X10 Community Forum
🛡Home Security => Home Security General => Topic started by: RCaddict on August 15, 2007, 02:36:33 PM
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I really like DS7000 But I can't imagine why they designed a unit that arm and disarm with a push of a single button While everybody in the industry has code entry to do this which make sense considering this is a security device! It is not the cost because you can implement this easy with software with Keypad that is already there. It is very important to implement proper security by having a code protected remote keypad next to exit door while main unit is hidden away.
So I guess it has to be a sales strategy and they will come up with real thing soon! What you guys think?
I am going to wait and see few more months. They have to do it by Christmas anyway because GE is fast catching up with DIY wireless security concept with their inexpensive Simon-3 console with voice feedback. :)
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So I guess it has to be a sales strategy and they will come up with real thing soon! What you guys think?
Your Chances of This Happening... (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=10904.msg62029#msg62029)
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It is better to dream about a better security system than to believe you have one ;D
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I figure they what everyone that uses the system to have to BUY or have their own key fob, if they had a keypad well everyone in the family could use the same one at the entry point. That's what I believe their logic is, what they should have is a rolling code that changes every time you use it like my auto alarm. This unit has been out I'm guessing about 12 years I remember when I got my first one cell phones were analog had antennas that had to be extended and wouldn't really work that well in cars. That gives you an idea how long it's been around and in all that time there's been no I repeat no changes to the console sure they improved the door/window sensors notice I didn't say motion detectors the old SP554 was in my opinion actually better detector at least in the 2 step mode you couldn't get past it and I never got any false alarms, it did have a much shorter range and the batter life was poor but like I said the 2 step mode was excellent. So there you have it my 4 cents!
Tom j
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I don't think X10 will ever produce a keypad for the DS7000, but they did work on a new system for Radio Shack a little while ago that included a code protected keypad. I would guess there's a possibility in the future that they'll make an X10-branded version of that one.
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I figure they what everyone that uses the system to have to BUY or have their own key fob, if they had a keypad well everyone in the family could use the same one at the entry point. That's what I believe their logic is ....
Well Most of us leave through the garage door and there is no way to know for sure main console receive the key fob arming signal behind closed door. You may be leaving unarmed system most of the time. Hopefully thieves take that and leave other stuff ... ;D
This unit has been out I'm guessing about 12 years ......Tom j
WOW! I didn't know that. Well I have to look elsewhere then. I don't mind playing with X10 stuff because they are cheep but home security is not a game! So If I am not buying DS7000 can anyone suggest affordable wireless system with phone dialler option. How about this SkyLink system. http://www.homesecuritystore.com/ezStore123/DTProductZoom.asp?productID=1232
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I really like DS7000 But I can't imagine why they designed a unit that arm and disarm with a push of a single button While everybody in the industry has code entry to do this which make sense considering this is a security device!
If the thief makes it has far as the DS7000 console, he/she could simply unplug it, even if it had a keypad requiring a 1,000 number code, no? ;D
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OK, It seems I have to do it myself ;)
Project: Electronic keypad for DS7000
Objective: Supply power to palmpad remote for 10 seconds after entering a user set code.
Operation: Electronic keypad will provide power to palmpad remote after successfully entering PIN code for few seconds. Red LED will light for this duration so user know when to press ARM with delay button or Disarm button on remote. This will activate overhead lamp fitted to X10 module set to DS7000 code as a visual indicator command has been received.
Let me know if you see any problems with this setup. thanks.
This KeyPad circuit will be modified for reverse operation and to give a preset delay.
http://www.zen22142.zen.co.uk/Circuits/Switching/keypad.htm
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Quote RCaddict... Well Most of us leave through the garage door and there is no way to know for sure main console receive the key fob arming signal behind closed door. You may be leaving unarmed system most of the time. Hopefully thieves take that and leave other stuff ...
Point well taken but most alarm systems use a key pad I personally leave by way of the front door in my case the keypad for my wife and myself would be perfect our garage is not attached, and I believe most homes have non attached garages. I still believe that they want to sell more key fobs otherwise they could manufacture both.
Tom j
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I was just thinking I bought my first DS7000 from the DAK catalog anyone familiar with this catalog it was the original gadget catalog, knows how long that's been.
Tom j
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Guess what?
I Googled DAK Catalog and here's the site that came up: http://www.dak2000.com/
Apparently DAK Industries is still alive and well.
