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Started By
Message
self monitoring home security systems - OP UPDATED
Posted on 11/15/16 at 11:31 am
Posted on 11/15/16 at 11:31 am
Any suggestions for a home security system that I could monitor myself? I currently have home security system that is installed and monitored by a local company ($35/month includes cell monitoring). I recently received a letter saying I need to either pay to upgrade my system b/c it has 2G cell module or sign a new 3 year contract plus pay $55/month for monitoring.
My system is only 3 years old and I very rarely use it. I'm wondering if there are any somewhat simple to install systems out there that would allow me to monitor it myself. The house is obviously already wired. I'd like something that would text/call/email me with any events. Is there anything out there that I could use?
Fyi, I already have a surveillance system in place.
ETA: my current system
- DSC PC1616 control panel.
- generic DSC keypad
- uplink 2530
My system is only 3 years old and I very rarely use it. I'm wondering if there are any somewhat simple to install systems out there that would allow me to monitor it myself. The house is obviously already wired. I'd like something that would text/call/email me with any events. Is there anything out there that I could use?
Fyi, I already have a surveillance system in place.
ETA: my current system
- DSC PC1616 control panel.
- generic DSC keypad
- uplink 2530
This post was edited on 11/17/16 at 10:46 am
3
Posted on 11/15/16 at 12:12 pm to notbilly
If you want monitoring through cellular you are still going to need to upgrade your cell module.
I would call three local companies and get quotes from them on monitoring with new or existing equipment.
What brand do you have ?
I would call three local companies and get quotes from them on monitoring with new or existing equipment.
What brand do you have ?
Posted on 11/15/16 at 1:51 pm to notbilly
Find your control panel (not the keypad, usually a locked box hidden in a closet) and look for a brand and model number. Once you post that info, it will be easier for people to recommend add-ons for that system, or if you should replace the hardware..
I have a Honeywell Vista 20P that I installed and added a network card to that emails and txts me alerts for free. Also allows me to arm and disarm from my phone. LINK
If you have a home phone line, you can program most systems to call you instead of the monitoring station. You will need to installers code for your system to change the settings and put in your number.
As was already mentioned, 2G cell modules need to be updated due to cell phone companies no longer using 2G.
I have a Honeywell Vista 20P that I installed and added a network card to that emails and txts me alerts for free. Also allows me to arm and disarm from my phone. LINK
If you have a home phone line, you can program most systems to call you instead of the monitoring station. You will need to installers code for your system to change the settings and put in your number.
As was already mentioned, 2G cell modules need to be updated due to cell phone companies no longer using 2G.
Posted on 11/15/16 at 5:19 pm to TigerWise
quote:
If you want monitoring through cellular you are still going to need to upgrade your cell module.
I am not interested in having a third party monitoring my system. I feel like I wasted the 35 bucks a month with the monitoring that I do have. Now that I have to pay a one time fee or sign a contract with additional monthly fees, it is giving me the motivation to drop the monitoring all together.
I am perfectly happy with the system texting or emailing me. I did not know if they had a system out there that would do a voip call to me. But then again a text and an email are more than adequate.
Posted on 11/15/16 at 5:20 pm to CubsFanBudMan
quote:
Find your control panel (not the keypad, usually a locked box hidden in a closet) and look for a brand and model number.
Thanks. I know where it is located. It's not easy to get to so I will have to break out a ladder to check it out. I will post an update once I have the info.
Posted on 11/15/16 at 8:53 pm to notbilly
Do you have a picture of a keypad ?
Nothing like getting an email saying your house is on fire or your wife has a gun to her head. Hopfully you respond to that text\email in a timely matter. Compared to other monthly services we spends money on $35 is nothing for protection of your home IMO.
quote:
But then again a text and an email are more than adequate.
Nothing like getting an email saying your house is on fire or your wife has a gun to her head. Hopfully you respond to that text\email in a timely matter. Compared to other monthly services we spends money on $35 is nothing for protection of your home IMO.
Posted on 11/15/16 at 9:59 pm to TigerWise
quote:
Nothing like getting an email saying your house is on fire or your wife has a gun to her head. Hopfully you respond to that text\email in a timely matter.
As I said in the OP, I rarely use the system now. I live in a small/quiet neighborhood. The only time it gets turned on is when we leave town for a couple of nights. Even then I usually forget it.
[/quote]
quote:
$35
$55/month or $660 per year. Or my case... It will be roughly $220 per use if I only use it 3 times per year. If I have something I can remotely control, I'm more likely to use it.
Posted on 11/16/16 at 3:17 pm to notbilly
Bump for more suggestions. I am interested in doing the same as the OP
Posted on 11/16/16 at 7:56 pm to jennyjones
Ask them if their equipment supports t-mobile. T -mobile is going to support 2g until 2020. You would also need a t-mobile tower near your house.
Posted on 11/16/16 at 8:23 pm to diat150
I started getting letter from Acadian Security (bought out Safeguard in Houma) to upgrade the 2g module for $250, but if I acted now it would only be $199.
I ignored them until they call mid the 1st of this month. The price now is magically only $99. I asked the woman why they were going to screw me out of $100 if I acted earlier in the year. She had no good answer.
I ignored them until they call mid the 1st of this month. The price now is magically only $99. I asked the woman why they were going to screw me out of $100 if I acted earlier in the year. She had no good answer.
Posted on 11/18/16 at 7:22 am to diat150
Pretty certain I don't have t-mobile coverage near my house so it wouldn't matter for me.
Posted on 11/18/16 at 8:15 am to notbilly
Even so you would have to buy a T-Mobile communicator so you would be in the same boat.
Posted on 11/18/16 at 2:06 pm to CubsFanBudMan
Netgear Arlo Security System.....currently on sale at bestbuy for blk friday ...349$
Posted on 11/19/16 at 11:02 am to CubsFanBudMan
That seems like a nice setup. I wish it had a wireless option. My router and switches are across the house from my alarm panel.
Posted on 11/21/16 at 9:08 am to CubsFanBudMan
quote:
you can try a powerline adapter.
I thought about that as well. Unfortunately the power to my control panel is pretty far from the actual control panel as well. If I can't find a wireless solution, I'll just have to run the cat6 to the box at some point. It will be the cleaner solution. I just hate running and terminating cables. I'm pretty slow at it and doing it by myself takes forever.
ETA: thanks for the info
This post was edited on 11/21/16 at 9:09 am
Posted on 11/21/16 at 9:37 am to notbilly
What about Canary? Can that hook up to a current panel?
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