ADT Home Alarm

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J

jcwalsh

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Mar 17, 2006
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Well, the wife was not satisfied with the SP101, Mossberg500, 2 dogs that won't even let me tickle her and an almost zero crime neighborhood.

We took the plunge and purchased a ADT system for the house.

$1,000 for the equipment and over $300/year for the monitoring. Does anyone else use ADT, and how do you feel about their service?
 
Overall we've been pretty pleased with it. Several times we've had false alarms that they have blamed on the cat, even though the alarm was supposed to have been set up so that the cats walking around wouldn't set it off.

The only scenarios I can come up with is that the cat climbed to the back of the couch, and then jumped another foot or two into the air.

Other than that the alarms have worked well, and when the false alarms happened, the monitor center called the sherrifs office who responded pretty quickly. Since we've never had a real emergency, I can't really say if they responded quickly enough.

I can tell you that the neighbors have never responded to the alarms, even though you can hear them quite clearly outside of the house (and are deafening inside). Not one of them has called the police, or ever even mentioned that they heard them.
 
I have had them for about 6 months now and am very happy with them. I have never had a false alarm (despite 2 motion sensors & 3 cats) but every time I call them they are very high speed, you really get the impression everyone that works there knows what they are doing. The installer was very good too and the installation looks very clean and professional, he helped me decide on the motion sensor placements too. Whenever I test the system it works very well, it won't pick up my cats but you can hardly move anywhere without a motion sensor picking me up.

I guess if I ever have a break in that will be the real test, but I wanted to be the person who gets the alarm BEFORE I had a burglary. It is also great for when we are home sleeping, I keep a gun ready for defense but it is nice to know the alarm will wake me up (I hope) before the bad guy does.
 
Regardless of how many firearms/dogs you have, an alarm is a GREAT investment.


I was broken into just before Christmas while I was away at work. Without an alarm, they have all the time in the world to do their "work."


If you are like me and live in a rural area, they'll just shoot your dogs.


Good combination:

-Firearms for when you ARE at home.

-Dogs because you love them, and they are loud.

-Gun Safe for when you AREN'T at home (Bolt it to the floor or wall too)

-Alarm System to get someone there when you AREN'T at home. (don't get motion sensors if you keep your dogs in the house when you are away.)

-Motion Activated Flood lights

Storm Windows (much harder to break)

-Remote controlled garage door with an entry to the house from the garage.


All I can think of at the moment.


John
 
My ADT system cost just under $1K for three door alarms, upstairs/downstairs motion detectors, ground-floor window alarms, glass breakage sensors, and smoke & CO detectors, all with cell-phone backup. I had three false alarms during a windstorm the other night, and they called right away. System works fine and is worth the $$ IMO.

TC
 
We use brinks, but I have used ADT in the past. I have no qualms with either.

I would definitely recommend having a fire detector wired in and monitored, some systems (or base systems, at least) don't include this. Outside of a burglary attempt, hopefully that will also help protect loved ones and pets in the event of a fire.
 
Had my ADT system for years. Good stuff. Just watch things that will move anything for the motion sensors such as, a slightly opened window that will move curtains, pets, helium filled balloons, ceiling fans, etc. They are very sensitive. Love mine.
 
As a friend of mine who's a cop told me:

"I've been on many calls for burgulary/robbery where there was a big dog at the house. I've only been on one call where there was a burglar alarm, and the burglar ran out with a microwave about a foot from the door he broke down."

My father used to work for ADT, and now works installing and consulting for other alarm companies.

My advice to you, if you really want the best bang for your monitoring buck, get something with verified response. that'll give the police a real reason to come check out your alarm quickly.
 
A good deterrent and protection .
I have had good customer support over the 10 years I have been with them. One false alarm in 10 years, I was 5 minutes from the house and they had the police there before me.
With my insurance you get a discount, and it is constant monitoring, a few years ago the system was “off” and I took a battery out of a sensor ,they called within a minute to see what was up.
 
