| cwa107 |
I just moved into a new home in a development in a semi-rural area. Although there isn't a very high crime rate here, I'm worried because the new house has a partially exposed, walk-out basement with a door and two full-sized windows in the back. The house is also situated on a fairly private lot with no neighbors to the right or behind the house.
The bedrooms are on the 2nd floor and I really don't think I'd know any better if someone were to smash in a window or jimmy the door.
Now, I've already done the obvious - installed double-keyed deadbolts on both back doors and also picked up a "secured by ADT" yard sign and window stickers from eBay.
I think a full-blown, wired & monitored security system might be overkill based on the area I live in, but am wondering if anyone has any experience with some of the wireless solutions out there. Also, does anyone know if an existing, exterior light fixture (not a floodlight) can be converted to motion-sensing?
Any suggestions or recommendations would be very much appreciated. |
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| jl_ss |
quote:
Originally posted by cwa107
I just moved into a new home in a development in a semi-rural area. Although there isn't a very high crime rate here, I'm worried because the new house has a partially exposed, walk-out basement with a door and two full-sized windows in the back. The house is also situated on a fairly private lot with no neighbors to the right or behind the house.
The bedrooms are on the 2nd floor and I really don't think I'd know any better if someone were to smash in a window or jimmy the door.
Now, I've already done the obvious - installed double-keyed deadbolts on both back doors and also picked up a "secured by ADT" yard sign and window stickers from eBay.
I think a full-blown, wired & monitored security system might be overkill based on the area I live in, but am wondering if anyone has any experience with some of the wireless solutions out there. Also, does anyone know if an existing, exterior light fixture (not a floodlight) can be converted to motion-sensing?
Any suggestions or recommendations would be very much appreciated.
We are in much the same situation - safe neighborhood but large wooded areas surround us. I installed a wireless security system with components by Magnavox about 7 years ago. I'm not sure if Magnavox is still in the wireless security business, though. I have door/window sensors only on the exterior doors and 5 motion detectors that cover the first floor and basement. In the event that someone forces a door or comes through a window on the first floor/basement, the alarm will sound. It's a minimal system that provides enough protection to make us feel at ease. |
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| cwa107 |
quote:
Originally posted by jl_ss
We are in much the same situation - safe neighborhood but large wooded areas surround us. I installed a wireless security system with components by Magnavox about 7 years ago. I'm not sure if Magnavox is still in the wireless security business, though. I have door/window sensors only on the exterior doors and 5 motion detectors that cover the first floor and basement. In the event that someone forces a door or comes through a window on the first floor/basement, the alarm will sound. It's a minimal system that provides enough protection to make us feel at ease.
Thanks - that's exactly the kind of testimonial I was looking for. How often do you need to change the batteries? Also, does the system tell you if a component stops checking in (i.e. the batteries are dead) or does it just sound the alarm? |
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| jcantanixon |
quote:
Originally posted by cwa107
I just moved into a new home in a development in a semi-rural area.
Congrats on the new home!
I'm keeping an eye on this thread because I've been semi-looking for something like this as well. Never thought of putting the ADT sign and stickers out.:cool: |
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| cwa107 |
quote:
Originally posted by jcantanixon
Congrats on the new home!
I'm keeping an eye on this thread because I've been semi-looking for something like this as well. Never thought of putting the ADT sign and stickers out.:cool:
Thanks. We had a fairly small late-80's split-level that was our first home. Now that our 14-month-old is walking, that house was a real PITA. We bought an almost new, traditional-style 4-bedroom home (this time with a nice, big 2-car garage :12: ). It's really everything we've always wanted, but I will miss the 15-year 4.25% fixed mortgage I left to get into a 30-year 6.375% fixed for twice the amount financed. Fortunately, we made enough money on the old house to put down a full 20% in cash - so no PMI! |
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| jl_ss |
quote:
Originally posted by cwa107
Thanks - that's exactly the kind of testimonial I was looking for. How often do you need to change the batteries? Also, does the system tell you if a component stops checking in (i.e. the batteries are dead) or does it just sound the alarm?
