Do-it-yourself security systems

esl · #1 06-19-2007, 01:02 PM

Have you ever installed/setup a security system yourself? What parts did you use? Are you happy with it?

Serra · #2 06-19-2007, 02:03 PM

No, because security systems are free, once you pay for the monitoring. (Yea... I know). Might as well have it setup for you.

If you are looking for an ultra cheap system with an ultra cheap monitoring service, then you can just go to Radio Shack and get most of the parts. I would recommend looking into the x-10 stuff too.

ldearing · #3 06-19-2007, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Serra

...If you are looking for an ultra cheap system...

we just have an ADT sign in our front yard, left over from the previous owner

Break the Silence · #4 06-19-2007, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ldearing

we just have an ADT sign in our front yard, left over from the previous owner

Ah yes, the power of suggestion...

Kind of reminds me of a certain little old lady with a beware of dog sign. I walked past her house for years, (and never ever heard a bark), but then again, nobody ever broke in.

gwyneth · #5 06-20-2007, 04:16 AM

Which are you more worried about--when you're there or when you're not?

The big potential problem with do-it-yourself is if you want a dialer to notify police/fire service--in many jurisdictions they don't allow an automated call, it has to come from a human or a security service.

Otherwise, Serra's recommendation about X-10 and Radio Shack is good, particularly if you:

remember to set the interior light timers on random or whatever they call the setting that avoids them turning on at the same time every day
put motion sensor lights in the back yard--several is much better than one--the real value is not so much turning on when someone enters the yard but to deter them from doing so
plant spiky things below the first floor windows

Other inexpensive, but effective suggestions like the 'beware of dog' signs: get an enormous dog chain setup and stake it in the yard with a HUGE bowl

If you live in an apartment, put a second name on the mailbox, such as Moose or Ox (I once read a piece of advice for women entering their apartments--always call out, "Moose, I'm home!!!)

The best booby trap involves open cans of purple paint that can spill on the marauders as they break in.

Serra · #6 06-20-2007, 10:57 AM

Security camera work well too. Most security places sell fake cameras for fairly inexpensive. Slap a couple of those up and the bad guys will stay way for fear that you'll spot their approach.

esl · #7 06-20-2007, 12:56 PM

Thank you all for your suggestions. I am not really all that concerned; it is just one of those things I would feel better having. My main thing is that $30+ monitoring fee and the $7,000 quote I got to install a system. I though about buying the parts from Ademco (the same hardware a lot of the big companies use) and installing it myself and possibly subscribe to a smaller monitoring company's service.

Serra · #8 06-20-2007, 05:23 PM

You must have some big house.... for a $7000 install. The install doesn't need to be done by the security company and $30.00 a month is ROBBERY!!!!

esl · #9 06-20-2007, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Serra

You must have some big house.... for a $7000 install. The install doesn't need to be done by the security company and $30.00 a month is ROBBERY!!!!

It's frustrating. I just got some more quotes; $4,000-$5,000 for full perimeter protection and motions.. not including smoke/fire. I think I will just stick to a do it yourself system. The neighbors just had a company install their's and it is exactly the same parts as I plan on using.. except they paid twice as much, but I didn't tell them that part haha.