Home Security System

[Tororider]

I know this has been done before, but I am looking for suggestions. I witnessed an attempted breaking and entering today at the neighbors house across the street. IN THE MIDDLE OF THE AFTERNOON! I have thought about setting up a self monitored system in the past and not pulled the trigger, but this might tip the scales. We live in a very nice subdivision but it can obviously happen anywhere.

Here's what I am looking for:

A wireless system that I can install myself
Needs to be able to be monitored on the internet/smartphone
Prefer expandable with video/smoke detector/motion/water/etc
Inexpensive would be nice but not a deal breaker

Have you guys set up your own systems.

Ideally I could set up a system that would have four exterior cameras, then two exterior doors, a sliding glass door, and 14 windows. The ability to add an interior camera or two would be nice as well.

Thoughts?

 

[forgeblast]

Four legged security system?
My buddy was broken into they kicked his door in, get the door and hinge kits that add strenght to the door(I have them on my doors I cant remember the name atm), also get the anti-shatter film for the windows? and then some of the dummy cameras and real cameras?

 

[sandman2234]

Drawback to the wireless is having to change batteries all the time?
My system was installed by itty bitty MORONS. The itty bitty was a requirement, but they didn't have to trample all of my ductwork. A two story house can have it's own drawbacks.
David from jax

 

[zzvyb6]

Here's the core of my system. The receivers are on the golf cart, at the rail crossbuck and in the house, etc. When the sensor(s) fire, lights and bell are activated. In the house, the dogs are tuned into these prompts: they bark for strangers and howl for the 'residents'. Plus I have a Q-See 4 camera security DVR in operation 24/7. I have then plumbed into my computers, TVs and U-Verse router. I can get to them from the internet via DDNS (but only with Internet Explorer 8 or less at the moment). Locally there is also a windows program (D9-Viewer) to see them under Explorer 9. A few of the cameras are on CAT6 Underground cables over 800' long.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zf0TsYX5I0g]July 21, 2011.wmv - YouTube[/ame]

The golf cart triggers anywhere on my 25 acres, so I know when 'visitors' arrive, deer and coyote included. It also has a State Police rehomed 4 light revolving dome flasher on-board. At night this looks pretty impressive.:thumbsup:

 

[Tororider]

How have you liked the q see 4?

 

[firedog]

we picked up a "Swann 2500" 8 camera system from Fry electronics for something like $600.
infra-red up to 35'.
each camera can be set individually on motion sensitivity, area and time.
can be remotely viewed by internet or smart phone.
not wireless, but it wasn't too difficult to setup.

 

[GGB]

Here's the core of my system. The receivers are on the golf cart, at the rail crossbuck and in the house, etc. When the sensor(s) fire, lights and bell are activated. In the house, the dogs are tuned into these prompts: they bark for strangers and howl for the 'residents'. Plus I have a Q-See 4 camera security DVR in operation 24/7. I have then plumbed into my computers, TVs and U-Verse router. I can get to them from the internet via DDNS (but only with Internet Explorer 8 or less at the moment). Locally there is also a windows program (D9-Viewer) to see them under Explorer 9. A few of the cameras are on CAT6 Underground cables over 800' long.

July 21, 2011.wmv - YouTube

The golf cart triggers anywhere on my 25 acres, so I know when 'visitors' arrive, deer and coyote included. It also has a State Police rehomed 4 light
revolving dome flasher on-board. At night this looks pretty impressive.:thumbsup:

Nice system! I'm going to take a hard look at that brand.

 

[IslandTractor]

Costco sells a 6 or 8 camera system that looked like a good deal.

What benefit is the system if you cannot monitor 24/7? Why not get a basic ADT sensor system? Includes fire, periphery and IR sensors. All battery powered but on mine I just changed batteries after 8 years. Monthly fee is about $35 which is mostly covered by discount on home insurance premium.

 

[Garybake]

The only thing about internet access I do not understand is that I would not put my bank account out there (nothing in it). How secure am I with access to my home security system out there? Couldnt someone hack in and see when I am around or change settings?

 

[zzvyb6]

The Q-See stuff was a special deal with 4 cameras from Costco. Now I'd like to have 8. My cameras are 520 line resolution and they now have 650 line stuff that is supposedly compatible with the older DVRs. HD would be even better. So, I'm now shopping for an 8 camera deal. Its handy for more than just the 'alarm' causes. I can keep track of the dogs, the snow and rain, wind and the UPS driver and mail delivery.

Strangers are shocked when I meet them at the 1/2 way point. They don't understand how I knew they were there. And, I WANT to get the word out that I know they are coming. The whole road knows I have them on a watch list. That, to me is enough security. I believe the gates out there also give a sense of KEEP OUT. Its a one way trip if the unwelcome show up. I don't call 911. I take their drivers license and turn them loose. Last one was a meter reader without a badge, car sign or uniform. Turns out she was legit, but the effect and the lesson was terrific. Got a written appology from the meter reading contractor. Other lost souls (metal scrappers stealing anything they can carry) won't be coming back here nor will the cable guy who 1/2 way pee'd near the barn and the other half in his pants. The videos are hilarious and make great viewing around the firepit. Best one is a finding out that the one dog you thought was innocent of pooping in the lower level is guilty. Appologies accepted by the others...