Intruder Alarm System Recommendations
Discussion
Hello all,
I currently have ADT alarm installed, who are pissing me off to no end, and makes me question why I am paying the monthly charge in the first place.
For piece of mind, I would definitely like to have a alarm system installed and had a local company give a quote for an AJAX system. Whilst I am happy with the system itself, I can't justify the £350 + VAT installation cost for what appears to be a two to three hour job for a professional. I have reviewed how the system is programmed etc. and is very straightforward (all done via a pro version of their app), which I can easily do myself (though SWMBO constantly keeps questioning my competence till any job is complete). To complicate things, all AJAX resellers only sell to trade, unless anyone here knows someone who sell to general public.
As far as the system requirements go, its nothing complication - 1x key pad, 1x base unit (system dependent), 2x Motion Detectors, 1x Door contact and 1x Door Contact with Glass Break / shock detection.
Do you have any recommendations for a similar system and if installed recently, would you mind sharing how much it cost. I am open to suggestions for self installed systems as well. I am aware of Yale/Simplisafe/Ring etc. but would prefer a reliable system, with a keypad and the option to set/unset/monitor alarm via a phone app by multiple users.
I currently have ADT alarm installed, who are pissing me off to no end, and makes me question why I am paying the monthly charge in the first place.
For piece of mind, I would definitely like to have a alarm system installed and had a local company give a quote for an AJAX system. Whilst I am happy with the system itself, I can't justify the £350 + VAT installation cost for what appears to be a two to three hour job for a professional. I have reviewed how the system is programmed etc. and is very straightforward (all done via a pro version of their app), which I can easily do myself (though SWMBO constantly keeps questioning my competence till any job is complete). To complicate things, all AJAX resellers only sell to trade, unless anyone here knows someone who sell to general public.
As far as the system requirements go, its nothing complication - 1x key pad, 1x base unit (system dependent), 2x Motion Detectors, 1x Door contact and 1x Door Contact with Glass Break / shock detection.
Do you have any recommendations for a similar system and if installed recently, would you mind sharing how much it cost. I am open to suggestions for self installed systems as well. I am aware of Yale/Simplisafe/Ring etc. but would prefer a reliable system, with a keypad and the option to set/unset/monitor alarm via a phone app by multiple users.
squishy said:
Thanks Reggie, will look into it. Only concern is news reports on Ring systems being easy to hack/disable etc.
The ring alarm uses z waves which I think are pretty difficult to block, but like most things not impossible. If it did get blocked, I understand the base station would notice and I’d be notified via my phone. They could also block my WiFi, but it also has mobile data back up, so I’d still get notified. If they blocked z waves, my wifi and mobile signal, it would take the alarm out of action. But I think it’s unlikely anyone would so heavily target my house like that. It has 24hr battery back up too. Worth mentioning I pay £8 a month subscription which is needed for the mobile SIM card back up and also the phone call notifications (you’d still get notified on the app, but I get phone calls too if my alarm goes off).It was super easy to install and I’ve found it very reliable.
squishy said:
RichB said:
Although at £90 hr, the same as many specialist car workshops charge, that seems okay. 3x £90 is £270 plus the components.
Sorry should have clarified that the labour alone was £350 + VAT. The total quote including the alarm came out to just shy of £1k. Belle427 said:
Just buy something basic and easy to use if your are going to do it as they are a complete waste of time and money really.
Pretty well this.We actually tarted up our rusting old white alarm box outside with some day-glo yellow paint and an ADT sticker…..looks kosher, looks like we have a better alarm than the neighbours, but I think our basic Blink system is the most useful thing to notify us of activity.
Make your place look less appealing than those around you. Have decent doors and windows. Lighting that can make it look like you are in when you are not….& good neighbours!
pocketspring said:
An XL bully looks like a good deterrent.
cayman-black said:
Yes , free as well to a good home.
This made me chuckle. I can't get an XL bully for the obvious reasons of:- not owning a matching pair of tracksuit tops and bottoms
- not wanting to wear my hat backwards
- having a kid at home, whose limbs are better intact
Trustmeimadoctor said:
CCTV direct will sell to you
I'm currently looking at an Ajax one I'm annoyed that the package with the 2 plus hub only comes with the camera pirs if I spec it separately it costs considerably more for the same components
Tried calling them and they've said that they sell to trade only. I'm currently looking at an Ajax one I'm annoyed that the package with the 2 plus hub only comes with the camera pirs if I spec it separately it costs considerably more for the same components
squishy said:
Gilmore said:
Seems fairly high from a quote perspective.
We had the Ajax system fitted for £525 including the kit etc.
Guy was great too.
Where are you based?
Thanks Gilmore, your cost is more aligned towards what I was expecting. I am based in Rugby, Warwickshire. We had the Ajax system fitted for £525 including the kit etc.
Guy was great too.
Where are you based?
But the camera sensors are like £90 each so it isn't the cheapest system out there. You could go the hikvision option but they are owned by the Chinese government....
Are these type of wireless alarms any good?
All i read is they can be jammed, hacked whatever.
But surely the average thief isn't going to be jamming a house alarm? or are they?
All i want is the ability to be warned if someone is outside or inside and i want it to be app based so i can check my cameras.
All i read is they can be jammed, hacked whatever.
But surely the average thief isn't going to be jamming a house alarm? or are they?
All i want is the ability to be warned if someone is outside or inside and i want it to be app based so i can check my cameras.
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