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I've said it before but here it goes again...
X10 is a great low cost system for home automation as long as you don't mind a little DIY input but if you want a real/professional alarm you'll need to go elsewhere.
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I've said it before but here it goes again...
X10 is a great low cost system for home automation as long as you don't mind a little DIY input but if you want a real/professional alarm you'll need to go elsewhere.
And DIY is what I expect to have to do. It would be nice to have had a code pad of some sort, but I'll work around it...
I am planning to use MisterHouse, which is certainly heavily on the DIY side, for software. One way of implementing a code pad with that would be to use a multi-(4 or 6) button RF control pad or fob. Write the MH Perl code to catch a sequence of key inputs, in the same way a pushbutton combination door lock works...
Dave
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...One way of implementing a code pad with that would be to use a multi-(4 or 6) button RF control pad or fob. Write the MH Perl code to catch a sequence of key inputs, in the same way a pushbutton combination door lock works...
I enjoy the flexibility of being able to program multiple access codes for various family and friends with my alarm system without compromising the master code.
Not part of my alarm system but on a similar note, I have an outdoor code pad for my garage door that allows me to set a temporary code. The temporary code can be set to expire after a limited time period or number of uses.
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...One way of implementing a code pad with that would be to use a multi-(4 or 6) button RF control pad or fob. Write the MH Perl code to catch a sequence of key inputs, in the same way a pushbutton combination door lock works...
I enjoy the flexibility of being able to program multiple access codes for various family and friends with my alarm system without compromising the master code.
Not part of my alarm system but on a similar note, I have an outdoor code pad for my garage door that allows me to set a temporary code. The temporary code can be set to expire after a limited time period or number of uses.
Great idea, on the temporary codes! The multiple family codes is another high-end feature.
Frankly, the main reason for the security system is to be alerted if one of my princesses decides to flee the castle. Having the ability to code out and back in would give me a log trace. And I can set levels of lock, so my wife or I can unlock the system, but the girls can't. This just keeps getting better!
Dave
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Frankly, the main reason for the security system is to be alerted if one of my princesses decides to flee the castle..... Dave
Well. That's a new angle. I was only thinking of break-in protection not break-out ;D
My kids already using garage code pad as a primary entry and exit to go to school and back so they do not have to take a house key. It works fine. And I am happy garage door opener has a rolling code system. I would love if I can use same key pad to enable and disable the security system. I really like GE Simon3 system's ability to have multiple codes and call my cell phone if a code is not used within given period of time like a kid getting late to come home.
I love DIY. That's the reason I am talking here. But in case of family security DIY should not compromise the safety too much.
I enjoy the flexibility of being able to program multiple access codes for various family and friends with my alarm system without compromising the master code.
So you have a professional alarm insted of X10 DIY alarm.
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Guess what?
I Googled DAK Catalog and here's the site that came up: http://www.dak2000.com/
Apparently DAK Industries is still alive and well.
Wow who would have tunk it, now that logo really brings back memories!
Tom j
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I enjoy the flexibility of being able to program multiple access codes for various family and friends with my alarm system without compromising the master code.
So you have a professional alarm insted of X10 DIY alarm.
Yes.
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Thanks. I am set for professional alarm then. I need some help in selection process.
I live in safe neighbourhood so I think monitored alarm is a overkill. I will settle for a unit that can call me in case of an emergency for now. I still love to retain some DIY flexibility so system that can interface X10 for automation would be nice.
Primary requirements.
1. Main console with dialler that can call user program numbers should be hiddenaway in a closet.
2. Remote siren.
3. Remote keypad
4. X10 interface to operate lamps ext.
I found GE Simon3 can do this things but not sure it's dialler can deliver a message in plane English or X10 interface work out of the box. Are there any other Alarm system that can do this?
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Thanks. I am set for professional alarm then. I need some help in selection process.
I live in safe neighborhood so I think monitored alarm is a overkill. I will settle for a unit that can call me in case of an emergency for now. I still love to retain some DIY flexibility so system that can interface X10 for automation would be nice....
Don't be so fast to rule out a monitored alarm. It will reach you much faster than a neighbor and the monitoring services know the difference between a burglary and a fire. In addition they can call the police in a distress situation if you are forced to deactivate an alarm. Most alarms have a distress code that silences the alarm but still signals for help. Also some cities strongly encourage some form of monitoring. e.g. Fines for repeat false alarms. If your retrofitting a home, you most likely will find it inconvenient to wire to every window. Suppose a battery fails in one of your wireless sensors fails.
