[dlochart]

I am a little confused so I would to know if someone here could help me out. We currently have ADT (contract expired, not extended). We are moving to FIOS and our ADT will not work so we are going to go wireless. We like Alarm.com - 100% Wireless Security Systems for Homes & Businesses for the service. They said that if I had an existing alarm system I could by the upgrade package and they would install it OR I could by my own kit and install it myself. This seems to hint to me that at least some of the security devices are interchangeable. I have seen some do it yourself kits at Lowe's / Home Depot.

1) Are sensors and things generic ( within the same protocol)? I damaged a sensor and thought I had to get ADT to replace it since I thought I was tied into their products.

2) My existing system has 3 remote (wireless sensors) but the base is wired into the phone. I assume this is considered a wireless system using POTS ?

As I see it I have Options

1) Get the upgrade kit $299 and purchase a few extra sensors ( I want my windows alarmed ). They will install and set it up.

2) By a do it yourself kit $479 and purchase a few more sensors and I install it myself. At least I get an idea for how it works and I am comfortable fixing/configuring things.

3) (if things are interchangeable) Buy a system from Lowes/HD (price? Hopefully under $200) and then purchase the upgrade kit

Also for $479 am I getting taken for a ride for the following
# 1 GE Simon 3 Control Panel
# 1 Alarm.com Wireless Gateway Module (built-in)
# 2 Wireless door/window sensors
# 1 Wireless motion sensor
# 1 Keychain remote control
# 1 Backup battery (built-in)
# 1 Siren (built-in)

Thanks!! Sorry for so many questions but I want to make the correct choice. I can run electrical wiring and I am computer programmer so I am not shy when working with wires so unless it requires specific domain knowledge I should be able to install this stuff myself locally.

Doug

[Stratmando]

I believe the Simon is a self contained Keypad/Receiver/Control Panel/Communicator. Personally I feel all in one panels are easily rendered useless. Easy to install. ADT uses different manufacturers
Including Ademco and DSC. I like DSC Check out DSC and check out products
The 832, is 8 zones, expandable to 32, can add thermostat control, automation board,
Remotely arm disarm, monitor, control lights, and appliances, keyfobs. Very versitle
Check eBay, search "DSC" might have to -sony and others
If you are technically inclined, you will like DSC.
I even Put a wireless door/window transmitter in my truck and it chimes alarm tone in house. If my door is opened at night, I know inside my house, they don't.
You can program certain zones to chime 1 of 4 sounds. So you can "hear" what opened.

[dlochart]

Thanks for the insight. I will look into those but I still would like some of my basic questions answered. Can I install any alarm system and then choose any company to monitor it or do I have to use a certain companies equipment?

Thanks

[Stratmando]

Monitoring companies love accounts, most handle Ademco, and DSC, and others.
Any Good company should be able to handle. I would install equipment I like, and find company to monitor, rather than, find monitoring company, and install system that rhey want me to have, or one that many installers can handle. Or one where they get the best "Bottom Line".
Your Questions:
1) From what I have seen ADT doesn't make alarm Panels, They may use Ademco or DSC
And put their name on it, Provide picture I will tell you who makes it.
2)It is a wireless system, Has built in communicator so it can dial to monitoring company.
They usually have at least 1 hardwired zone. You could use for telco tamper, loop is with
Phone wires , so if cut, siren sounds immediately, might as well tamper the siren, as well.
Like you say in choice #3, siren, battery, communicator, key pad. If you must go with this type. Use keyfobs to arm and disarm, and have it programmed for instant.(No Entry Delay. It is during entry delay system is vulnurable.

[Dennis777]

Hello.

Statmando has covered most of the basics with you already so I will answer some of your questions.

1) Sensors are brand and model selective so you have to use the same brand detector and model. Example, DSC has 3 models of wireless detectors that have been used by the same basic control system. Each model is an upgrade from the last. Better reliability, longer battery life, different frequency ranges last but not least better device coding.

2) Most alarm companies will monitor your system but they are going to charge you to program their information into the system so they can monitor it. In most cases its better to cut a deal with a local alarm company to install the system and set it up for monitoring. They know the tricks to make the system work properly the first time.


Good Luck
Dennis777

[Stratmando]

I repair the systems they install. Big companies cannot afford to hire top dollar technicians.
Last System I installed, I GAVE to big company to monitor, Customer wanted me to add sensor so if temperature went above certain temperature, monitoring company could notify of possible Air Conditioner failure. Unnoticed, mold can do serious damage.
Condemned 1 unit because of this. They said they can't do it, That they work with Ademco.
I reminded them that Sensor was also Ademco. The Big companies are about GUARANTEED to make money. Fine tuning is something they don't have time for.
They also usually don't use End of line resistors.
They are going to charge for programming anyway.
How old was last alarm guy you saw? Hard to be 20 years old and have 30 years experience? I would check the smaller companies.

[Stratmando]

Dennis, just saw your post, as someone having 30 years experience, you know the tricks these kids don't, and am sure you can install right first time. The difference experience makes is unmeasureable.
Big companies will sell self contained, I advise otherwise, not because of profit, but security.