Lets talk DIY home alarms

Community Discussion Shoot the Breeze
1

looking for ideas on basic diy system for my house. don’t need or want monitoring service. just something to scare intruders away, and possibly alert me on my phone. simplisafe looks like they might have a decent setup, but i figured i’d get advice and opinions here.

thanks guys

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Simplysafe. I have it for four years now. It’s worth looking into.

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Second SimpliSafe. I have it monitoring both inside & out of a home 300 miles away with no problems.

1 Like
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I have two Simplisafe systems. One in the house and one in the RV. It’s an easy system to install as a DYI. Being both cellular and WiFi connected, gives double protection.

A couple of things to consider: Since I have a separate video security system around my perimeter, the alarm portion of the system is secondary. Just having a local alarm that makes noise, isn’t going to do much for you. Even if you install outside sirens, so the neighbors hear it, the thief is long gone, before the cops get there.

What I find important is the fire safety parts, smoke detector and CO detector, that will automatically call the fire department. Then I have water sensors and temp sensors, that let me know if there’s issues there. These are MUCH more important to me, than the burglar alarm.

Also, the app is OK, but definitely rethink the self- monitoring. Some people think they’re available 24/7/365 if they get an alarm, but the reality is, they aren’t. So for a few bucks a month, you have a “backup” that will keep an eye on the place, if you miss an alarm.

Also, I believe you don’t get cellular backup if you don’t have a monitoring plan..

OH, and stay FAR AWAY from their crappy cameras… they are the worst!!

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Another BIG +1 for Simplisafe.
Easy install (no wiring at all)
Great customer service in my almost 6 years of use.

And with what I have in my apt in this senior building (with G-d knows how many keys exist), it’s the best defense I could have.

John, let me know if that’s the way you’re going to go so I can give you a referral that we both benefit from.

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WiFi security systems are super easy to set up. They are also super easy to jam. Hard wire what can be hardwired. Power over ethernet (PoE) uses network cable and provides power and data, so no jamming.