Tips for the diy type
I know we are all trying to save money these days and one way to do this is to install your own security system. So what should you look for when trying to decide on what to purchase?
If you are trying to figure out what kind of home security system you would like to have installed, there are several things that you should take into consideration. These things include the crime rate in your neighborhood, as well as how much money you are willing to spend to have a home security system installed.
First you need to look at price. Will you actually save all that much money? Many security companies offer a relatively cheap system, usually around $100. Some even will install it for free, if you have it monitored with them. Monitoring can be anywhere from around $15 to $50 per month, depending on which company you choose. If you are planning on not having your system monitored, then you can save the monthly fee, but then why even have a system?
You can purchase your own equipment for a DIY project from many sites on the internet, some of the local spy shops, eBay, Radio Shack, X-10 and the local building centers. Most of those systems will usually start at around $100 to $200. Since you have to get it installed and programmed correctly, make sure there is some kind of technical support for when you have questions.
There are several books available to give you guidance and a number of different ways to accomplish a DIY security project. Click on the link below to see some of the different options in our DIY store.
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Having your system call your cell phone or office.
Today’s alarm systems are designed with the purpose of notifying a central station when an emergency happens. Almost all professional installations are done with that purpose in mind. A competent DIYer can install your own system however, Automated Interiors official policy is to recommend that systems be installed and used as the manufacturer intends, namely WITH central station monitoring. Having said that, if you choose to not have professional monitoring, then these are your options:
1. Just use the system as a local alarm. They are all designed to sound a siren or bell to scare off intruders.
2. You could install a voice dialer that will call your cell or a neighbor and give a voice message in an emergency. These were common several years ago, but are getting harder to find. Radio Shack used to have a model. Highly recommended over the next option.
3. Have the built in dialer call a phone of your choosing. This is really not recommended. Let me explain:
A. No matter what wireless companies claim, cell coverage is not perfect. (Maybe they have been in too many bars) There are still plenty of spots where there is NO SIGNAL. I find them all the time.
B. I imagine that you sometimes sleep, take a shower, go on vacation, mow the lawn or engage in some other activity that would prevent you from hearing or answering your cell phone.
C. When the panel calls out it is looking to talk to a computer so it communicates with a series of beeps. Unless you understand computer talk, all you a going to hear is noise. Will you be able to tell the difference between a low battery and a break in?
D. If you have an emergency while at home the panel is going to pick up your land line and dial your cell phone, preventing you from using either to call for help.
E. When the panel makes a call, it is looking for a conformation from the central station computer that it has received the information. Without that conformation, it will keep trying to call until it gets conformation. Since it can’t get confirmation it will cause a trouble on the panel. This can be programmed to one attempt. Some of the new panels have the option to call a pager or phone.
OK, having said all that, it is possible to have your security system call your phone instead of having it professionally monitored. It is a personal choice, depending on the amount of security you need.
