Helping a neighbor!

[tonti]

I am still setting up my system (Elk & Insteon) and was showing this to my neighbor. He said he is increasingly concerned and like to install something as well. Without asking I would say his problem is the cost. So there is no way I can help him with a similar system like mine. I would guess his ceiling is $600 to $800 right now.

I told him that I will look around for him and see what I can find. Here is what his design envelope is:

- secure house (double wide) and garage (200ft away)
- we estimate he would need 6 cameras, recording on motion or permanent
- three door sensors in the house, 5 door sensors in the garage
- motion sensor in garage, one at the house
- no automation for lights
- needs email/text capability for self monitoring
- system needs to be self sustained, no IT capabilities. I will help him set this up but I am not willing to run this indefinate

I told him that this would be expensive and he shrugged a bit. So I did not follow up on this very important item. I figured I ask around abit and then give him a floor to consider.

My question - would you be able to recommend a basic system that comes close the above needs?

As always - your input is highly appreciated.

 

[Del91574]

The budget is going to kill his "wants" list.
 
I'd take the cameras out of the equation. I can't see where even a standalone embedded DVR/NVR and packaged garbage cameras are even going to be able to be purchased for that.
 
You could go basic basic, something like a Vista 20P with a RF receiver and IPdatatel unit connected to the bus. Next option would be something like an Elk EZ8 (albeit more expensive).

 

[ano]

While I'm not a big fan of these systems, you can get them cheap from the cable companies. Something like this: http://www.cox.com/residential/homelife.cox
For example this one is like $99 for some sensors and you buy some cameras for another few hundred.  Then they will charge another $40/month to monitor it all, and you have to sign up for 3 years.  They are very simple to set up, and i think they even set them up for you.  Of course the $40/month adds up, but this works for some people that don't want to spend a bunch up front.

 

[LarrylLix]

Many Insteon ISY994i owners go with the Elk security systems as they interface very well with the ISY built in interface. All devices on the security system become sensing devices for the HA system later. I have no experience with Elk but apparently many use the Elk t do voice announcements for their ISY HA system.
 
Once he gets the HA itch later his budget will expand. Start with the security and add HA later. HA and cameras are not very related. Any cams I have tried don't do motion detection well and false report often. Expensive one may do better but his budget will only afford one and some cable. Prices constantly improve as technology improves and communist China takes over our economy.