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Post by Leftee on Dec 20, 2023 8:39:44 GMT -5
Good morning!
We're currently shopping home security systems to replace the old wired system in the house. It is the only thing keeping us on a landline, and that land line has become expensive. We've got decent unlimited Internet, now, so it's time to ditch the landline and the old system.
At the moment, based on some local friends' advice I'm looking at SimpliSafe. What says the brain-trust? What are you folks using? Pro/cons?
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tmc
Wholenote
Posts: 911
Formerly Known As: tmc
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Post by tmc on Dec 20, 2023 11:50:31 GMT -5
I use SimpliSafe. It's an older model that uses a cellular connection. It was easy to install and the batteries in the sensors last a long time.
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Post by squarewave on Dec 20, 2023 12:55:23 GMT -5
I've had a SimpliSafe system, with monitoring, for several years and am very pleased with it; the quality and ease of connectivity are excellent. I have a pretty extensive system as well - several entry sensors, outdoor cameras, indoor cameras, doorbell camera, motion sensors, smoke alarms, and a couple smart locks. Even when all are activated, it doesn't affect my network performance; very efficient. The batteries last a long time too, which is a plus because it would be a pain having to change/charge that many so frequently. I also have two of their wireless network extenders for the doorbell and a couple of the outdoor cameras, and all work great. Highly recommended.
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Post by LTB on Dec 20, 2023 18:28:53 GMT -5
Simplisafe question. Is there an externally heard siren available or only indoor siren? If indoor siren is it extremely loud to make them want to leave?
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Post by slacker 🐨 on Dec 21, 2023 9:46:57 GMT -5
I have a SimplySafe system. The indoor siren is super annoying. Not sure if they offer and exterior one or not. I found it easy to install and configure. We have monitoring for ours with sensors on all doors and windows along with glass break sensors and motion sensors. I also have one in my utility room to monitor for water intrusion.
I have heard they can be jammed since they're cellular based, so it's not one I'd put a sign on the door as a deterrent.
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Post by Leftee on Dec 21, 2023 11:22:00 GMT -5
Right now my kit would ship with a free siren. Not sure I would install it though.
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Post by squarewave on Dec 21, 2023 12:43:03 GMT -5
Simplisafe question. Is there an externally heard siren available or only indoor siren? If indoor siren is it extremely loud to make them want to leave? They do offer additional indoor/outdoor sirens as system add-ons. The base station has a siren built in which is plenty loud, however an additional one may be a good option if you want the neighbors alerted that there is a problem. I may be mistaken, but I believe the wireless outdoor cameras have built-in sirens so that if an alarm is triggered, it will sound as well. |
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Post by Leftee on Dec 21, 2023 12:58:00 GMT -5
We’re not adding cameras at this time. And it’s doubtful the neighbors could hear a siren.
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Post by K4 on Dec 21, 2023 13:43:17 GMT -5
We’re not adding cameras at this time. And it’s doubtful the neighbors could hear a siren. The siren is supposed to scare away the intruder. |
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Post by Leftee on Dec 21, 2023 14:26:16 GMT -5
The base unit has one. Thats good enough for me at this time.
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Post by Leftee on Dec 21, 2023 14:43:43 GMT -5
I should mention... we have "presence" on the property.
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Post by squarewave on Dec 21, 2023 14:48:23 GMT -5
We’re not adding cameras at this time. And it’s doubtful the neighbors could hear a siren. Obviously it depends on the distance of the neighbors, but at 105dB the siren would be easily heard at the frequency at which it sounds. |
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Post by Leftee on Dec 21, 2023 14:51:50 GMT -5
Around here the neighbors would just as likely shoot at the sound as call the cops. 🤣
I’m kinda kidding about that.
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Post by rdr on Dec 21, 2023 15:27:12 GMT -5
We have Simplisafe. Works great. If it goes off because you didn't disarm it quickly enough (adjustable), the company calls you pretty much instantly. If you don't answer, they call the cops. So they're on it.
I have a siren in the house. It is so loud intruders would probably leave. I don't have cameras, just basic service. $15 / month.
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Post by Leftee on Dec 21, 2023 16:50:40 GMT -5
I think their monitoring is up to $30/mo. Still a bargain compared to the old wired system we currently have.
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Post by LTB on Dec 22, 2023 2:53:38 GMT -5
. I have heard they can be jammed since they're cellular based, so it's not one I'd put a sign on the door as a deterrent. But they cant keep it from activating and sounding alarm right? Can it notify you via internet WIFI that it has activated |
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Post by Leftee on Dec 22, 2023 10:32:32 GMT -5
My understanding is that the siren(s) are ancillary to the system and monitoring.
We literally live out in the woods. Loud sirens are not as valuable to this situation as, say, living in a subdivision. A decent internal siren to work in conjunction with the dog is adequate, I feel.
Now, when our renter eventually moves out, I might reconsider. His presence is immeasurable. 😎😂
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Post by LTB on Dec 23, 2023 21:47:34 GMT -5
We have Simplisafe. Works great. If it goes off because you didn't disarm it quickly enough (adjustable), the company calls you pretty much instantly. If you don't answer, they call the cops. So they're on it. I have a siren in the house. It is so loud intruders would probably leave. I don't have cameras, just basic service. $15 / month. We gave to have a permit from our PD to have alarm connect to them |
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Post by tahitijack on Dec 28, 2023 15:35:26 GMT -5
Just a word of caution on wireless security systems using wifi: make sure your wifi can handle the added load of alarms and cameras. Count up all the devices that connect to your network...you might be surprised at how many are using some bandwidth...cellphones, ring doorbell, audio systems, lighting, tablets, laptops, TV...you get the picture. It's not an issue if your internet service provider can expand your wifi but in some areas that might not be possible.
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Post by Leftee on Dec 28, 2023 15:39:34 GMT -5
We’re not going with cameras for this very reason. I did get a nominal bandwidth figure from SS, sans cameras. It’s acceptable.
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