Monitoring Service

[js19707]

i just got alarm relay up and running on my HAI system a few weeks ago (worked out to be ~$12/mo after one-time setup fee). they've been quick to respond to protection loop issues when my system has reported them.

so far so good, but (fortunately) i haven't really had to put them to the test..

 

[Kevin L]

I have an Elk M1G. I use cellular monitoring by a local security company. Maybe it's on the high side ($26/mo), but the service has been outstanding. Any time the alarm has tripped, my phone is ringing less than 15 seconds later.

I don't have POTS and wouldn't rely on IP. Both are cheaper but the lines can be cut. Even if I hide wires, the coax can still be cut down the line (at the pole or where it goes underground). Plus, I've lost my internet at home at times, so wouldn't want to lose it at a crucial time.

Kevin

 

[felixrosbergen]

For the cellular monotoring do you also need to buy a plan from a cellular service provided? What is the total cost for such a solution?

 

[signal15]

I have an Elk M1G. I use cellular monitoring by a local security company. Maybe it's on the high side ($26/mo), but the service has been outstanding. Any time the alarm has tripped, my phone is ringing less than 15 seconds later.

I don't have POTS and wouldn't rely on IP. Both are cheaper but the lines can be cut. Even if I hide wires, the coax can still be cut down the line (at the pole or where it goes underground). Plus, I've lost my internet at home at times, so wouldn't want to lose it at a crucial time.

Kevin

You can jam cellular also with a $30 device from a certain well-known site out of Hong Kong. They DO work also, I have tested them. Bottom line is that all of your communication out of your house can be disrupted either by cutting wires or jamming. The devices are illegal, but that's not gonna stop a bad guy.

 

[Kevin L]

You can jam cellular also with a $30 device from a certain well-known site out of Hong Kong. They DO work also, I have tested them. Bottom line is that all of your communication out of your house can be disrupted either by cutting wires or jamming. The devices are illegal, but that's not gonna stop a bad guy.

No doubt. Every alarm can be circumvented by a determined, knowledgeable, and well-equipped burglar. Fortunately, most aren't. I'd make a bet that more burglars carry wire cutters than cell jammers.

That said, the main reason I like the cellular is how quickly it connects and notifies the central station monitoring. I had the company at the house when we were setting it up and we had the alarm company on the phone so we could test. The notification was showing up on their computer screen within 7 seconds of tripping the alarm. Plus, it never failed to notify.

Kevin

 

[Kevin L]

For the cellular monotoring do you also need to buy a plan from a cellular service provided? What is the total cost for such a solution?

I pay $26/month for monitoring, and this includes the cellular charge. POTS monitoring is $19/month, so it's costing me $7 for the cellular, plus the one-time cost for the cellular uplink unit (about $250).

Kevin

 

[batwater]

For the cellular monotoring do you also need to buy a plan from a cellular service provided? What is the total cost for such a solution?

I pay $26/month for monitoring, and this includes the cellular charge. POTS monitoring is $19/month, so it's costing me $7 for the cellular, plus the one-time cost for the cellular uplink unit (about $250).

Kevin

Kevin what provider are you using?
Thanks
-Ben

 

[jokah]

is there a cellular option for major carriers like att/sprint/etc to integrate with elk/hai products?



Also, i really like the idea of monitoring outside phone lines so if cut it trips alarm. Especially if you have a sounder/siren tucked behind a soffit to help let the neighborhood know..

 

[Kevin L]

For the cellular monotoring do you also need to buy a plan from a cellular service provided? What is the total cost for such a solution?

I pay $26/month for monitoring, and this includes the cellular charge. POTS monitoring is $19/month, so it's costing me $7 for the cellular, plus the one-time cost for the cellular uplink unit (about $250).

Kevin

Kevin what provider are you using?
Thanks
-Ben

Hi, Ben.

I use Security Alarm Corporation in Port Charlotte, FL. 941-625-9700.

Kevin

 

[az1324]

Buy a universal GSM dialer, a prepaid sim card ($40/year or less), and use Alarm Relay ($110/yr). Active monitoring will decrease your insurance premium and insurance is your real protection anyway.

 

[Madcodger]

For the cellular monotoring do you also need to buy a plan from a cellular service provided? What is the total cost for such a solution?

I pay $26/month for monitoring, and this includes the cellular charge. POTS monitoring is $19/month, so it's costing me $7 for the cellular, plus the one-time cost for the cellular uplink unit (about $250).

Kevin

KevinL,

Where did you find the cellular uplink unit? I like the idea of cellular monitoring, but know little about it. Assume NextAlarm could handle it...

Thanks.

 

[Kevin L]

For the cellular monotoring do you also need to buy a plan from a cellular service provided? What is the total cost for such a solution?

I pay $26/month for monitoring, and this includes the cellular charge. POTS monitoring is $19/month, so it's costing me $7 for the cellular, plus the one-time cost for the cellular uplink unit (about $250).

Kevin

KevinL,

Where did you find the cellular uplink unit? I like the idea of cellular monitoring, but know little about it. Assume NextAlarm could handle it...

Thanks.

Since I was going to have the monitoring company install and activate it, I just bought the unit from them. They charged $325 for the unit, installation, activation, and testing. You can buy just the unit online for $200 to $250.

This is the unit I have: DSC GS3060. It's worked flawlessly since installation about a year ago.

HTH,
Kevin

 

[DeLicious]

i've seen the uplink AnyNET on eBay several times for $99.

 

[gbdesai99]

How many calls go out from the alarm system that a $40 card would work? Or are you using GSM as a backup?

 

[slipnfall]

Just a quick suggestion for those going IP based: I have family living across the street, and before I had internet up and running I bridged two wireless routers to give my house internet access. Now that I have my own cable inet service I still keep the routers bridged for redundancy. Bad guys can snip all they want as there's still an IP connection.