Range is 600 ft or so. Can be tied into power relays to turn on lights, cameras, chain guns, etc.

 

[LoadedRound]

Here you go Hawkeye. These guys will keep you busy for a while.

Do It Yourself Home Security System | DIY Security System Alarm Forum - Index

 

[Steve in Vermont]

Google search Honeywell Wireless Home Alarm Systems. For a few hundred dollars you can install a wireless unit with options for a siren, motion detector, breaking glass, windows, doors, etc. Even to dial a telephone number. We've had one for years. Simple to install, no wires to run, etc.

 

[jkc]

You should consider whether or not you plan to have your alarm system "monitored", that is, report to a "central station" which can alert and summon appropriate responders (LE, fire, EMT, etc.), or not, and simply function as an intrusion attempt alert. Many alarm firms will practically give you the hardware and installation labor in exchange for a modestly long monitoring contract and its hoped-for renewal. Worth examining, perhaps...

 

[HAWKEYE10]

You should consider whether or not you plan to have your alarm system "monitored", that is, report to a "central station" which can alert and summon appropriate responders (LE, fire, EMT, etc.), or not, and simply function as an intrusion attempt alert. Many alarm firms will practically give you the hardware and installation labor in exchange for a modestly long monitoring contract and its hoped-for renewal. Worth examining, perhaps...

I have already looked into an alarm company. They want you to sign a 3 to 5 year contract. We don't owe any body and want to keep it that way. Thats the reason I was looking into a DIY system. Don

 

[jkc]

I have already looked into an alarm company. They want you to sign a 3 to 5 year contract. We don't owe any body and want to keep it that way. Thats the reason I was looking into a DIY system. Don

That said, you've already made the decision I suggested. Then, I guess, you'll want to install the most thorough and effective perimeter / intrusion alarm that budget and circumstances require/permit, including such things as the aforementioned driveway loop, as well as non-alarm-system devices such as motion-detector-activated exterior lighting, etc. The sooner you detect an attempted intrusion, and the sooner you alert an intruder to the detection, the healthier you're both likely to remain. Some interior detection devices may play a useful role in your protective scheme --- motion detectors, pressure pads, active infrared beams, etc., at key interior points (bottom of stairwells, foyers, family rooms and similar spaces,etc.). Any device that serves to alert you that there is cause to advance to "Condition Orange" is a good thing...

 

[m1gunner]

That said, you've already made the decision I suggested. Then, I guess, you'll want to install the most thorough and effective perimeter / intrusion alarm that budget and circumstances require/permit, including such things as the aforementioned driveway loop, as well as non-alarm-system devices such as motion-detector-activated exterior lighting, etc. The sooner you detect an attempted intrusion, and the sooner you alert an intruder to the detection, the healthier you're both likely to remain. Some interior detection devices may play a useful role in your protective scheme --- motion detectors, pressure pads, active infrared beams, etc., at key interior points (bottom of stairwells, foyers, family rooms and similar spaces,etc.). Any device that serves to alert you that there is cause to advance to "Condition Orange" is a good thing...

Along these lines, there are strain gauge devices that can be put on structural members (like stairs, floor joists, etc) that sense when someone steps on that structure. Similar to a pad, but totally invisible.

I forgot to mention one of my favorites, it is a pezio-electric (as in self powered) shock sensor used on glass. They are about 1 inch square and will work with a wireless transmitter. Most glass detection needs a wire that goes back to the panel, these don't. These work better than the rattle switches, and can be ops tested without having to break the glass.