📝Reviews > Protector Plus Reviews
Not impressed with the DS7000E home 'security' system
HA Dave:
--- Quote from: sconnelly on August 01, 2008, 12:21:25 AM ---
.......... how do you over come the fact that there is no remote keypad with entry/exit key code?
--- End quote ---
I guess the point I am trying to make... once the intruder discovers you have no keypads.... he will already have broken in. At that point... what difference will it make? I use several large powerhorns.... it would be no easy task to track down the console before it calls out.
We have had professional burglars in my area... but those are few and far between... and very little can be done to prevent/stop those. Certainly NOT any alarm system.
It's easy to focus on what about this... then what about that. The facts are simple: Homes are generally very easy to break into. 98% of all alarm systems can easily be disabled by just kicking the fuses out of the phone fuse box (the little gray plastic one outside). A few systems alert the monitor via the internet (like the cable line is so hard to disable) and a VERY few have cellular phones. The cellular ones require the intruder to have a small piece of jamming equipment. ALL ALARMS ARE EASILY DEFEATED.
On top of all that... throw in that your not only likely to KNOW your intruder... your very likely to share DNA with them. So if the intruder isn't your crack addicted sister... it will be you teenage daughters boyfriend. Or maybe just the neighbors kid.
The only solution I've read about for the keypad... is a lock-box for the security remote.. like the ones used for keys. I just hide away my security remote. If you find a better solution please let the forum (and me) know.
tom j:
--- Quote from: steven r on July 31, 2008, 04:36:26 PM ---My 2¢...
Alarms come in 3 varieties...
* 1. DIY of which the X10 one is good one
* 2. Inexpensive installed professional ones were you get everything for $99 and then pay around $1500+ over the next 3 years with the mandatory contract
* 3. A paid up front professionally installed system with no mandatory monitoring contract.
I'd much rather keep a potential burglar out than be warned that he has broken into my home. So the first thing I recommend is that you use lighting and good locks to keep them out. After that my preference is option 3 with a good monitoring service. I pay $8.95/month. My next choice would be a DIY system but keep in mind an alarm is only as good as it's notification system. i.e. It being able to let you know it's status. I do not recommend option 2 and that is what all the major installers stick you with.
I'm a strong believer in having a good monitoring system. This can be missing in many DIY setups.
Reasons I like my monitoring system:
* They are active with a human response 24/7 as well as a backup for their monitoring systems.
* They notify me in the event of a power failure at my location
* They can tell me what zone was compromised. i.e. They will tell me what door or window was opened.
* They can distinguish between fire or break in.
* I can deactivate the local siren while silently letting them know of a panic situation.
* In the event of fire or panic, they will contact emergency services first and then me.
* If they don't reach me, they will go down a list of numbers till they reach someone.
* They do all this for a very reasonable rate of $8.95/month.*
In addition a monitored system qualifies me for a 20% home insurance discount. I don't know if a non-monitored or a DIY system would.
*Paid annually. Also there was a one time setup fee of I believe $30. I also pay an optional 50¢/month for email notification with a printout of contact time and problem resolution.
--- End quote ---
I would like to add a 4th option and the one I'm pursuing. You can get a basic hybrid system for around 200 bucks and either install it yourself if you're so inclined or have it done for you and then have it monitored for 8.95 a month!!!! This is actually what I'm in the process of doing see the link below for the monitoring, this is not a fly by night company they have been doing this for almost 30 years they JUST do monitoring any severing is up to you but if you use good components they will last almost forever some of my stuff actually has a lifetime warranty. And as far as having the unit out so it can be heard I would strongly recommend the large powerhorns!!! got 4 of thee throughout the house so you can basically hide the console to keep it out of sight, now with the newer consoles probably like the one you have you can set it up to flash a light when armed so you really can put the console up well hidden and you really don't need to even hear the conformation armed tone.
I used to be critical of some of the things you mentioned but I actually had a break-in and the little Protector Plus preformed flawlessly!! those large powehorns kicked in and all the lights in the house were flashing and an aftermarket x10 outside siren kicked in. Apparently it was to much for them they ran out but only after unplugging part of my home entertainment system but they actually got nothing so ever since I've been somewhat impressed. Almost forgot to mention that it did call me on my cell and I got there with my Smith & Wesson M&P within minutes, came home to a door hanging off the hinges but that was it they didn't even get the money on the piano for my wife. I am currently in the last stages of installing my DSC super system this thing has it all a vocabulary of 300 words so you can call in and check the system from anywhere in the world allows you to use any phone as an x10 keypad smoke CO detector it even has wireless components so you don't have to rip up your attic, even picked up a talking siren, but this stuff was expensive and it's been over a year in buying and installing the equipment kind of had to learn as I went along as far as how to set it up now I could do it in a week, but like I said the little DS7000 has been keeping an eye on things until it's completed and even then I'll keep everything as a backup and to use it in a couple houses I intend on flipping. The system is not without it's flaws but for the money it a good deal and offers you a gateway to home automation and some decent security if properly configured with lights sirens ect.
http://monitoring.homesecuritystore.com/
http://www.homesecuritystore.com/ezStore123/DTProductZoom.asp?productID=1685
Tom j.
MatrixPC:
>*< >*< >*< >*<
There is couple thing I really like X10 to improve the DS7000 like OP posted.
- Numeric keypad and remote for arm/disarm.
- Discard the sounder on the console dialer and provide connection to trigger external siren. Existing power horn isn't going to cut it.
- Add a 2nd set of LEDs for status of 9-16 sensors. Also a more meaning full status report (slow/rapid flashing for low battery etc ...).
- Key chain remote is huge to carry around on key chain compare to most car alarm remote. BTW, I embed the remote buttons into existing car's buttons. Just like I did with the garage opener. So it size is not really important. But smaller always make it easier to hide.
- Improve the dialer (more digits and ability to dial # sign)
- Within 1 month using it, I already had 2 false alarm because the freaking magnet sensor fall of the windows ;D ;D
There is only 1 reason I like the DS7000: When trigger, it can flash lights and I hope that it will scare away intruder. And if you dial emergency, Panic button help emergency responders locate your house faster.
steven r:
--- Quote from: MatrixPC on August 02, 2008, 03:37:56 AM ---...Also a more meaning full status report (slow/rapid flashing for low battery etc ...)...
...There is only 1 reason I like the DS7000: When trigger, it can flash lights and I hope that it will scare away intruder....
--- End quote ---
Yes I prefer a LCD display.
Most higher end alarm systems have an output signal that can be used to trigger a power flasher.
tom j:
--- Quote from: Tuicemen on July 31, 2008, 07:57:52 PM ---The only issue I see as not being able to overcome is - Only a single zone. No multi-zones.
Mind you some will require you modifying an existing x10 device, using a PC or waiting for a new X10 product (in testing)! ;)
>!
--- End quote ---
Say Tuice X10 got something in the works?? hmmm?
Tom j.
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