DIY home alarm system

mikep7m10

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 31, 2017
Messages
221
Location
Wake County
Rating - 100%
8   0   0
My alarm system has finally died - I got it in '80 so it's about time. I've lived in my house since '85 and never had a problem so I just want another local alarm, not a monitored system. I had a DIY system, the wireless kind. I'd like the same kind of thing so I can put sensors where I want and move them around as I change my mind.

I've seen the ads for SimpliSafe. What other brands should I consider and what should I avoid?
 
Doesn't Simplisafe charge a monthly fee for you to have remote access to your system?
 
Last edited:
Doesn't Simplisafe charge a monthly fee for you to have remote access to your system?
I don't think so. They charge a monthly fee to monitor your system (so if there's an alarm they will call the police or fire department), but that is optional. Otherwise you can access the system with a free smart phone app. And their "SimpliCam" ad says:
Watch live HD Video and
audio 24/7 for free from
your smartphone, tablet
or computer.
 
Last edited:
I'll have to give them another look then - they are very affordable compared to other systems.
 
simplisafe is very cheap - you own the hardware, and you dont even have to have it monitored if you dont want.

i installed it at my moms and since she doesnt have a smartphone, do basic monitoring for 15 a month.

i also bought just the hardware for my sis, who doesnt pay for monitoring (or much of anything else). she only uses so the inside siren goes off to alert her.

when my moms place was broken into - the sheriff was close and was there within minutes. i have no complaints about the company.
 
My alarm system has finally died - I got it in '80 so it's about time. I've lived in my house since '85 and never had a problem so I just want another local alarm, not a monitored system. I had a DIY system, the wireless kind. I'd like the same kind of thing so I can put sensors where I want and move them around as I change my mind.

I've seen the ads for SimpliSafe. What other brands should I consider and what should I avoid?

Fire, intrusion or both?
 
Just intrusion.

I was thinking of putting a motion sensor outside on the back porch to cover the back door Before break-in.
 
After retiring from the electronic security business for over 40+ years, I'll tell you that wireless is not the way to go. Wireless devices in today's climate can be controlled by others...especially something "inexpensive". I have had, on many many occasions, encountered home owners that were so tired of trying to keep up with battery changes that they would bypass a point or points of protection, trying do do "efficient" battery changes. Whereby all the batteries or most of them were changed on the same date and time. It is wise to have a simple system that can be turned on and off like a light switch, that has no electronic weakness, and is sound without a maintenance requirement other than regular tests.
Computer based main controls for hardwired systems and wireless can be compromised too. The best system is one that uses off the shelf analog devices (relays and switches and small clock timer circuits) and a 12 volt car battery with a trickle charger. Hard wiring is a lot simpler than you'd think, especially with newer constructed houses. Making wires disappear inside walls and covering magnetic switches using rare earth magnets and covering them too, so that contact points aren't visible, is the way to go. ALL of it should be in the protected space. Outside devices are almost like handing someone a key. Double protection on a hard target space is a must. ALL of it should have a supervised wire, done with a resistance valued normally open or closed circuit with the resistor at the protection device. I would opt out of using traditional motion detection too, in favor of strategically placed switch mat for interior coverage. Switch mat can be placed under carpet or runner or rug with wiring into the crawl space or lower floor wall. Second floor windows that are over your porch should be wired too. Any windows on upper floors that can be reached by a tree or pipe or any means not requiring a ladder, should be wired. Any interior stairs to upper floors should have a couple steps with switch mat under the carpet. If they aren't covered, the mat can be placed on landings under rugs or at both ends of the stairway under carpet or rugs. Fresnel and point to point infrared beams should be avoided. It is easy to understand that any electronic device can fail and it should be equally easy to see that any device with internet or cell phone or any outside communication can be also compromised. You may be thinking that this is all extreme? Now think about what security is? The simplest means is also the least expensive, however it is also labor intensive. Your knowledge of your system is a part of your security. Keep it safe, and keep the installation of it as clandestine as possible.
It would be my privilege to help anyone in our forum with anything I have discussed here. Shoot me a pm. I also have a few spring bits left for in-wall hiding of wires that I would gladly loan out and train someone in their usage. Spring bits and bit guides are available at most Lowes stores too.
 
I too prefer wired systems for the reasons that @MuzzerFuzzer points out. Sometimes that's not possible though and something is usually better than nothing.

We're building a new house for my parents and it has a wired system. The installer wanted to do an all wireless and I said no. They are going to put wireless sensors on the windows, which was an installation compromise, but the main area will be flagged by a motion sensor too and the control unit is in a clandestine place and will be behind a locked door.
 
I have Simpli-safe, have had it for a few years. Had an alarm while at work a couple weeks ago. Apparently, George the cat climbed on the TV and was messing with the sensor. The Cop that showed up called me and said the outside looked secure, I told him I have a key box on the porch if he wanted to go in and check it out. He said that it probably wasn't necessary considering the 75 pounds of dog in the window going apeshit at him on the porch.
Simpli-safe provides great service in my opinion, and I now have one of their cameras which I can access an time on my phone.
 
