Security systems

[Shadowlawnskysthelimit]

For the past 12 years we have had a ADT system installed on all doors and windows with remote monitoring from ADT. When we first had the system installed it was $ 19.99 a month; come next month they want $ 59.99.
So we are in the market to replace with a newer type system. We have looked at Ring, Simplisafe, Google etc... I was told to go with hardwired systems only, no wireless units. We need or would like to have 4 cameras, one for each side of the house with sensors on every door and window.
Any suggestions or shared experiences would be appreciated !!

 

[ilovesprig]

Kevin,

How about this?...................


.

 

[Deleted member 31469]

We have Simplisafe, with every bell and whistle imaginable, motion detectors, glass break sensors, key fobs, panic buttons, cameras inside and out. The only hardwired components are the doorbell/camera and the base station, everything else is battery. The batteries last at least a year [usually 2 years or more] and when they start to get low, Simplisafe notifies you, telling you which device has a battery that is getting low. You have about a month to replace the batteries and it takes about 30 seconds. We are able to monitor everything from our cell phones. We pay about $30 a month for the monitoring service. The most valuable part of the system are the signs you put in the yard and on the windows. According to law enforcement, this in itself is a huge deterrent. I have accidentally set off the alarm a couple times and the monitoring service calls immediately. Very happy with the system.

 

[MasonP]

Im gunna be real here, part of my job is answering phone calls from alarm monitoring centers for police dispatch. They all suck, and 80-85% of them are the same people, in the same center, but their screen pops up from which alarm company they have to say they are from. The only one with half way decent monitors is Bay Alarm, and even then it is hit or miss. In my opinion, your best bet is hardwired cameras, with good quality, and an app on your phone/computer/tablet that allows you to monitor them remotely. Make sure the cameras are able to notify of motion.

I would include a camera in your back yard that has a wide view, one in the front with a wide view, and then 1 with a sharp, good quality close view of where you think unauthorized entrance into your house would be easy. Then, if you see something, call the cops yourself, it will be a good 8-15 minutes before ADT, Ring, SimpliSafe, etc will get on the phone.

If you and your family arent weirded out by it, you can also include 1 or 2 inside the home for when you are away and can confirm if someone has made entry into the home or if they are just snooping around. Entry into the home gets a much quicker and more serious police response, snooping around gets a decently quick but not as quick response.

 

[duck-boy]

I also have simplisafe. (No simplisafe cameras) When there's an alarm trigger I get a notification on my phone right away and also I receive a call from them. If I don't answer they call the sheriff's. One time I missed the call and had to apologize for the sheriff's coming out on a motion trigger (our cat used to set off motion so we relocated the sensor). I'm happy with the system but the costs have increased a bit but cheaper than most.
I have Wyze wireless cameras that I use to monitor inside my garage, the garage door, backyard and a rechargeable that I monitor my driveway with. These cameras are around $20 and I love them. The rechargeable one is more but more versatile.
Wyze also sells a security system that is very inexpensive. I would change to Wyze security system in a second except the biggest drawback of Wyze Home Monitoring is the lack of cell backup. If your Wi-Fi goes down, the system will still detect breaches and set off the local alarm, but it won't contact the monitoring service. My simplisafe has this backup so no problem if power fails or wifi goes out. As a matter of fact, Simplisafe notifies me when i have a power outage.
Wyze is a great company IMO and they have some cool things that are inexpensive. Smart scales, smart watches, camera doorbell, wifi light bulbs and other things. As soon as Wyze gets cell backup for home monitoring I'll switch to wyze

 

[Deleted member 31469]

We also have outdoor cameras that are from Amazon, cost about $40 each, USB recharger system, charge lasts about 4 months. Superb software, no monthly fees, keeps me informed of everything via my smartphone. Great optics.