Monitoring Service

[jokah]

Hey all - does anyone have recommendations for monitoring service, or do most just skip this feature?

I have seem some from Alarm Relay (?) for around $9

What does everyone here use?

 

[signal15]

I'm not monitored right now. I'm working out bugs and getting everything in place before going with an alarm service. Right now, my system just SMS's me if something happens, usually it's the kid setting off the audible glass breaks by throwing a bag of Legos on the floor.

I would be nice to have some reviews of the different monitoring services though. I've had some pretty bad ones at previous places I've lived. Brinks and ADT were the absolute worst. Half the time they wouldn't even call if an alarm went, and before they call the police, they send out some private security car (Wolf Security in my case). It took them 2+ hours to show up, and all they would do is drive by. I know damn well that those guys get the alert and sit around for a couple of hours to ensure that there is no danger when they go to check it out.

My last monitoring company was a local outfit that mostly did commercial stuff. They were $$$ ($40+ a month because I also had an AES wireless box), but they were very good. I accidentally set off the alarm a few times, got a call within 30 seconds each time. Once, they couldn't reach me, and the police were on their way in under a minute.

 

[AutomatedOutlet]

We use NextAlarm.com here.

 

[briankelly63]

Next Alarm with ABN... other service I looked into didn't even come close. Check out their web site and features...

Brian

https://nextalarm.com/services.jsp;jsession...4CC84AD0DDA85C3

 

[tmbrown97]

I'm working out bugs and getting everything in place before going with an alarm service.

Makes me wonder how many of us with the most expensive security systems around are still "working out the bugs" and not monitoring...

In my house, someone is home nearly 24/7, but when I go on vacation in a couple months, I want this place like a fortress... so I too would love to know the best monitoring - and I prefer to run POTS if I can - would much rather go IP based. I really want to hear what others are doing.

 

[sic0048]

I guess it depends on the number of layers of security monitoring you want. Using POTS is probably the cheapest. But using POTS and/or IP does provide a failure point - the incoming service lines can be cut. Unless your service lines are hardened against vandalism (ie completely underground or inside a hardened metal enclosure) you should assume these lines will be cut during any robbery attempt. Therefore a cellular backup system is probably well worth the money if you truely want a monitored system and your incoming service lines are like 90% of the installations out there - simply attached to the outside of the house with uncovered wires and plastic boxes.

 

[DeLicious]

I also use NextAlarm, with cellular communications as my primary method. I have zero complaints about them as they have come through in every situation.

I do agree with sic that cellular is the way to go. When my home was broken into several years ago (before I had my alarm system), the first thing they did was cut my phone line on the exterior of the house, probably assuming it disabled the alarm. Luckily, they didn't cut the coax cable as well, and my computer was able to email me. Now, I use cellular as my primary communication. Let them cut the cables and make an assumption that they have a long time in the house before anyone shows up (even see phone fault on the keypad if they look close enough), but be surprised when NextAlarm gets the police there quickly.

 

[signal15]

You can also install dummy lines and conceal the real ones for a little extra layer of security.

 

[comet48]

I use Alarm Relay, who have been terrific. I use a POTS connection. $109 a year.

 

[EST]

I use NextAlarm $5 plan...I get a call on my cell 30 seconds after alarm tripped. I just went to the ABN and it works like a charm and now I can finally call into the Elk and fiddle. The ABN uses my cable internet so if they cut the phone line my alarm still goes out. Just FYI, I used 2 extra wires from the outside CAT5 from the phone box to the Elk to alarm if it is cut, it's an immediate trip.

 

[signal15]

Another option for backup for those that have an IP capable unit is to get a firewall that will support multiple internet connections, use your cable/dsl as primary, and use a Sprint WLAN unit for backup. You can easily do this with a Juniper SSG5 or even an old 5XT or 5GT.

 

[FaderJockey]

Just FYI, I used 2 extra wires from the outside CAT5 from the phone box to the Elk to alarm if it is cut, it's an immediate trip.

That's a great idea!

 

[Madcodger]

Happy with Next Alarm, and if there's an accidental trip of the alarm, they're great about handling it (if the person who tripped it knows the code word) without additional charge. Very fast response, very professional.

 

[felixrosbergen]

Next Alarm here as well..

Having a small issue with them where i called them to change the order of contact persons, but when something happens they still seem to use a previous order...but will get that sorted out with them.

I think my plan is $17 for full service monitoring..

I've had a few midnight alarm trips due to a motion in the basement..cant figure out what is causing it..but just set the sensitivity to 'Pet' and it's better now... they call the home first before they call police..if they catch you at home it's no issue at all..no charge or anything.

Overall i'm happy with nextalarm..i didnt shop around much..saw it here recommended and went with it like a good little sheep

 

[IVB]

NextAlarm, somewhere around $14/month includes monitoring over internet. I've had calls within 45 seconds of any alarm (false alarms for burglar & fire). A few times they even stayed on the line with me during false alarms while I walked around the house checking it out.

My internet is DSL, but the phone lines are inside a flex-metal tube, so it's clearly hardened.