Best Home Security System

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The Best Hardwired Home Security System

Published October 8th, 2008 in Best Home Security System Reviews, Wired Home Security Systems | No Comments »

There’s a lot to love about the NX-6 from GE Security.  For starters, it can handle up to 16 zones, meaning you can connect up to 16 different types and locations of sensors up to it and track each one separately.  That should be plenty for any average size home or smaller.  Out of the box, it’s ready to go with 6 hardwired inputs, and the remaining 10 spots are available as expansion modules.  Also, it comes standard with 4 outputs that can be used to activate different effectors when an alarm is triggered.

Did I mention that there’s support for 12 wireless zones?  That’s right, this is a combination unit that carries a small amount of support for wireless sensors, something that even the most die-hard wired alarm enthusiast can appreciate.

The module supports 2 completely separate partitions that can be custom configured for separate account codes and individual features, with up to 40 user codes.  This is a very nice capability for small commercial sites where you want managers and employees to have separate access, or you want to be able to track a number of peoples’ comings and going.

On top of all this, this unit comes with the ability to be remotely programmed with optional Windows software.  Easy as can be, you program a flash card at your computer with all the necessary information, bring it to the unit and load it up.

So what situation is a panel like this best suited for?  I would say an existing installation of a hardwired system that you want to ramp up with some additional wireless sensors in strategic locations.  Maybe even a motion sensor or two when it comes to a commercial property.  The ability to mix and match wired and wireless sensors is certainly a boon for the DIY home security installer and the professional alike.

Visonic Wireless Security System Bundle

Published October 2nd, 2008 in Best Home Security System Reviews | No Comments »

This certainly isn’t the top security system on the market.  As in, it’s not top of the line, but at the same time, it doesn’t sport a top of the line price either.  So three’s trade offs that we can look for when trying to purchase a cheap home security system that still does what it needs to.

There are things about this system that I don’t like, though.  First, the door sensors and window sensors are fairly bulky.  That’s usually a turnoff for homeowners that want to keep things discrete and not make their home security system the center of attention.  Of course, I’ll always complain about the number of door and window sensors that come withe these packages, but that’s not so much a flaw as it is a cost issue.  They could include more sensors, but that would jack the price up proportionately.  This can always be remedied by going out and buying them yourself.  Home security system components are very modular.

The motion sensor that this unit comes with is an infrared sensor with some pretty advanced features for the price.  It has several layers of false alarm algorithms that removes all but the most likely false positive readings.  The company claims that it can distinguish between people and animals up to 85lbs, so if you have a pet that’s bigger than this you’ll want to think twice before buying this system.  The motion sensor will be effectively worthless unless you crate your dog while you’re away.  The range is 40 feet at 90 degrees, which is pretty standard.

The magnetic sensors that it comes with, despite their large size, have some features that make them worthwhile.  They are both wired and wireless.  That is, you can use them either way, so if you happen to already have wires run to the sensor area you can attach them easily in that manner.  To give you some peace of mind, they report to the base station every hour with their status, telling it things such as battery viability and some basic built in circuit tests.  This is the method by which you’ll know if something is wrong with it or everything is functioning fine.  And, of course, you can get more and add them to your system for around $30.00 each.

The bottom line is that this is a decent system with some nice features that will be a perfect fit for some, but completely inadequate for others.  It’s all dependant on your situation and the size of your property.  If you believe this system fits your needs, there is no reason why you shouldn’t buy it.

Best Home Security System Review

Published September 26th, 2008 in Best Home Security System Reviews | No Comments »

I’m going to go through a review of a security system with the objective of pointing out some of the features and specifications that you should be aware of.  Remember, I’m not giving this system a blanket “buy” or “don’t buy”, because I don’t know your situation.  It might be completely inappropriate for your situation.  Evaluate it, and determine if it meets your needs or not based partially on the system specifications.  They are:

Components

  • (1) Self-Contained Wireless Residential Control Unit
  • (1) Transformer
  • (1) Passive Infrared Motion Detector
  • (2) DSC Wireless Door/Window Transmitter
  • (1) DSC Wireless Key Fob
  • (1) Telephone Jack Module
  • Installation Guide and User Manual
  • Mounting Hardware

Features:

  • Smallest size (5.5″H x 8.08″W x 1.51″D) of any self-contained wireless home security system
  • Two-way audio alarm with monitoring station
  • Controls up to 32 wireless zones and accommodates up to 16 wireless keys
  • Fully programmable labels for LCD display (ex. Kitchen)
  • Large keypad buttons
  • 5 programmable function buttons (Stay Arm, Away Arm, Chime, Bypass and Quick Exit)
  • Easy access keys for emergency (Fire, Auxiliary or Medical, and Panic)
  • Program up to 17 separate codes
  • EZ view status lights
  • False alarm reduction features
  • Compatible with all DSC wireless devices including motion detectors, door and window sensors, smoke alarms and wireless keys
  • Internal Siren: 85 dB

The basics that you’re looking at from a component standpoint is the single motion detector and the two door and window sensors.  Right off the bat, I’m going to tell you that these probably won’t be sufficient.  There aren’t too many houses that have only two points of access to cover.  You could certainly cover your front and back door, but my guess is that you’ll be leaving a lot of ground-accessible windows open to undetected entry.

I have mixed feelings about motion detectors.  At th emost basic level, all they can do is tell you when someone is already in your house.  Personally, I want to know when someone is trying to get into my house so I can react with enough time to prevent actual entry.  On another level, motion sensors are inconvenient.  Once you have them armed you can’t move around your house.  If there’s a baby sitter over watching the kids at night, I would like the alarm system to be armed so any window or door entries will be monitored.  That’s just my opinion, though.

The base station has some nice features.  32 wireless zones should be plenty to accommodate all but some very large homes.  The emergency buttons are a nice feature as well, since you don’t have to fumble around for a phone or some small keypad.  When it counts, you want to be able to notify emergency response personnel as easily and quickly as possible.  The programmable labels on the LCD display are a great feature that makes it blindingly simple to see what sensor has been activated.  When you’ve just gotten up out of a dead sleep to see why your alarm system is going off, you want to get information quickly and easily.  This type of display provides that.

So again, I’m not recommending that anyone buy or don’t buy this system.  There’s nothing wrong with it, but you have to evaluate it against your needs to see if it’s the best home security system for you.