Electronic Alarms and Home Security Devices - New to security alarm systems

Hi,

I'm planning to install a home security/alarm system. I like to install it
myself so, I like to get some pointers where I can read about what is
required and what features will be useful. Also, what brand is good. Can
experts in this forum please direct me to one or more resources?

I did search on google.com but, most of the hits were from online stores
that are selling the products but, I want a unbiased how-to guide(s).

Thanks,
Ans

Start by perusing the topics in this forum's archives. There have been a lot of good questions, and good answers (some of which were new to me!). Then we can try filling in the stuff that's not clear.

I'm no expert, ansarim, but I was in your position a few months ago. I knew almost nothing about alarm systems other than the fact that I wanted one.

I had the major alarm companies come out and give me prices and that helped me decide that I wanted to do it myself.

With the help of this board, and btw please take this as a thank you MrRonFL, I did some research and put a system in.

I went with the GE Concord hybrid with mostly wireless sensors. Some notes now that I am about done:

1. I was shocked at how easy the system and especially the wireless sensors are to install. Worth the extra cost to me because I live in a 250 year old house and was not about to start drilling if I could help it.

2. Other than telephones, I had never worked with low voltage wiring before. Load up on b-connectors and a crimping tool before you start.

3. I did not go to the trouble of connecting the panel in a way that ensures line-seizure in the event of an alarm. I do plan on installing some type of cellular dial-out. It did not seem worthwhile to run wire for the line seizure when the outside phone lines are so easy to disable.

4. If you plan on starting small (a few sensors and maybe a motion or two), I would still go with a panel that is easily expandable. I can see adding new stuff to my system yearly. It's actually fun.

Hi,

I'm planning to install a home security/alarm system. I like to install it
myself so, I like to get some pointers where I can read about what is
required and what features will be useful. Also, what brand is good. Can
experts in this forum please direct me to one or more resources?

I did search on google.com but, most of the hits were from online stores
that are selling the products but, I want a unbiased how-to guide(s).

Thanks,
Ans

I own an X10, DS7000 wireless security system. They are fairly easy to use, very dependable, and the batteries last for years.

The only negative is that I find the manuals confusing and do not give me enough info.

I place a wireless motion detector in each room, that has an outside window, so that the entire room is protected, including the window.

I have the wireless protectors on the front door and on the back door.

I also have a outdoor motion detectors, on an X10 chime alarm, to protect my front porch, especially at night, and to warn me of cats in the yard. I have a dog that loves to roll in cat poop, which is quite a surprise when he jumps up to be petted, after coming in from the outside.

The DS7000 system allows me to enter up to four phone numbers. If the alarm goes off, while I am not home, the DS7000 will start with the first number in the list, which is my cell phone. Then it calls a neighbor, then it calls my cell phone again, and then it calls a friend's cell phone. It allows me to set the outgoing alarm message, and it also allows the one who answers the alarm call to listen inside my place for about 75 seconds.

Great system, and not too expensive, if you shop around. It cost me less than $200 for everything.

Thanks for all the great replies. It is very helpful.