A lot of alarm systems can provide an output signal that can be used to trigger a powerflash interface. A powerflash interface can flash all your X10 lights on one house code independent of your computer, AHP or having to run macros in your CM15A.
The best alarm advice I can give you is stay away from the companies that snare you with a low price install only to rape you with their monitoring contract. e.g. Many of these well known names install a system for $100 or so but provide the monitoring service for $25+ a month. In addition, the control boxes they provide are proprietary and rarely can be programed to be monitored by any other service.
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RCaddict,
steven r asked me to chime-in here since he knows I work for an alarm company.
He is quite correct about the "$100 Specials". They are akin to the "free cell phones", nothing but a ploy to get the salesman's foot in your door. Usually you find that the "deal" is inadequate for your needs and what will actually work for you is significantly more money down and more money a month. Not to mention the monitoring and / or maintenance contract that sticks you with a multi-year term, many of which self-renew (sometimes for several years at a time) if you don't send cancellation notice far enough in advance of their renewal date!
While several manufacturers claim their alarm systems interface with X10, most do no more than what a X10 Powerflash module does.
Most alarm systems I have heard of are designed to communicate with a monitoring station which will require a monthly fee.
The only one I can think of, off the top of my head, that might meet all of your stated requirements is the Elk model M1 (brought to you by the same people as the Elk ESM1 X10 Signal Meter!). It has Voice Dialer capability and (with the addition of a PSC05 or equivalent PLC interface) can send X10 power line commands! You can find out about the M1 at: http://www.elkproducts.com/ (http://www.elkproducts.com/). IMHO if you plan on spending the bucks anyway, the Elk M1 should make any self-respecting X10 DIY'er types drool until their socks are soaked! ;D
P.S.
Before anyone asks, no, I haven't managed to get an Elk M1 to play with, but based on the information available, I certainly would if I could!
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Thanks. Yes ELK M1 seems to have everything. But ..... I am can't forget GE Simon3.....It is like first love. I liked the features instantly. Reputed brand, Voice assisted setup and operation, inexpensive system & accessories, programable dialler can call me or monitoring station so I have option of signing up with monitoring later, X10 compatibility. I can buy the basic system and expand. Ge will be their for long time. They have good customer service too I heard.
http://www.homesecuritystore.com/ezStore123/DTProductZoom.asp?productID=1504#a1
http://www.homesecuritystore.com/ezStore123/DTProductZoom.asp?productID=1429
http://www.safemart.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=6223
What is your honest assessment of this system?
It seems all these systems are X10 compatible and has ability to dial private phone numbers or monitoring station!
http://www.safemart.com/compare.htm
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Wow it is so quite here ;) Sometimes silence is the answer ;)
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Guess what?
I Googled DAK Catalog and here's the site that came up: http://www.dak2000.com/
Apparently DAK Industries is still alive and well.
Wow who would have tunk it, now that logo really brings back memories!
Tom j
Back in the 80's DAK was the coolest...
How many old timers ordered the Regency Electronics "Regulator" system from DAK? Not quite "smart home" but the Regulator controller could program about 100 timed events and the module had 100 unit code and 100 house codes with the first 16 compatable with X10. I still have a few of the modules.
Yeah I miss DAK.
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Wow it is so quite here ;) Sometimes silence is the answer ;)
Sorry, I have little to input about the Simon. It does appear to have some good features, although somewhat limited compared to the Elk (hey, you get what you pay for!), I guess the basic question is; "Does it work for you?" ;)
Yes, GE has been (and probably will be) around for a long time. That said, the real question is; "Will the Simon be around?" Like many companies, including Honeywell, GE has a habit of buying up other companies and their technologies. Sometimes this is because it is cheaper for them than creating the technologies for themselves, and sometimes it is a blatent move to squash the competition! The Simon alarm systems were an ITI product (possibly originally someone else's as ITI was playing the same game before GE bought them! It is so hard to keep track anymore.) and many ITI products have been discontinued by GE. GE also bought Moose (or maybe they bought the company that bought Moose ??? ) and many, if not all, of the Moose products are now discontinued.
Oh, yeah, the guy that started Moose (and later sold it) is the guy behind Elk! ;D
Confused yet? ??? Welcome to the club! ::) ;D
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Thanks for input.