We've had SimpliSafe for 3 or 4 years now and have been quite happy with it. You can a la cart sensors. We have door, glass break, smoke and CO. Easy on, easy off. I have an app for my phone. We pay for monitored but you can change that month to month if you so desire. You can take it all down and reinstall if you move.
 
I'd love to be able to access my current system, since the guys who installed it haven't returned my calls since it was installed.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-J120AZ using Tapatalk
 
My alarm system has finally died - I got it in '80 so it's about time. I've lived in my house since '85 and never had a problem so I just want another local alarm, not a monitored system. I had a DIY system, the wireless kind. I'd like the same kind of thing so I can put sensors where I want and move them around as I change my mind.

I've seen the ads for SimpliSafe. What other brands should I consider and what should I avoid?
I have had Simplisafe several years and love it. Easy to install, great customer service, quick response to alarms.

Check with your homeowner's insurance. I can pay for monitoring for less than what I save on insurance by having a monitored system from Simplisafe.

Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk
 
You guys with commercial security systems. Especially the ones who love their Simply Safe. Do this. Disconnect any answering device or fax from your phone lines. Then using your phone on a separate line, call the number assigned to your alarm system. Let it ring at least 10 times. Hear that handshake? If not, call the number and let it ring one time, then immediately call it back. You'll get it within five rings then. Guess what...you have a big hole where your security should be. ;) All I need is the software. All anyone would need is the software. Small private companies CAN lock me out with an alternating code. The larger ones...especially the national ones, will only have a single code. Service will come from many directions if needed and the service man will have the codes for that company. Internet monitoring can be trapped for programming at a disarm signal. At any rate, if you have something someone wants, they can just come and get it. They'd just disarm and rearm remotely. This shouldn't frighten most homeowners. Only the one's who store gold or silver bullion and rare art and jewels or the ones who have a lot of guns and ammo or maybe in a national crisis, food and water. Just sayin :)

Here's something else to think about. Ever see a huge mansion with a big ole scarey "Protected By" sign in the yard? I didn't think so. They all have custom designed totally enclosed systems.
 
Last edited:
You guys with commercial security systems. Especially the ones who love their Simply Safe. Do this. Disconnect any answering device or fax from your phone lines. Then using your phone on a separate line, call the number assigned to your alarm system. Let it ring at least 10 times. Hear that handshake? If not, call the number and let it ring one time, then immediately call it back. You'll get it within five rings then. Guess what...you have a big hole where your security should be. ;) All I need is the software. All anyone would need is the software. Small private companies CAN lock me out with an alternating code. The larger ones...especially the national ones, will only have a single code. Service will come from many directions if needed and the service man will have the codes for that company. Internet monitoring can be trapped for programming at a disarm signal. At any rate, if you have something someone wants, they can just come and get it. They'd just disarm and rearm remotely. This shouldn't frighten most homeowners. Only the one's who store gold or silver bullion and rare art and jewels or the ones who have a lot of guns and ammo or maybe in a national crisis, food and water. Just sayin :)

Here's something else to think about. Ever see a huge mansion with a big ole scarey "Protected By" sign in the yard? I didn't think so. They all have custom designed totally enclosed systems.
Muzz, what's your cost efficient suggestion for a house that's CAT6 wired inside and out for cameras, glass break protectors, etc?
I want to be able to see what's going on with my phone, I DO NOT want it externally monitored, I want to make the decision to call the cops. I'll go to jail if a squirrel trips an alarm & a Napoleon Syndromed LEO shows up and kills my dog in the house.
 
Last edited:
You guys with commercial security systems. Especially the ones who love their Simply Safe. Do this. Disconnect any answering device or fax from your phone lines. Then using your phone on a separate line, call the number assigned to your alarm system. Let it ring at least 10 times. Hear that handshake? If not, call the number and let it ring one time, then immediately call it back. You'll get it within five rings then. Guess what...you have a big hole where your security should be. ;) All I need is the software. All anyone would need is the software. Small private companies CAN lock me out with an alternating code. The larger ones...especially the national ones, will only have a single code. Service will come from many directions if needed and the service man will have the codes for that company. Internet monitoring can be trapped for programming at a disarm signal. At any rate, if you have something someone wants, they can just come and get it. They'd just disarm and rearm remotely. This shouldn't frighten most homeowners. Only the one's who store gold or silver bullion and rare art and jewels or the ones who have a lot of guns and ammo or maybe in a national crisis, food and water. Just sayin :)

Here's something else to think about. Ever see a huge mansion with a big ole scarey "Protected By" sign in the yard? I didn't think so. They all have custom designed totally enclosed systems.