No police department around here will make an emergency response to a burglar alarm. The risk of injuring or killing someone in a traffic accident for what's most likely a false alarm is simply not work it. Panic and hold up alarms are treated differently, but given the number of alarm systems out there and the percentage of false alarms, a burglar alarm is not going to be a high priority call.

One of the big alarm companies sent me to an address that didn't exist once. Anyone can make a mistake, I'm sure the guy at the monitoring office transposed some numbers when he called it in.

If you have an alarm system and it is activated while you were away, at least have the courtesy to respond when the alarm company or the police dispatcher calls you. A sure way to get a slow response the next time is to have the dispatcher tell the officers on the scene that "the keyholder will check it when he gets home tomorrow." If you're going to be out of town, make sure you have a relative or a neighbor that you trust who can respond if the alarm goes off.

Jeff

Jeff
 
ADT

We purchased 3 doors, 3 glass breaks, 6 window contacts, fire alarm, motion sensor, water sensor for the basement.
 
For past twelve years we have had ADT alram system with monitoring at our vacation/bug-out place in E WA. No probs. They also call when back up batts get low or a sensor indicates it's not working right. Have an arrangement with the closest year-round neighbor for alarm co to call him second if we are not there to answer phone, and to provide sheriff w/key if necessary.

AT first we tried for the deterent effect without the alarm, as the sheriff has to come from Ephrata which is at the upper end of county, about an hour away. So we used extra warning signs from the alarm co that does our main home instead of a real alarm, but within two years, had a break in where we lost the tv, vcr, small library of videos, liquor stash, freezer full of frozen food, clock radios. We were the ones that discovered it when we went over five weeks after our previous visit. the door had been kicked in, but the only damage was to the jamb and the door was closed so until I tried to put the key in the lock and it started to swing open there was no external evidence that a break-in had occurred. Sheriff said we were lucky they hadn't trashed the place, which is what typically happens in that county. Perhaps the signs did some good by making the perps rush in case we had a silent alarm.
 
Last House

Had a 32 zone DSC system which I installed and set up
myself.

EVERY exterior door and window as well as attic scuttle,
interior and exterior garage doors.
Motions, glass breaks and rate-of-rise heat detectors.
4 CCTV cameras.
All hard wired ( yeah, a LOT of attic work !! - that's the biggest labor charge when done post construction)

The DSC had some neat features, had an audio response unit
and could control X-10 devices on a schedule or 'manually' !

Hence, I could use any phone anywhere and arm, disarm, bypass zone(s) and check if there had been any alarms.

In addition, using a laptop from any high-speed connection, I could turn lights on/off, turn cameras on/off and just look around.

In case of an alarm, the system call the monitoring center as well as paging me.

Moved the 'phone box' inside to reduce the chance of having the phone wires cut.

Wife said it was overkill - maybe - but just because you're paranoid does not mean they are not out to get you.

Nice system and yes, I took it with me and it's going in the next house Lord willing.

The biggest problem I have with ADT and Brinks is that you do not own the equiptment and their monitoring rates are a bit high ( you can get 24/7 monitoring for about $175 year ! )

Don't really look forward to crawling around in the attic to reinstall this system but it will make me feel better.
 
Home Security Update

...

Greetings,

I was in the home and commercial Alarm Business for many years. I can tell you that 1000 dollars for 3 doors, 2 motion detectors, one control panel, and around 30 dollars a month for a contract of 3 yrs is the going rate, and was over 10 yrs ago..

So, that's a fair price.

What any Alarm Installer company wants is the Monitoring contract, 3 to 5 yrs, as that is where the money really is FYI.

Do not worry about Window Alarms, because if the Tech's who put in your 2 motion detectors know their stuff, they should have most of upstairs hallways and maybe one bedroom, covered. Meaning, in a bedroom corner looking both, at the bedroom and hallway. And the downstairs Motion detector should cover stairs going up and any hallway if possible. The main thing is they cover travel routes up or down, in or out one way or another, and they will do the job.

