DIY Alarm System

[mellow]

I currently have an older alarm system installed, it works good but does not have the option to do monitoring over IP. Looking to get rid of the landline and do cheaper monitoring rates, currently paying $40/month with basic monitoring and the landline, looks like I can get that down to $10/month if I go with an IP based solution.

I had noticed in a previous thread that a member had installed a DSC system from homesecuritystore.com, which one did you get? I am looking at the DSC 1832 with EVL-3 or the Honeywell Vista21-IP with home connect. These were the two recommended by homesecuritystore to reuse my existing hardwired switches, can't reuse my existing wireless window switches as they are GE and discontinued.

Any other thoughts from others who have done DIY alarm installs in the past would be much appreciated, but note I do need monitoring since I do not live in the best neighborhood and have a wife and kids that need to feel somewhat safe. Already have a dog and he will try to do his best biting the intruders ankles.

 

[Ashful]

Check out Frontpoint Security. I think their systems are all GE... might be able to reuse much of your existing installed hardware.

Only trouble with those GE systems is that they're limited to 40 sensors, which becomes a very serious problem when trying to arm any larger house.

 

[mellow]

Thanks Joful, checked them out and it looks like they only do cellular monitoring which puts me back into the $40/month range.

 

[velvetfoot]

Hi. That was probably me.
I looked up my receipt; this is what I got:

KIT32-219 KIT32-219 - DSC Power 1832 Wireless Ready Security Kit 1 $188.95 $188.95
FSA-210BT FSA-210BT - DSC 2-Wire Photoelectric Smoke Detector w/ Heat 2 $35.00 $70.00
BS-2021 BS-2021 - Mini Stick-On contact with flange By WINN Security 10 $3.50 $35.00
EV-DW4975 EV-DW4975 - Vanishing Wireless Door Window Sensor 6 $28.25 $169.50
LC-104-PIMW LC-104-PIMW - DSC Dual Technology Motion Detector 1 $42.95 $42.95
SSX-52S-B SSX-52S-B - Amseco Armored Siren Strobe Combination-Blue Strobe 1 $58.00 $58.00
ELK-912 ELK-912 - Relay Module SPDT 12 VDC 1 $8.50 $8.50
CAMLOCK CAMLOCK - DSC Camlock 1 $6.00 $6.00
EVL-2DS EVL-2DS - EnvisaLink 2DS Internet Alert Module for DSC Security 1 $99.00 $99.00
WS4939 WS4939 - DSC Wireless Key Fob 2 $33.95 $67.90
WIN-W4-250 WIN-W4-250 - 250ft 22/4 Solid Station Wire 1 $19.00 $19.00
WIN-W2-250 WIN-W2-250 - 250ft 22/2 Solid Station Wire 1 $16.00 $16.00
AC100 AC100 - DSC Glass Break Detector 1 $31.95 $31.95

The monitoring over the phone line is pretty inexpensive.
You can also buy reasonable monitoring over the wifi-based EnvisaLink; it's been pretty reliable-it just sends us emails and texts.
I opened the door this morning by accident, and the monitoring company called in about a minute.

 

['bert]

you could also check out the Paradox systems they have a IP module and they are nice systems.

 

[mellow]

Can't find much info on Paradox systems, they have one confusing website to boot. From the consensus about them on diyalarmforum they are a lower end alarm system with parts/support being harder to get than say DSC or honeywell.

Looking like I will be installing the DSC 1832 with envisalink, can't find anything else that has as much support and parts availability.

 

[velvetfoot]

Figuring out the manual was a slog for me. If I had to make modifications at this point, it'd take a while of studying first.

 

[mellow]

In case you haven't seen it this is a great FAQ for DSC: (broken link removed to http://www.diyalarmforum.com/board/index.php?board=5.0)

I was looking at getting the serial interface and PC link software to help program the system, thinking I can figure that out quicker than using the keypad.