I change the batteries once a year. The batteries may last longer, I just always change those at the same time I change my programmable thermostat batteries. The system starts beeping when a sensor stops reporting in and the main control box indicates which one it is. I also have the window sticker and yard sign but do not really have the monitoring service. |
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| johnabrown |
| I have an ADT system and the last battery (replaced last year) was over 8 years old before it gave up. The alarm system is smart enough to tell you when the battery is dead. |
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| cwa107 |
quote:
Originally posted by jl_ss
I change the batteries once a year. The batteries may last longer, I just always change those at the same time I change my programmable thermostat batteries. The system starts beeping when a sensor stops reporting in and the main control box indicates which one it is. I also have the window sticker and yard sign but do not really have the monitoring service.
Thanks again, jl_ss. I was actually able to find a Magnavox system (rather cheaply too!). I'm thinking that might be the route to go. |
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| cwa107 |
quote:
Originally posted by johnabrown
I have an ADT system and the last battery (replaced last year) was over 8 years old before it gave up. The alarm system is smart enough to tell you when the battery is dead.
As I understand it, you can keep the ADT system even if you don't subscribe to the monitoring service, is that true? I think they give you a pretty deep discount on the system if you sign up for a 3-year contract. I was seriously considering that route, but don't really want another monthly bill. |
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| jcantanixon |
quote:
Originally posted by cwa107
As I understand it, you can keep the ADT system even if you don't subscribe to the monitoring service, is that true? I think they give you a pretty deep discount on the system if you sign up for a 3-year contract. I was seriously considering that route, but don't really want another monthly bill.
I'm not 100% on how it works for residential, but our office had an ADT alarm and they didn't come remove it when we shut off the monthly monitoring. I don't know how long we had it before we shut off the monitoring...so they may or may not have been a contract involved.
I just read that and realized I was no help at all :( |
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| tangotango99 |
quote:
Originally posted by cwa107
Thanks again, jl_ss. I was actually able to find a Magnavox system (rather cheaply too!). I'm thinking that might be the route to go.
Do you have the web-address? |
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| cwa107 |
quote:
Originally posted by tangotango99
Do you have the web-address?
I just Googled "magnavox security system" and came up with this:
http://www.homecontrols.com/cgi-bin...Security-System
$229 isn't bad from what I've been seeing. I will likely shop around a bit more and let you know if I find it cheaper. |
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| jl_ss |
quote:
Originally posted by cwa107
I just Googled "magnavox security system" and came up with this:
http://www.homecontrols.com/cgi-bin...Security-System
$229 isn't bad from what I've been seeing. I will likely shop around a bit more and let you know if I find it cheaper.
That's the system. Magnavox offers a monitoring service but I didn't go with it. The system can be programmed to call up to 4 phone numbers if the alarm is set off - I set ours to call my office during the day if it goes off. I bought the basic system and then bought additional motion and door sensors and remotes/sirens. I got it here: smarthome but it looks like they discontinued it. The Magnavox site is here: Magnavox. |
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| tangotango99 |
quote:
Originally posted by cwa107
I just Googled "magnavox security system" and came up with this:
http://www.homecontrols.com/cgi-bin...Security-System
$229 isn't bad from what I've been seeing. I will likely shop around a bit more and let you know if I find it cheaper.
Thanks I did make a buy AT $121 include shipping:D |
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| TRACI |
I was looking for a system recently and got a lot of good info from this site. They also have a forum to give you further help. I never did buy anything.
www.homesecuritystore.com |
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| Ferdball |
quote:
Originally posted by cwa107
As I understand it, you can keep the ADT system even if you don't subscribe to the monitoring service, is that true? I think they give you a pretty deep discount on the system if you sign up for a 3-year contract. I was seriously considering that route, but don't really want another monthly bill.
Smarthome offers monitoring for any home security system for $8.95 per month. Smarthome
Also, check out the show called "It takes a thief" on Discovery. There are some very good ideas there, like a lockbox for your car keys... |
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| beef_jerky |
A few years ago a friend of mine installed an Ademco system (these are the systems that ADT, Brinks, Slomin's, etc. typically provide with a 3 yr contract for monitoring). I believe he bought his equipment from this site:
Bass Electronics
If you go the self install route, there are a number of companies that will do monitoring much cheaper than the $30/month that ADT, Brink, Slomin's, etc. will charge. Also, you can get exactly what you want.
