Alarm system

[msulinski]

Originally Posted by vision33r

Simplisafe is better. You don't need an agreement just buy the kit and pay the service and use it. Both Vivint and frontpoint requires an agreement. They're also been in the business less time than simplisafe.

I own 2 properties and both use the same account and I can manage all my simplisafe devices from the same Mobile app.

On one of my property I have a freeze and water sensor in case the basement is flooded or the temps drop below I get an alarm by text. I have gotten one because my AC stopped working as the house heated up to 94 and that was in my settings.

Simplisafe has Alexa and Nest integration. They do have glass break sensors, I prefer not to use them because I think it's a waste of money. You are better off buying cheaper glass break sensor that will alarm on amazon.

Just buy multiple motion and door sensors. The key is to put it in strategic spots so that will maximize your security perimeter without spending a lot on sensors.

My NEST device automatically switches to the away temp program when I leave and lock up. I haven't added the Augusta automatic door locks but there is integration with simplisafe to have full automatic door lock and alarm turn on.

I've been using simplisafe for almost 7 years now and they are very reliable. I keep telling ADT to eff off because they are overrated and expensive.

If you have any question I can answer.

As for Frontpoint vs. SimpliSafe, I have no first-hand experience with Simplisafe to comment. I did find thess articles comparing them: http://www.thehomesecurityadvisor.co...curity-review/
https://homealarmreport.com/frontpoi...otect-america/

I can't comment on its accuracy regarding Simplisafe.

[qrysdonnell]

Those articles are unfortunately pretty poorly composed.

If you're looking for a decent look at the latest Simplisafe iteration, this PC Mag article should do the job at covering their product: https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2495173,00.asp

(Full disclosure: You may see my dining room at some point while reading the article.)

[vision33r]

That article is inaccurate because simplisafe has gen 2 hardware that is better and safer. I happen to think the home alarm should not have 2 much integration with home automation. I have NEST and Alexa and that is good enough. Because you should be using Alexa to control your home automation and not use the home alarm system.

[msulinski]

What about the "crash and smash"? A few of these articles seem to indicate that it does not. The Simplisafe website mentions that the base is "only" vulnerable during the entry delay, but that seems to be exactly the point of having the "crash and smash" protection, but the thread on their website is also 6 years old.

[qrysdonnell]

Originally Posted by msulinski

What about the "crash and smash"? A few of these articles seem to indicate that it does not. The Simplisafe website mentions that the base is "only" vulnerable during the entry delay, but that seems to be exactly the point of having the "crash and smash" protection, but the thread on their website is also 6 years old.

Someone would have to find and destroy the base station to neutralize it. The base station doesn't make noise before it sends on an alarm. Someone would have to know where the base station was, get to it quickly and make it inoperable quickly.

Most people we're alarming ourselves against are more the random robbers looking for a quick score as opposed to 'professional' thieves that actively know systems and their weaknesses. A lot of them will bolt at the sign of any alarm system.

[vision33r]

Originally Posted by msulinski

What about the "crash and smash"? A few of these articles seem to indicate that it does not. The Simplisafe website mentions that the base is "only" vulnerable during the entry delay, but that seems to be exactly the point of having the "crash and smash" protection, but the thread on their website is also 6 years old.

This is why you need a security minded person to own a home alarm. You cannot make the alarm system as secure as a prison. The new system has it programmed that 25secs is the time for someone to trip the alarm before it alerts simplisafe.

This gives a crook time to take whatever they want before the police shows up. This is true for any alarm system. There is no instant alarm other than an owner emergency alarm.

What you should do is relocate the unit not the keypad to a hard to find location since that is what sends the signal to central.

If you want protection against crash and burn, metal gate your windows and doors.