Yes you don't know who owns it or who makes it any more.
That's why product loyalty is a thing of the past and companies go bankrupt overnight.
When company value is determined not by product or services but bogus and highly manipulated (leaveraged -wallstreet term) stock value this is what happen. :-\
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Thanks for input.
Yes you don't know who owns it or who makes it any more.
That's why product loyalty is a thing of the past and companies go bankrupt overnight.
When company value is determined not by product or services but bogus and highly manipulated (leaveraged -wallstreet term) stock value this is what happen. :-\
Ain't that the truth! :(
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Thanks. Yes ELK M1 seems to have everything. But ..... I am can't forget GE Simon3.....It is like first love. I liked the features instantly. Reputed brand, Voice assisted setup and operation, inexpensive system & accessories, programable dialler can call me or monitoring station so I have option of signing up with monitoring later, X10 compatibility. I can buy the basic system and expand. Ge will be their for long time. They have good customer service too I heard.
http://www.homesecuritystore.com/ezStore123/DTProductZoom.asp?productID=1504#a1
http://www.homesecuritystore.com/ezStore123/DTProductZoom.asp?productID=1429
http://www.safemart.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=6223
What is your honest assessment of this system?
It seems all these systems are X10 compatible and has ability to dial private phone numbers or monitoring station!
http://www.safemart.com/compare.htm
Yep Elk is a Premo system but DSC is a less expensive alternative, that's the system I'm currently working on putting together. It offers the ability to use wireless components in areas that might be difficult to wire and has support for x10 devices it also has a telephone module that allows you to call into the unit and check the status of the system operate your x10 lighting and appliances and has a vocabulary of about 300 words O-YEAH! The last one even has a touch screen included I like that!! see links below for details. Tell me what you think!
Tom j
http://www.homesecuritystore.com/ezStore123/DTProductZoom.asp?productID=1044
http://www.homesecuritystore.com/ezStore123/DTProductZoom.asp?productID=435
Touch Screen Model
http://www.homesecuritystore.com/ezStore123/DTProductZoom.asp?productID=1396#a1
http://www.homesecuritystore.com/ezStore123/DTProductZoom.asp?productID=1159
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That is a very good system but problem is most of these systems are designed to call monitoring centers only in case of alarm and deliver coded info. Some advertise as secondary user dialling capability but this is actually text messages or brief event trigger notices only.
Only few has capability to call user phone numbers and inform the alarm condition in plain English and let the user to listen-in. Systems with compulsory monitoring are generally less expensive because they make money mainly from monitoring so subsidise the system cost. Like inkjet printers! They give the printer free because they can recover the cost from ink cartrages in no time!
But fortunately due to pressure from DIY market like X10 manufactures like GE coming up with new DIY consoles like Simon that has complete user control and monitoring.
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That is a very good system but problem is most of these systems are designed to call monitoring centers only in case of alarm and deliver coded info. Some advertise as secondary user dialling capability but this is actually text messages or brief event trigger notices only.
Only few has capability to call user phone numbers and inform the alarm condition in plain English and let the user to listen-in. Systems with compulsory monitoring are generally less expensive because they make money mainly from monitoring so subsidise the system cost. Like inkjet printers! They give the printer free because they can recover the cost from ink cartrages in no time!
But fortunately due to pressure from DIY market like X10 manufactures like GE coming up with new DIY consoles like Simon that has complete user control and monitoring.
Well yes and no you can actually get monitoring through the home security store for 8.95 a month!! now that's an amount almost anyone can afford. They don't service any units they simply provide monitoring and I recently found out the company they're dealing with has been around close to thirty years, well anyway that's the route I plan on taking.
Tom j
http://monitoring.homesecuritystore.com/
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Yes, GE has been (and probably will be) around for a long time. ...
Confused yet? ??? Welcome to the club! ::) ;D
GE did sell off its consumer electronics to Thomson back in 1987. Thomson in turn sold off this TV business to TCL in China 2004, and other stuff (including the RCA name) to Audiovox in 2006.
So while GE might be around for a long time, who knows who actually made their new GE TV? :D
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...you can actually get monitoring through the home security store for 8.95 a month!!...
http://monitoring.homesecuritystore.com/
I'm also considering the same service at the link alarmrelay.com (http://alarmrelay.com).
