Wireless home security

[Lost Lake]

Is there a decent system available for wireless security?

I'd want a motion detector in my shop and my house that set off a siren or two.

I don't want a monitored system. I can run wires if that is the best way to go.

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[sw1834]

I've heard good things about these.
Here's a link to simplisafe website.


Wireless Home Security Systems | Simplisafe

SWCA #1834

 

[gdnagle]

Good ratings on this one which I'm about to buy. Upgradeable with more sensors and keypads.

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[Kanewpadle]

Lost, there is a lot of pure junk out there at attractive prices. I suggest going to a retail store that specializes in alarms if you can find one.

Stay away from Radio Shack and the like.

Some of the better brands, brands that you probably never heard are DSC, Optex, and Honeywell among others.

Hopefully you can find a place where you can see how these products work.

 

[chief38]

Personally we have and I like a hard wired system better, as there is just less of a chance of interruption, interference, and malfunction.

The Alarm Companies probably like the ease of installation of the wireless systems because they can be in and out of your home quickly. Running and concealing wires is a real pain for them and I am sure they will charge accordingly. Most wireless systems can be installed by an inexperienced homeowner so they are far less costly systems to install.

If you plan on staying in your home for a long time, I would say install a hard wired system and be done with it. If you are planning to be there for a short amount of time then the less expensive wireless system might be for you. Some have the wireless and love it, others start with the wireless and upgrade to hard wired because of problems.

 

[Badquaker]

I recently installed a iris system (from lowes) and love it. Buy only what you need, and you can customize it to do home automation as well. It records video to a cloud service, so even if a thief finds your system, they can't destroy the videos. I get notified via text when anything triggers, and I can check the cameras with my phone and call the cops if needed. A full blown system can get pricey, but you own it, you can take it with you when you move, and you don't have to pay a monitoring company.

 

[UncaGrunny]

One of the best wireless alarm systems I've seen (I work in the security integration industry) is the DMP XTL series. Can be monitored (cellular and wi-fi versions) or work standalone. Professional-grade equipment but works well in the home, too.

Liked it so much that I put one in the wife's convenience store. It can be integrated with remote control systems and surveillance cameras, and can report to and be controlled by your cell phone.

Even has "check-in" functions for kids - - lets parents know they are home from school even without arming/disarming.

 

[Lost Lake]

Thanks for your advice guys! I'm looking for one of these systems now.

I am not against a wired system, I think I only want a few motion sensors anyway. I have 19 windows at ground level so I don't think I want sensors on all of those. They are all locked 24/7 anyway.

The bedrooms are all upstairs so a couple of motion sensors in the lower levels would be great. The house is three stories so wireless would need to be a really good system.

I'd like sirens to go off, but don't need the police to be called. We are a long way from responding police anyway. I'd like to scare off intruders if we're not home and get some advance notice if we are home.

We have a dog, she's a Lab and mostly sleeps all day, but that may play a role in where the motion sensors are placed.

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[UncaGrunny]

With pets, especially dogs, one good trick is to mount the motion detectors on a wall upside down, just above the height of your pet. Done properly this give you motion detection only in the volume above your pet's height, creating a 'pet alley' below that level. Pets are a challenge for motion detectors - especially large ones.

Acoustic glass-break detectors that trigger on the distinct sound of breaking plate glass may be a better choice so long as your windows are well-secured.

Some detectors can also have their sensitivity adjusted down so that for smaller pets they are below the threshold level of a moving heat source that would trigger the detector.

Another good ploy is only to monitor 'choke points' where people would move from place to place.

Having an alarm system that is also capable of switching on interior lights in the room where motion is detected (and outside) is a plus, too, if it leaves your location in darkness; gives you a distinct tactical advantage.