leesiulung

This is an off topic thread, but since I got so many good answers previously I thought I post again in a new thread specific to this topic. I'm looking at securing my 1100sq ft 3-story townhome that has 2 bedrooms and an attached garage below. In total I have 4 ground windows, a sliding door to the patio, and 3 entry doors (technically 2, one of them is from the garage). I'm looking for an alarm system with the following needs met: * Wireless (Any reason not to except battery replacement? Wired installation is a pain.) * GSM based private number dialing i.e. no monitoring. I don't want a monthly fee, nor do I have a normal phone line or internet service. * Garage protection. Don't want the perpetrator to enter the home through the garage now do we. * Option for 2 LCD keypad panels (one in the garage and one in the front door) * Minimal damage to home during installation * Ease of use and installation * Aesthetics * Home automation a plus, but a NOT a requirement * About $500 or less is preferred. * Newer systems with longer support term is preferred i.e. avoid products soon to be discontinued. Of the systems I have seen: * DSC Alexor: is aesthetically pleasing, but is pricey and do no support private cell/GSM dialing so it is ruled out. * Visionic PowerMax Plus: for the most part fits all my needs, except it is ugly. The LCD panel looks huge and the wireless signal is kind of short. Can I really expect 200ft? X10 support is very cool, but functionality wise it is questionable. * Visionic PowerMax Pro: Same as above except aesthetically very pleasing, but is very pricey. Has some proximity tags. How do these work? What are they for? * Any of the GE systems: Don't know much about these, but they seem to be preferred by SafeMart? I based my information on this very convenient matrix: http://www.homesecuritystore.com/t-wireless_compare.aspx So do anyone have any suggestions? Answer to the above questions are also helpful. Thanks!

Not certain, but I don't think so. Do you have an Ademco panel? If so, this is what you want. http://www.nutech.com/online-store/35.html It's cheap, and you are free to do whatever you want. Best, Christopher I'm looking at getting a DSC 1832 recommended earlier as one of the easier units to put togheter. It seems it is also simplified. The reason why I'm going with GSM is I don't have a phone line at home and I don't plan on having internet either while gone for 3-6 months at a time.

Regarding the GSM, can I use my own SIM card. Let's say a prepaid card from T-Mobile and have it call me when something happens? I don't want any contracts, and I technically don't have much that is worth stealing (or be afraid of if I loose). I just want a piece of mind that the home isn't left unattended for months at a time.

So where do people buy their security system? Who are considered a good helpful and reputable online dealer?

So this is what I'm needing to cover: - 7 windows (all sliding either horizontal or vertical) - 3 entry doors - 2 patio doors (the sliding kind) - 1x garage door It's a two bedroom town home, so likely a sensor on each floor (even though the top floor is really hard to climb up). With that said, I'm looking at some cellular based solutions. They are rather costly at $200+ for just the device. Is this the normal expected cost?

Now, I'm completely clueless about alarm systems, but technical competent. I'm a computer programmer by day, so it is realistic that I should be able to install these systems on my own with the included instruction manual? I see talk about PCB boards, are the instructions clear or am I in for a little rough personal journey? I kind of like the DSC system so far based on the description.

I actually don't know what I was really looking for. I was hoping for a alarm system combined with a camera system/dvr, but that sounds like out of the question. 1. How is the DSC system? 2. It looks like it uses a phone line to contact someone/me (?) if somebody tries to break in? 3. How does the wireless part work? 4. Does the wireless sensors use batteries? If not, is there an alternative way to power those devices rather than running thick power cords into the house? I hate monthly fees so if I can avoid that, it would be great.

This might be off topic, but I'm thinking of installing a security system myself. My budget is less than $300-500 (cheaper is better) and easy to do myself i.e. I'm a total beginner with little patience when it comes to fixing the home. Maybe a security system with cameras and opportunity for home automation in the future which most likely means something that can be connected to the internet is preferred. Right now I have nothing, no DVR, no camera, no panel and no sensor. I'm in California if that matters. Just wondering if anyone have any suggestions?