Now, if you didn't spend any extra (usually built into the monitor price) or you can pay up front, for any extras, such as any windows, or smoke detectors. But, off the record, your motion detector will see FIRE, or any rapid temperture change of +3 degrees or - 3 degrees, which brings me to some of your false alarms.

If you have an open window that a motion detector can see (just move in front of the suspected window, if it's covered, you'll see the red light come on) but, if a motion detector sees either warm OR cold air, that is over 3 degrees hotter or "colder" than the ambient temp in your house, it will set it off. Kind of think of it (it happened to me once) like on a agv temp day of 75,and a cold wind kicks up and the breeze blows thru your window screen, say a cool 60 degree wind.. Your motion detector thinks its a snowman coming thru the window..

And visa verse, you have on the A/C in summer, and your house is 75 inside, and you leave a window open and a breeze kicks up and comes thru a window seen by a motion detector, and the outside wind is 90.. It thinks Hot man just came thru the window, and it will go off.

Also, make sure if it is looking at a fire place, to make sure fire is out, or been off to cool down, and close the screen, it will help, as most of the heat will go up, rather than out when fire is out for a bit.

Same deal back to not having a smoke detector.. rapid heat will set it off, the only thing a motion detector can't do is detect smoke, or make the call to the Fire Dept. which smoke detectors do, or should.

One other small tip.. IF a motion detector is looking at a closed window, that gets Hot from the sun, it can set them off if it gets real hot, or thru an open to an outside temp that is either 3 degrees hotter or cooler than the inside house ambient temp, with a little breeze, it will go off.

Might want to make sure that the tech put the motion detector for you cat, in right. Technically they're supposed to be level beamed at about 6ft level, and other than that, see where the cat can jump to, couch, desk, bookshelf, etc. anything that is above the 5 - 6 ft level, and ya might have to change a few things (the cats routes..lol).

Rule of thumb: If alarm is set all windows it can see, must be closed.

Any windows that aren't seen by a motion detector can be left open, but use a piece of wood or safe lock so that the window is only open 3" max.

And, if its gonna get windy, or HOT (with AC on) make sure any windows will not let breeze, warm or cold, travel within range (sight) of any motion detectors.

If you're not gonna be gone long, put Kitty in a nice room with door shut, that way, motion detector will not put out false alarm when she climbs high.

And your local PD will appreciate 1 or less false alarms per year, along with your neighbors. Trust me, we have some neighbors, that just can't get it, and they average 6 false alarms a year, and like car alarms going off all the time, people don't bother to look anymore. But if your house is quiet, and it goes off once or twice a year only (one false, one real deal) your neighbors will look, and should give you a call at your workplace or cell..

Good luck,


LS


Ps.. didn't mean it to be so long
 
Last edited:
We switched over to these guys from another, more expensive service and have been very happy:

https://nextalarm.com/index.jsp

You have to own your own equipment (if you get a system, research it first and buy so you own it. VERY IMPORTANT - when they install it, be sure to get the installer passcode so you can reprogram it yourself at a later date. Also make sure you get all the manuals for each piece of hardware. If you have a little common sense and can follow directions, you can reprogram it yourself. The installer will not do either of these unless you specifically ask.

There is a site on the web (that I do not remember the address to right now), that for a few bucks you can access and download a huge library of installer and operator manuals for all makes of alarm systems. Do a web search and you should be able to find it.
 
...

On the bit of "not owning the equipment" and pay 175 a year for 24/7 monitoring.. actually, that is not bad both, in price, and if anything breaks, fails, etc., they have to replace it at no charge, least that's how it was back when I was in the business.

Also, the way we did it, we had them sign a 3 yr monitoring agreement, then after that, they owned the equipment, which was in the contract.

Basically, once you're no longer tied to any monitoring agreement, you can shop around, but I would be somewhat careful of the lowest price, as they may be monitoring from India, no joke..

Just take some testimonial from others and go from there..

If anyone has any questions feel free to PM me with them, but remember, I'm not in the business anymore, but can help in some problem areas.


