My house just got broken into last weekend and I am looking for a DIY security system. I am a Industrial Electrician and got lots of ideas but I am looking for some hardware. I was looking on E-bay for wireless sensors and keep coming across X-10 units.
Does anyone out there know what is good and reliable by affordable at the same time. I am looking for wireless touch pads,motion sensors, and wireless and or wired sirens. Even just a good discussion on the subject would be good.
I am more angry than upset and want to stop these people from invading my space.
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Stratmando is going to be the authority.

For giggles check out DSC (http://www.dsc.com) and Linear LLC - Intercoms, Personal Emergency, Garage Door Operators, Gate Operators, Access Control, Security, Central Vacuum (http://www.linearcorp.com).

If you purchase directly from Linear, you get no warranty. If you purchase through a distributer, you do.

X10 is good, but works with AC, Battery back up is a better option.
Most Security systems use 12 volt Devices, The panel charges a 12 volt battery and will take over when AC fails.
I use wireless when I have too, but prefer Hardwired.
Are you able to run wires and install recessed magnetic contacts, Motions? If not, wireless may be a solution.
Will be back with a couple of options.
If not monitored, a dialer to call you and others may be desirable, and allow you to listen in, and even be able to talk back:
http://www.unitedsecurity.com/pages/dialers-wireless.html
Can you give some more info on what you want?
The 2 above links by KISS are both excellent manufacturers quality/reliable equipment.

I am looking for 3 door sensors, 3 motion sensors and a panel. I have wires for the sirens wired behind my cold air return vents and outside. I would also like a separate panel, motion sensor for my garage, this way I can leave my garage activated even if we are home, there are days that I don't go to work in there. Basically I want a simple system that buzzes an alarm to scare off someone in the house.Thats all.

Are you going to be able to run wiring for the contacts,motions, keypad(s), siren and AC.

Or is wireless what you have/want to use?

I have power ran for the sirens, How do the sirens work? Is the signal wireless and needs power to make the sirens work? The rest has to be wireless. How do the wireless keypads work? If you take it apart when it's alarmed does it ring trouble or alarm?

Many Large Companies use a Combination Keypad/Control Panel/Digital Communicator near the front door, then wires for Phone if monitored, AC, Siren may also be signalled wirelessly, which eleminates having to get wiring from Keypad up to Siren.
They do have a Tamper, But a Quick blow can make it Stupid Quick. If you were to get one of those, use a Keyfob and maybe not have it at the front door.
I like Hardwired systems, DSC Power Series is my Favorite, add a wireless receiver gives you the ability to add up to 32 wireless zones, Wireless Door/window sensors, motions, etc. The receiver allows you to add Keyfobs as well, they also have an Automation Board.
They do make a Wireless Door switch that you drill a hole in the door, 1 hole in the frame and insert a magnet in 1 and the transmitter in the other. Totally concealed.
DSC doesn't sell to People, I would Google Williamballen.com for DSC