im not sure if im understanding you right- but if youre talking about the man-in-the-middle style attack that intercepts the pin so the system can be disarmed remotely - doesnt that require someone to stay in close proximity to the system and monitor until the system is keyed to even capture the pin? i could see that being an issue in an apt complex or busy city, but seems like that would just not be feasible around most homes - if someone is parked near my house for 5 mins they are drawing suspicion - i cant see someone sitting in a car for hours hoping the keypad gets keyed and they wouldnt necessarily know which house had which pin etc?
 
im not sure if im understanding you right- but if youre talking about the man-in-the-middle style attack that intercepts the pin so the system can be disarmed remotely - doesnt that require someone to stay in close proximity to the system and monitor until the system is keyed to even capture the pin? i could see that being an issue in an apt complex or busy city, but seems like that would just not be feasible around most homes - if someone is parked near my house for 5 mins they are drawing suspicion - i cant see someone sitting in a car for hours hoping the keypad gets keyed and they wouldnt necessarily know which house had which pin etc?
I could be anywhere in the world that has a phone line that uses tone dial. It could be done from near by or far away. I have a choice as to whether I want to add an additional arm/ disarm code for use later or simply disarm the system. It could be done using your own wifi on a laptop from a car within range. It can be done by using a wired or cellphone connection. All you need is the remote programming software for the equipment advertised on your front lawn by that "Protected By" sign ;)
 
Muzz, what's your cost efficient suggestion for a house that's CAT6 wired inside and out for cameras, glass break protectors, etc?
I want to be able to see what's going on with my phone, I DO NOT want it externally monitored, I want to make the decision to call the cops. I'll go to jail if a squirrel trips an alarm & a Napoleon Syndromed LEO shows up and kills my dog in the house.
Purchase an sms communicator that cannot be remotely programmed. That would bring you in with a lower price point than one that can be remotely programmed. You'll get a message on your phone and no one else will, except for the numbers you put into it. As far as your surveillance system a simple recorder with a static IP address will work for that. However you don't have much of a cost effective measure there. Anyone knowing that IP address and code can see what you see. Encrypted devices are very expensive and can also be circumvented because of their remote capabilities for programming.
 
Last edited:
I have had simply safe for about 5 years and love it, works great. When I have triggered it accidentally (my own fault or a guest triggering it). I have received a call almost immediately and was able to give the password so they didn't call the cops. It also is tied to a smoke detector, freeze warning and a water sensor that I installed near my water heater.

The system works off a cell phone system built in so I don't have to have a phone line and its not tied to my wifi. From the points muzzerFuzzer is making, I understand where you are coming from but if someone wants to break in they will. Someone that is going to take the time to go through all that you are pointing out is going to get in anyway if they are that equipped and ready. There is only so much you can do (without spending an arm and leg) Simply Safe works great for me and its not expensive at all............and no contracts. Oh and my sign out front says monitored by ADT (its not LOL)
 
I have had simply safe for about 5 years and love it, works great. When I have triggered it accidentally (my own fault or a guest triggering it). I have received a call almost immediately and was able to give the password so they didn't call the cops. It also is tied to a smoke detector, freeze warning and a water sensor that I installed near my water heater.

The system works off a cell phone system built in so I don't have to have a phone line and its not tied to my wifi. From the points muzzerFuzzer is making, I understand where you are coming from but if someone wants to break in they will. Someone that is going to take the time to go through all that you are pointing out is going to get in anyway if they are that equipped and ready. There is only so much you can do (without spending an arm and leg) Simply Safe works great for me and its not expensive at all............and no contracts. Oh and my sign out front says monitored by ADT (its not LOL)
Did you make your own sign? ;)
 
I have had simply safe for about 5 years and love it, works great. When I have triggered it accidentally (my own fault or a guest triggering it). I have received a call almost immediately and was able to give the password so they didn't call the cops. It also is tied to a smoke detector, freeze warning and a water sensor that I installed near my water heater.

The system works off a cell phone system built in so I don't have to have a phone line and its not tied to my wifi. From the points muzzerFuzzer is making, I understand where you are coming from but if someone wants to break in they will. Someone that is going to take the time to go through all that you are pointing out is going to get in anyway if they are that equipped and ready. There is only so much you can do (without spending an arm and leg) Simply Safe works great for me and its not expensive at all............and no contracts. Oh and my sign out front says monitored by ADT (its not LOL)


DM makes perfect sense. Like I said earlier, a normal household can be protected from the stupid criminal who wants your weedeater or leaf blower or a gun or so to feed a habit he has, by most any commercial alarm company offering. After all, if it could be easily defeated how could they sell it? What I am trying to get across is in the past 20 or so years, more and more remotely programmed systems have come on the market. As they proliferate more and more, knowledge of their capabilities does too. The software for many is readily available through alarm outlets or from companies selling it off as mothballed as they switch equipment providers. Heck, you could probably get a copy of it from your local alarm guy if you ask him nicely. You only have to know the equipment you are going to remotely program. What I am saying is that the absolute secure system is one that you build yourself and has a separate power supply from anything else in your home. A DC system that can't have digitally induced voltage and current end devices. It is also way cheaper.
 
Back
Top Bottom