LS
 
Lonestar49

WOW

$1000

for a

panel ( $75 )
3 switches ( $15 )
2 motions ( $100 )
Some wirre ( 500 ft of wire - $30 )

$220 total

Labor to wire it ? Depends but ........

I'm in the wrong business !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And from my experience, you will NOT get the manuals
master/installer codes etc.

Sorry but they just won't give you those because many of them use the same master &/or installer codes for all their accounts so that no matter who makes a servce call, they can work on the system.

Some panels can be reset to factory defaults ( NOT intuitively obvious to do ) but if it has been locked, your'e out of luck.

So even if you do own it after 3 years
( 30 x 36 - another $1180 !!! yikes ) you really can't change
or modify it.

The monitoring 'industry' has changed. One of my systems was monitored from about 1000 miles away. There is no need to physically 'near' the installations any more with low cost long distance phone service.

$30/mo is WAY out of line and is charged because most people simply don't know any better.

I wonder how much of that money is spent for the seemingly ENDLESS TV advertising they do !!!
 
saddenedcitizen said:
WOW

$1000

for a

panel ( $75 )
3 switches ( $15 )
2 motions ( $100 )
Some wirre ( 500 ft of wire - $30 )

$220 total

Labor to wire it ? Depends but ........

I'm in the wrong business !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And from my experience, you will NOT get the manuals
master/installer codes etc.

Sorry but they just won't give you those because many of them use the same master &/or installer codes for all their accounts so that no matter who makes a servce call, they can work on the system.

Some panels can be reset to factory defaults ( NOT intuitively obvious to do ) but if it has been locked, your'e out of luck.

So even if you do own it after 3 years
( 30 x 36 - another $1180 !!! yikes ) you really can't change
or modify it.

The monitoring 'industry' has changed. One of my systems was monitored from about 1000 miles away. There is no need to physically 'near' the installations any more with low cost long distance phone service.

$30/mo is WAY out of line and is charged because most people simply don't know any better.

I wonder how much of that money is spent for the seemingly ENDLESS TV advertising they do !!!
Click to expand...
I demanded the installer code, manuals etc... and got them for my DSC 864 system. They can change the installer code. You have to work that deal up front before spending the money. :)
 
Not too long ago one of these "highly professional" companies sent a couple of their own armed guards to a house that had an alarm go off. The guards waited at the front door waiting for police to arrive while they listened to the female occupant being raped. Does not give a good indication of what your setup fees, monthly fees, and system price will get you.
 
As for Security companies, ADT is a good one. Only problem I see here is what you paid them. To late for you, but for others, if you are paying $300 a year for the service, demand (actually, just ask nicely) the equipment free. They WILL do it.
 
We've used ADT for the past seven years in two different houses. Wiring for both houses included security connections on all windows and pedestrian doors--suspect that fitting a house not so wired would cost a lot in labor. On the few occasions when I've had a bonehead moment and walked out of the house with the system armed (I blame the dog), ADT has been prompt in calling to check in with us and they've been first-rate when we've called them with customer service issues. Don't think I'd ever do without an alarm system on any residence and ADT would be my first choice.
 
If you're handy and not too afraid of electronics, there's really no reason why you can't do this yourself.

I installed a really nice DSC system myself at the house. I did elect to bring in a professional for some of the wiring because I didn't trust myself with a drill bit underneath the house. I marked where I wanted everything and he walked around the house and got the "lay of the land" and underneath he went (crawlspace).

We home-ran everything back to where the panel would be. I installed all of the sensors, programmed everything up and was done. It was a weekend project.

For a few hundred bucks in total, I got a DSC system, three control panels, glass breaks, fire, a bunch of motion sensors, window sensors, indoor and outdoor sirens (with strobes), a whole-house intercom system (as an add-on module to the DSC panel) with an intercom at the front door. I also got the Escort module, which allows me to call in and control the system from any phone.

Monitoring is under $9/month with no contract.

Steve
 
on a related note, i'd buy the parent company stock (Tyco - NYSE: TYC)

could be worth $35+ after the spinoff, trading at just under $31 right now.

that is all, carry on.
 
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