Electronic Alarms and Home Security Devices - Installing a Security System

I'm hoping someone can help me out with my security system dilemma. I currently have a basic ADT system. I have two hard-wired door contacts and a wireless motion detector for one zone. I would like to upgrade my system a little by having a second motion detector as well as a second key pad or key fob to use upstairs (so I wouldn't have to run downstairs to hit the panic button in case of a break-in). The cost to upgrade is outrageous and the other security companies I have checked to install a new system to my liking is equally expensive if not more. After reading several different posts it got me thinking about installing the security system on my own. However, I'm not very mechanically or electronically-inclined. It would have to be VERY easy to install. Here are the questions I'm hoping somebody can answer for me...

1. Are there any security systems available that I could install myself that would give me what I'm looking for?
*keypad
*2 door contacts
*2 motion detectors
*2nd keypad or key fob for use upstairs

2. If there are such security systems how easy are they to install? I really need a simple install if I am to do this myself. Would a wireless system be easier to install than a hard-wired?

3. Can I use the same wiring (panel, door cantacts) that I'm currently using or would I have to pull all those wires and replace with the new systems' wires?

4. How do I go about getting my system monitored? Can I just call any monitoring company and tell them I'd like to have my system monitored?

Sorry for so many questions and if I've been confusing in my explanations. I would welcome any and all suggestions for systems, installation, etc.

Thank you!

Well, the first place you will want to start is with ADT - make sure you are not under contract. If not, then you can basically do whatever you want. You may be able to upgrade or reprogram your existing system, but I would have to know exactly which system it is to tell you that.

If you can't reprogram or work with your existing system, you will definitely want to go with the GE Concord Express - it is absolutely the easiest system on the market to install and program, not to mention it includes a 16 Zone wireless receiver built in to the control panel (for about the same price as other hardwire security systems.)

You will be able to reuse pretty much everything (including door/window sensors, motions, smokes, glassbreaks, etc.) with the exception of the control panel and usually the keypad too.

Since you would be installing your own system, you could essentially use any monitoring company you like - with a few exceptions (like ADT, Brinks, etc.) There are many companies online that offer great prices on monitoring - just remember a few things:
1) You need a UL listed monitoring company (UL regulates central stations)
2) You don't want to sign any kind of long-term contract (long-term meaning more than 12 months)
3) You shouldn't pay more than $20/month for monitoring (and $20 is high)
4) Don't pay any setup or initial fees, unless someone physically comes to your house to program the system (which should not be necessary)

If you want to learn more about the Concord Express, take a look at <a href="http://64.49.194.64/products/cncdexpress.jsp">the ITI website</a>.

Let us know if we can be of more help.

Good luck!

Thanks for all the info. You are a very big help! To answer your questions...I'm not under any contract with ADT and can cancel within 30 days with a written letter stating so. I'm not quite sure of my system model. Is there a place I can locate the type and model? I've had the system since 1998 and the manual says "SafeWatch Pro" on it. I'm not sure if that's a better idea of what I have or not.

Thanks for the suggestion of the GE Concord Express and web link. I'll check it out!!! Thank you again!!!

Is there a place I can locate the type and model? I've had the system since 1998 and the manual says "SafeWatch Pro" on it. I'm not sure if that's a better idea of what I have or not.

Well, it's a better idea, but there are 3 versions of the SW Pro, so just to make sure:

Safewatch Pro = ADT Proprietary Moose panel
Safewatch Pro 2000 = Vista-20SE
Safewatch Pro 3000 = Vista-20P

All of these are traditional hardwire systems - so replacing them with something like the Concord Express would be easy to do. More than likely you have the SafeWatch Pro (the Moose type), which can be tricky to program. If you have the 2000 or 3000 model, then you may want to hang on to it - they are not too difficult to program (while not near as easy as the CE either), but they are good panels made by Ademco.

If you can't figure it out, take a picture of the inside and outside of the control panel and send it to my e-mail - brandon @ safewatchservice.com (no spaces) so I can take a look at it.

Thank you again! I'll look into it better this weekend to determine the model and number. If all else fails I'll send you the pictures of the panel.

Thank you!