Home Security Alarm Systems

[simek]

My wife told me that if I was going to be gone hunting, she wanted a home security alarm system. I've never had one before, and am curious what my TBH brothers and sisters that have one pay each month. I'm talking standard system here . . . . from what I can tell, I'll likely be paying $30-45/month.

[TB80]

I pay around $25 and that is for cell phone monitoring system. We go through Law Security in SA.

[rtp]

Im paying $35/month with ADT. Basic stuff.

[Bowtech Lefty]

$25 per month, but get that rate by paying it for the entire year. Worth every penny!

[Loneaggie]

$15 including cell monitoring. Smith Thompson, only serve DFW I think.

[Loneaggie]

ADT is a racquet. Way overcharge, horrible customer service.

[Atfulldraw]

$15 including cell monitoring. Smith Thompson, only serve DFW I think.

right on the referral.....

but they have branched out......

May not be in Simek's area yet, but wouldn't hurt to call.

[Buff]

I pay something like $50.00 a month for Vivint
I can turn my lights on or off, adjust heating system and have remote control cameras that let me see what's going on at my farm from here In Australia

[Rudyl]

If you can, don't lease the system go ahead and buy it. It shouldn't be more than $700.00 for more than a basic system, then you can monitor for about $15.00 per month.

[TD2000]

I have a wired system (18 yrs old) and it is starting to give a few miss signals / fire alarms. Been told by ADT you can't even get parts for system.

I am starting to research options
- Should I go wireless system and not hard wired?
- Is it fairly easy to replace control box and sensors if needed in hard wired system
- Are cell versus land line preferred
- Research of new options has found I have been overpaying for ADT service
- Anyone have recommendations for replacing system if I opt not to do it myself here in the Dallas area
-AS THEY SAY - JUST ANOTHER PROJECT - would rather be hunting
Thankful for the green sheets insight

[reddogdan]

$15 including cell monitoring. Smith Thompson, only serve DFW I think.

Mine also, best part no phone line

[Atfulldraw]

yes. see above.


smith thompson gives you a free system and a free month when you pay in advance for a year.

mention lone aggie's name when you call and he gets a free month too!

[doole44]

I pay 30$ in dog food but it works....

[simek]

Update.

Smith Thompson seems, based on research, the company offering the best package, considering price (they were also least expensive). They do serve Austin, but not way out in the boonies, where I live (only the I-35 corridor). ADT seems to be the most expensive (installation and monthly maint. will likely be $650 for the first year $106 install and $45/month maint). Tri Star looks like who I'll be going with . . .about $550 for the first year $350 install and $15/month maint).

If you have an existing system, you are pre-wired, and it will be cheaper. Also, if you have a dog that is at least 60#, this is an issue with the motion sensors. Wireless seems the way to go, as many HHs don't have or need a landline these days. They can also use your wireless router (if you have wireless Internet). But, if your wireless goes out, your home security goes out.

[TD2000]

Thanks for review and summary

TD