The $8.95 a month is billed annually and there is a $35 setup fee as well as a renewing annual contract. The trade off of having to pay a year in advance is fair when you compare it to most other monitoring services that charge 2 to 3 times as much.
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The $8.95 a month is billed annually and there is a $35 setup fee as well as a renewing annual contract.
The $8.95 a month does seem to be the rock-bottom price for 24/7 monitoring. But... for $8.95 a month.... what do you really get. A call to your cell phone and then a call to the police? Couldn't you as easily store the police phone number in your cell phone contacts.... and a trusted neighbors phone number?
The true professional systems can detect more than just a tripped alarm... and of course cost more. I wonder what sort of discount I might get on my home insurance, with/without monitoring?
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... for $8.95 a month.... what do you really get.....
...The true professional systems can detect more than just a tripped alarm... and of course cost more. I wonder what sort of discount I might get on my home insurance, with/without monitoring?
With the above company, fire alert is included also at least for home systems. Hands down I'd rather have a paid monitoring system monitoring my alarm than a neighbor. I haven't asked if there are any hidden costs but I didn't see any when I reviewed the online contract.
Home insurance discount can be as much as 20%. Even 10% would go a long way toward offsetting the monitoring cost.
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What do you all do to physically "protect" your phone line?
For me, my phone cable comes up form the ground, right next to the power feed conduit. I have always worried that any potential thief could just snip the phone cable.
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What do you all do to physically "protect" your phone line?
For me, my phone cable comes up form the ground, right next to the power feed conduit. I have always worried that any potential thief could just snip the phone cable.
That's where the cameras come in handy. Record them in the act. ;)
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My brother works for the phone company. Years ago he told me that to keep from carrying tools (evidence) with them, burglars would just kick open the phone company's plastic box (it's a fuse holder and junction box) and pull the fuses out.
It was common for the phone-men to go to the homes after the robbery to restore phone service. Although many people reported "the phone lines had been cut", the phone-men would simply look around in the yard... find the fuses and plug them back in.
It wasn't too difficult for me to figure out how to re-wire the lines so a 2ND set of fuses (in my basement) were the real curcit breaker.
Another idea.... look at Barberry bushes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barberry). A great rose colored, hardy bush that looks GREAT under windows and in front of phone boxes (and on camera footage). Wear gloves when planting.
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Walt2,
Many people nowdays go for cellular backup to the alarms phone line connection. This usually is an added monthly expense in one way or another.
Dave_x10_L,
While, I would hate to be your phone guy, this is exactly the sort of thing that a "real" security company should be telling you. Make it difficult to approach where you don't want people approaching. Make it difficult to hide (especially near the house). And by all means, examine your physical security, good locks, strong doors, good outside lighting. Windows are a bit difficult, since there may be a time when you need to get out them.
Basically, while an alarm system is great for your safety if you're home and may deter some from entering or scare them away if they do, it is mostly best at "documenting the crime" for your insurance company.
Personally, I prefer the "keep them outside in the first place" approach. ;)
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My brother works for the phone company. Years ago he told me that to keep from carrying tools (evidence) with them, burglars would just kick open the phone company's plastic box (it's a fuse holder and junction box) and pull the fuses out.
On that thought, have any of you put a pad lock on that phone box. I know that mine has provisions for one. However, I don't know if the phone company would appreciate that.
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My brother works for the phone company. Years ago he told me that to keep from carrying tools (evidence) with them, burglars would just kick open the phone company's plastic box (it's a fuse holder and junction box) and pull the fuses out.
On that thought, have any of you put a pad lock on that phone box. I know that mine has provisions for one. However, I don't know if the phone company would appreciate that.
The new phone boxes (around here at least) are sectional. The main cover has a hole with a half cover that goes over the side the subscriber is allowed to access (which on mine allows the subscriber to put a lock on it). The phone company can open the main cover (which removes the subscriber cover lock and all) and gain access to both sides.
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Basically, while an alarm system is great for your safety if you're home and may deter some from entering or scare them away if they do, it is mostly best at "documenting the crime" for your insurance company.
Personally, I prefer the "keep them outside in the first place" approach. ;)
"keep them outside in the first place".
That should be the most important strategy in anybody's security plan.
I have installed these equipments to achieve that.
1.Post security signs in the yard and doors.
