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Home security setup
Figgy
Fighter of the night manChampion of the sunRegistered User regular
Fighter of the night manChampion of the sunRegistered User regular
I'm looking into updating my home security system, and I had a guy come out today to give me a quote.
For a new keypad/panel, I'm looking at $100 (or free with a 3 year monitoring agreement @ $32/mo)
To add a glass breaker sensor, that's another $100.
I set that up to go through later this week, with the option to call and cancel the install before then. Right now, I'm looking at systems online and thinking I might be able to update this thing myself. Am I insane?
The system itself is fully wired throughout the house already, and everything works. I want to--at the very least--install a new keypad, because this one is old and I have no idea how to use it (there is no manual and the company has gone out of business)
Is it as easy as buying a system from eBay or some online alarm store and replacing the keypad? I've taken the thing off the wall before in order to paint, and it's just a wire going into the back. Swap the wire and I'm good to go? Or is there some advanced shit that need to be done in order to get this all working properly.
If I can buy a system online for a hundred bucks or a bit more that gives me a new keypad and a couple more sensors, I'd be happy. I'm hoping someone in these forums installs these systems for a living and can be up front with me about just how complicated it really is. Once again, the house is already wired with a system and I just want to swap out for new components.
For a new keypad/panel, I'm looking at $100 (or free with a 3 year monitoring agreement @ $32/mo)
To add a glass breaker sensor, that's another $100.
I set that up to go through later this week, with the option to call and cancel the install before then. Right now, I'm looking at systems online and thinking I might be able to update this thing myself. Am I insane?
The system itself is fully wired throughout the house already, and everything works. I want to--at the very least--install a new keypad, because this one is old and I have no idea how to use it (there is no manual and the company has gone out of business)
Is it as easy as buying a system from eBay or some online alarm store and replacing the keypad? I've taken the thing off the wall before in order to paint, and it's just a wire going into the back. Swap the wire and I'm good to go? Or is there some advanced shit that need to be done in order to get this all working properly.
If I can buy a system online for a hundred bucks or a bit more that gives me a new keypad and a couple more sensors, I'd be happy. I'm hoping someone in these forums installs these systems for a living and can be up front with me about just how complicated it really is. Once again, the house is already wired with a system and I just want to swap out for new components.
Figgy on
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Most likely you'll have to replace the panel. Assuming you can find the manual for your panel, the codes on it have likely been changed. Adding a glass break sensor would require reprogramming the panel. Replacing the keypad may require reprogramming the panel. It's not insanely hard to do, but it can be somewhat time consuming.
If the prices he's quoting you are labor and equipment, then he's being fairly reasonable in terms of pricing. If you decide to do it yourself, I wouldn't go anywhere near E-bay for the equipment. If you don't know what you're looking for then you're much more likely to get screwed. If you want to buy it yourself then you might try to see if you can buy from your local ADI.
From the information you've given, I'd pay the guy to do it.
I've had to program my own panel, and it was... frustrating. And I had at least some related knowledge I could draw from. If the price includes the installation labor, that seems reasonable.
$32/mo for a 3-year montioring contract seems high to me, but it's not massively out of line. Cheaper monitoring is available from places like https://nextalarm.com/ run $12-$18 a month, but it does require some do-it-yourself to get it set up (you need to be at least able to program the system's dialer and account codes - which means you need your panel's installer code, which is different than your master arm/disarm PINs). That programming should be typically able to be done from the keypad.
Adding sensors on the other hand, may or may not be possible from the keypad. In the circumstance I was working on, I had to use a laptop and the programming software and plug directly into the panel. More than enough rope to hang yourself with in those screens...
they are awesome. and their prices are good. their monthly rate is a little bit higher, but you get a really good initial setup. they have some of the best tech support in the business (they've gotten the JD Powers and Associate Award for customer service).
edit: they are also coming out with a brand new panel. its awesome and SUPER easy to use.