Smarthome.com also has a number of motion sensing devices that can be used on an existing fixture.
Motion Sensors
Lighting Control
X-10
Z-wave |
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| CMasten |
quote:
Originally posted by 2muchfun
Here is my previous 'Home Security' who, sadly, departed us last year.
http://www.hondapilot.org/gallery/500/15562rott.bmp?5513
Wow he is a beauty! I have the current female model patrolling the back side of my house. I am on my 3rd Rottie and they just dont seem to last much past 8 years... either neck or hind quarter displacea.. There is a great Rottie rescue place in Riverside, that is where we got Hanna our current girl. |
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| tangotango99 |
quote:
Originally posted by Ferdball
Smarthome offers monitoring for any home security system for $8.95 per month. Smarthome
Also, check out the show called "It takes a thief" on Discovery. There are some very good ideas there, like a lockbox for your car keys...
WOW I am glad I bought a Pilot,it came with a lot of good advice on just about any subjects:cool: :cool: |
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| CMasten |
quote:
Originally posted by tangotango99
WOW I am glad I bought a Pilot,it came with a lot of good advice on just about any subjects:cool: :cool:
Yea definitely a well rounded bunch... I think Pilots are only 50% of the topics up here :) |
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| Ferdball |
quote:
Originally posted by tangotango99
WOW I am glad I bought a Pilot,it came with a lot of good advice on just about any subjects:cool: :cool:
Umm... What's a Pilot?:confused: |
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| 2muchfun |
quote:
Originally posted by CMasten
Wow he is a beauty! I have the current female model patrolling the back side of my house. I am on my 3rd Rottie and they just dont seem to last much past 8 years... either neck or hind quarter displacea.. There is a great Rottie rescue place in Riverside, that is where we got Hanna our current girl.
Ya, they dont last nearly long enough :(
I got a good 9 years and she lasted until right after 10 years so I guess Im lucky :confused:
Im still a Rottweiler person and will definately get one again in about 5 years, but our current pooch was a rescue and is not purebred Shepard so I hope to avoid the typical inbreeding issues... we'll see. We plan on getting a new dog every 5 years or so and having two. That way the older can teach the younger and we always have a good dog
Back on topic, I have ADT but the service agreement ran out so I just have the local siren. Half the time I leave the keys in the ignition of the cars and the doors to the house are hardly ever locked if they're even closed :rolleyes: |
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| gewf631 |
quote:
Originally posted by jcantanixon I'm not 100% on how it works for residential, but our office had an ADT alarm and they didn't come remove it when we shut off the monthly monitoring.
That may be the case, but I don't think you'll ever be able to change anything (the pass code) if you go this route.
quote:
Originally posted by beef_jerky
A few years ago a friend of mine installed an Ademco system (these are the systems that ADT, Brinks, Slomin's, etc. typically provide with a 3 yr contract for monitoring).
Me too! Actually, the previous owners had a Brinks system. I stopped the monitoring, but had no control over the system (see above), so I removed-it. I then purchased an Ademco (eBay), and have never looked back. As an aside, I must have called Brinks a dozen times to come and get the removed system - they never came!
Anyway, the wired systems are probably the best in the long run, but they do take time to install (you have to run wires to every sensor). In my opinion, the wireless is probably the easiest, and will provide what you need - after all, you'll never be able to stop someone if they really want-in, but you'll at least deter the wanna-be's!
The outdoor signs are a good start, but be sure to install some sensors where they can be seen - that way any prying-eyes will know that the signs just aren't for show. You can even go one step further, and get an outdoor siren - if you're in a rural area, it might not be a bad idea anyway. |
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| cwa107 |
Thanks for all the tips and valuable information. I just finished replacing the porch light at the basement door with a motion-sensing one. I think this, in tandem with the signs and double-keyed deadbolts will deter the vast majority of would-be theives. Honestly, my biggest concern is not for my valuables (that's what insurance is for), but for my loved-ones.
I think I'm going to try to get a feel for the neighborhood and if I don't feel safe, maybe I'll just hop on one of those 3-year contract deals. I really hate running cabling through walls, so I'm trying to avoid this like the plague. |
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