2. Motion activated lights first come on inside the house and few seconds later outside the house to simulate detection.
3. Door security bar which is the better version of door chain that open a door few inches only in case of lock has been broken. This will trip the magnetic sensors and sound alarm but prevent entry. So any normal chief will tend to flee insted of trying to break in again while the alarm in sounding!
I will not trust the neighbors for my security and nither internet security company. I will rather system call me, brother and a friend who live near by so we can take whatever necessary action. So far I trust my cell phone. Me and my wife always carry it. My Kids carry them too and always call us when ever they are in trouble. Quick communication has avoided unnecessary panic and prevented small emergencies getting out of control in the past . It is a provan security device for our family in the past so I want to security system to call my cell too. I specially like GE event trigger cell call that call me if kids do not enter their code during set time period. This tells me they are not home from school so I can call them.
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On that thought, have any of you put a pad lock on that phone box. I know that mine has provisions for one. However, I don't know if the phone company would appreciate that.
Kick it open..... kick it off the wall.... how much difference could it make [to a thief]. A heavy duty zip-tie works great, can't rust, the key doesn't get misplaced and easily "unlocks" with sidecutters.
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2. Motion activated lights first come on inside the house and few seconds later outside the house to simulate detection.
I like it!
You're right, back when motion lights first came out, it was much less expected that they were "automatic" and maybe no one was really home. Now, they are more expected and maybe less of a deterrant (however, lighting the area and exposing the thief to sight is still pretty effective).
Your method does indeed simulate someone being home and hearing a noise outside, which in most cases would be a much bigger deterrant! 8)
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On that thought, have any of you put a pad lock on that phone box. I know that mine has provisions for one. However, I don't know if the phone company would appreciate that.
I run a PC 24/7 so I can run BVC (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=12834.0). I have downloaded X10dispatcher (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=8011.0) and am looking at having alerts text messaged to the cell phone (i.e. GDOOR UP, H20 BMENT, WMV SENT.....and so on).
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... for $8.95 a month.... what do you really get.....
...The true professional systems can detect more than just a tripped alarm... and of course cost more. I wonder what sort of discount I might get on my home insurance, with/without monitoring?
With the above company, fire alert is included also at least for home systems. Hands down I'd rather have a paid monitoring system monitoring my alarm than a neighbor. I haven't asked if there are any hidden costs but I didn't see any when I reviewed the online contract.
Home insurance discount can be as much as 20%. Even 10% would go a long way toward offsetting the monitoring cost.
Ditto to that!!!! I much rather have a system professionally monitored then rely on a friend or neighbor. Even with the setup fees this is still a great deal and what I've found is that the police are MUCH more responsive to a professional monitoring company placing the call then from a neighbor or family member. I placed a call for a neighbor when her alarm went off and she was out of town and the police didn't respond for hours another neighbor alarm when off the monitoring company called the the police got there in minutes!!
Tom j
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...Ditto to that!!!! I much rather have a system professionally monitored then rely on a friend or neighbor. Even with the setup fees this is still a great deal ...
Other than the setup fee, the only other cost I've found is for an optional lawn sign ($12, you provide the stake). I'm going to just leave up my old signs.
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...Ditto to that!!!! I much rather have a system professionally monitored then rely on a friend or neighbor. Even with the setup fees this is still a great deal ...
Other than the setup fee, the only other cost I've found is for an optional lawn sign ($12, you provide the stake). I'm going to just leave up my old signs.
Yard signs are great! Well, they are for the installing or monitoring company at least. ;) ;D Free advertizing! Better than free if you have to pay for the sign!
While it is possible they will deter some, you better make sure they don't advertize "I have a system that is easy to defeat!" and that your monitoring company has good procedures in place to make it hard for someone that doesn't know the right passcode, etc. to simply call in and say "I goofed, please don't dispatch!". ;)
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Ditto to that!!!! I much rather have a system professionally monitored then rely on a friend or neighbor. Even with the setup fees this is still a great deal and what I've found is that the police are MUCH more responsive to a professional monitoring company placing the call then from a neighbor or family member. I placed a call for a neighbor when her alarm went off and she was out of town and the police didn't respond for hours another neighbor alarm when off the monitoring company called the the police got there in minutes!!
Tom j
Thanks. That's useful info. I can't remember ever calling police in that situation so I did not know their response time. Does monitoring companies indicate any response time guarantees in their contracts?
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...Does monitoring companies indicate any response time guarantees in their contracts?
No because they have no control over local response times for police and fire.